My First SLR

[lundrog]

Hello. Over two years ago I bought a Canon G5. I still use the camera today but find it lacking in some areas. Mainly, the time it takes in-between shots and the lack of a manual zoom lens.

Therefore, I am starting my research for my fall purchase of my first SLR camera. I do have a budget, so I will buy the camera first. Then a flash (A compatible flash would be cool to buy now to use with my G5) and then lens/lenses.



So my questions to start this are as follows:

Budget

What are good options for SLR Camera body’s under $1000?


3. What are options for a external flash for under $300 (It would be nice if I could use it with my G5 until I save up for my SLR )

4. What are some good lens / lenses options for $200 - $500

Size

Any size will work

Features


*How many megapixels will suffice for you?

6-8 mp

* What optical zoom will you need? (None, Standard = 3x-4x, Ultrazoom = 10x-12x, Other - Specify)

Standard - wide range

* How important is “image quality” to you? (Rate using a scale of 1-10)
8-10

*Do you care for manual controls?

yes

General Usage

* What will you generally use the camera for?

Let me tell you about the types of shots I take. I do a lot of family photography, being close in door and out door shots. I also do family photos at graduations and family events, and that is where my G5 lacks now with no external flash and or much of a zoom.

Additionally, I do some vacation shooting of scenic views when we go to the west cost. They consist of a lot of wide shoots of breath taking views.

Now this is my first SLR so I am looking for a starting system and will teach me about SLR photography and help me learn to be a better photographer.

* Will you be making big prints of your photos or not?

In some cases.

*Will you be shooting a lot of indoor photos or low light photos?

Indoor and outside, not much low light/night

*Will you be shooting sports and/or action photos?

If kids playing and running around count.

Extra Questions\Miscellaneous

*Are there particular brands you like or hate?
I like canon because I have a G5 now

*Are there particular models you already have in mind?

the Digital rebel XT

*(If applicable) Do you need any of the following special features? (Wide Angle, Image Stabilization, Weatherproof, Hotshoe, Rotating LCD)

Wide angle at some point for vacation shots.

In addition,


I would be grateful for any links to product reviews or comments as I am researching this and have a little time before my purchase.

Thanks a lot.

[coldrain]

Canon EOS 350D/Digital Rebel XT, or EOS 20D for camera
EX 430 or so for flash that you can use on your G5
Tokina 12-24mm f4 wide angle lens for a bit above 400$
Canon EF 28-105 f3.5-4.5 USM II for when it does not need to be wide angle
Canon EF 50mm 1.8 for lower light stuff and such

[lundrog]

I believe I am going to get a Canon SLR.

Has anyone heard of they will be releasing a new version to replace the rebel XT soon or is now a good time to buy?

[coldrain]

Well, you can always wait for newer things. There will always be something new... the XT/350D will probably be replaced at the end of summer. Hard to know for sure.

[lundrog]

Just ordered the Canon Digital Rebel XT with the 430ex speed light.

[TenD]

I hope you enjoy your new camera...did you get the kit so you have a lens for it?

[lundrog]

Yes and Thanks.

[Tchuck]

I heard the Canon Rebel is a little trickier to use than the Nikon D50. They are both entry level dsrls. For a first timer, wouldn't the Nikon be more user friendly to the cameral illiterate???????