Introductory advice... selecting and other questions

[Photoform]

I want to preface this by saying I am buying my first digital camera for hobbyist reasons - I want better pictures of the places I travel to and places that I visit. (So far I have always used digital snapshots cameras such as Nikon Coolpix and a Canon prior to that.) I'm going to be buying this camera for my girlfriend, but she's pretty much inline with me as to what we want and experience in the area. If you could help me make a decision and share your expertise, I would be most grateful!

Anyway, our friend used a Canon EOS XSi (I believe, maybe Xs) and she took very nice pictures and I was generally impressed and after some time I want to get one as well now.

So I have a few questions. I am looking to purchase the Canon T1i because it has video, although from what I've read it really isn't worth the ~$200 price increase over the Rebel XSi when it comes to picture quality. Does this sound accurate?

Also, I plan to keep this camera for years, probably 5+ since I am only using this as a hobby and don't need the latest, greatest technology (I just want very nice pictures). Is it reasonable that it should last this long?

Also, I have seen the T1i in packages (online) with a lens that prices around 750-850 USD depending on the extras. I know my friend with her Rebel has a nice telephoto lens (I believe she said it cost her around $200-300). However, what can I expect just from the "base" lens that all these packages seem to come with?

Is it HIGHLY recommended to buy an extra battery? I would think these batteries would last a while for obvious reasons, but I'd rather not be on a trip with a dead battery, thus effectively no camera.

What should I expect to pay for a tripod and what should I look for? In one newegg package I saw the t1i came with a tripod although it's tough to judge how nice a tripod is from merely pictures.

What's the general consensus when buying a digital camera online as far as returns, reputable companies, and warranty concerns? The last thing I would want is to get a bad camera and be screwed over for more money by dealing with returns or a flat-out bad purchase.

Thank you so much for reading!

[acedrew]

Battery usage varies depending on what type of shooting you're doing. If you plan to use the live view (like a point and shoot, with the image previewed live on the rear screen) you'll probably want to pick up an extra battery, running a sensor that's many times larger than your P&S live takes a lot more juice. Where you could expect ~300 shots from a compact camera using the LCD, you'll probably only get ~200 or less using a DSLR in live mode. Same goes for the built in flash, if you plan on using it. Tripods are one of those things you definitely get what you pay for. Spend $100+ for a decent one.
Check your local wholesale mart (Sam's, Costco, etc...) they typically have great prices, and are joy to deal with if you need to make a return.

Andrew Rodgers
Perfected Perspectives -- Photography by Andrew Rodgers | Andrew Rodgers (acedrew) on Twitter | http://fb.perfectedperspectives.com

[inkista]

Originally Posted by Photoform

Anyway, our friend used a Canon EOS XSi (I believe, maybe Xs) and she took very nice pictures and I was generally impressed and after some time I want to get one as well now.

Ok, fallacy #1: having the same camera means you'll get pictures just as good. Remember that the lens and more importantly the photographer will also have a lot to do with how good the picture is. A really good photographer could probably take better pics with a P&S than you could with a dSLR, starting out. That's not to say they'd want to. But quality isn't the sole reason to move to an SLR: versatility is (imho) higher on the list.

I am looking to purchase the Canon T1i because it has video, although from what I've read it really isn't worth the ~$200 price increase over the Rebel XSi when it comes to picture quality. Does this sound accurate?

Not in my book. Having video and isos above 1600 to me makes the $200 price increase worth it. Yes, the image quality will be roughly equivalent, but the gains in usability are more than $200 worth, to me.

Also, I plan to keep this camera for years, probably 5+ since I am only using this as a hobby and don't need the latest, greatest technology (I just want very nice pictures). Is it reasonable that it should last this long?

Yes. But remember that this is digital electronic equipment, like a cellphone, ipod, or computer. If you upgrade those types of devices more frequently than that, chances are good you may want to upgrade a camera body faster, too.

Also, I have seen the T1i in packages (online) ... what can I expect just from the "base" lens that all these packages seem to come with?

Low cost, consumer quality. Good enough to get by, great training wheels, but rarely top of the line lenses. If you know it's what you want, go for it, but these packages rarely price out better than getting the lenses separately and often weigh you down with extra junk you'll never use. I say, before going for the package, price out the lens separately to see if you're getting the deal you think you are.

Is it HIGHLY recommended to buy an extra battery? I would think these batteries would last a while for obvious reasons, but I'd rather not be on a trip with a dead battery, thus effectively no camera.

Exactly the reason you want at least two: to swap, and charge while you're using the other one.

What should I expect to pay for a tripod and what should I look for? In one newegg package I saw the t1i came with a tripod although it's tough to judge how nice a tripod is from merely pictures.

A good inexpensive one will be around $100. Remember that a tripod can be two of the following three things: sturdy, light, inexpensive. You can never get all three. Figure out how you want to use the tripod and your priorities. Also, a good quality tripod lets you change the head.

What's the general consensus when buying a digital camera online as far as returns, reputable companies, and warranty concerns?

Better deals are to be found online at places like Amazon, B&H, and Adorama. You can often avoid paying sales tax, too. If the price you're finding online is much lower than at those three sites, you're almost certainly looking at a bait'n'switch scam. resellerratings.com is a good way to check out an online seller. I've purchased numerous bits of things from Amazon, B&H, Adorama, and KEH. I've been very happy with all of them, and their return policies are clearly stated on the websites.

[Photoform]

Not in my book. Having video and isos above 1600 to me makes the $200 price increase worth it. Yes, the image quality will be roughly equivalent, but the gains in usability are more than $200 worth, to me.

Interesting. I think I am going to go with the 500d for the video mainly because I BELIEVE this camera will be used by me and her for years to come. I'm not the type who needs to upgrade constantly. In your opinion, what makes the video option so well worth it? Quality video, convenience, price advantage, etc.


Low cost, consumer quality. Good enough to get by, great training wheels, but rarely top of the line lenses. If you know it's what you want, go for it, but these packages rarely price out better than getting the lenses separately and often weigh you down with extra junk you'll never use. I say, before going for the package, price out the lens separately to see if you're getting the deal you think you are.

Great tip, I will price them out seperately. Are all the kit lenses the same? Say if I order from amazon, or newegg. Are they all genuine Canon lenses?



Thank you!

[inkista]

Originally Posted by Photoform

Interesting. I think I am going to go with the 500d for the video mainly because I BELIEVE this camera will be used by me and her for years to come. I'm not the type who needs to upgrade constantly. In your opinion, what makes the video option so well worth it? Quality video, convenience, price advantage, etc.

You need to know the limitations of video on dSLR--it won't be replacing a camcorder. But for me, it's worth it, because it's a feature I'd like to use, and to me, $200 isn't a lot of money. YMMV. As I said, to me it's worth it to have that capability, as well as the higher iso settings. When I got the 50D, I was surprised to find how often I was using iso 3200.

Are all the kit lenses the same? Say if I order from amazon, or newegg. Are they all genuine Canon lenses?

If it says it's the Canon EF-S 18-55, it's a genuine Canon lens. The thing is, that Canon's made something like five different versions of the 18-55, as they've tweaked it over the years. The most recent one is the IS version, and if you buy a 500D kit new in the box, it's undoubtedly the one that will come bundled with it. You can tell the IS version from the non-IS versions by the pattern of the rubber grip on the zoom ring, and the stabilization switch:

IS version:


non-IS versions:

[Photoform]

Thanks again, Im excited yet hesitant