Is this a good buy for a beginners DSLR user?

I am a Nikon girl so I don't know Canons well, but I know the Rebels are good cameras. (I am just a hobbyist myself, so not an expert by any means!) Honestly, so many people never even take their DSLRs out of "auto" mode and they aren't using even a fraction of what the camera is capable of - so most of the good DSLRs on the market would be absolutely fine. I have a higher-end Nikon and I do shoot in manual mode a lot of the time, but I have barely scratched the surface of that my camera can do. I would have been fine with a "lesser" camera (though I do love mine).

What you need are the camera body, lens(es), filter for the lens(es), a memory card, and a case for everything.

There is some stuff in that package that I'm not sure you need as a beginner - do you think you need a tripod? You would want a tripod if you are going to be in pictures (using timer/remote) or if you are shooting at slow shutter speeds. I'm not sure if you even need a spare battery - I don't have one and it has not been a problem.

What do you plan to take pictures of? If it's family/kid shots, that lens will be fine, but 55mm is not going to work for things like sports or anything where you are not close to the action. You would want a lens with a longer focal length for things like that. So keep in mind that you may end up wanting a bigger lens at some point.

Again, I'm really not that familiar with Canons so I can't speak to the pricing, but it struck me that there's some stuff in that package that you may not need right away. If that's a great price for all that and you'd pay close to that for just the camera body & kit lens elsewhere, then it sounds like a good deal.

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11/23/2011 11:08

Subject: Is this a good buy for a beginners DSLR user?

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Anonymous

My rebel is almost 5 yrs old and it was a GREAT beginner camera. It's not too expensive (and yours is a better deal that comes with some useful accessories).

I disagree that you don't need some of the things in the package. A tripod is essential, even for a beginner, if you are in a low light situation. Also, a UV lens is key for protecting the "good" lens against scrapes, knicks, etc.

As for lenses, the kit lens is a great starter until you get comfortable with the settings, how to use it, and get better at composition.

The flash - as with all on camera flashes- should be used sparingly, imo. The idea of lighting is a whole separate discussion, set of accessories, techniques, theories . . . and one that is difficult. I'm just starting to learn.

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11/23/2011 11:16

Subject: Is this a good buy for a beginners DSLR user?

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Anonymous

dpreview.com is a great site for digital camera info

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11/23/2011 11:21

Subject: Re:Is this a good buy for a beginners DSLR user?

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Anonymous

Well I can ask here and avoid the embarrassment: I need a filter for my camera lense?

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11/23/2011 11:25

Subject: Is this a good buy for a beginners DSLR user?

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Anonymous

Anonymous wrote:My rebel is almost 5 yrs old and it was a GREAT beginner camera. It's not too expensive (and yours is a better deal that comes with some useful accessories).

I disagree that you don't need some of the things in the package. A tripod is essential, even for a beginner, if you are in a low light situation. Also, a UV lens is key for protecting the "good" lens against scrapes, knicks, etc.

As for lenses, the kit lens is a great starter until you get comfortable with the settings, how to use it, and get better at composition.The flash - as with all on camera flashes- should be used sparingly, imo. The idea of lighting is a whole separate discussion, set of accessories, techniques, theories . . . and one that is difficult. I'm just starting to learn.

Keep in mind that you might want to upgrade your lens at some point. I have had a Rebel for almost 2 years and am looking into buying a new lens so that I have some more zoom (the 18-55mm) is not enough. Like the PP said, the kit lens is fine to start with, but you may want to upgrade at some point. The new one I am looking at is $380, but you can spend much more or a little less.

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11/23/2011 12:08

Subject: Is this a good buy for a beginners DSLR user?

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Anonymous

Thanks a lot, folks...

It's just for family pics and the occasional trips we take overseas.

I'm a big time user of the timer tool so I think the tripod will be useful.

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11/23/2011 12:44

Subject: Re:Is this a good buy for a beginners DSLR user?

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Anonymous

Anonymous wrote:Well I can ask here and avoid the embarrassment: I need a filter for my camera lense?

Not if you've got a lens hood. If so, maybe so...

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11/23/2011 12:49

Subject: Is this a good buy for a beginners DSLR user?

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Anonymous

Post your question on FM, FredMiranda.com..

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11/23/2011 12:52

Subject: Is this a good buy for a beginners DSLR user?

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Anonymous

Anonymous wrote:http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004O2CK4O/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?ie=UTF8&m=A36DL6WLK2RE7O

Photo savy folks please weigh in...

Buy u camera piece meal. Buy a good body, then some good eyes. Camera prices have dropped recently...take a look at a 30D or even a 40D. For that money I'd buy a good use body and then good lenses as time goes. Spend some time on here before buying.... http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/

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11/23/2011 12:53

Subject: Is this a good buy for a beginners DSLR user?

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Anonymous

A lot of people use a filter (usually just a clear filter but often a UV filter, which can be clear or have a slight tint because it used to be important to filter UV light, or else sometimes people shooting outside a lot will use a skylight filter which has a slight pink tint to warm colors, esp. a lot of blue), just to provide protection to the lens glass (the filter costs maybe $20, the lens costs maybe $200).

Whether you "need" it is a matter for much debate, but many people do it.

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11/23/2011 13:10

Subject: Is this a good buy for a beginners DSLR user?

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ThatSmileyFaceGuy
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Joined: 09/19/2011 10:31
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I've got the T1i and love it, and have been thinking about upgrading myself. If you are going to get it definately get the 55-250mm lens also.

The Cannon is very user freindly and you can take some very good pictures without going beyond the preset

profile p.m.

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11/23/2011 13:58

Subject: Re:Is this a good buy for a beginners DSLR user?

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Anonymous

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well I can ask here and avoid the embarrassment: I need a filter for my camera lense?

Not if you've got a lens hood. If so, maybe so...

I am not very good with the hood and sometimes get the edges of it in the pictures. I much prefer the UV filter and I've never had a photo instructor not recommend such a filter as a protective measure. I've never had any sort of tinting from the filter and it gives me piece of mind. It's saved a my lenses, for sure.

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11/24/2011 11:26

Subject: Re:Is this a good buy for a beginners DSLR user?

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Anonymous

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Well I can ask here and avoid the embarrassment: I need a filter for my camera lense?

Not if you've got a lens hood. If so, maybe so...

I am not very good with the hood and sometimes get the edges of it in the pictures. I much prefer the UV filter and I've never had a photo instructor not recommend such a filter as a protective measure. I've never had any sort of tinting from the filter and it gives me piece of mind. It's saved a my lenses, for sure.

Protecting your lens with Filter vs Lens Hood is something of an photography religious war.

http://dpfwiw.com/filters.htm#lens_protection