Ready to buy a xt or xti, need some help

[Luciana Lieff]

I've been researching for a few weeks, read all the threads I could, read all the links suggested, bought several books that were suggested.

I ended up deciding for a xti (body only) + EF 28-105 mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM + 50mm f2.8

I was sure I was going to buy at Circuit City, with their protection plan, which always worked well for other items in the past, but on a previous thread it was not among the recommended stores. What do you think about me purchasing from Circuit City? Does anybody have any complaints about it? It's very convenient for me. I mean the body only, since they do not sell the other lenses. I've also read threads about Costco being a good place to buy, since you can always return. I'm not a member, would it be worth being a member just to get this camera?

After coming back on this forum to finally register I found several threads about the xti not being so good. So I started having my doubts. I'm a complete beginner to dslr and semi pro photography also. Since I'm such an amateur, would the xti be a waste of money? Should I get the xt instead and save the difference for more lenses later on? I've seen so many amazing shots taken with the xt that I start thinking that maybe the xti is too much for me, even without the underexposure problems I've been reading about.

Another thing that made me think was the kit lens, some people actually recommend them for beginners so I can figure out what I enjoy and buy the better lens later, it seems that I'd be getting it for about $50 at Circuit City, considering a $50 discount they are giving. So I thougth that maybe it's worth it, since it has the wider side that I would not get with my first choice.

I plan on taking pictures of my toddler, indoors/outdoors, my pet birds, maybe make some dog/cat portraits at the shelter I volunteer and on the future do some macro. I don't really plan on doing much of landscape shots.

What other accesories should I buy? I'm going to need a memory card (not sure if it's the proper name for it), what kind should I get?

Should I get a hood? Filters? I don't know anything about those yet...what are the must have things that I'm going to need? A tripod?

Thank you so much for your help, I really need some and this forum is really informative!
Luciana

 

[Dewpoint]

I purchased at Circuit City - payed sales tax and everything.

I really tried hard to buy from a independent local shop but they didn't seem to care much if I bought from them and couldn't tell me when they were getting a D80 or Xti so I could look at one. They just didn't care it was really weird. As they were saying that the Xti and D80 were on display at both Best Buy and Circuit City.

Just get the Xti, get some memory and a lens cleaning kit and start taking pictures. Start out with the Kit lens. For beginners like us it's not going to matter that much at first. Have fun.

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:: r ::

 

[Dewpoint]

I forgot to mention the thing I REALLY dislike about CC is their 14 day return policy. After 14 days you have to pay a 15% restocking fee.

On the other hand I guess it protects me because I know that I am only buying new stuff because if someone returns something they mark it as "previously opened".

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:: r ::

 

[Luciana Lieff]

Thank you. I had the same thing happen to me before. I tried a local camera shop and when something happend to my P&S camera I had to wait for them to send it back to be fixed, while at CC they just exchanged things for me right away, if I had purchased their warranty. I did not know about the 15% fee if you return it after two weeks. Does anything like that apply to the exchange if something breaks? I've been reading the thread about Costco and their return policy sounds great. I'm just afraid something is going to break eventually and I'll be stuck with no other choices than trying to contact Canon and I'd rather deal with a store with very good exchange or return policy.
Luciana

 

[Dewpoint]

Yes, Costco is excellent when it comes to returns. I checked our Costco but they didn't have the new stuff!

I don't think CC charges if the item fails. So it's risky, yes, and I never buy the extended warranties on stuff and never had a problem yet.

--
:: r ::

 

[Luciana Lieff]

Still need help here please! Where else can I buy the xti? What are the other good places with good extended warranty or good return policies?

Is the Sandisk Extreme III work? I see on the specifications for the xti that it takes CF cards time I or II, that's why I'm asking.

I was looking at B&H and I don't really understand their extended warranty. Does it only kick in after the canon warranty expires? Is it any good? I'd love to buy at Costco, but they only have the silver one and I like the black.
Thank you,
Luciana

 

[JoBo]

Is the Sandisk Extreme III work?

Sure. I went for that one.

I see on the specifications for the xti that it takes CF cards time I or II, that's why I'm asking.

Type 1 is normal memory cards, type 2 is tiny hard drives (that are more fragile, so I would not recommend them).

2c, J

 

[Luciana Lieff]

Thank you JoBo!!
Luciana

 

[Wayne Larmon]

Is the Sandisk Extreme III work?

Sure. I went for that one.

Extreme III might be overkill. If Sandisk Extreme II is available substantially cheaper. But avoid the standard non Extreme Sandisk cards (which are now on sale very cheap) because they are slow enough that they might slow the camera down. Slowness also affects downloading speed. (Get a card reader for downloading images.) I use a a 2 gig Extreme II with my 20D and it is very zippy.

Jumping back a bit. You mentioned the 28-135 IS. If this is your only lens, you might be constrained, because 28 isn't very wide on a 1.6x crop camera like the 400D (and all the Canon DSLRs except for the expensive 5D, and 1D models.) I have a Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8. This focal length works well for me for inside "people" type pics, but usually isn't wide enough when I'm outside shooting landscape type pics. Then I switch to my 18-55 kit lens.

I don't have a 28-135 IS. I have heard people say that, because it is an old design, that the IS isn't as effective as the IS is on newer lenses. And that optically it isn't that sharp (compared to better lenses.) On the other hand, a lot of people have it and love it. The IS does work and is more effective than no IS. And the sharpness issue is relative--a lot of people do get good images with it. It is by no means a junk lens.

I plan on sticking with my 18-55mm lens until I can afford a Tamron 17-50mm. Or maybe the Tokina 16-50mm, if it is ever released and turns out to be good. But I will probably keep my Tamron 28-75 for people pics. (There is a reason why fast lenses have a restricted focal length range.)

If you get a 18-55 kit lens and plan on using the 28-135 IS as a supplement, then this should be workable. And would be valuable for "people" type pics--55mm isn't long enough, IMO. But if you only get the 28-135 II, you might be constrained.

Wayne

 

[Oak and Acorn]

Still need help here please! Where else can I buy the xti? What are
the other good places with good extended warranty or good return
policies?
Is the Sandisk Extreme III work? I see on the specifications for
the xti that it takes CF cards time I or II, that's why I'm asking.
I was looking at B&H and I don't really understand their extended
warranty. Does it only kick in after the canon warranty expires? Is
it any good? I'd love to buy at Costco, but they only have the
silver one and I like the black.
Thank you,
Luciana

If you have a Costco near you, I would YES to buying from them. Pay the $50.00 membership fee and consider the fee as your extended warranty. Costco guarantees any item you purchase for the life of that item (as long as you are a member) regardless of your reason for wanting to return it - and they do have the XTi instock - see link (call them to see if they have the black body instock yet):

http://www.costco.com/Browse/Product.aspx?Prodid=11180829&whse=BC&Ne=4000000&N=4001462&Mo=9&No=4&Nr=P_CatalogName:BC&Ns=P_Price~1~~P_SignDesc1&Sp=C&topnav=

Good luck to you!

Bryan

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Oak & Acorn

 

[Luciana Lieff]

Thank you Wayne for the suggestion on the Extreme II, I'll probably get that one instead!

And about the lens, the one I had chosen was the 28-105 and not the 28-135 IS. I'm not really interested in landscape pictured, but I am considering the kit lenses now, just in case I do want the wider side. Thank you for your suggestions.

Can you tell me more about your 20D? Looking for the xti online, I ended up finding good deals on the 20D and 30D...so my brain is starting to spin again!
Thank you,
Luciana

 

[Luciana Lieff]

So do I have to pay $50 every year to guarantee my return at Costco? I wouldn't mind paying it if I did have a Costco nearby, but I don't, it would be this purchase only and I would get it in the internet.

They also have (what I think) is a good deal on the 30D. Is the 75-300mm any good? It doesn't really seem like it is...if not, I'd could get it for $1199 after rebates with only the kit lens. Sounds like a better deal than the xti for $900. The more I think I made my mind the more confused I get, if they had the xti in black on the website I'd have bought it last night. All I want is to start shooting! I'll try calling them and asking about the xti in black if I make my mind for that one.
Thank you,
Luciana

 

[iliask]

The XTi is just fine and a very good value for money. Don't let the underexposure problem stop you, not all cameras have it and be sure that Canon will have a fimware update at their web site very soon.

You need to remember the Rebels have a crop factor of 1.6x, which means that you have to multiply the focal range you see on lenses by 1.6, so the 28-105 becomes 45-168mm equivalent to a film camera. Landscape is not important to you, but the wider range of the 17-55mm kit lens is very useful for many other subjects as well.

Best of luck,

Ilias

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http://s20.photobucket.com/albums/b207/iliask

 

[John Pennington]

If you can get an xt cheaper go for it.
It seems the relative advantages of the xt/xti about outweigh one another.

Regards,
John.

 

[Oak and Acorn]

So do I have to pay $50 every year to guarantee my return at
Costco? I wouldn't mind paying it if I did have a Costco nearby,
but I don't, it would be this purchase only and I would get it in
the internet.

Yes, you would have to pay for your membership every year in order to maintain your eligibilty to return the item. However, there are many things you could use that membership for in future purchases even if it's only for online use. Costco carries a couple of lenses, and they seem to stay stocked up on several popular lines of cameras, so for future upgrades in your cameras that's always an option. Also, they carry tons of other items that you could purchase as gifts for other family members. Costco prices are hard to beat.

In addition, the $50.00 per year is cheaper than paying extra for your home owner's insurance coverage to cover your equipement, AND Costco's guarantee is completely unlimited in what it covers. Most retailers' extended warranty policies do not cover a lot of situations, and in my opinion aren't worth the paper they're printed on.

They also have (what I think) is a good deal on the 30D. Is the
75-300mm any good? It doesn't really seem like it is...if not, I'd
could get it for $1199 after rebates with only the kit lens. Sounds
like a better deal than the xti for $900. The more I think I made
my mind the more confused I get, if they had the xti in black on
the website I'd have bought it last night. All I want is to start
shooting! I'll try calling them and asking about the xti in black
if I make my mind for that one.
Thank you,
Luciana

If you go for the 30D rather than the XTi, as I did recently, Costco's price right now is a good one. However, I wouldn't recommend the 75-300 they are offering. I have this lens and it's only marginal.

I'd stick with the kit lens only package and go from there. Costco does offer the 28-135 IS USM lens at a fantastic price right now. I have this lens, and while it's not the greatest, at the price Costco has it right now, it's a steal and a pretty fine lens for someone new to dslr's.

Good luck to you!

Bryan
--
Oak & Acorn

 

[Oak and Acorn]

The XT, if you can find one, is a hands down, flat out fantastic camera, so no worries there if you go the XT route. I still have mine even after purchasing the 30D. I was going to sell the XT to finance my 30D, but I just couldn't part with it and it's superb quality.

Bryan

--
Oak & Acorn

 

[Wayne Larmon]

Can you tell me more about your 20D? Looking for the xti online, I
ended up finding good deals on the 20D and 30D...so my brain is
starting to spin again!

It is an upgrade from a 350D. 350D, 20D, and 30D are all 8 megapixels and have essentially the same IQ. Beyond the 350D, the 20D has a metal body, 5 FPS, two control wheels, high precision center AF point

The 30D is an upgrade from the 20D. It has a larger LCD, a larger buffer (20D can hold 6 RAWs, 30D can hold 11), it has "scenes", which are mostly of interest if you don't shoot RAW.

When I was upgrading several months ago, the 20D was about $1,050 and the 30D was about $1,400. To me, the improvements of the 30D wasn't enough to warrant the extra money. If the differential is less now, then go for the 30D. The only attraction of the 20D (over the 30D) is being cheaper. (There is another difference that mattered to me. PS CS supports the 20D, but not the 30D. I would have needed to upgrade to CS2 to use the 30D, which would be another $149. Otherwise, I had no need to upgrade to CS2. So for me, this would have added another $149 to the cost of the 30D. For me.)

To confuse matters, the 400D has 10 megapixels and an anti-dust system. (I haven't found dust to be a major problem with my 300D and 20D.) But the 400D is downscale from the 20D/30D (plastic body, only a single control wheel. And is small.)

I probably left a few things off all of the lists. These are the features that are most prominent to me. Features I left off are probably features that didn't register in my brain.

Wayne

 

[Luciana Lieff]

Thank you John and Bryan. I think I've learned a lot more about it all and I just went to Best Buy to feel the cameras and see if that helped me also. All I need to do now is write everything down, different stores, prices, cameras and lenses and go from there!
Thank you,
Luciana

 

[Luciana Lieff]

Thank you Wayne.

I just went to the store to feel all of them and that helped a lot. The first time I felt the xt and xti I was really disappointed, I thought it was going to feel more solid, which does with the 30D, but being a mother of a toddler I might go for the xt/xti for portability, since the IQ is the same on all of them and when I travel now, it's already a lot of stuff to carry, I'm sure I'm going to use the xt/xti a lot more than I would the 30D for that reason. Maybe in the future, when my kid is older I can upgrade, meanwhile I'll save the money for good glass!
Luciana

 

[tocar]

Went to CC the other day and played around with the XTi. First of all there are minor differences between the XT and XTi. I don't consider the extras in the XTi wortwhile. The XTi has a different metering pattern and the LCD is larger which are both nice by the way but not enough to upgrade for me. The focusing does seem faster than the XTi.

Went to Costco also and they had the XTi. Prices weren't much different.

Memory, I recommend the largest you can get. I bought a 4gb CF ($89 on sale), not a mini drive CF. Can take lots of images before it fills up. CF speed is over rated. The camera can only save as fast as it's rated so buying a faster card has no advantage, besides cards these days are fast enough than previous ones.

My other advise is how comfortable are you in handling the camera? If it's too small for you then it's a struggle. Buying a larger camera (full frame) might be easier to handle and thus more steadier.

As far as lenses go, it's a matter of taste and $$$. Get a zoom that fills your needs from wide to tele. Remember the wider the range the longer the size and heavier.

Canon lenses are a bit bulkier compared to other makes and get a USM if you're going to shoot in quiet places, the extra price is worth it.

Lastly, enjoy your camera and experiment in taking lots fo pictures and improve them. It's the only way to hone your talent.

Try the camera within the return policy and if it doesn't fill your needs then return it. CC has a restocking fee to discourage abuses, so does Best Buy. My opinion on that is, why keep a camera you don't want at a premium price when you can return it with a $20 penalty and getting a better camera in the long run.

If you know someone with a camera that you like then borrow theirs and see.