DSLR people: a qestion (canon Specific)

[Rockinthecasbah]

mazer pm with a price on that 17-40

[slowSSer]

the camera has a 28-90mm on it. I'm not sure the camera's coming with the lens. I'm all over the camera though- the owner only wants $200 for the body and it's in good condition.

while on the subject, is there a good local place to purchase used lenses? Cals Cameras? wicked overpriced (it seemed that way last time i was there...)

I remember that Irvine camera (Jeffery/Irvine center drive) used to sell consignment lenses, but i have zero idea if they're still around.

[Jordansrealm]

The 50mm 1.8 is a great lens for the price but keep in mind fixed lenses aren't the best choice for people trying to break into photography (my opinion). I would suggest getting a zoom lens before getting a fixed/prime lens.

[slowSSer]

Originally Posted by Jordansrealm

The 50mm 1.8 is a great lens for the price but keep in mind fixed lenses aren't the best choice for people trying to break into photography (my opinion). I would suggest getting a zoom lens before getting a fixed/prime lens.

I'm not wanting to get into pro photography- i just want to take really good pictures...and not have my equipment be the hold up- i want the user to be the hold up

[Jordansrealm]

Originally Posted by slowSSer

I'm not wanting to get into pro photography- i just want to take really good pictures...and not have my equipment be the hold up- i want the user to be the hold up

haha i can understand that. i think that zooms are going to be much more versatile for a newbie than a fixed lens. i think a newbie would get frustrated having to back up and move forward when shooting rather than just let the lens do the work.

[slowSSer]

Originally Posted by Jordansrealm

haha i can understand that. i think that zooms are going to be much more versatile for a newbie than a fixed lens. i think a newbie would get frustrated having to back up and move forward when shooting rather than just let the lens do the work.

i can't say that i'm a total noob as I've been shooting images since i was a little kid and even spent some time developing my own B&Ws. digital shooting is fun, but, strangely enough, i prefer shooting film.

a bigger camera has been in the need due to a point and shoot canon elph (S230) on it's last legs and a HP 912ix being just not enough.

I'm staying with canon as I'm a fan of their digi cam menus (as opposed to sony, HP) and the optics...and one of the first fancy cameras I used was a canon (friends 35mm rebel from way-back when). i learned on a Nikon F3 35mm.

man- the old nikon is worth a cr@pload of $$$!

[Jordansrealm]

Originally Posted by slowSSer

i can't say that i'm a total noob as I've been shooting images since i was a little kid and even spent some time developing my own B&Ws. digital shooting is fun, but, strangely enough, i prefer shooting film.

a bigger camera has been in the need due to a point and shoot canon elph (S230) on it's last legs and a HP 912ix being just not enough.

I'm staying with canon as I'm a fan of their digi cam menus (as opposed to sony, HP) and the optics...and one of the first fancy cameras I used was a canon (friends 35mm rebel from way-back when). i learned on a Nikon F3 35mm.

man- the old nikon is worth a cr@pload of $$$!

I love shooting film as well and there will always be a place for it with me. Unfortunately, with how quickly I have to turn in images these days I have no time for film and have since sold all my film gear. One day I think I will shoot film again but for now I cant see that happening anytime soon.

[jeffj]

I think the 28-90 was the original 'kit lens' for the d-rebel as it was the kit lens for the previous film rebels and they had not yet devloped the 18-55 kit lens.

By no small coincidence, if you multiply 18 and 55 each by 1.6 (the crop factor of the 300D), you get 28.8 and 88 which is very close to 28-90.

Unless they have told you otherwise, I'd say there is a good chance the lens will be included with the camera since there's a good chance it originally came with it.

[HUGH]

I am going to say stay away from the 50mm prime as well (for now). I have one and it is great but for your aplication I think it will be inconvenient. Indoor events you cant back away enough and outdoor events you cant get close enough to the action! Remember the 1.6 crop factor with your camera. I have gone on trips with just three primes and had a blast but thats just the geeky photog in me!

HUGH

[SheDevil]

I agree with Hugh...macro lenses are cool for just that...macro. I have about 10 lenses...and most of them were listed here. My advice is....big, fast and IS.
Don't skimp on the IS....it's a must and you'll kick yourself if you don't get it(esp in action shots) The difference is significant. The big lenses are pricey...if you want full time pro advice from a true Canonite, ask my friend Gar. He'll even take you out and show you how to use it WELL.
www.garphoto.com

Drop him a line...he's super nice

[slowSSer]

Originally Posted by SheDevil

I agree with Hugh...macro lenses are cool for just that...macro. I have about 10 lenses...and most of them were listed here. My advice is....big, fast and IS.
Don't skimp on the IS....it's a must and you'll kick yourself if you don't get it(esp in action shots) The difference is significant. The big lenses are pricey...if you want full time pro advice from a true Canonite, ask my friend Gar. He'll even take you out and show you how to use it WELL.
www.garphoto.com

Drop him a line...he's super nice

he shoots some amazing pictures! thanks for the linky.

and to the poster above, i do believe it's the "kit" lens, as it matches with the silver finish.

FWIW, costco has 4gb compact flash cards for under $40. over 1,000 pics at the highest resolution on the 6.3 megapixel camera- the counter pegs at 999. yowza.

[OTHRIDER]

Someone more digital savvy may be able to explain this better, but I found that the "cheap" cards will indeed store quality pics.

The problem for those of us taking action photos in "burst" mode is how quickly the camera can write to the card. Cheap cards take data slowly while top of the line cards can be written to quickly and not hold up the camera.

[SheDevil]

Originally Posted by OTHRIDER

Someone more digital savvy may be able to explain this better, but I found that the "cheap" cards will indeed store quality pics.

The problem for those of us taking action photos in "burst" mode is how quickly the camera can write to the card. Cheap cards take data slowly while top of the line cards can be written to quickly and not hold up the camera.

This is true. I have both and consider that when out shooting... cheap cards work fine but speed is a consideration when really out pushing the processor. Most casual users won't notice a difference

[HardCharger]

Originally Posted by OTHRIDER

Someone more digital savvy may be able to explain this better, but I found that the "cheap" cards will indeed store quality pics.

The problem for those of us taking action photos in "burst" mode is how quickly the camera can write to the card. Cheap cards take data slowly while top of the line cards can be written to quickly and not hold up the camera.

You are correct, the cheaper cards will store the same quality pics however if it is a "slow" card it will not be able to keep up w/burst rate of some cameras.

Look for cards which list the write speed, for example "Speed 133x". This card can keep up w/my 1D Mk III which can shoot upto 10fps. I hope this helps...

[slowSSer]

the card i found records at 10mb/second sequential read and 9mb/second sequential write.

how on earth does that compare to 133x or whatever was described?

[HUGH]

Originally Posted by slowSSer

the card i found records at 10mb/second sequential read and 9mb/second sequential write.

how on earth does that compare to 133x or whatever was described?

First. You will be OK with a cheap card!
As for writing to the card goes the camera that you are talking about will not exceed the capabilities of the card. But when you get home to download to your PC thats when the higher end cards come into play for you. The difference is huge. For me both my cameras shoot at 5 frames per second(the new one is 8fps) and the slower cards cant keep up. When I get home from an event I have 12 to 16 gigs to DL. Needless to say I sold off my slow cards!

HUGH

[OffRoadie]

Originally Posted by slowSSer

while on the subject, is there a good local place to purchase used lenses? Cals Cameras? wicked overpriced (it seemed that way last time i was there...)

amazon.com or adorama.com

I love amazon.com.

[SheDevil]

Speaking of photography...

http://www.britishcycling.org.uk/web..._joolze_07.asp

[back_of_the _pack]

Originally Posted by slowSSer

I remember that Irvine camera (Jeffery/Irvine center drive) used to sell consignment lenses, but i have zero idea if they're still around.

Irvine Camera closed a year or two ago.

[jeffj]

These are the places I do or would buy from:

New gear online:
buydig - usually lowest prices, no sales tax and many times free (fast) too) shipping.
bhphoto - ol' reliable. very good prices, reasonable shipping, no sales tax and highly rated customer service.
canogacamera - also have a relatively local storefront, very good prices, reasonable shipping rates and excellent customer service.

Used gear online(learn to navigate these waters at your own peril and you can get some great deals - safer then ebay IMO):
fredmiranda
photographyonthe.net (Canon specific forum)

Many local camera stores will have good service and advice, but you're likely to pay a premium there for your gear. If you're sure of what you want/need, you can save by shopping online.

Cheap memory cards:
newegg - they're local, but online only. super low prices on memory cards, but read reviews to avoid some that don't work so well. top shelf customer service. you will pay sales tax and shipping, but it's usually still worth it.

If you shop carefully, you can get some very good deals on memory at Best Buy and Circuit City, but you do have to be sharp and know your stuff.

A 4GB card will give me over 1,000 shots on my 20D, so it will likely yield around 1,300 on a 300D, but it will only show a max remaining of 999.

On a 300D, you won't likely notice much difference shooting a burst with a real fast card. It has the Digic I processor and it has a relatively small buffer and doesn't write from it very fast either. I think the most I've got is about 6 frames before the buffer is full. A slow card may only give you 4 (I've heard). You can notice a difference downloading to your computer if you have a fast reader and a fast card. Your call on how much that is worth to you.