First post EOS 20D

[JFerence]

I'm getting my feet wet with this post and I was wondering if any members could answer a few beginner questions for me. I'm going to be attending college in the fall to major in photojournalism. The department head suggested the Canon EOS 20D to me and I was wondering if anyone could offer a few tips. At the moment I'm concerned with where I should be purchasing this camera from (The best prices I've seen so far are at IBuyDigital.com) and what lens I should start off with (Unfortunately I can't really afford to go overboard as far as a lens is concerned so I'm in the market for something midranged in price). Any tips, pointers or personal experience would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[George Riehm]

I'm getting my feet wet with this post and I was wondering if any members could answer a few beginner questions for me. I'm going to be attending college in the fall to major in photojournalism. The department head suggested the Canon EOS 20D to me and I was wondering if anyone could offer a few tips. At the moment I'm concerned with where I should be purchasing this camera from (The best prices I've seen so far are at IBuyDigital.com) and what lens I should start off with (Unfortunately I can't really afford to go overboard as far as a lens is concerned so I'm in the market for something midranged in price). Any tips, pointers or personal experience would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.

Mighty nice of the department head to choose the most expensive consumer digital SLR on the market. He must have stock in Canon.

It would be interesting to find out what camera he was suggesting last year (before the 20D arrived)? If he's a Canon guy then probably the 10D. If not, maybe the Nikon D100 or D70. Any of these cameras would easily suffice, and the D70 would not break the bank. I would definately ask.

As far as lenses, a decent low cost zoom like the Sigma 18-200 would work well. But a lot of photo profs like to go with simple primes like 35mm, 50mm, 75mm, 105mm, 135mm to learn. The 35mm f2 and 50mm f1.8 are about the best learning lenses. The 50mm is very low cost at about $70-$80, the 35mm f2's run in the $230 to $300 range. The rest of the fixed primes get pretty expensive.

I know this is the Canon board, but for your purposes I would think the Nikon D70 with a 50mm f1.8 would be more than enough for about $850. Add a decent Sigma DC zoom later for less than $400 and you are still under $1250 (prices are if purchase from Ritz or on-lline from Norman Camera and B&H Photo).

When you venture into the real world of PJ you will probably require a more rugged professional quality camera, like a Nikon D2 series or Canon 1D series. These currently run in the $3000 to $8000 range but by then (2-4 years) they should be less expensive. And that's the time to choose a brand, as you will be using (renting) and probably buying lenses that cost upwards of $3000 to $10,000. So once you have that kind of money into lenses, flashes, and accessories, you will likely use that brand for your whole career.

Best wishes on your career choice. Should be a lifetime adventure.

[timmciglobal]

He probably chose the 20D because it shoots 5 FPS.

When you want that "perfect shot of the chairman shaking hands with the senator" you want as many photos in that half second as possible.

50 MM F 1.8 is an absolute must, good prime lens, dirt cheap.

Tim

[Rhys]

He probably chose the 20D because it shoots 5 FPS.

When you want that "perfect shot of the chairman shaking hands with the senator" you want as many photos in that half second as possible.

50 MM F 1.8 is an absolute must, good prime lens, dirt cheap.

Tim

I have the 50mm f1.8. Not tested yet though.

[mcenut]

For purchasing advice contact B&H Photo (www.bhphotovideo.com) (800) 869-8295.

Be upfront with them and tell them what you are looking for and what your budget is like.

If you are located in Los Angeles I would recommend Samy’s Camera (www.samys.com) for advice and a store to visit.

I’ve purchased from both stores and find their staff very knowledgeable. Most of the sales staff is made up of pro photographers waiting for their break in the business. Sort of like actors working in a restaurant.