it's a tough call shannon... The XT goes for $409 brand new at B&H right now:
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produc..._Rebel_XT.html

the bag is worth what he's listed, but only if you like it. A 1gb CF card is pretty small these days and can be picked up for anywhere from $10~$30 tops. The tripod will be a wallyworld special for $20.

So basically if you have your heart set on a XT, like his bag and want to help him out, then yes, go for it. But you won't be missing an awesome deal unless you love that bag as you can find used XTs for ~$300 all over the place and you can still buy them new for the same $400 then buy the exact accessories you want.

The XT is a good little camera, nothing against it. I'm just saying if you haven't looked into any of this at all, you might want to check out the other options and set a budget as you'll also need a lens that you don't have listed there.

and Welcome to the forums!

Welcome to the forums!

(I moved the thread to the right spot for ya too.)

-K

Shannon, since it's your friend and it sounds like a decent package, I'd say go for it. $400 is reasonable for that amount of stuff considering the XT is almost brand new.

You'll love the camera too, sounds like you're doing it with the right idea in mind.

it sounds like a good deal, especially coming from someone you trust...you trust him/her, right?

Tell him to throw in the kit lens at that price.

Oh good call, is the kit lens included? That certainly makes a difference.

does this mean you're going to leave us here, forever?

keep an eye on the SDF here: http://forums.slickdeals.net/forumdi...uid=267796&f=9

they always post up the best deals on bodies, lenses and accessories.

Shannon, wanting to take pictures of moving things and stuff means nothing when it comes to the camera. That's more about the lenses. All the modern dSLR will do a wide-variety of functions from landscapes to fast motion very well when used correctly.

And, I usually wouldn't tell someone this, but honestly, just jump in and go for it. You've got a decent amount of knowledge of the camera basics and frankly, you'll learn the most with the camera in hand.

The only thing I see that you should explore is the Nikon v. Canon route, and frankly, look into what your mom has and post about it here. You'll be able to get some advice and see if any of that should influence your decision.

But bottom line, quit thinking so much and jump in, you'll be happier you did.

Originally Posted by ShannonO

This forum sure is a spend-money enabler...You guys seem too often recommend "just go spend now, don't wait, you'll be happy!"

Just make sure you use the affiliate links.

Seriously though, the demon eyes are from the flash being so close to the lens. It's the same thing as red eye in people, just harder to avoid. You either have to get the flash way above the lens (use a dedicated flash) or don't use flash at all.... Depending on where you are and how much light and action there is the second option will work the best.

High ISOs and no flash FTW.

Originally Posted by ShannonO

He got back to me. $300 for the body alone and "I'll still give you a tripod because you'll need one to do some of the longer exposures."

Not bad. You should be able to get a kit lens for $50 or so I think.

That's the nifty fifty. And yes, it would be a great lens for Shannon...

I've got a cheap 'kit' style lens - look here:
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/...d.php?t=468826

I'll do $50 for you. It'd get the job done, but personally I'd go a bit wider angle and look for somebody's 18-55mm lens.

That'll work well for dogs. My dog gets them too. If you're curious, here is a flickr set of mine with about a million dog pics. Most were probably shot with my digital rebel, but the later ones (since Jan 1 this year) are with my 40d:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/jay1441...7604425756108/

Also, the debbil eyes are from the flash. You can learn to not use the flash and shoot without it, or you can use photoshop and make the eyes normal.

Originally Posted by Stime187

That's the nifty fifty.

yeah, that's what he said.

And shannon, the 50mm f1.8 is a fantastic lens to learn about photography with because it's inexpensive and with it's wide maximum aperture you can learn a lot about photography with it. It is all plastic, but it's worth the money. That and a kit lens would be awesome.

Plus, the 50 f/1.8 will offer good low light speed for those dog shots WITHOUT "demon eyes".

Originally Posted by ShannonO

Do I understand at all in hearing that the nifty fifty = 50 f/1.8, it's great for learning, doesn't zoom, and will enable low-light non-flash shots. And that I need a 'kit' lens IN ADDITION because ??? Because it'll zoom? Baseline?

In over my head already. I just want a camera and to start shooting and playing.

Just go buy a cheap 18-55 kit lens. Shoot some and worry about other lenses later. Either ebay or any photo forum should have a ton for sale.

Shannon, the kit lens is slower but makes the camera more like a P&S... You can easily adjust what the images look like and fit more into a shot easily. With the 50mm prime it will be more work to compose good shots (foot zoom, and at times you will run out of room)... But it's a better teaching tool to learn the basics of photography because it's so fast...

Originally Posted by ride5000

i guess what i'm trying to say is i'd spend the money on the 50/1.8 rather than the kit zoom. i think it's what SHOULD be the kit lens in the first place, as i think it will teach you more and yet not become obsolete as quickly.

jm2c
ken

well....
1) you already have a zoom. I suspect you'd feel otherwise if the 50mm was your only lens
2) The kit lens can be picked up much cheaper. $50-60 bucks. Its worth having in your kit until you move up to a high quality f/2.8 zoom at that price.

Originally Posted by Geekybiker

well....
1) you already have a zoom. I suspect you'd feel otherwise if the 50mm was your only lens
2) The kit lens can be picked up much cheaper. $50-60 bucks. Its worth having in your kit until you move up to a high quality f/2.8 zoom at that price.

I agree with you for the most part, but the 50 f/1.8 is only around $60 brand new.

Err nevermind then. I guess I'm used to my 50mm costing $200. Still even given similar prices, I'd pick the zoom as your only lens. (I'd buy both at those prices honestly)

Originally Posted by ride5000

did you read my post?

if i DIDN'T have gracious parents who agreed to front me some b-day money for a better zoom, i was going for the 50mm prime only. it was in the B+H cart ready to go. it's still on the wish list.

Sure. But I still think if you'd ended up with only a 50mm you might be here griping "man I wish I had a zoom" But that's just me.

I would also vote for the kit zoom (18-55) over the prime to start out if you can only get one. But frankly, for $120 you can have two fantastic lenses.

You probably dont need the super duper extreme III cards, but a nice 150x + card will probably be worth it. The XT doesn't have the frame rate or MP to really saturate the fastest cards.

yeah, shannon, as geeky said you're using a camera with larger files now so the cheapest won't be the best option, but you also don't need to get the fastest card out there either. Stick to the better brands though and make sure you buy them online (any local store, unless they're having some sort of crazy BF sale is ripping you off on memory cards)...

I also only use sandisk cards, but only because they've worked so why switch... Lexar is also good and there are a few other "better" brands.

Woah... the 50 f/1.8 used to be like $60. When did it become $90? Ben?

And, I was figuring you could pick up the 18-55 kit lens used for $50-60.

Sorry about that, I'm amazed the nifty fifty jumped so drastically in price.

That's it, but still, that's high for that lens. I bought mine over two years ago for around $60... weird.

Just search for it and if you don't see a thread, ask. We don't mind those kinds of questions and if you post it in the wrong place, I'll just move it.

Originally Posted by ShannonO

Where should I post/look for really really really noob questions...like what's a "hood" for? Here, "other gear," "n00bs," or elsewhere???

To answer that question straight away, a hood is a plastic tube-like thing you attach to the front of the lens, to prevent glare from stray light in your photos.



I use one on my main zoom, but not on any of my other lenses -- though I probably should.


-A