Ok, I'll admit- I know squat about digital cameras and am in need of buying a nice one for my wifes b-day. We have a good Sony for everyday use but I want to get her back into her old hobby of photography. She has a fancy 35mm Cannon Rebel, but by todays standards it seems outdated (non digital). So my plan in to find her a new one. With advice from friends and reading product reviews I think I'm sold on the cannon eos digital rebel xt. My question to you is can you help me find one for a decent price from a reputable seller? The best I've found is from crutchfield for $779 (kit) + $25 for 1 gig memory card. Any helpful advice would be appreciated. Thanks -Josh

 

I know squat about cameras as well. However, I can tell you that I surf Ben's Baragains everyday and there's cameras on there all the time. The deals this guy finds are often amazing prices.

http://www.bensbargains.net/

 

I did a quick search using the best online dealer for photography. B&H Photo
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/bnh/controller...egoryNavigation

They have the Rebel XT with lens (18-55mm) for $714 for silver or 719 for black. Spend the $5 for black, it looks much better. There cheap 1G memory cards starting as low as $25 but for a bit faster and more well known brand name say $50 B&H has a nice Scandisc Extreme III for $59.

You have to pay shipping but no sales tax. I buy all my camera equipment from B&H. There isnt a shop anywhere with a better reputation.

For memory cards, you can check staples or best buy, etc... when these items are on sale or special buys and get good cards cheap. I got a backup 512MB card for $15 after Easy Rebate from Staples awhile back when they cost a bit more.

I would try and sell you on the Nikon D50 which I think is a better camera and in the same price point if not slightly less but the Cannon makes good stuff too, and your wife's old lenses are likely to work with the new camera as well.

If you have any questions feel free to PM me with a phone number and a time to call if you want more details or advice. Hope that helps.



EDIT: Some Cameras are better than others based on how they will be used, long discussions and we can chat if you like.

Dont buy from the cheapest bargin place online for camera equipment. THere are more rip off artists than you can imagine selling low priced cameras. Check resellerratings.com (or something very close to that) on any online camera shop. B&H is probably the best in the USA for camera stuff online and prices are very good.

EDIT... I edited this thing about 5 timea as new things popped in my head.

 

BH's price is very good.

Beach Camera is where I bought mine from. Couple bucks cheaper and has free shipping. I recommend buying just the body w/o the kit lens - it doesn't do the camera justice. Spend couple hundreds more on a nicer lens. IMO

 

I ended up buying my Nikon from B&H - service was excellent and they price matched the lower price I found at Beach Camera.

I originally did order from Beach Camera - they told me the camera was in stock, then a few days later they send me an email telling me it wasn't in stock - just a bit frustrating.

I would highly recommend B&H.

 

Oh and just an add on to Shug's earlier post - do not go with cheapest bargain place - some of them are selling non-US models! Buyer beware!

 

Beach Camera has done a better job recently in improving their overall score in a number of areas. THey uses to be very low in most categories and still are challenged in their Customer Service and Returns area but I was surprised to see their last 6 month rating had improved as much as it has.

It still doesnt touch B&H with one of the hightest ratings on reseller ratings.

I wont bash Beach, Ive never used them but I have heard many bad stories. I had a great experience with Butterflyphoto when I bought a DVR a few years back, based on others, I was one of the lucky few. I am sure there are some out there who hate B&H but you would have a hard time finding them.

In regards to just buying the body, you can do that but you get a much cheaper price on the lens with the body than if she decided she wanted that kind of lens. Its a functional lense. My Nikon is 18 - 70mm on the Kit lens and it is very mutlifunctional. I have purchased other lenses as well that are only good in certain situations but thats why I bought them.

You can always buy off brands like Sigma or Tamron and save money but thats a seperate debate.

If it doesnt break your spending limit I would say get the kit lens. Some of her older Cannon lenses will work with the camera, but none of them will be motorized, it will be all manual focus with them but having them is a big plus...

Ive rambled long enough. Im done for now.

 

Thanks everyone, yes I'll be buying the camera with lens for her. I'll let you know what I do. Waiting to hear back from the inlaws early next week- if they want to go in with me on her gift.

 

Dont the lens from the 35mm rebel fit the XT ? So you could still save a few and get just the body .

I would get a different lens if they are swappable so you have 2 choices

 

Twiztid is correct. If she already has a 35mm Canon, she would assumingly have several lenses for that camera.
You should shop for a new Canon digital DSlr as the older lenses will fit on the new camera. You do not want to lose the investment in those lenses. I personally prefer Nikon cameras, so it was very hard for me to recommend a Canon, LOL.
As far as reputable dealers, you will find none better than B&H. Ritz and Adorama are OK but I have always had better service from B&H.
Happy shopping!