I've had my Canon Digital Rebel XT for about 6 months now, so I can give a decent overview of my experiences.
Going into this, my only previous experience was with my simple point and shoot Kodak. I was pretty concerned about giving up the lcd screen (as a view finder) and seriously considered purchasing the Canon G6 instead. Thankfully my dad talked me into getting the Rebel because it can grow with me. I can expand it with all kinds of lenses instead of wasting money upgrading the body.
I decided to buy it from BestBuy, despite better deals available online, because they have a fantastic financing program where as long as you pay it off in 12 months, there is no interest). I also sprung for the BestBuy warranty program that covers it for 2 years. I get a free camera sensor cleaning every 6 months, and a free new battery (even if mine still works) every 12 months. A $1000 digital camera was also something I was nervous about and it was comforting to know I could bring it back to the store if anything went wrong.
For the first few months (while I was still posting on POKE) I mostly used the 'dummy' modes. Now 98% of the time I shoot on full manual. Sometimes this probably means my photos don't come out as well (hey I'm still learning) but I feel more in control and it definitely helps you learn quicker.
Lens Reviews
18-55mm Kit Lens: As far as lenses, I started with this kit lens. I had nothing to compare it to and thought I got excellent photos from. The lack of a good zoom got annoying though.50mm fixed: I got this lens for my birthday. Its under $100 almost anywhere you look and its aperture goes to 1.8, so it's what I usually bring for concerts.
28-135mm with IS: I just got this in the last 2 weeks off of ebay. $380 for this, a lens hood, and UV filter. I knew I wanted more zoom. I was originally looking at the 75-300mm (crazy big coverage) but after reading a bunch of reviews saying that on the outer limits the lens goes a bit soft, I decided I wanted a tighter lens that I could max out and still be happy with. The non IS (Image Stablization) version is about $200 less, but after having had experience with images coming out a bit blurry (while the aperture was maxed out) I sprung for this. I only used this lens at the football game this past weekend (which I had a presspass to, w00t.). I love it.
Check out Bob Atkins lens review for the best overview imo.
Accessories
Cases: I like my gadgets small. This is also a minor contributor why I went with the XT and not the older 6mp model. I didn't want to carry a huge bulky camera case with me. I'm also in love with neoprene. I actually daydreamed about this case being created, until I finally found it one day. It's called Zing. They rock. I have the normal sized one which fits fine on the kit lens, but I will need to buy the zoom lens size for my new 28-135mm. Froogle for Zing.Remote: I have the Canon Wireless RC1 Remote. I like it alright. The problem is it's infrared, so it has to be in line of sight, and the only reciever is on the front of the camera. At like $20 it's good to have (and is the only way to control extended exposures aka bulb exposures). I wish Rebel's had bluetooth.
Hope this helps Aaron ;)
05:43 PM on 11.08.05
So, it's a digital camera without an LCD screen on the back? That'd be something that might bother me about purchasing it... but aside from that it sounds like a really good camera. I have been really yearning for a digital camera as of late, heh.