Oppo Question!

"Bandit" (2bandit)
09/30/2013 at 18:39 • Filed to: None

I am looking to get more serious with my photography. I want to upgrade from a relatively nice point-and-shoot to a DSLR. Now, given my really low budget (I have to pay for the T/A some how) of approx. $300, what can/should I get. The XSi looks like a pretty decent deal, but I have no clue what to look for in these types of cameras.

DISCUSSION (30)

Gamecat235 > Bandit
09/30/2013 at 18:45

The XS is nice, however, if you can find an XSi, I heartily recommend them. 12.1 MP, fastest on to shoot cycle of a camera I have ever seen (seriously, it's like .5 seconds from power on to ready to shoot).

You'll likely have to deal with the kit lens (18-55mm) for the price you're dealing with, but it's actually a good lens. I've seen world class pictures taken with it (it's the guy behind the camera, not the camera, the camera is just the tool).

ETA, I have a 40D and a T3i, and I still carry my XSi around sometimes as my backup body behind whichever I'm using as primary (40D for full light situations / T3i for lower light).

Anima > Bandit
09/30/2013 at 18:46

WAY too expensive IMO. Over here the next gen of that camera goes for around €300,- new. CP cause No information on the amount of pictures taken with it and way overpriced.

Wait for a bit and buy an new Nikon D3200/Canon 1100d(or rebel T3 where you are from)

Bandit > Gamecat235
09/30/2013 at 18:46

Thanks for the input!

dogisbadob > Bandit
09/30/2013 at 18:46

My 5-yo XTI is awesome

Just get one and start shooting :)

Gamecat235 > Bandit
09/30/2013 at 18:49

NP. The other option is to wait for Canon to do their nearly quarterly 20% off of refurbs, The T3i was a refurb that I purchased from Canon and it was a bit under $400, and they have T3's with the kit lens which when 20% and free shipping occur are under $300.

http://shop.usa.canon.com/shop/en/catalo…

Benzed92 > Gamecat235
09/30/2013 at 18:49

I had no idea the XSi was so cheap, but the EOS/Rebel line is definitely the way to go. I've had a T3i for a few years an love it, the EF-S 18-55mm is also a very good lens, and if you want a second lens, go with a Canon EF 40mm f/2.8 STM, you won't regret it!

ttyymmnn > Bandit
09/30/2013 at 18:49

You could get exactly the same kit for $270 from B&H, and I would trust it more.

There are various deals at B&H for that body and kit lens. I think, though, that you will be disappointed with that lens. For that focal length, it's fairly slow. They're a bit more expensive, but you can get an f/2.8 lens in that same zoom range that will be much better.

Gamecat235 > Benzed92
09/30/2013 at 18:51

They've come down in price with the T3i being so prevalent.

I live with the 50mm f/1.4 on my camera. (unless I'm shooting longer in which case I havea 70-200mm IS f/4L)

Bird > Bandit
09/30/2013 at 18:53

I understand your budget, and if you're dead set on it, that's not a bad camera, but pretty low on the tech scale, and the price isn't that great considering what you're getting.

I'd save up and go t4i refurbished, or used. The T4i, though almost double what you want to spend in refurbished form, is way more than twice the camera. It also gives you the ability to do great video. I think that and the higher specs, means you'd get more use out of it for your money, and you wouldn't feel the need to upgrade as soon.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/9542…

B&H also has a used XS for sale:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/8009…

Gamecat235 > ttyymmnn
09/30/2013 at 18:55

I disagree. Sort of. The kit lens is awesome when used well. Heck, ask VS about his 28-80. It's just a tool.

http://digital-photography-school.com/why-your-kit-l…

http://www.flickr.com/groups/3519773…

Benzed92 > Gamecat235
09/30/2013 at 18:57

That prime lens is so nice, still 2x the price of the 2.8, but if you need super quick glass that's the way to go. And even the T3i has come way down, I paid $810 for the kit, a bag, and SD card in Nov '11, it's down to $579 now for the kit

ttyymmnn > Gamecat235
09/30/2013 at 18:58

I knew there would be disagreements. Just my .02. Asking for photography advice is always perilous!

Gamecat235 > Benzed92
09/30/2013 at 19:01

Focuses faster than the f/1.8, has significantly better bokeh. Actually that was my whole list. I ended up giving my 50mm f/1.8 away after I got the 1.4.

I use the glass for speed. And it's wonderful having f/1.4 in my arsenal. (got the T3i refurb with the kit lens for less than $400 and picked up the 50mm 1.4 for less than $300 when it was on sale - also a refurb).

iforgotmyburnerkeyonce > Bandit
09/30/2013 at 19:02

Whatever you decide to go with, make sure that it hasn't got the shutter motor about to give out. (Don't ask me how to check, I've got no idea)

Personally, I just did some research for parents and grandparents on entry, cheap DSLRs. If I remember what conclusion I came to I'll let you know

Gamecat235 > ttyymmnn
09/30/2013 at 19:02

I almost never use my kit lens, but the success my father had with his kept me from giving mine away. Of course, now he has the 17-55 f/2.8 IS EF-S lens.... And I am super jelly. But, the 18-55 has some great qualities.

Benzed92 > Gamecat235
09/30/2013 at 19:03

That's a great deal, I will have to look into that f/1.4, my kit lens is not quite fast enough for a lot of situations..

Gamecat235 > iforgotmyburnerkeyonce
09/30/2013 at 19:04

Number of shutter actuations is the best indicator. if I recall the XSi is the first to have a way to check that doesn't involve a Canon Tech Center.

though I had to replace my trigger on my XSi after 80k actuations.

Supreme Kiwi Zorro > Gamecat235
09/30/2013 at 19:11

Goodness me, I never knew you're a photographer.

Gamecat235 > Supreme Kiwi Zorro
09/30/2013 at 19:13

A sampling of what I shoot . I shoot for fun. I took some classes long ago, and I am up to date in my gear speak, but I'm just a hobbyist who loves cameras.

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Icemanmaybeirunoutofthetalents > Bandit
09/30/2013 at 19:17

Look at b&h and adorama used listings. They usually check their gear before putting them up. Plus their returns policy is decent. XSi is a dated but good model. If you can swing any of the T series cameras go for it.

Victorious Secret > Gamecat235
09/30/2013 at 19:39

My 28-80 has no right to be producing what it produces but hey, it works.

Kinja'd!!!

Just might be the best 70 I've spent on a glass. AF is slightly useless, manual or bust most days, hell I've pondered just getting a 28-105 if not a cheap 24-105L but so long as I can extract stuff like this, it gets to live.

davedave1111 > Bandit
09/30/2013 at 19:45

You'll have to shop around for specifics, but have a look at interchangeable lens compacts as well - most have full manual modes that are as good as an SLR for most purposes. They may provide what you're looking for at a better price, or in a smaller, more portable package. Then again, they may not. Worth a look, though.

Gamecat235 > Victorious Secret
09/30/2013 at 19:59

That's how I feel about my 28-105. It's solid, got it off craigslist for $75. Absolutely love it.

lighttech > Bandit
09/30/2013 at 20:48

im not a digital camera guy but a guy who finds deals

keep an eye on the deal page right here on gizmodo about this time each year as they always have a camera list at a crazy price linked for x-mas or there abouts

last years deal was a cannon 12 mp with 55mm lens and a 70-200mm lens plus bag and memory card for 280$ or so —now thats crazy— if memory servers it was on a amazon deal that you had to use a coupon on —only good for a few days !!

be patient it will show soon

Supreme Kiwi Zorro > Gamecat235
09/30/2013 at 21:04

There's a Photography Kinja forum now? Wicked! I don't think I'm qualified to join because all of my husband and my photos are shot on 35mm and 120 film. Our photos are developed and printed in our darkroom then framed on walls in the house. If you had to know, we take photos of our baked dishes, Gaea herself (Mother Nature), and astronomy (star trails) with colour and B&W film. None of our photos went digital. Feel free to call us hipsters. :P

NoahthePorscheGuy > Bandit
09/30/2013 at 21:07

I was about to say, if your going to be just doing track days for fun/facebook/instagram posting etc, the Cannon Rebel is more than adequate. I've been using a Rebel Mk1 for the past 5 years and my photos look fine. Unless your making bigass posters, most people will be hardpressed to see the difference.

ttyymmnn > Bandit
10/08/2013 at 09:26

Still looking for a DSLR? This was featured on Lifehacker today (10/8).

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Bandit > ttyymmnn
10/08/2013 at 18:52

Wow, now that's a deal

ttyymmnn > Bandit
10/08/2013 at 18:54

The only caveat I would have is that the seller is basically unknown, at least to me. I would almost be more likely to spend a similar amount on the same used kit from B&H, only because they are the biggest, most reputable pro shop in the country, and would support the sale.

ttyymmnn > Bandit
10/08/2013 at 19:00

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/search?atclk…

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/8009…

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/8276…