So I'm in the market for a Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT (silver) & was wondering if anyone has delt with Beach Camera? They seem to have some great package deals on sale but I wanted to get everyone's feedback first (especially from the photo gurus). If you can recommend another reputable place, I'm open to other suggestions. Here is the link for the camera I am looking for: http://www.beachcamera.com/shop/prod...TS&sku=CNDRXTS. Which package should I get & with what accessories? BTW...I am a newbie in photography but I am looking in getting into it as a hobby & hopefully do a few side jobs in the future. TIA

 

Here's another place I'm looking at:

http://www2.buydig.com/shop/product....u=CNDRXTS#kits

BTW...I got these site recommendations through DPReview.com.

 

I've had very good dealings with buydig.com. They have good prices and very polite on the phone. this was 3 years ago though. I'd buy from them again.

 

i think beach camara will only give you the body for the price... you need to ask them specifically what you will get for the price.. typically they don't give you battery, instruction manual, etc...... so ask specifically.... good luck

 

Thanks! Good to know.

Yes, I am aware of that. They also have package deals in there as well. That is why I'm asking which combo is the best. Should I buy one of the kits that include the camera or should I buy the body with an accessories package? I am not too framiliar on which accessories are good so that is why I need some input from the photo gurus up in here.

 

hop on different forums to check the lens they are using for the type of shooting you'll be doing. i like photosig.com.

 

+1 on photosig. You can see how people shot with your camera and the lenses they used.

Also try photography-on-the.net for any questions you may have about Canon cameras Canon (most knowledgeable site IMO). I have the XT also, I am more than satisfied with it (being an amateur photog that shoots at leisure). But glass is where it's at, and you'll pay a pretty penny for L lenses...

 

Oh geez...they're going to bust the "newbie" flag when I join. LOL.

I'll go ahead & check these out since I'll need good resource to learn once I get my camera. Thanks guys!

Yeah, I know that the key to taking nice pictures is mainly on the type of lenses you use. So what's pretty popular right now that won't break the bank? Or let me put it this way...what is the "Popcharger" of lenses (best bang for the buck)? I know they can get quite expensive.

 

you'll see with photography, a lot of the members on the forum are from other countries. very polite and willing to help.

can't help you with the canon lens.

 

What the best lense is completely depends on what you intend to shoot. Let us know that and we can probably guide you more.

I will give a big second to Yobri's recomendation of www.photography-on-the.net/

Best site for Canon by far. Post up in the EF/EF-S lenses section and you should get some help.

 

Just bought that camera for my GF. Got it at buydig. I would suggest buying the one with the general purpose lens. It will save you $$ in the long run. Unless you buy your lens used. Also try keh.com for used accesories.

 

wait for a coupon to roll around and buy it from Dell.

 

Had no problems with Beach Camera; that's where I got my S70 and my digicam. If you know what you want already, they're easy to deal with.

 

woodland hills camera sells a refurb version for 5 hundred something,

 

...

 

...

 

Sorry, I'd prefer new. There's a certain risk you take when purchasing refurbished ones & I don't want to take it.

Edit: Sorry for the repost above. Site is tripping out!

 

Okay, so what I've been getting from people is to simply buy the body with a basic kit (lense, bag, etc...). As I get more experienced with it, then I can buy upgrades. So with that said, where is the best place to buy a basic/starter kit? Are the prices on the sites posted above a good place for me to buy this? I know Dell sometimes has some great deals but waiting for a good coupon to come out is a hit or miss.

 

I say get it from Costco. That's what I did. Comes with the 18-55mm lens which is a decent starter lens. The zoom and macro isn't as good as what I'm used to though. But like you said, you can buy better lenses as you need them. The best part about Costco though is their return policy. If you break it, bring it back to them for a new one. If 2 yrs later you want a newer model, bring it back and get one.

 

^ Nice! I definitely like that return policy. How much are they selling for at Costco?