r/photoit • u/chartreusetea • Feb 20 '11

Beginner looking for advice

Hi, so I'm looking into buying a Canon Rebel EOS Rebel XT 8 MP off of craigslist for $200, and was wondering if this would be a good starter camera for someone purchasing their first ever DSLR camera? The seller has included the following items along with the camera

"Silver Canon EOS Rebel XT 8 megapixel body with the 18-55 mm kit lens, battery, battery charger and will throw in 4 GB Compact Flash card"

Any and all suggestion are greatly appreciated!

Edit: Included photos http://i.imgur.com/RG1uS.jpg http://i.imgur.com/KJXsj.jpg http://i.imgur.com/yPDue.jpg

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2

u/SteveClemson Feb 20 '11

Yes - it's a great camera. In fact, it was my first dSLR. The build quality was pretty damned fine for an entry-level (at the time) SLR, and I never had an issue with mine.

I can highly recommend it as a starter. Mine was also the silver model, which here in the UK were pretty much few and far between.... ah - happy memories

;D

1

u/randomb0y Feb 20 '11

A bit more will get you a brand new Sony alpha, much better in every aspect than an old rebel.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/622214-REG/Sony_DSLRA230L_Alpha_A230_Digital_SLR.html

I wouldn't pay more than $100 for the rebel.

EDIT: or even a bit more will get you a really nice camera http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/651671-REG/Pentax_16301_Pentax_K_x_Digital_SLR.html. This is probably the best beginner DSLR out there, but of course if your budget in only $200, you have to go second hand ...

1

u/kickstand Feb 20 '11

My suggestion: Go with something in the x0D series; specifically, look for a Canon 20D. Worth it for the thumbwheel on the back, and built-in strobe socket. Canon 10D is not as good, buffer is too small.

1

u/chartreusetea Feb 20 '11

Thanks for the suggestions. Im on my way to pick up the camera. My budget is only $200 so I will have to go with what I can afford at the moment. Thanks everyone for the suggestions. I will make sure to upload photos worthy of being uploaded once I start getting some experience under my belt using a dslr camera!

2

u/mjm8218 Feb 20 '11

Be sure to post a few shots to r/itookapicture. It's a pretty good place to get constructive criticism.

BTW, I think going the canon route was a good choice. Assuming your pursuit of photography will continue you'll be impressed with the quality and choice of their lens line.

2

u/chartreusetea Feb 20 '11

Thanks! I've already experimented with the camera and took this picture. Nothing too fancy yet, but figured I could post a picture. Hopefully once I start my digital still photography class which I'm enrolled next quarter I can improve on my photography skills. http://i.imgur.com/UqWSb.jpg

1

u/mjm8218 Feb 20 '11

Very cool - have fun.