Shopping for my first SLR camera

Thanks! I really appreciate all of the photographers helping me out. It's great to get some pro advice.

Yes, if anyone sees a used 20D, 30D or XTi for sale I'd be interested. I'll scan craigslist too. I have seen posts of people selling 20D & 30Ds because the got the new 40D, but they were already sold. But, I imagine if I look around more I'll find something from a source I can trust.

Is the main benefit of the 20/30D the sturdiness? I am a little concerned about it being heavier than I want once I put the camera & a bunch of lenses in a bag. I don't want to feel weighed down while hiking or on a vacation. We walk a lot on vacation usually. Mike is usually my packhorse for most things, but I always carry my own camera because I'm constantly pulling it out. My little Canon SD is great on vacation so I don't want to get so heavy that I opt to take the SD instead. Even my purse strap starts to hurt after a long day.

Yeah a flash is on my wish list too. I can't believe how much $ they are though... yikes

well the 20 and 30d will have more options/menus than the lesser models normally. I don't have an xti so I have no idea. but the first time you walk through a doorway and your xti catches the frame and breaks into tiny pieces you will know why I recommended the stronger body.

Hey Nic hope you don't mind but what settings (aperature mostly) were your camera at when you took that adorable photo of your pup in your siggy?

yeah, i'm pretty clumsy. the 20/30Ds are still fairly light. maybe I can carry them in a backpack case so it doesn't feel as heavy.

I watched a bunch of used ones on ebay & they went for $420-$450. If anyone sees a good deal on a used camera please let me know.

Should I also considered a refurb?

Should the lenses be new though?

You also might want to scan the photography forums for used equipment.

yes, I saw someone on your forum selling a 30D. I was too late for it though.

I just realized how hectic the next two months will be for me, so if it takes a few more months to find the right camera that is fine. I'm not in a hurry. I've been waiting about 20 years since & got my first camera. I found it in a drawer at my house. It was a red Kodak camera that used I-10 film & said "1984 olympics" on the side. I ran out into a field and tried to take some really inspiring pictures. Instead I got a bunch of pictures of my thumb. I've loved taking pictures since then, but I've never known how. I'm just a frequent snapper. Atleast i know to move my thumb now.

it's something i'm really excited about learning, but I don't need to rush. it would be nice to have something by christmas, because I have a lot of downtime when I fly home for the holidays to practice.

hey thanks, I was using my 24 1.4 somewhere between 1.4 - 1.8

that lens has a very distinct look when shot at wide apertures.

hi morgan, heres my input for you, if you are going canon, thats great! and nikon is just as great! nikon a little more user friendly. anyway, canon great!!! if you wait until the end of the year for the new full frame canon to come out, the 5D's price will go down (i hear to $1,000) and it is small/light (for pro use) and full framed. i would never buy used...ive had brand new cameras screw up, during a wedding! i always buy new with the extended service plan from Ritz so that i can take them in for ANY reason, to get cleaned, fixed when broken in anyway, whatever! why spend a bunch of money if/when something will go wrong and it will be useless without esp or insurance is good too. i wasted a bunch of money on cheap lenses, then upgraded after i learned how bad they are with quick experience. so i think its more expensive to buy cheap first and end up spending on high quality after realizing its not worth being cheap if doing if for profession (thats my experience anyway). hope that helps, im almost finished with someones images!!

btw, your wedding images are taken with both nikon and canon, tell me if you notice the difference k.

also, ritz is great because when it needs to be cleaned or fixed (which it will) you dont have to package it an mail it away, with the esp, they do it for you at your local store.

Morgan...

 

I would go with the 30d or 20d if you can get your hands on one... the 50mm lens is great the only thing is the one you linked isn't a digital lens. Which isn't such a big deal since it is a prime lens, the price is right though.

 

I noticed someone mentioned that they wouldn't suggest a prime lens, personally that ALL I shoot with! I find the zoom lens' aren't as sharp but it's really a preference thing. I wouldn't really know what you would do with a Macro lens.... are you planning to shoot flowers and such? Macros are pretty expensive and I would stick to the basics first.

 

Happy hunting!