Thoughts on a Rebel XT for $250?

[thawolfman]

Hey All -

One of my coworkers is selling a Canon Rebel XT with an 18-55mm lens for $250, and I am considering picking it up from him. He let me borrow yesterday for this weekend, and I'm just starting to play with it.

This would be my first DSLR - I'm currently using a P&S Canon SD800IS, but am looking to start doing some amateur photography just for kicks. I've only ever used P&S cameras, so I'd be starting from the ground up learning the ins and outs...seems a bit overwhelming, but you have to start somewhere, right?

So...any thoughts on this camera/lens/price? Seems like a pretty decent deal, but I wanted some other thoughts before I pull the trigger.

Thanks!

 

[angry hampster]

Personally, I'd check out the photography-on-the.net forums for a used 20D or 30D near that same price. The control layout on the Rebel cameras is absurd, and they are built like crap.


However, it is a good way to learn if you don't use the green box mode.

 

[twistedlogic]

I'd say go for it. A better camera body will not make your pictures any better (well maybe FF with better DR and cleaner ISOs).

The magic is in the glass you stick on the front and the thing thats directly behind the camera, .

 

[Tip3r]

Personally, I'd check out the photography-on-the.net forums for a used 20D or 30D near that same price. The control layout on the Rebel cameras is absurd, and they are built like crap.


However, it is a good way to learn if you don't use the green box mode.

I don't know about the 20D but 30D BODY goes for about $400 at POTN. If he got it he'd have to spend more to get a lens.
I think its a good deal. I'd probably go for it.

 

[jpeyton]

For the kit, that's a great price. Buy it; sell the 18-55mm (for ~$50), and pick up a 50mm f/1.8.

Add a Canon 18-55mm IS (usually sells used for $100) if you want a great walk-around lens.

 

[ElFenix]

I'd say go for it. A better camera body will not make your pictures any better (well maybe FF with better DR and cleaner ISOs).

The magic is in the glass you stick on the front and the thing thats directly behind the camera, .

what, like the LCD screen?

 

[twistedlogic]

what, like the LCD screen?

The user.

Though a better LCD does help with checking critical focus instead of finding out when you get home and upload, lol.

 

[cparker]

The lcd is fine although a bit small and a bit off color, but if you want to check the focus you can just enlarge the image a few notches on the lcd and you will be able to see everything in glorious, grainy detail. I would offer him less for the camera, say 150 dollars, then pick it up for 175 or so. It's quite a few years old and if he used it a fair amount, well it might not have all that many shutter actuations left. Also that lens, while OK, it's not worth much. I don't think you'd get 50 for it. Maybe 30. There are many xt bodies and those kit lenses around. But the rebel xt is a great camera. I still use mine a lot. Picking up a 50mm 1.8 wouldn't be a bad idea either. That plus the kit lens should take care of you for quite a while.

BTW, I also have the 800 IS. It's a wonderful little camera. I use it much more than the DSLRs. It has the wide angle lens, which is fantastic on a p/s camera. I haven't done it yet, but it also makes movies. Lately I've been doing video/movies with my other Canon p/s, the S3-IS, which for makes excellent videos. I've even stopped using my mini dv tape based video camera, it's so convenient to use the flash memory cards.

Good luck!

cparker

 

[alfa147x]

The lcd is fine although a bit small and a bit off color, but if you want to check the focus you can just enlarge the image a few notches on the lcd and you will be able to see everything in glorious, grainy detail. I would offer him less for the camera, say 150 dollars, then pick it up for 175 or so. It's quite a few years old and if he used it a fair amount, well it might not have all that many shutter actuations left. Also that lens, while OK, it's not worth much. I don't think you'd get 50 for it. Maybe 30. There are many xt bodies and those kit lenses around. But the rebel xt is a great camera. I still use mine a lot. Picking up a 50mm 1.8 wouldn't be a bad idea either. That plus the kit lens should take care of you for quite a while.

BTW, I also have the 800 IS. It's a wonderful little camera. I use it much more than the DSLRs. It has the wide angle lens, which is fantastic on a p/s camera. I haven't done it yet, but it also makes movies. Lately I've been doing video/movies with my other Canon p/s, the S3-IS, which for makes excellent videos. I've even stopped using my mini dv tape based video camera, it's so convenient to use the flash memory cards.

Good luck!

cparker

Read 800 IS = Canon EF 800mm f/5.6L IS USM

 

[Mundos]

sounds like a pretty good deal if the condition is good. ive been very happy with my xti