Just getting started Cannon XS?

[Kayzle]

Hey guys my name is kyle, this is my first post here.

I'm a student at Tamu dallas for art direction, basically I make those ads in magazines that might make you chuckle to yourself every once in a while.

I've got a god awful point and shoot at the moment and have been living off of that for any shots I need for class and have recently been lucky enough to get a new camera.

I've been asking friends and shopping around and almost EVERYONE has suggested a cannon rebel, (I've found a decent price on a canon XS) I wanted to see if you guys had any input on this.

NOW before you jump into saying there are WAY better cameras, understand that I pretty much have to stay in the 500-600$ price range, and this camera isn't a necessity, once I graduate I won't be taking my own shots, this camera is solely for me to just get better shots for school and take my portfolio work to the next level, I'm by no means a photographer nor do I really need to be.

Thanks for your time guys, I'm hoping you can give me insight before I drop a lot of cash

[Tom]

Depends what you will use it for. The lens is much more important than the camera.

If you want to go Canon and you want to keep it under $600, buy a Canon 20D used for ~300 and then get a Tamron 28-75mm 2.8 lens used for about 275ish. If you can swing it, get a 50mm 1.8 lens for about 70.

[toverman]

Welcome to the forum, Kyle!

Nothing wrong with the digital Rebels. The newer ones are smaller than standard cameras, but that can be a benefit. If you really want your shots to stand out, the lens you pick will make the most difference. If live view (being able to compose the image on the LCD screen rather than looking through the viewfinder) is not important to you, you might look for a used, older Rebel model (XT, XTi) and put a little more money into the lens. Depending on what you shoot, the 18-55 cheapie lens might do fine, or you might want to try a 50 f/1.8 (less than $100 new). Lots of options.

[Kayzle]

Honestly I'll be shooting all kinds of things, just depends on the ad campaign and product, I've found a rebel xs for 500, I plan on getting a nice lens eventually but wont be able to afford that until quite a bit after I buy the camera what is a good all around lens that isn't to expensive that I can plan to save for ?

[Tom]

I really would look at getting an older, cheaper camera with a better lens. That Tamron 28-75mm 2.8 is a great all around lens.

Getting a crappy lens on any body will not help you, and you are going to want a large aperture of 2.8, 2.0, 1.8 or 1.4 for your product photography.

I would not recommend getting the XS for your entire budget and using a craptastic kit lens with it.

[Jake]

I agree with Thomas about getting an older, cheaper camera with a better lens.
You can find some great deals on the 20d.

Although I'm not sure you would need large aperture(f/1.8 or f1.4) for product photography. A tripod and controlled lighting (via flash or hot lights) can go a long way.

The Tamron that Thomas mention is a great lens for the money. It smokes the 18-55 kit lens.

[Roy]

Originally Posted by thejakestir

I agree with Thomas about getting an older, cheaper camera with a better lens.
You can find some great deals on the 20d.

Although I'm not sure you would need large aperture(f/1.8 or f1.4) for product photography. A tripod and controlled lighting (via flash or hot lights) can go a long way.

The Tamron that Thomas mention is a great lens for the money. It smokes the 18-55 kit lens.

I third it.

[ggeen]

Nothing wrong with a Canon. I put several of my friends behind the wheel of a Canon -- and I shoot Nikon. One got a 400D and the other an XSi. Like was mentioned before, the lenses make the difference. When you graduate, you can always use the camera for pictures of the family. :)

[toverman]

Despite advances in resolution and bells and whistles in the XS, I have to agree (am I fourthing or fifthing?) that the 20D would give you more bang for the money. Mine is not for sale!

[Kayzle]

Anyone have any suggestions other than ebay and craigslist to find the 20d?

[toverman]

Look in the buy and sell area on this forum. I haven't seen any lately, but they pop up now and then. It's hard to let them go, as the 20D really hit a sweet spot.

Craigslist isn't bad for finding gear as long as the seller knows what he/she is talking about and hasn't done water torture on it.

[Kayzle]

Thanks so much, I'll keep an eye out

[Tom]

It's hard to let them go, as the 20D really hit a sweet spot.

I agree. I think the 20D is one of the few cameras from either major manufacturer that was absolutely a homerun. It still holds up very well today.

[herenaustin]

I have an XS that I recently bought and am very satisfied with it. I would call myself an enthusiastic hobbyist - I am not out to make a living with it but want to be able to have lots of flexibility.

The lens is the differentiator - as everyone has mentioned. I recently upgraded my lens after having the camera less than a week...

Be VERY careful of the deals you see on-line that seem too good to be true - they are. Many of them are grey-market and do not come with US warranties OR the company uses very aggressive bait & switch tactics to try to get you to spend more.

Good luck!

[cooltouch]

I own a Canon XS. Got it with the 18-55 IS lens for Christmas a few months ago. People that tell you the 18-55 IS is a crap lens simply don't know what they're talking about. The IS version was redesigned, and is a much better optic than its predecessor. As a kit lens, it is not pro-quality and built like a tank, but for what it is, it does a very nice job. As for the XS, I've been a film shooter for over 25 years and a casual digital shooter until recently, and the XS will do just about everything I need it to do. It will certainly be an adequate tool until I feel the need to replace it with something better.

I would not hesitate recommending this camera/lens combo to anyone. If you feel the need for a longer optic in addition to the 18-55, I'd recommend either the 55-250 or the 70-300 (not the 75-300).

Canon XS w/18-55 IS:





Just about all your regular retailers, from Best Buy to Target, are selling the XS with 18-55 kit for $599. You might be able to pick it up for a bit less from an outfit lik B&H.

Best,

Michael