XT 350D/XTi 400D @ Best Buy

[glb]

I'm in a real dilemma.

Some background: I've owned 3 point and shoot Sony cameras and they've been decent, but nothing compared to the stuff I've seen from the DSLR's. I'm really wanting to get one and I'm trying to figure out which Canon to buy.

Best Buy has a deal going on with the Digital Rebel XT. For $799 you get the XT, the stock lens, a Canon bag, a filter, an extra battery, and the extra Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Zoom Lens. Not sure if it will link right, but this is it: http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage....prd71600050002

The question is, should I buy that, or the XTi? Or maybe I should buy an XT at Best Buy for $650 and upgrade everything myself. I've done a lot of research and I think that what I should really do is buy the XT by itself and spend the extra money on a memory card and later a good lens.

3 price points:

XT with stock lens for $650
XT package with all the stuff mentioned above for $799
XTi with stock lens for $899

Anybody have any compelling arguments one way or the other? Unfortunately the local camera store is highly overpriced otherwise I would NOT be buying anything from Best Buy. I hate BB, but I guess it's a necessary evil. Maybe a reputable online store...? I don't care where I buy it from or what the cost is, but I'd really like to do the right thing and maybe save a little money. I'm still new to digital photography, although I've done some, P&S is nothing compared with real photography.

[Rhys]

Honestly I think Best Buy is overpriced. Check how much it all costs at B+H (bhphotovideo.com). I'm sure it'll cost a ton less. You might be able to get a price match from Best Buy but honestly I'm very happy with my purchase from B+H. I would advise you to buy the IS version of the 70-300 rather than the non-IS. I would advise the 17-85 IS instead of the kit lens also.

[Dawoofo]

My advice would be the same as Rhys's regarding B&H or other similar well-priced online stores with good reputations. I would also go with the XTi since it is a newer camera with more more megapixels. I also agree it would be better to go with something other than the kit lens. The camera and the lens is all a matter of opinion and preference, but for a fact you can get a better price at an online store than at Best Buy or probably any other retail store.

[fionndruinne]

Best Buy's for looking, they always have some good cameras on the floor. But as to their prices, well... "Best Buy" could be a contraction for "best buy elsewhere".

Amazon offers the XT w/kit lens for $579. They're a very reputable store with great service - there's been question about whether they're an authorized seller for products like Canon or Nikon (i.e. the warranty is good only if bought from an authorized retailer). I've not heard whether they are or not, but with the number of cameras they sell, I'd be tremendously surprised if they weren't authorized retailers for these companies.

I bought my Nikon D40 for $540 (plus using the free month trial of Amazon Prime - free 2-day shipping!), while it was still $600 at Best Buy [elsewhere].

Amazon offers the XT body only for only $499.

[glb]

Ok, so I'm getting the XTi from an online store. End of discussion.

Now what lens to buy. I need a basic high quality starter lens. Any ideas? Canon, Sigma, Tamron? I'm looking on the B+H website, but I'm kinda confused...the Canons have way too many options. Do I need normal or wide lenses?

Thank you guys for your input.

[Rhys]

Ok, so I'm getting the XTi from an online store. End of discussion.

Now what lens to buy. I need a basic high quality starter lens. Any ideas? Canon, Sigma, Tamron? I'm looking on the B+H website, but I'm kinda confused...the Canons have way too many options. Do I need normal or wide lenses?

Thank you guys for your input.

I have the XT and find it's an excellent camera. Combined with a USM lens such as the Canon 17-85, focussing is snappy and accurate.

I do not recommend independent lenses or non-USM lenses either. Thus I suggest for economy, an XT and 17-85 IS. I heartily recommend IS.

Don't try to save money by scrimping. From personal experience:
Tamron lenses - not worth buying as focussing is hit and miss
Canon 18-55 kit lens - soft and poor focussing.
Canon 50f1.8 soft and poor focussing.

Canon 17-85 IS - very nice lens - sharp, fast focussing and accurate
Canon 70-300 IS - quick focussing and accurate as well as sharp.
Canon 70-200 f2.8IS - very nice lens

I have not recently used Vivitar, Tokina or Sigma but gather they're not as good as Canon glass.

By reputation I gather the 75-300 non-IS isn't that great.

Some claim Canon consumer glass isn't that great. It's not too bad as long as you choose the right lenses.

[fionndruinne]

Just to check, have you looked at the Pentax K10D? Essentially $100 more than the XTi, it offers in-camera stabilization, as well as a whole gamut of features. Personally I think Canon and Nikon are a little behind the game for not offering in-cam stabilization, especially for the XTi, which is sort of a "get everything in a small package" camera. The K10D is also a lot better built than the XTi.

[glb]

Just to check, have you looked at the Pentax K10D? Essentially $100 more than the XTi, it offers in-camera stabilization, as well as a whole gamut of features. Personally I think Canon and Nikon are a little behind the game for not offering in-cam stabilization, especially for the XTi, which is sort of a "get everything in a small package" camera. The K10D is also a lot better built than the XTi.

I think I'm going for the Canon based on what I've seen and what I've heard...I don't have any other reason other than I've seen some really impressive things come out of their cameras. I will look up the Pentax you mention.

[glb]

I have the XT and find it's an excellent camera. Combined with a USM lens such as the Canon 17-85, focussing is snappy and accurate.

I do not recommend independent lenses or non-USM lenses either. Thus I suggest for economy, an XT and 17-85 IS. I heartily recommend IS.

Don't try to save money by scrimping. From personal experience:
Tamron lenses - not worth buying as focussing is hit and miss
Canon 18-55 kit lens - soft and poor focussing.
Canon 50f1.8 soft and poor focussing.

Canon 17-85 IS - very nice lens - sharp, fast focussing and accurate
Canon 70-300 IS - quick focussing and accurate as well as sharp.
Canon 70-200 f2.8IS - very nice lens

I have not recently used Vivitar, Tokina or Sigma but gather they're not as good as Canon glass.

By reputation I gather the 75-300 non-IS isn't that great.

Some claim Canon consumer glass isn't that great. It's not too bad as long as you choose the right lenses.

So what I need is the "Canon Zoom Super Wide Angle EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Autofocus Lens for Select Digital SLR Cameras"?

What does the 4-5.6 mean? I gather that USM means ultrasonic motors and IS means image stabilization.