UPDATE: $338.00 AT CC AFTER $40.00 MIR (06/10-06/16) CANON REBEL2000 SLR camera.

[lanb]

trueimage,

The full color ads are no different from the ones
in the back, but you MAY have found a true deal.

Watch out for these tactics though - kit doesn't include
batteries, strap, lens cap and these cost EXTRA.
At that price it is definitely gray market, there is really
nothing wrong with that as long as the vendor offers the
same warranty like B&H.

Just out of curiosity can you name the vendor(s) that
u plan to deal with.

 

[MontyBurns]

My humble opinion: This is a fantastic camera. I've owned one, and given one as a gift. Quality is superb, and it has a lot of fantastic features for novices and advanced users alike.

that said: are there better cameras in the world? Of course, but you'd be missing the point. If you can point me to a package that includes all of this for the same price, and delivers the same quality (which is what it's all about), I'd gladly buy it. I just don't think anyone else can come close.

 

[trueimage]

there are several companies.
A&M Photo World and Royal Camera & Video Inc.

the package I'm looking at @ A&M is:
[*]Canon EOS Rebel 2000 Body
[*]Tamron 28-200 f3.8-5.6 AF Asp. Lens
[*]Lens cleaning kit
[*]Eyecup
[*]Tripod
[*]Strap
[*]Capkeeper
[*]Case
[*]Film

for $349.99 plus shipping of course.

the same kit with the canon 28-80 lens is $244.99

 

[YahooUser]

I tried to order some camera equiptment from some of those places up in NEW YORK. They charged $94 for shipping & handling.
They won't tell you the final price unless you ask for it. or they will tell you that "This camera is made in Taiwan and doesnt come with the US warranty, but if you want the US version it will cost more $$". BE CAREFUL!!

 

[ingenue007]

The Rebel 2000 doesn't have the rear dial which I find very useful. I had the rebel Xs and if it is like the 2000, changing aperture and shutter speed in manual mode is VERY VERY awkward. You have to hold one button down while rotating the wheel. I had the Xs for a short period of time, realized its deficiencies and quickly replaced it with the elan II which has served me well.

I've bought my cameras used from a local dealer in Austin. Actually my elan II was bought from one of those guys who take pictures of druken sorority girls and frat guys. Anyhow, I think a better value is a used II, 7 or used A2. Actually, I'd take the A2 over the II. It has true spot metering IIRC.

On last thought, with my experience Eye Control is a complete waste of money. Sucks for those who use glasses. It's too slow. I can change focus mpoints much more rapidly manually.

Oh and take a look at MY PHOTOS: http://come.to/ingenue007/ and sign my guestbook.

 

[ElFenix]

ingenue007 - precision camera? 38th and lamar? i find it funny theres a wolf camera across the street heheh

 

[Virtus]

The Sears here in town is still price matching web stores, so I've had my eye on this Canon Rebel 2000 Kit... I'm not a professional photographer, but I have been looking for a good entry-level SLR. Does the Rebel 2000 fit the bill?

Sears Canon Rebel 2000

Bought a $800 digital camcorder at sears for $590 after I pricematched with a yahoo store a few months ago - those guys cringe every time they see me walk in

 

[worms]

Wow, a lot more camera snobbery than I expected to see on Anandtech.

The Rebel 2000 is no 7e - that's for sure, but at half the cost and less than half the weight it's a formidable camera.
True, exposure compensation is virtually impossible with the Rebel because of the button-wheel setup but that's not a big issue for print film shooters.
The lack of eye control and custom functions like leader-out, rewind speed, etc. are it's greatest drawbacks IMO.

The 28-80 zoom does suck. The suggestions of a 50/1.8 are right up my alley. I dream of the day I get a hold of a 50/1.4 but then I already have a heavy Elan. A Rebel w/ a 50/1.8 would be one lightweight mofo - slip a 24mm in your pocket and you've got the ultimate travel setup. The zoom options mentioned: 24-85, 28-105, and 28-135 are all excellent as well. I have the 28-105 but wish I had either of the other two instead. Much is sacrificed by buying non-Canon lenses IMO. The Tamron, Sigma and Vivitar lenses I have owned have all been junk. The Sigma (105 Macro) had fantastic optics but was built poorly and made a terrible howl while focusing so it couldn't really be used around people. The Vivitar 19-35 had absolutely horrific optics and build, as did the Tamron. Canon ring-USM lenses are just so far superior to the aftermarket alternatives IMO that I would strongly advise getting at least one by which other lenses can be judged. I don't find the F/T manual focus feature valuable at all but the silent and internal focusing is wonderful as is the consistent build and optical quality.

Anyway, this deal is not bad considering it is a US model from a reputable dealer. All those camera places that advertise in Shutterbug are located in New Jersey (even though some claim to be in NY). Need I remind you that people in New Jersey are the scum of the earth? Trust me, you don't want to have to deal with any of the companies in Shutterbug or anything else related to NJ. These are not ethical companies and, being in NJ, are beyond the jurisdiction of US law. I am dead serious about this - they will rob you - guaranteed! Pick an ad, any ad, search google, see if anyone was not cheated by whatever company you pick. There's a reason Jersey smells like that.

ingenue007: Eye control is instant and works flawlessly for most people. It is IMO, the most valuable feature of the Canon. It is however, one of those try-before-you-buy things because it does not always do well with squinty eyes or glasses.

 

[ingenue007]

<< The Rebel 2000 is no 7e - that's for sure, but at half the cost and less than half the weight it's a formidable camera. >>



Very true. The rebel 2000 is a very good entry level camrera. Sure beats those older rebels which suck IMO.




<< The lack of eye control and custom functions like leader-out, rewind speed, etc. are it's greatest drawbacks IMO. >>



Yes. I love the custom functions, especially the leader-out. Very useful for switching out rolls in mid-use. Just remember to mark your film canister how many exposures have been shot. Believe me, you won't remember when you need to.



<< I dream of the day I get a hold of a 50/1.4 but then I already have a heavy Elan. A Rebel w/ a 50/1.8 would be one lightweight mofo - slip a 24mm in your pocket and you've got the ultimate travel setup. >>



Same here. I want a 1.4. I think my 1.8 (the old mk1 too) is not focusing correctly (it was dropped). Wide is good. I wish I could afford one.



<< The Sigma (105 Macro) had fantastic optics but was built poorly and made a terrible howl while focusing so it couldn't really be used around people. >>



I had a Sigma 100-300 zoom. That thing was the most poorly built lens I have seen. It broke after 2 weeks of use. The barrel detached - turns out the barrel is held together by TAPE!!! RMA'ed it and sold it on egay.

ingenue007: Eye control is instant and works flawlessly for most people. It is IMO, the most valuable feature of the Canon. It is however, one of those try-before-you-buy things because it does not always do well with squinty eyes or glasses.[/i] >>



Yea, my eyes are kind of squinty. I personally hate eye control and think it's a big waste of money. My friend does too, but to each his own. Try it out before you buy it.

ElFenix - Nope not precision. TOPS photography (it's called something else too. across from towers. near 24th). TOPS - you know those guys at greek functions.

 

[Tri]

I have to second worm's praise or Eye Control -- I absolutely love it!!

-Tri

 

[jrichrds]

For all the camera experts posting in this thread, what do you guys think about the Olympus IS-30DLX? (with non-interchangeable lens being a non-factor is this case)

 

[trueimage]

so, for the camera experts here... should i buy a rebel 2000 with a tamron 28-200? or try to get an elan IIe with a 28-80 for around the same price?

 

[ingenue007]

<< so, for the camera experts here... should i buy a rebel 2000 with a tamron 28-200? or try to get an elan IIe with a 28-80 for around the same price? >>



I'd say IIe with a f1.8 50mm. Trust me, you will love the 50mm. The 28-80 is the kit lens right? That lens sucks; it's too slow. IIRC it's an f4 or f4.5 lens. That is SLOW. the 50mm is f1.8. If the 28-80 lens is f4.5, that means the f1.8 is 8 times faster. That means the f1.8 lens can shoot in 8 times less light. Don't be convinced into buying the lens simply b/c it has a zoom. If you are starting out, I don't think a zoom is good. With a zoom, you're always thinking about zooming. Fixed 50mm makes you focus on composition. And you can always get closer.

Go to photo.net. They even recommend a 50 over cheap zooms.

 

[trueimage]

so i don't want a zoom lens? hrmm.. i thought i would want one...

how much (approx) is that 50mm lens? maybe i should just get the 28-80 kit (to have) and then buy that 50mm??

im planning on taking my first photography course in the fall at school so i want all manual stuff available )

 

[ingenue007]

<<
how much (approx) is that 50mm lens? maybe i should just get the 28-80 kit (to have) and then buy that 50mm?? >>



85 at B&amp;H photo.

 

[Tri]

Truimage,

I started out with zooms, but what ingenue007 says about lens &quot;speed&quot; and low light conditions makes perfect sense. In either case, dont buy a lens because it comes in a kit or is cheaper (those are most often crap). Do some research, see what other people are saying (photo.net is a great place to start). Optics quality (as well as price) vary quite a bit from lens to lens.

If you have a fixed budget, consider compromising on camera body instead of the lens. You can always upgrade the body (and gain features) and continue to use quality lenses.

-Tri

<edit>I never really considered a non-zoom lens, and zooms do offer a high degree of convenience and freedom, but looking at it from ingenue007's perspective, I am now considering getting that 50mm...

 

[trueimage]

hrmm, maybe i will get the rebel 2000 ($220) or a used elan IIe ($310) body.
the 50mm f/1.8 has mixed reviews tho, as it isnt USM and a plastic mount.
I obviously have much more research to do before buying a camera.
Anyone have an Elan IIe or better body for sale (cheap!)

 

[trueimage]

on the other hand, the 50mm f/1.8 is only about $80 brand new.

 

[ingenue007]

<< hrmm, maybe i will get the rebel 2000 ($220) or a used elan IIe ($310) body.
the 50mm f/1.8 has mixed reviews tho, as it isnt USM and a plastic mount.
I obviously have much more research to do before buying a camera.
Anyone have an Elan IIe or better body for sale (cheap!) >>



For reference I bought a used elan IIe body at a local camera dealer about a 2 years ago for 290. Maybe I got a really good deal. The 50mm is not a bad lens. If you want a metal mount, go on ebay and search for the older MK1 model. It sells for about the same (or even higher) than the new 50mm. IMO, the metal mount vs. plastic doesn't really matter (i don't unmount the lens often so who cares). And as for USM, it's nice but you can just flip the switch from AF to MF.

A good place to start: http://www.photo.net/photo/tutorial/

Qoute: Normal lenses are easy and cheap to fabricate. A 50/1.8 costs under $100 and will optically outperform most of the lenses in any manufacturer's line. Furthermore, normal lenses allow photography in rather low light with no flash or tripod. A yuppie with a mid-range zoom lens has a maximum aperture of f/4. A photographer with a 50/1.8 not only saves $200 but is gathering 4 times as much light (2 f-stops). With a standard single-lens reflex (SLR; viewing through the lens), this makes viewing and composition easier because the viewfinder is 4 times brighter.

 

[randomlinh]

my (dad's) old minolta (xg7 i think) has a 50mm 1.4 slapped on it

 

[daddyo]

<< Need I remind you that people in New Jersey are the scum of the earth? >>



Was that necessary? Did it contribute at all to the topic of discussion?

I live in NJ and I don't think I'm the scum of the earth.

 

[Siamskunk]

From my experience.......B&amp;H, Cameraworld and Adorama are the only three in the online business that I would buy from. There're well too many hassle dealing with those that advertise such a low price.

For Canon Zoom, may I suggest 28-105mm zoom. It's much better than those that come with the kit and it doesn't cost a lot like that 28-135mm IS

If you want to get an all-around-take-everywhere lens, get 28-105mm. Tamron 28-200mm is good, but only good if you are not serious about sharpness. I have use many Canon Lens including 70-200 and 17-35 f2.8L and I still love 28-105 because of its lightness and versatile use.

 

[davidwiz]

I would really recommend getting the camera with the zoom lens kit, the price differential between body alone and kit usally is not that large. Try it out with a couple of rolls of film and see how you like it, if not satisfactory you can buy something later and you will have a better idea whether you need a zoom or fixed focal lens.
I have this camera kit and the pictures are extremely good with the kit lens. There will be times when this lens will not perform well, but it is more than adequate for the majority of your snapshot needs. As you grow in your photography needs and skills, better lenses can be chosen.

 

[PG]

I've learned some about photography, but most of it the hard way.
Over a year ago I bought a Rebel X and it came with a 35-80 standard lens. I also bought a Tamron 100 - 300 lens.

I mistakenly thought that an SLR, even an older one like that would be much better than a point and shoot camera. I bought this all mainly for concert photography. (My wife wanted pictures from a Rick Springfield concert we would be going to.) I'm no pro, just an amateur. Boy was I disapointed. Many of my initial shots with the big lens didn't come out at all. The ones that did come out were either grainy, dark, and/or a blur.
Most lenses, especially the cheap ones, can't open enough to let in enough light, so the camera lowers the shutter speed to get a decent exposure. Well, then you have problems.

Maybe a year ago I found photo.net and I read about concert photography. That led me to buy the 50 f/1.8. It's a great lens. Mine is the cheap version with the plastic mount, but it takes great pictures. I get sharp, clear pictures, even in low light. The exposure is much, much better. Now I am happy with my pictures.

I can stil use my big lens, but only outside and also if it's sunny. I have some nice pictures from the zoo I just took with that Tamron. I normally don't even bother to carry the 35-80 with me.

Now I just need to learn how to get good pictures with a flash. All my previous flash pictures have some problems. I get harsh shadows, red eye, washed out skin tones, etc.

I did just recently buy a flash bracket and I read up more on how to use the flash that I have. I think I've been getting too close for the most part, but my technique leaves a lot to be desired in general. I could also have some settings wrong on the flash and/or the camera, but that can be lumped into the technique category.

 

[desibaba]

^