Various DSLR Questions

[tonay]

Hi All

I've become moderately infomed and have some more pointed questions:

1. I understand the importance of ISO changing, reasons for and the extreme's. Is there a scale or guide on what situation requires which ISO?

2. At a beginner level DSLR - am I better off buying a body only and getting lenses or buying the OEM kit?

3. If you only have 2 lenses - what focal lengths and speeds would they be?

4. Is there any internal difference between the black (more expensive) and silver/black Canon XTi bodies?

5. How long can I wait to buy a flash seeing that I want to take pics of the fam?

Thanks all

[CanonRex]

1. Not that i know of, but my teacher told me keep it at the lowest possible because of noise

2. Buy the body if you don't want the kit lenses and would prefer to purchase another one like the EF-S 17-85mm

3. I have bought 17-85 mm and 70-300mm, both are f/4 - 5.6 IS but im limited to outdoor photography, for indoors ill soon get my 85mm f/1.8

4. None whatsoever besides that more people prefer black

5. Forever, as long as you have lots of lighting and a nice aperture

[toriaj]

1. No scale is necessary -- a little experimenting in different situations will be all you need. Outside in bright light? Use your smallest ISO. Avoid using the higher ISOs because of noise and dynamic range.

2. Either is okay. If you have previous photography experience and know what lenses you'll want, get the body only and choose your lenses. If you're a novice, the kit lenses are made for you :) When you get your experience, you can choose other lenses.

3. Largest aperture possible. A zoom lens to at least 200 mm, and down to 25mm or so on the wide end.

4. No.

5. Depends on the kind of pics you want to take. "Professional" studio-looking shots? You'll need a flash. Candids? Not as important, and you do have an on-board flash.

Have fun, and show us your first shots!