I'm looking at getting my first DSLR, specifically the Rebel XT. I found it at //www.adorama.com for $900. I plan on getting the silver body with the included EFS 18-55mm zoom lens. Also I will add a wireless remote, a 1GB 80x card, and circular polarizing filter.
Do I need to get anything else for landscape and nature photography? Any suggestions on a small case that I can easily carry on a plane?
Although their after sales (and during sales) service is the pits, just so you know, you can save a lot of money on this camera if you get it from Dell. I bought the exact camera you specified with lens for $716. That's a bit extra discount using the preferred credit, but Dell has been running these coupon sales often, and a week or so ago, it was $749 shipped (see other threads here).
Also, you might want to wait on the circular polarizer. They are very hard to use with the kit lens, since the front rotates during focusing. Personally, if you can save money buying the body, I think you would be better off buying a Sigma 18-125 for your first lens, for around $200-$250. It's much better than the kit lens (in fact, it's still my workhorse lens).
You might want to look into getting a Cokin Adapter (<$20 for the wide holder plus ring for whatever lens you want), which will let you use a square graduated filter for doing landscapes, as well as a circular polarizer which can be used on any lens fitted with a Cokin adapter.
I have read a few things about people having to wait a while for their Dell order. I have a trip planned June 11 - July 3, and would prefer to have the camera before then. What has been your experience with Dell as to this?
Thanks for the input on the lens, I'll definitly look into that.
I am also looking at this camera. I have found the silver body for $439 here, //www.usaphotonation.com/products.asp?product_id=11857, which I think is amazing. Too good to be true? I'm not sure. I already have a few lenses for my (film) Rebel so only need the body.
just so you know my experience with www.buydig.com has been excellent. I haven't had to call them on anything but both of my orders were in my hands within 3 days.
I'd stay away from Dell, only because of the delivery issues. There are many success stories, but quite a few long waits as well. If you've got a trip planned, don't risk it.
I agree with Neil on the lens, BTW. Good glass will really make that baby perform. You might want to pick up the $70 Canon 50mm f/1.8 as well, it's cheaply built but performs way beyond it's price, and gives you a fast prime for low-light work.
I am also looking at this camera. I have found the silver body for $439 here, //www.usaphotonation.com/products.asp?product_id=11857, which I think is amazing. Too good to be true? I'm not sure. I already have a few lenses for my (film) Rebel so only need the body.
I am also looking at this camera. I have found the silver body for $439 here, //www.usaphotonation.com/products.asp?product_id=11857, which I think is amazing. Too good to be true? I'm not sure. I already have a few lenses for my (film) Rebel so only need the body.
I bought a digital rebel about 2 days after it came out for 800 bucks... at my local store here in raleigh. They had a special going for that day only.. i got really lucky. This is a very great camera especially if it is your first DSLR. If you look to do a lot of nature photography... I would reccommend getting a bettter lens at some point... the stock lens is ok.. but just doesnt provide very much zoom. So if you are looking to photograph animals in the wild... a longer lens is almost required.
i took the chance and I got my rebel xt from ebay got an awesome deal too. The camera two lens, extra battery, filters, a mini tripod and a regular tripod and a 1gb card plus a bag.
I have read a few things about people having to wait a while for their Dell order. I have a trip planned June 11 - July 3, and would prefer to have the camera before then. What has been your experience with Dell as to this?
Thanks for the input on the lens, I'll definitly look into that.
I've bought a lot of stuff from Dell; I've never had a problem, UNTIL this time. I documented it in a thread, but thanks to the absense of a usable search function here, and the fact that you can't see more than 10 or so of your recent posts unless you "Watch" them, I can't find it. (Yes, the google search fails to find it, or I can't see it in the plethora of results!)
If you are in a hurry, don't go Dell. I wasn't. They have the best price, but their process can be a pain once they are back ordered.
I'm looking at making the jump to dSLR also. I have tested the Canon kit lens. It is absolute junk, IMO. No way would I buy it. I've heard good things about the sigma, and I'm considering that as my basic lens.
oh yeah, you'll see my "case" description on reseller ratings, as I gave them a rating this time... BADDDD.
But in all fairness, I've ordered a lot of stuff from them over the years, including several digital cameras and a couple of SLR lenses at prices that could not be beat. And this is my first problem. (But I felt it was a doozy.)
I am also looking at this camera. I have found the silver body for $439 here, //www.usaphotonation.com/products.asp?product_id=11857, which I think is amazing. Too good to be true? I'm not sure. I already have a few lenses for my (film) Rebel so only need the body.
Too good to be true? It probably is.
Check out Reseller Ratings. They're rated below 1 on a scale of 10.
If you plan on doing a lot of landscape photography, you may want to consider getting the body only and getting a more serious lens for landscape. I'd recommend you consider getting the Tamron 17-35 f2.8-4 XR Di or the Canon 17-40 f4L. They should both perform noticibly better than the kit lens for your needs. Also I'd recommend a tripod as well.
Ok I've changed my list a bit. Now I've got the XT body only, a Sigma 18-125mm f/3.5-5.6 lens, and a Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens, and am comparing filters and tripods.
It looks like my budget is running out pretty quick, so whats a good brand for a polarizing filter, and for a tripod. Does getting the Sigma lens fix the problem of the front rotating while focusing, thus making the polarizing filter hard to use?
Also can someone recommend a cheap but good case that will protect it well?
