HELP!!! I need help chosing a camera!!!

[Marty4650]

Since you have upped your budget, then the Xsi with two lenses might be a very good choice. If you are buying used, please be careful. Sometimes used cameras and lenses are a great deal, and sometimes they aren't. I suppose it depends on how much money you are saving over the price of a new one, and how much risk you want to take. It goes without saying that used cameras generally come without any warranty or guarentees.

A few points for you to consider....

• If your interest is in wildlife and long zoom, make CERTAIN you get the IS version of that long lens. Unless you'd like to take a tripod with you when you hike out into the woods.
• If your father has a film rebel, you will be able to borrow his lenses. They will work perfectly with an XSi.
• Canon does make some very fine cameras, but they are by no means "the best" or even the "most expensive." Every maker has cameras at different quality levels. You could have filled your needs with a Nikon, Pentax, Sony, or Olympus just as easily. But since your father might have some Canon lenses, then I think you made a smart choice.
• Based on your expressed needs, and your original budget, you still would probably be better off with a good superzoom camera. But there certainly is no harm in buying more than you need.

Good luck with your new camera!

--
Marty
http://www.flickr.com/photos/marty4650/sets/72157606210120132/show/

Panasonic FZ30, LX2, TZ5
Olympus E-510, Zuiko 14-42mm, 40-150mm, 70-300mm, Hexanon 40mm, 50mm

 

[Darryl Lessere]

I've been shilling this deal for the last couple weeks.

http://www.adorama.com/IOME520K1RB.html

The Oly has a 2x focal so the 150 becomes 300mm on the long end. If that's still not long enough, then you add the Bower I originally suggested and you've got a decent kit.

 

[Dr Carl V Messano]

Best Deal ....................Hands down.....

 

[Marty4650]

I've been shilling this deal for the last couple weeks.

http://www.adorama.com/IOME520K1RB.html

The Oly has a 2x focal so the 150 becomes 300mm on the long end. If that's still not long enough, then you add the Bower I originally suggested and you've got a decent kit.

That really is an incredible price. And that's not even a refurb. Brand new, with full warranty.

Consider this... those two lenses ROUTINELY sell used on ebay for over $100 each. If you bought just those two lenses new at B&H, it would cost you around $330.

And $449 is what everyone else charges for an entry level DSLR body. So it's like getting the lenses free.
--
Marty
http://www.flickr.com/photos/marty4650/sets/72157606210120132/show/

Panasonic FZ30, LX2, TZ5
Olympus E-510, Zuiko 14-42mm, 40-150mm, 70-300mm, Hexanon 40mm, 50mm

 

[Darryl Lessere]

"Refurbished by Olympus"

They are refurb.

 

[greeneggsandpie]

i found the same kit new with a gadget bag and extra battery for $599

thanks for the tip. I will consider the camera as a choice to think about.

 

[greeneggsandpie]

I went ahead and got a dslr. thanks for all the advice