Is the Canon Digital Rebel XTi EOS Digital SLR Camera a good buy for an amatuer photographer?

http://www.usa.list.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelDetailAct&fcategoryid=139&modelid=14256

The reviews that I have read are positive, but I’d like to know from someone who has used it, or has knowledge in the field of photography if it’s a excellent buy.

Answer by Koko
It is a very excellent amatuer photographer camera. Its meant for the comsumer getting close to the prosumer level. It does come with a few automatic settings which are helpful if you are bone idle (like me) at casual events. In the sources here are examples of my List XTi. You will need to learn how to use the cameras manuel features properly and learn techniques so your pictures come out really apparent. You should invest in some lens but the lens kit is fine for everyday kind of snap shot pictures.

If you really want consumer friendly get the Nikon D50 but then again the XTi, I judge, has better picture quality. Just remember once you buy stuff for one camera your probably going to stay with that brand for life.

Get at least a 2GB memory card. It will allow you to take about 200 RAW pictures. Which come out outstanding. But of course if you do not have time to edit pictures you can always just use JPEG.

Just invest in some photopgraphy magazine and books. The magazines have really helpful tips inside them and books let you increase your knowledge and skill by reading about how your camera works.

Answer by Zach
brilliant camera seeing as it isnt as expensive as the 5d or additional more advanced canons, also the price tag is nice when compared to additional companies such as the nikon d80 (which retails around 999) the 10 mega pixel xti is a fantastic camera with the same focus points as the more expensive 30d, but something also to keep in mind is that the quality of the lens is the largest business in how your prints or images will come out so if you like list lenses (or glass theyre called) get the list as its a small, powerful camera with a relatively moderate price tag (as compared to similar styles from additional companies)

Answer by michelle
I have the older version of this camera. I’ve just used it as a point and shoot. I haven’t gotten into any of the manual settings. It’s very simple to use and the picture quality is very excellent. I chose this camera over others because my grandfather who is really into photography recommended it and at the time I thought I was going to need a manual camera for a photography class.

Answer by skyrdr234
This camera is a fantastic buy. You have all the benefits of a point and shoot camera in full auto mode, with all the benefits of the manual settings. I learned so much about photography with the camera, that it has really become a fantastic passion of mine. Its also has the ef lens mount which earnings you can try out any of List’s dozen’s of lenses with the camera. If you really want some fantastic shots, get the ef-s 10-22. You can fit so much in one picture it will amaze you. The image sensor is also of a much higher quality than you will find on a point and shoot. If you want to save a few bucks, look at the XT (last years version). It can be had for just a hair over $ 500 with lens and is a fantastic camera. If you really get into photography the cost of lenses will far eclipse the camera and really give you some fantastic results. This camera is fantastic for quick action shots or portraits and landscapes. I am sure you won’t be disappointed.

Answer by Petra_au
Yes, it would be a very excellent buy. But, the kit lens that comes with it is very cheap and disappointing (or from the findings of one review below…”the kit lens is not up to the camera’s capabilities”)…so be prepared to fork out some huge cash for a better lens or two in the future (which will cost much more than the camera body alone).
But a excellent lens is an investment, of course.

Add your own answer in the comments!

I’ve been using digital cameras for years more like point and shoot. But now I’m plotting to get a new SLR camera to take better snaps. I already own a List S3IS and I don’t want to get another SLR-like camera.

The materials and reviews on SLRs contradict with each additional. When some say only lenses matter, others say camera matters a lot. My budget is somewhere around 700$ and I’m not sure if I should go for the relatively cheap Rebel XTi or Nikon D80 (or any additional camera for that matter). I’d get a better satisfaction if I get a latest model camera (just psychological) for all the money I’m paying but it’s purely a choice.

And for persons who aver the ‘best suited camera is relative’, let me give me a category-wise frequency :

Landscapes – Reasonably frequent
Portraits – Very frequent
Sports and movements – relatively less frequent
Night shots – A lot of them
Macro – Frequent
Studio mode – relatively less frequent

Please help me with the models and what’d suit me.

Cheers,
Yogaesh
Thank you all for your answers! Special thanks to fotoace for the specifications on the lenses. But I thought a small more insight would help you answer better.

1. I’m not a pro-photographer. I have a lot of interest in photography but there is still a long way to go. This translates to the fact that I can’t be spending thousands of dollars at a stretch to get the utmost quality. It’s an optimization of cost and quality that I’m looking for. My budget can at the best stretch to a 1000$

2. What is the difference b/w an 18-200mm/f 3.5-5.6 as different to separate lenses having their focal lengths/apertures falling within this range? The reason I’m asking is that I’m looking out for thanks charitable deals and most of them come up with standard set of lenses as different to having a choice of lenses.

Thanks,
Yogaesh.

Answer by sobe_it_69
i have a rebel but bought a better model sometimes they have sales where they include a better lens, I have 2 extra lens a wide angle also bought a flash, the more you spend the more it does but most have the same starter lens and after using it you will find the limitations and want a better one it is worth getting and if you keep the same brand the lens can be used over and over so the money not down the drain so far cross my fiddle with they not exchange it

Answer by chaoss13
The Nikon D80 is a fantastic choice. Don’t forget, the lenses commonly cost as much as or even more than the body.

Answer by fhotoace
To choose which camera suits you the best, go into a camera store and use both the Nikon and List cameras.

Hold the camera and see which feels best in your hands. Next while looking through the viewfinder, make changes in both the aperture and shutter speeds and see which one works the best for you.

Now for the lenses you will ultimately want to buy:

Landscapes – Reasonably frequent (12-24mm)
Portraits – Very frequent (24-85mm f/2.8 macro)
Sports and movements – relatively less frequent (70-300mm)
Night shots – A lot of them (12-24mm or 24-85mm f/2.8 macro)
Macro – Frequent (24-85mm f/2.8 macro)
Studio mode – (24-85mm f/2.8 macro)

These lens suggestions are based upon available Nikon lenses, so similar List lenses will have slightly different ranges … but close enough

Answer by not_smishra
A $ 700 budget is pretty small for getting a quality DSLR. See what you can find on ebay. Consider that the standard price for a step up from the List Rebel series, the D40 etc, is at least $ 1200. The Nikon D200 is more still.

When starting off, consider that you may maybe easily spend about as much on a couple of decent lenses as you would on the body itself. Avoid the standard kit lenses. If you aren’t sure about camera gear, find a excellent photo store and try out the cameras. Even better, if they offer rental, see if it is feasible for you to rent a camera for a day.

Answer by Jack W
pentax k10d or pentax k100d super. in built image stabalization will save cost for you. everything that fhotoface said bout the lens, all you need is there.

What do you reckon? Answer below!

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live.pirillo.com – Back in the seventh grade, I won a prize of life able to take a few classes at the community Arts center. Back then, we didn’t have Digital Cameras. We learned with an actual film (SLR) camera. I fell in like with taking pictures that day, and that is one like that has never waned.
Record Rating: 4 / 5