More DSLR Newbie Help

[debincalif]

I'm getting closer to purchasing my first DSLR... but have more questions and could really use some advice. I've ruled out Nikon in favor of Canon, but I'm still on the fence on some things.

First of all, I've never worked with a DSLR. In my "real" photography days, I used a Canon AE-1... and it's been 20+ years since I've done much in the hobby. So this is all pretty much new to me!

I have a friend who has a XTi that he will sell me for $400. He has an extra battery, memory card, case, original paperwork, etc. And I know he's taken great care of it, and it's been used very little. But $400 still seems high to me for that camera. So I'm not 100% I want to go that route.

My next dilemma is whether to just make the investment and buy a new camera. If I do that, I'm looking at a 60D vs T4i vs 7D... although not sure if the 7D is worth so much extra money. Any and all advice here is welcome!

I'm not going to jump into a macro lens yet... just want to get my feet wet back into the hobby first. I am looking at an all around zoom lens. Is the Canon EF-S 17mm - 85mm f/4.0-5.6 IS USM Zoom Lens a good choice?

Next question is do I need a tripod? And if so, what's the difference between a tripod and monopod? I see some tripods that have the capability to be used as a monopod. Is that a good thing?

And last question for now... do I need an external flash? What are the pros and cons, and how is that different from using the built in flash?

 

[jroovers]

I'm getting closer to purchasing my first DSLR... but have more questions and could really use some advice. I've ruled out Nikon in favor of Canon, but I'm still on the fence on some things.

First of all, I've never worked with a DSLR. In my "real" photography days, I used a Canon AE-1... and it's been 20+ years since I've done much in the hobby. So this is all pretty much new to me!

I have a friend who has a XTi that he will sell me for $400. He has an extra battery, memory card, case, original paperwork, etc. And I know he's taken great care of it, and it's been used very little. But $400 still seems high to me for that camera. So I'm not 100% I want to go that route.

It's only worth what you are willing to pay for it! I've bought most of my gear, body and lenses, second hand - IMO a good way to go. Local classifieds and other online forum classifieds (e.g. the POTN Canon forum classifieds) are a good way to go too.

My next dilemma is whether to just make the investment and buy a new camera. If I do that, I'm looking at a 60D vs T4i vs 7D... although not sure if the 7D is worth so much extra money. Any and all advice here is welcome!

I used a Canon Rebel XS for about a year then sold it and upgraded to a 7D. I've posted some of my recent aquarium photos in a thread in this forum if you want to take a look. The 7D is an excellent all around camera, but it excels with fast moving things such as bird photography and sports. I got it because I like shooting birds. You may want to get familiar with a less expensive body first, then decide what types of photography you enjoy most, and upgrade your body accordintly. There are lots of things to consider, mostly deciding whether or not you want a full frame sensor body or crop (the 7D is a crop), or eventually both! The nice thing is that you can always sell and upgrade when starting out with a less expensive body.

I'm not going to jump into a macro lens yet... just want to get my feet wet back into the hobby first. I am looking at an all around zoom lens. Is the Canon EF-S 17mm - 85mm f/4.0-5.6 IS USM Zoom Lens a good choice?

Well I have not used that lens specifically (I have a 18-135 3.5-5.6), that focal length range will be a good overall lens. You can't really go wrong with the Canon lenses - especially with the IS, which helps eliminate shake.

Next question is do I need a tripod? And if so, what's the difference between a tripod and monopod? I see some tripods that have the capability to be used as a monopod. Is that a good thing?

Do you need a tripod? No. Is it helpful in certain situations? Yes. If you are shooting your tank at lower shutter speeds, a tripod helps. With aquarium lighting, there will be times when you want to shoot under lower light, and a tripod will indeed be helpful. A monopod is helpful to shoot in certain situations as well - you just have to hold onto it for balance while shooting, unlike a tripod where you can set the timer and leave it to shoot on its own without creating shake from your hands. As for mono/tri combos, I have a separate tri and mono that I use for different applications.

And last question for now... do I need an external flash? What are the pros and cons, and how is that different from using the built in flash?

A built in flash will provide you with the opportunity to shoot photos in low light (you won't use it for your aquarium). An external flash will allow you better lighting and the ability to bounce light off of the ceiling, walls, etc. creating softer lighting, better fill lighting, without shooting light directly at your subject (I'm assuming you'll use a flash for portrait type photography). While not necessary, there are situations where it certainly helps. I find using a portrait lens with a low aperature provides the opportunity to shoot in low light without using a flash and still get sharp images.

HTH! :thumbsup:

 

[debincalif]

Thank you - that did help.

I'm still on the fence though. Pretty sure I don't want to spend the extra money on the 7D (at least not at this point)... so deciding between the 60D and T4i.

 

[debincalif]

Well, I just put my order in for a new 60D. I got the body only, now going to order a lens or two and a tripod. I think that's it for now. Looking forward to being able to get out there and shoot away!

 

[jroovers]

You won't be dissapointed! You decide on a lens?

 

[debincalif]

No, haven't decided 100% on a lens yet. Still looking at the EF-S 17mm - 85mm f/4.0-5.6 IS USM and I'll probably go with that one, but also want one that will be a good "generic" all around lens. Suggestions welcome!

jroovers, what's the POTN Canon forum classifieds you mentioned?

 

[jroovers]

No, haven't decided 100% on a lens yet. Still looking at the EF-S 17mm - 85mm f/4.0-5.6 IS USM and I'll probably go with that one, but also want one that will be a good "generic" all around lens. Suggestions welcome!

jroovers, what's the POTN Canon forum classifieds you mentioned?

Photography On The Net is the Canon user's forum, probably one of the most popular photography forums out there (much like RC for reefing). They have buy/sell classifieds, seems like a good spot to pick up used gear especially if you are in the US. If you are in Canada like me, there are less sellers locally and many who do not want to ship over the border. You need a min # of posts though first before you can post (I believe you can still view for sale ads and then PM the seller).

In terms of a good all around lens, in addition to the one you mentioned, consider a Canon 50mm lens (there is a 1.4, 1.6, and 1.8 I believe, in order of decreasing price), it is a good all around lens and will be a nice intro to Primes. I have a Sigma 30mm 1.4 which I love and use frequently for all applications - aquarium, portraits, landscapes, and just walking around.

 

[IslandCrow]

Good choice not getting that XTi. I think that's a bit expensive. They sell for under $300 at B&H (they have a really good used equipment section by the way), and that's with a lens (albeit a kit lens). As for lenses, I'm not familiar with that one specifically. I definitely wouldn't be so bold as to say that all Canon lenses are good. They have a wide customer base with varying needs, so they sell some absolutely fantastic lenses (with a matching price tag usually) and some not so good lenses. The Digital Picture website (http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/) does some great reviews on not only Canon equipment, but third party vendors like Sigma and Tamron who many times offer comprable lenses at lower prices than Canon.

Anyway, I think you'll definitely be happy with the 60D. I have a 40D as a second camera body, and I still use it quite a bit (it's actually my primary body for sports). I think that body style also has a lot to offer over the Rebel series (like the T4i). There's just a lot more functionality at your fingertips allowing you to quickly change settings.