Canon Rebel XT

[staciecd]

Well, the goal has been set. I get paid by the hour, so I figured out the amount of overtime I need to work to afford the camera. I am looking to purchase through B&H. Any last minute thoughts and/or considerations?

I am so excited!!!!

[grnofslt]

Canon makes and has always made good cameras, just as Nikon, Minolta and Olympus have. I have about 6000 invested in a Minolta film camera system what with all the lenses and accessories but when I bought a digital camera I chose the Olympus E-500 two lense kit. I chose the Olympus because of past experience with Olympus Cameras ( I had at one time owned an OM-4T manual focus, manual wind wonder ((It could take extremely accurate 4-7 minute automatically timed time exposures and it was one of the first cameras that had the ability to optimize up to 8 spot readings)). Zuiko glass is first rate and their bottom of the line entry lenses i would venture to say are as good as some mid range lenses from some third party lens manufacturer. Olympus had upgraded their matrix metering from center spot and center weight averaging combined to 49 separate areas where they read light. Also olympus is the only company up to this point that has taken the dust on the CCD seriously and have provided an ultrasonic wave filter to remove the dust. The E-500 with both lenses cost less than 900 when my wife bought it so I really believe that I have gotten a bargain. The images that it takes are extremely clean an show minute details all with an 8mb CCD sensor. I'm quite pleased. My only problem is that the learning curve for digital is a bit steeper because digital cameras deal with things I never dealt with using film, things such as white balance and about 200 of the other obscure features of this camera.

The picture that is attached to this post was taken one night using the E-500. A small 40K jpg can't begin to show you the detail that is in my dog's fur especially in the coloration around his neck.

All the major camera manufacturers make excellent cameras. Enjoy the one you choose

Billy J

[mebow]

Well, the goal has been set. I get paid by the hour, so I figured out the amount of overtime I need to work to afford the camera. I am looking to purchase through B&H. Any last minute thoughts and/or considerations?

I am so excited!!!!

Last minute considerations ?.....:) Check prices with Adorama, extra battery packs, primary lens (?), secondary lens(?), UV filters for each lens to protect the front element, in field storage considerations (?) such as being in Homer when you run out of on board storage capacity, and the list goes on for as long as you have $$. Thats a few.. Good luck with that new Canon. I have used Canon equipment for some time. I use the 1Ds right now and plan to upgrade to the Mark II soon.

later, mebow:D

[staciecd]

I went to my local camera store last night and was discouraged. If nothing else, I love taking pictures - both for the memories and the enjoyment of sharing. well, I went to the carmea store to see if they could fix my s60 P&S and he wouldn't - if it's not broke, not going to touch it (shell is cracked at the seams). Anyway, my concern is getting sand, dust, and water in the camera and he all but freaked - I shouldn't have these cameras out and about in the rain and on the beach and if so, I have no business owning an XT. I've always taken great care of my cameras and while I wouldn't use my XT as much as my s60 for size reasons, it was disappointing and discouraging to hear.

Thoughts?

[mebow]

I went to my local camera store last night and was discouraged. If nothing else, I love taking pictures - both for the memories and the enjoyment of sharing. well, I went to the carmea store to see if they could fix my s60 P&S and he wouldn't - if it's not broke, not going to touch it (shell is cracked at the seams). Anyway, my concern is getting sand, dust, and water in the camera and he all but freaked - I shouldn't have these cameras out and about in the rain and on the beach and if so, I have no business owning an XT. I've always taken great care of my cameras and while I wouldn't use my XT as much as my s60 for size reasons, it was disappointing and discouraging to hear.

Thoughts?

At best your camera is a tool to assist in performing your job function or completing your project. With careful considerations and some inexpensive safeguards you can go among water and sand and survive very well.

Last year I was in the middle of an elephant seal rookery with sand, water, fog et al. Simple plastic bags, rubber bands during the shoot and microfiber clothes and compressed air cans (hardware store items) i cleaned up the equipment just fine. I also use a small bristle paint brush to dust off any thing that sticks in the case seams that the compressed air wont dislodge.

So I would not despair about getting your equipment out in the elements. Everyone does it and we all survive the adventure...... Now go buy that Rebel !!
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b157/mebow34/2090.jpg

:D

[echo]

I've had my XT for almost a year now (can't believe it's been that long).

When people ask how I'm liking the camera--and the switch to digital in general--I always liken it to Brosnan's Bond cackling to himself as he's steering the BMW from his cellphone while crouched down in the back seat (Tomorrow never Dies? can't quite recall...), because it's that much fun.
I do suffer a bit, though, from option paralysis with it. SO much stuff to remember, like the WB option, changing ISO on the fly, learning new setting values (like F-stops I never had on my film cameras).
I don't regret it one bit, though.

I got a 2G microdrive for it. I still marvel at the ability to have about 550 shots on a "roll".

Mine has endured some weather issues as well, and has come out just fine. Just last month, I got covered in a spray of snow while shooting a ski team practice; it was unintentional, and many apologies were offered and everything was fine. I certainly wasn't mad, just concerned for the camera. It dried off just nicely and keeps snapping.

My only suggestion is that if you have larger hands, get the optional battery pack/vertical grip, for better comfort (and battery life).

One of the first pictures I took (number 127, if I recall correctly):

http://homepage.mac.com/echohaus/.Pictures/cherub1.jpg

[echo]

...Anyway, my concern is getting sand, dust, and water in the camera and he all but freaked - I shouldn't have these cameras out and about in the rain and on the beach and if so, I have no business owning an XT.
Thoughts?


My thought is that you should find another local camera store to go to.
Any store that has employees who treat a customer with disdain and a mind that narrow, passing judgement on you like that, deserves none of your business.

[mebow]

I went to my local camera store last night and was discouraged. If nothing else, I love taking pictures - both for the memories and the enjoyment of sharing. well, I went to the carmea store to see if they could fix my s60 P&S and he wouldn't - if it's not broke, not going to touch it (shell is cracked at the seams). Anyway, my concern is getting sand, dust, and water in the camera and he all but freaked - I shouldn't have these cameras out and about in the rain and on the beach and if so, I have no business owning an XT. I've always taken great care of my cameras and while I wouldn't use my XT as much as my s60 for size reasons, it was disappointing and discouraging to hear.

Thoughts?

:D Did you get the Rebel ??

[staciecd]

I get paid overtime at this point, so I need a few more hours before I can get it. But, I am aiming for before March - possibly going skiing in Lake Tahoe.

[spencer]

Don't let the guy discourage you. Buy the camera and buy from B&H like you originally planned. The Rebels are awesome cameras. The XT is much like mine (older 300d) but 8mp, faster fps and much better noise handlng.

... I wouldn't use my XT as much as my s60 for size reasons...


i think that might change when finally get the XT, since you wont want to put it down. you might just need to carry a bigger purse :)

[staciecd]

I take pictures all the time and my fashion diva sister will die if I get a larger purse. I get great results with my s60 - the rebel will be all business.

Stacie

[penguin]

I bought my wife a Canon Rebel, and she loves it. I have a sony but am thinking of buy a Canon too, that way we can share one set of lenses.

[bebebailey]

My new Rebel xt arrived today, an upgrade from the Rebel(which I loved like a child), wasnt sure what difference I would notice. But notice , I did, the difference in speed is amazing and it is a bit smaller and lighter, fits perfectly in my hand. I have recently started submitting photos to istock and am thourghly addicted to it..looking forward to getting to know the new "baby"..lol
You will love the REBEL !!!

[staciecd]

I went to the mall last night and was fondling the XT. The 20D is much heavier and I like the controls and menus of the XT more. So, just waiting until the end of the month to meet my money goal.

Where did you buy from and what lens did you get?

I am submitting to istock as well :-) I'll look you up.

[Davemhead]

Just make sure you put some good lens on it. Do not get the 17-85. I made that mistake. The quality is not good wide open. What is the point of having a wide angle lens if the looks like crap wide open?

Try to get an L lens.

I have the 17-40 and 70-200. Both are excellent. The 17-85 does not do the Rebel XT justice.

[ldlieb]

Stacie,
I have the Canon Digital Rebel and it is wonderful. I never thought I would have liked digital, but I love the versatility of digital. I have the battery grip and it hold two batteries. It also has another button on it so that when you are shooting vertical shots, your hand is not in an odd position. Also, I have friend who has the same camera, lenses and flash that I do. She does not have the battery grip. When she puts her big flash on, it seems to pull a little power from the camera also. It seems as though her pics are somewhat out of focus. I did a little test and put my battery grip on it and it did fine. So I would consider the battery grip. It also allows you to get a better grip on the camera. There is more room for you to hold it.
By the way, I take my camera everywhere and it does fine. My daughters compete in Cattle shows and there is tons of dust and sand in those places and my camera has took it in stride.
Happy shopping!
Lisa

[The Repro Kid]

I've been eyeing the Olympus E-500 that grnofslt mentioned. Just as grnofslt said, it seems like a lot of camera for the price. I mainly use my camera underwater so the cost of a new housing is really holding me back from making any type of a purchase, especially since Olympus doesn't seem to be making housings for these models. Their housings are fairly inexpensive compared with others. Some housings I've seen cost more than twice the cost of the E-500. That fact is discouraging me from upgrading, but my present camera is so outdated.

But I've been taking my C-2040 on dive boats for several years and it's held up well. It's not getting any dust on it but it is exposed to lots of water and moisture and takes a good beating. That camera store salesman sounds a little up-tight. I'm surprised he didn't suggest you put your camera in a housing like mine when you take it outdoors! It may not be a cosmetically perfect solution, but those cracks could probably safely be sealed up with good, old-fashioned Duct Tape.

This was also shot at a rookery. I dove underwater and poked my head up to get this shot.

[Pete Mardis]

I have had the rebel XT for about 8 months now after I upgraded from the Digital Rebel to the Rebel XT. I hae already taken over 4500 pictures with and Love the Camera. The only sugestions I would have for you is make good choised with the lens you buy. When I first go my XT I got the 18-55mm and a 75-300mm f3.5-5.6 or something like that. Just last Sunday I bought a Canon 70-200mm f2.8 L series lens and can't wait for it to arrive. When thinking about lens I would look at what kind of pictures you are going to be taken do some research as to what kind of lens would be best for that type of shooting and save up to get the right one so you don't have a bunch of lens that spend more time in your bag than on you camera. Forgive me if this is stuff you allready know.

Good luck and enjoy the new camera!!!:)

Take Care,
Pete