[BMWE90]

Okay so I've searched many threads but there really isn't one that has a definite answer to which camera would be/should be the best choice. I've decided to go for an SLR rather than a Canon 870/950.

I'm a beginner and I want a camera that has at least 8 MP. The 3 that I'm trying to decide between are the Nikon D60, Canon XTi (maybe even XT?) and Canon XS.

I'm into landscape/nature photography (most pictures I take are of landscape- buildings, mountains, waterfalls, etc.). I was really leaning toward the XTi but not sure if I should go with the XS to get the Digic III rather than the II that comes with the XTi. I'm looking to make the purchase in the next week or two so I'm looking to get as many opinions/ as much advice as possible. Thank you in advance!

[Houman21]

Canon and Nikon are both great brands - Get a lower level SLR and spend the extra dough on a great L lens or a Nikon Pro lens (gold ring around the front of the lens)

[BMWE90]

So should I perhaps get the Rebel XT body or XTi body and a good lens for it? I want something with image stabilization and I'm not sure if the XT or XTi have it.

[FirstClass]

If you're just starting, you don't need L glass. Work on your skills first with the kit lens and a nifty fifty. Maybe get a zoom if you're doing shots that need it. Those should all be really cheap lenses except for maybe a few hundred for the zoom. Practice, practice, practice. Once you've had the camera for a while and the equipment is the limiting factor, look into upgrading.

Photographer > Glass > Body

[BMWE90]

Thanks for the advice Firstclass!

Last question for you guys:
I've narrowed it down to the Rebel XTI ($630 at Circuitcity) and the Rebel XS ($699 at Circuit). Which one would be better for me? If both of them have the same ease of operation, I think that for $70 more, I might as well go with the XS.

[vachss]

Originally Posted by BMWE90

Thanks for the advice Firstclass!

Last question for you guys:
I've narrowed it down to the Rebel XTI ($630 at Circuitcity) and the Rebel XS ($699 at Circuit). Which one would be better for me? If both of them have the same ease of operation, I think that for $70 more, I might as well go with the XS.

The XS and XTi are essentially the same camera (XS has live view and a newer processor, but everything else is pretty much the same). The XSi does give you legitimately more than the XTi, but costs substantially more. Between the XTi and the XS I'd just save the $70 and get the XTi.

[BMWE90]

Originally Posted by vachss

The XS and XTi are essentially the same camera (XS has live view and a newer processor, but everything else is pretty much the same). The XSi does give you legitimately more than the XTi, but costs substantially more. Between the XTi and the XS I'd just save the $70 and get the XTi.

Yeah I figured the XS is a replacement for the XTi. I'm almost set on the XTi though.

I take back what I said earlier. I have a few more questions about some things (total noob when it comes to DSLR). I just realized that Canon DSLR cameras don't come with Image stabilization. Do I NEED an IS lens or will the kit lens suffice?

[remmib]

Originally Posted by BMWE90

Yeah I figured the XS is a replacement for the XTi. I'm almost set on the XTi though.

I take back what I said earlier. I have a few more questions about some things (total noob when it comes to DSLR). I just realized that Canon DSLR cameras don't come with Image stabilization. Do I NEED an IS lens or will the kit lens suffice?

I'd think I get the XS if I were you, it's newer and comes with the new 18-55 IS kit lens. IS means it's got Image stabilization.

[BMWE90]

Originally Posted by remmib

I'd think I get the XS if I were you, it's newer and comes with the new 18-55 IS kit lens. IS means it's got Image stabilization.

Wow I didn't know that. I've been looking around and most of the sites didn't mention it's going to have IS lens. That's pretty much a deal sealer for me. I think I'm sold on the XS! Thank you!

[FirstClass]

Just be aware IS is in the lens not in the body of the camera. That's how both Canon and Nikon do it. (But Nikon calls it VR instead of IS)

[BMWE90]

Originally Posted by FirstClass

Just be aware IS is in the lens not in the body of the camera. That's how both Canon and Nikon do it. (But Nikon calls it VR instead of IS)

Yup- I realized that after some research last night. It's kind of weird how Sony and Pentax have IS built in their cameras while Canon and Nikon don't. I heard that, supposedly, IS in the lens is better than in camera.

[Daya]

if it is any consolation I just bought a Nikon D60 and love it.

It comes with an 18-55 VR lens, and I picked up a 55-200 VR lens as well.

It came to about $850 shipped from adorama camera. adorama.com

Canon makes great cameras, but my girlfriend has a Nikon D80 and I can borrow her macro lens (60mm f/2.8) when she isn't looking

Since you do nature photography pick up a macro lens as well, her pictures of plant/flowers/insects with the 60mm macro look amazing

[Gig103]

I'm in the market too, and I'd say buy the XS over the XTi. Why buy old technology when you can buy new for about the same price?

I'm thinking about an XSi, personally...

[BMWE90]

Originally Posted by Gig103

I'm in the market too, and I'd say buy the XS over the XTi. Why buy old technology when you can buy new for about the same price?

I'm thinking about an XSi, personally...

Yeah I was thinking about just going with an XSi today. For another $130 or so I can get the best of all worlds. But then again, I don't know if I need all the features and stuff. Man decisions, decisions, decisions...

[BMWE90]

Found this deal for a Rebel XSi- http://www.broadwayphoto.com/viewpro...spx?id=9956261

$611 FOR AN XSi?? Do you guys think it's legit?

[!Xoible]

[FirstClass]

Originally Posted by BMWE90

Found this deal for a Rebel XSi- http://www.broadwayphoto.com/viewpro...spx?id=9956261

$611 FOR AN XSi?? Do you guys think it's legit?

As I posted in the other thread, it's almost certainly gray market. Stay as far away from it as you can. bhphotovideo.com is your best bet.

[Gig103]

bhphotovideo and amazon.com are both reputable sellers (with no sales tax either)

[Daya]

adorama.com

[hov333]

wow what a great thread for camera noobs. I'm also looking to get into a DSLR camera market. I've heard many good things about the rebel XSi. What about that Sony alpha camera, any word about that? I'm trying to learn as much as I can as well before I make a purchase pretty soon.

Please continue to post your finds OP!

[BMWE90]

Thanks for the advise guys. I wanted to reply sooner but my internet was out last night. Anyhow, I looked up Broadwayphoto and that place seems very shady and you guys were right, a lot of that stuff are gray market items.

Originally Posted by hov333

wow what a great thread for camera noobs. I'm also looking to get into a DSLR camera market. I've heard many good things about the rebel XSi. What about that Sony alpha camera, any word about that? I'm trying to learn as much as I can as well before I make a purchase pretty soon.

Please continue to post your finds OP!

Haha thanks- I guess this post is for you since most people on here are already very knowledgeable about DSLR.

I don't know about Sony. They seem to have good ratings but I was only interested in Canon and Nikon (pretty much set on Canon now).

I've been looking around a few sites researching for comparisons as well as prices since I'm looking to purchase one in about a week now. Basically it boils down to the XSi having the most features and is a true upgrade from the XTi. The XS has some new features but all has some functions detuned. So it's like XS=XTi and XSi>XTi.

I found the XSi on Amazon for $776 + $6 for shipping (no sales tax) while the XS is on pre-order for $699 at local electronics stores. For for another $80 the XSi seems like a no brainer. The only thing is that the XS is likely to be cheaper than $699 on Amazon. The XTi is current $630 on Amazon with free shipping and no tax but it's going to drop even lower when the XS comes out (the XS is pretty much the replacement for XTi).

I was only looking at the XS because it has Digic III instead of II on the XTi, Live View and most importantly for me, Image Stabilization lens. What I found was that you only need IS lens in low light shooting conditions so it might not be big factor anymore (still nice to have it rather than not though). Personally I was going to go with the XTi if the price drops a lot (e.g. $500-$550). If it doesnt drop too much or if the XS is cheaper on Amazon I will go with the XS. If I had the cash I would go with the XSi but personally I think I will go with a lower model and get better lens(es) for it.

[Houman21]

there is a lot of Canon love here - I think Daya and myself are the only Nikonians