I'm getting tired of taking crappy pictures so I'm looking to invest my tax refunds into a nice camera. I'm not sure if any of you have the Canon Rebel XTi 400D (Chris, this could be yours but I just had no idea what I was looking at) but I would love to get some opinions on the camera.

This was one of the cheaper but good dSLR's I've found in my research so if you have experience with it, good or bad, please leave a comment!

Thanks.

- Wei

I have the previous version (350D) and I love it. I know the 400D can only be better. Dpreview has a thorough review of the camera:

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos400d/page29.asp

Use the drop down box at the top to navigate the review. I just linked you to the conclusion.

I do recommend ordering the camera without the kit lens. Its worth saving the extra $$ to put towards a better lens.

I use this as my walkaround lens and I love it! The image stabilization is great in low light situations.

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-28-135mm-3-5-5-6-Standard-SLRCameras/dp/B00006I53S/sr=8-1/qid=1171841221/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-6184142-0885414?ie=UTF8&s=electronics

Even though I don't have the 400D, I hope that helps.

-Andy

Great to hear... I was looking at the 17-85mm lens too as an immediate upgrade from the kit lens. For macro shots and close ups, do I need to focus more on the lower number or the higher number?

Great to hear... I was looking at the 17-85mm lens too as an immediate upgrade from the kit lens. For macro shots and close ups, do I need to focus more on the lower number or the higher number?

For marco shots, you ultimately want a dedicated macro lens. This is indicated by a 1:1 magnification ratio at the minimum focusing distance. Some excellent choices w/ canon mounts:

Sigma 105mm f2.8
Sigma 70mm f2.8
Sigma 150mm f2.8
Canon 100mm f2.8
Tamron 90mm f2.8

For marco shots, you ultimately want a dedicated macro lens. This is indicated by a 1:1 magnification ratio at the minimum focusing distance. Some excellent choices w/ canon mounts:

Sigma 105mm f2.8
Sigma 70mm f2.8
Sigma 150mm f2.8
Canon 100mm f2.8
Tamron 90mm f2.8


Agreed 100%!

Thanks Matt!

Bang for the buck it is hard to beat the 10D these days. If you got the money go newer on the EOS line, but if you are looking for a camera that can accept your Canon lenses, SLR and well under $500 this is the one to look at. The alloy casing, access to all the in camera software features, high quality 6mp with plenty of muscle still makes this a good camera for the money.

Great to hear... I was looking at the 17-85mm lens too as an immediate upgrade from the kit lens. For macro shots and close ups, do I need to focus more on the lower number or the higher number?
Most modern macro lenses will do macro across the full focal length. What matters is the macro ratio. On this overview page, http://www.dcviews.com/lenses/Canon-lenses.htm, you can see the ratio. For true macro lenses, the ratio is 1.00 meaning 1:1. For zoom/macro lenses like the 17-85, you're looking at .1 - .25.

You can get some great bang for the buck if you move to the after market lens makers like Sigma.

You should also pay close attention to the speed of the lens. Many zoom lenses have apertures of 4.5-5.6 which means that your maximum opening at your best macro magnification is only 5.6 which will limit your shutter speed given typical aquarium lighting.

A true macro lens is fixed focal length, but much faster with a maximum aperture of 2.8 or even 1.8 which will allow you to clearly capture your elusive aquarium inhabitants.

Also, when buying time comes around, make sure you get a US warrantied camera and lens. Many of the prices you'll see that are way lower than typical are gray market equipment from overseas that isn't covered by a warranty in this country. The photography industry is notorious for importing Asian warrantied merchandise and selling it for cut rates.

Doh... I was probably going to get one of those.

Butterfly Photo (http://www2.butterflyphoto.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=REBELXTI) has excellent prices and I've never seen gray market stuff market otherwise. The truly shady ones will not mention the warranty. Lots of those kits you'll find on eBay are also gray market and/or have seriously skimpy lenses.

"Buyer beware" is nowhere more important than online photography shopping. Why the photography industry is exempt from laws that protect other consumer electronics like stereo equipment is beyond me.

Thanks George. I placed the order tonight from Butterfly and bought the lens from Amazon since it's $100 cheaper. Next step... waiting...