Shopping for my first SLR camera

I personally would not consider any refurbished equipment, whether it is a camera, dvd player, car, clothing, or anything. I have had so much bad luck with refurbs...particularly electronics, and they are more hassle than anything!

Yay! I bought it.

I just bought a 30D from someone on Shawn's forum(COFphoto)

Then I ordered a 50mm f/1.8 lens.

I still plan to buy a wider angle lens & a flash. But, I'll start with this for now.

Thanks for the advice everyone!

Though primes are good, they have awesome image quality, I personally don't like not having any zoom. Smart that you went with Canon! Nikon is great camera, don't get me wrong, my issue with them is the noise is low lighting (though they have improved that in their newer cameras because of the CMOS sensor). Anyways....I think you will be very happy with your choice and let us know how you like it! Goodluck!

Hi Everyone, my name is also Morgan and Morgan referred me to this thread because I'm also shopping for a digital SLR.

I just had a scare with one of the shady websites (fotoconnection.com) and I thought I was getting a great deal on a Canon Rebel Xsi, turns out it was too good to be true. So now I'm back at square one.

I still like the Xsi better than anything else I've seen but I'm open to suggestions.

What do the d20 and d30 do differently? I know the body is different but that's about all I know...

I've also heard that the kit lens isn't great (18-55) but I have no idea where to start, if not with the kit lens.

Any recommendations? Has anyone shot with the Xsi? I know it's new and I've heard it's much better than the Xti but what do I know?

Thanks in advance!

Difference between the 30D & 20D

Canon 30D vs 20D - What's Different

Three Key Differences

First, it helps to realize how similar these two cameras are:

They both have the same number of megapixels and the same digital sensor.

They are equally responsive, and both feature a 9-point autofocus system.

They use the same batteries and the same memory cards.

There's no difference in weight or in size.

Seems like the 30D is the same as the 20D with a different name. Almost.

There are three key features that distinguish the Canon 30D vs. the 20D:

Spot metering

Buffer size

LCD size

But, I think youa re asking the difference between the xsi/xti & the 20d/30d.

One is that the 20/30d have a metal frame

they have more options & settings

the xsi/xti have this dust removing sensor that sounds handy.

i dont know a lot about the differences. I know the 20/30D weigh a pound more.

I googled to find more differences

The 5 fps (frames per second) feature is something many sports photographers might not be able to live without. If this describes you, then you’d have no choice but to purchase the EOS30D rather than the slower, 3 fps Rebel XTi.

The 30D has more control switches and dials, for example the rear wheel to quickly select among menu options, and a multi-controller that allows easy selection of any one of the 9 focus points.

the specs

Digital Cameras Side-by-Side, 2 cameras: Digital Photography Review

The look very similar. I was open to buying either, but I found the great deal on the 30D.

I have and xti that I love. I have never used the xsi though. Also, canon is getting ready to release the xs which you can read about here:

Macworld | Canon introduces EOS Digital Rebel XS

I wish I could help more but the last in that series I got was the xti. I use it for my backup/fun camera when I don't want to take my 5D or 40D. Like when I go hiking, I love the xti because it is lighter and I don't have to worry as much about something happening to it.

Good luck in your camera shopping. One thing I would suggest is to go to a camera rental store and rent them for a weekend and see which one you like better for what you are looking to shoot.

Hey Morgan! So excited for you and your new purchase!

I've read through lots of great advice here. So, my only 2¢ is to buy a wide angle zoom next, and then the flash. I'd say get the 580 ex ii. Its come down quite a bit in price - and it will completely grow with you. For an inexpensive, yet decent and versatile lens - try this one.

Good luck with everything!

Congrats Morgan, can't wait to see some of your work