Canon Rebel XT/XTi help please!! Preferablly from someone who knows what they're doing?

[BrittanyK9172]

Well I have been into photography for a while now but have waited to get a dslr camera because i was 1. afraid i'd break it easily (I've gone through 5 cameras in the past few years) and 2. I wasn't that serious about it. But now that my dad says he'll buy me a canon XT or XTi, I really want to take up the offer and get one... I'm only 16 and like I said, seriously want to get into photography. Can someone tell me the pros and cons, differences and what they reccomend about the XT & XTi? And I don't want to start out with film, or get a different type of camera. It seems as if each time I ask a question like this, someone tells me to do something else and doesn't answer my question I'm planning on buying a UV lens, a memory card plus getting the kit for whatever camera I choose. Eventually I am going to save up for a speedflash light, remote, tripod, more lenses etc.. Besides the memory and uv lens, can you please reccomend some other things that I may want to get as well when I buy my camera? And remeber, I am a amatuer who has 0.1% experience and I'm only 16. Thanks :3

[michael_usaysgoodbye]

Here's some things to consider...XTi = 10mp, XT = 8mp. The bigger the number the more potential for enlargement and the more detail you'll get.You need a UV 'filter' and a lens - the lens is going to be a key choice as a really good zoom is going to hit your pocket hard and as a beginner you'll find a zoom handy.Prime (fixed focal length) lenses are generally very good quality for the price (low numbers like f1.8 = a wide aperture, the quality indicator)... f5.6 = poorer quality (this figure is known as the 'maximum aperture'). Don't forget you need a UV filter for each of them, maybe other filters too (a hidden extra).I'd suggest 2 memory cards and I'd go for big fast ones (especially for photography). I'd also consider a spare battery for your camera... this covers you for important occasions.A really nice zoom lens is the 17-55mm (f2.8) - but it's an expensive lens. The main benefit you'll get out of a wide aperture is being able to shoot hand held in low light, which is often when it's most interesting. If you go for prime lenses instead, I'd consider a wide (17mm or so), a standard lens (about 30mm) and a moderate telephoto (about 50mm). If you fancy close up photography you will need a 'macro lens'.I'd consider the basic camera kit first and then consider your post production... it's called a workflow and it all needs to hang together or you could butcher your images after they are taken... Photoshop CS3 is probably not going to be recommended by most people as it's very expensive(!), BUT you will also get Bridge and Camera Raw for free. This is useful for 3 reasons - you can do 'non-destructive' editing on your images, it's very easy to edit images using Camera Raw, and you can copy the settings from image to image... which is going to save you a LOT of time in post production and I reckon that should help your image quality - you should get a student discount. To this I would add a 'monitor calibrator', so you can trust the colour you see on your monitor while editing.Other kit recommendations would depend on what you're shooting. If it includes portraits I'd consider a reflector.You also need a bag, cleaning kit, and I would consider a Polarizing filter, some ND (neutral density) filters, a bean bag and a grey card. Again the more lenses you have the more filters you'll need, unless you go for a square filter holding 'system'.It's quite a list of things to consider but by the time you've got this little lot you'll be well set up. Personally speaking I would put a flash low on your priorities list (you have a little one built in to the camera) - a tripod would be next in line (after the above!).Hope that helps, food for thought eh? Going second hand may be worth considering if you want to get the most for your money... it's very much a personal choice.Good luck.EDITftfisher is right - mostly - I phrased it badly but a wide aperture IS usually a key quality indicator, manufacturers DO tend to put their best efforts into lenses with the widest apertures however... hence the price mark-up. As ftf says the glass is most important - I stand corrected on that, nevertheless I think you'll find the two are usually related.

[kaos4792005]

Well, as much as I would like to talk you out of getting the Xt or the XTi, I'll see what the guy above me forgot.As far as prime lenses go, you will want to pick up a 50mm f/1.8, mostly if you will be doing portraits. (It's fantastic)thats all the time I have, sorry!

[DavidM5326]

I would go with the XTi. The XT is a much older model and the technology has improved. As for what the previous answerer said I agree that eventually you will need everything he mentioned and more. I wouldn't worry to much about getting everything now. Get the kit lens and practice. Learn how to use everything on the camera. Figure out what it is you like to shoot then you will know better what you need.For starters you will need a UV filter for the kit lens, a couple CF cards and maybe a spare battery. As far as editing goes Photoshop CS3 is the best and if you can afford it that would be great but seeing as it cost about as much as your camera I would recommend you start out with Photoshop Elements 6. It can do most of what CS3 can do and only costs $100.00. CS3 is designed for professionals and advanced amateurs and will probably be overkill for you.Once you have figured everything out you can start buying additional lenses and equipment that will fit your style and interests.

[ftfisher4x47386]

I totally disagree with Michael U. The maximum aperture is not an indicator of quality in a lens. As a matter of fact, it has nothing to do with quality. The lenses with the lower aperture numbers can allow more light into the lens. The lower the f/number, the larger the opening (its a ratio). This is very important when shooting in low light conditions because it allows you to use a higher shutter speed which helps to prevent blur because of camera movement.The biggest indicator of quality in a lens is the quality of the glass itself and the construction. Either the XT or the XTi will be a nice camera for you, but I would prefer the XT. The difference between 8 and 10MP is not as great as many would have you believe. As far as enlargements go, I've seen beautiful 11X14's from a 6MP camera. Buying the XT will save you some money that can be used to fund better lenses or other accessories. Don't get caught up in megapixel mania.Another tidbit about the XT .vs. XTi. I have had both and sold my XTi because I liked the results from the XT better. With identical lighting conditions and the exact same lens, I liked the images from the XT better. Also, some of the money you save choosing the XT over the XTi could also help you start your library. There are many good books on composition and a variety of topics that you will find very useful.Also, get UV filters for each lens. A circular polarizer for lens with the widest angle probably wouldn't be a bad idea, either. Don't get caught up in buying a lot of other filters until you see where your interests really lie. Then you can buy filters to match that interest. Build your kit slowly and according to your interests. You'll save a lot of money in the long run.

[Princess8851]

Go ahead and get the XTi ) It's a great entry-level DSLR and the price has dropped a lot recently... in fact, most of the students at the Art Institute use this camera.Good idea getting the kit. I think that's the best way to start. Get to know your camera first, then worry about getting other accessories.Too many amateurs spend a lot of money on expensive equipment that ends up sitting in their closet because they don't know how to use it. Don't join the club!

[legalbgl]

ask your dad to check out the Sony A200 or A 350 before buying the Canon. the Cannon is a great camera, but the Sony offers in camera Anti-shake. So you can hand hold pictures for 2-3 fstops down without camera shake. ITs what the ultra expensive Canon lenses have caller immage stabilization. That means, even your cheapest lenses can be become IS lenses. A very useful tool.As for the XT/XTI, other than above, nothing bad can be said about the cameras. My buddy has one and loves it. Its a great beginer cameras (like the A200 and A350). Eventually, you will want to get a better body, but its a good start.Also, its a UV FILTER, not a UV Lens, and it should be on every piece of glass you own, no mater what camera, because if you scratch the lens, you are out lots of cash, if you scratch the filter, your out 20-40 bucks tops. Also, look to get a polarizer filter, you will be amazed at what one does for your pictures. Also, cheap, new hoya pro PL filters are 80 bucks (cheaper on ebay)