Question? Buying a camera - need some help!

[RNPoo7]

Hey guys,
I'm finally ready to buy my first SLR. I was debating getting a nice point and shoot but I've decided to go ahead and experiment with an SLR.

I love both Canon and Nikon and don't really want this to turn into a big canon/nikon debate.

I'm looking for a good decent camera that I won't have to upgrade soon. I'm pretty much a noob and so I still have ton to learn.

I've played around with a canon Xt and 30D few times. I love the 30D especially how the image info is all on top instead of in the LCD.

But the 30D is way too pricey for me right now.

Bascially I want "afford" the xt or the xti.
Xt is 8 MP and xti is 10 MP. I could care less about the extra 2 pixels and I believe they both use the same size sensor. Which I think pretty useless to cram more pixels into the same size sensor.

The XT will be cheaper, but it's missing a few things from the Xti.
I believe it doens't have as good of a adjustment on white balance and the xti has more focusing points if I'm not mistaken. Those are the 2 two things that I've noticed so far.

edit: Just found out that the xt doesn't have auto ISO, correct?

I'm kinda set on the xt, but I would like to hear what you guys think or have to say. I'm probably missing few points and hopefully you guys can help me pick.

I have not done much reading on lenses at all so I'll worry about that after I pick which camera.

Thanks fellas

[WonderMike]

dont know what the price is but I would look at the new xsi.....also another thing to consider is that the (i might be mistaken) xt and xti use cf cards where the xsi uses sd cards and the sd cards are cheaper.....also congrats on the purchase whatever it might be now maybe you will come hang out more....but I would look into the xsi also that is my suggestion for now I will do a lil more reasearch on this for you and let you know

[RNPoo7]

I'm reading up on the XSi and XS but I'm getting little overwelemed. I can't figure out which one is better.

From what I understand it goes like this:
XSi is the better one and has been out longer.
XS is brand new and it's not as good but has some features of the XSi that xt and xti don't have.

I don't know if that's right or not though

[WonderMike]

another thing that the xsi (aka 450D) has is the Live View function.....this allows you to take a picture without looking through the eyepiece you can see what you are shooting on the 3" monitor.... I love this feature...the only downside is that it does use a lil bit more battery power

[Wilson_]

Do what i did, buy a nice cheap used one first to learn on then when you get the hang of it, buy a nice new one. im still in the n00b phase but thats what i plan on doing

i got a lightly used d70 for 354 shipped

My

[RNPoo7]

Right I plan on using it used. I'm not buying brand new. Saving money = me happy

[Jerome]

what are you doing with your old one? i know absolutely nothing about photography, but all this "photog" technical jibber-jabber is peaking my interest.

[RNPoo7]

That's the problem. I DON'T have own a camera period. I usually bum off my sister's point and shoot sony camera lol

[Jerome]

Originally Posted by RNPoo7

That's the problem. I DON'T have one period now. I usually bum off my sister's point and shoot sony camera lol

ah, i see. well, happy hunting. i'll donate $25 to the cause

[RNPoo7]

Anyone else? At this rate, I'll have one by next week

[Phistar]

buy me one too pete

[Jerome]

Originally Posted by RNPoo7

Anyone else? At this rate, I'll have one by next week

pm me your info and the money order is in the mail. i'll set the precedent. the pgp is a patron of the arts

[TehMan]

pete...the XS/1000D isn't out yet that i know of...the xsi is pretty great...i've messed with it a little...the xti is also a good one to start with i would even suggest the 20D...and for nikon...the D50, D70 and D70s...great cams to start with...i've found plenty of d50's and d70's around 300-350 dollars