canon 400d starter package

[komputerguy]

Anyone have any recommendations for a starter package for the canon 400d? Should I buy just the body and a seperate lens? I have heard the one that comes with it is not the greatest. I'm just starting in digital photo and have the camera body priced at $319 with a tripod case and cleaning system.

[griptape]

You have it priced at $319 where? Sounds like you're begging to be ripped off at that price.

[TheWengler]

Yes, I agree. The camera body alone costs at least $500.

[komputerguy]

Here is where I found it (http://soniccameras.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=4122&extra_info=package&osCsid=5b7ed2f3e40a4726369b79cf4abeb16c). They have good ratings so I don't think I'm getting ripped off. I have found the body and lens package from canon many places for under $500. Question is, what should I do, buy the package with the canon lens or is there another fairly cheap lens I could get that it better to start with?

[GaryS]

From Reseller Ratings (http://www.resellerratings.com/store/Sonic_Cameras). 2.8 out of ten.

Not a good rating at all, in spite of the top few comments which look like they are shills.

[griptape]

Here is where I found it (http://soniccameras.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=4122&extra_info=package&osCsid=5b7ed2f3e40a4726369b79cf4abeb16c). They have good ratings so I don't think I'm getting ripped off.

They have terrible ratings, and you are getting ripped off.

[FLiPMaRC]

I agree with everyone else. It's a rip off, bait and switch website.

[komputerguy]

OK, so lets focus on the lens then please. Any help on what I should use to start out?

[griptape]

We need to know things like budget and what you'll mostly be shooting to get an idea of what would be appropriate to suggest.

[TheWengler]

I bet you didn't find that camera at any respectable dealer for under $500. People want to believe so bad that these ridiculous deals are legitimate. Easy pickings for the ripoff artists. Just buy from B&H Photo (http://www.bhphotovideo.com/), Buy Dig (http://www.buydig.com/shop/home.aspx) or Beach Camera (http://www.beachcamera.com/shop/home.aspx) and you won't have to worry about it.

[komputerguy]

Well I'm just starting. I'll be doing a lot of inside family pictures, but really I'm not quite sure that is why I want a good general lens. Thanks for posting out the bait & switch, you are right any good rated store is over $550.

[TheWengler]

The Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 or the Sigma 18-50mm f/2.8 would be a good start. Picking up an external flash would help you maintain a larger depth of field indoors. The new kit lens (18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS) is cheaper, has IS and is supposed to be pretty sharp but you'll almost definitely want the external flash then because of the slower max aperture.