Cannon Rebel 300d (or DS6041)-yes its as old as undergravel filters..

[ReefPharmer]

Hey guys, I picked up a cannon rebel ds6041 (similar to 300d model). I got it along w two lenses, several batteries etc for 125$ from my boss to fool around with "dslr" a few months ago.

The lenses I got with it are cannon EFS 18-55mm lens (original I am assuming)
and a Tamron 28-200 1:3.8 - 5.6 IF lens.

My question is this. As it happens, I received a coolpix p520 nikon camera for a gift now so I can either sell the old canon and return the nikon and go with something like a rebel t3i or keep these and just upgrade the lenses on the old cannon.

I am a very new "photographer" (picture clicker is more like it), so I am looking for some guidance here. I would consider adding 100-200$ on top of the coolpix/old cannon for a starting kit of a newer camera.

Thanks!

 

[noy]

If you don't plan on delving deeper in to this hobby (photographing your tank) then stick with the Coolpix - its an excellent bridge camera.

If you think you want to get into this as a hobby (and if you need inspiration - look at some of the tanks in here) - its a no brainer - get a T3i (if you like canon or a similar model Nikon). I'm not familiar with your model of canon - but the body doesn't matter that much in taking a great picture its more lens and experience in understanding exposure/focal lengths etc...

 

[ReefPharmer]

Thank you for the reply. I do plan on taking pictures of the tank and realize I may need a macro lens . The question is can I use the body for the dslr I already have or it's too old (it's around 10-11 years old model I would guess) and I should buy a new camera

 

[noy]

your camera (per Wikipedia) can take both EF and EF-S mounts so you are good in terms of compatibility with newer lenses.

as for whether you should upgrade. I would get an extension tube (for macros shots with your tamron) and start shooting. See if you are happy with the quality. You may want to hang on for some time before upgrading.

Keep in mind the T3i probably isn't that huge of an upgrade (higher ISO speeds, better metering, higher res, prob a few more features) - you may want to skip that and go to a 6D (full frame).