Need Photographer's Opinion!

[SarahMD]

Ok, I am an aspiring photographer. I have yet to invest my first grand into a camera. So I'm looking into which would be the best. I'm SOOO partial to Canons. What I'm looking for is Sharp photos of still and moving subjects. I'm looking to do photos of childrean mainly, and maybe some senior portraits, engagement photos, basically natural portraits!

I'm looking to invest about $1000 (hubby will be getting this for me once the summer is over cause we're so busy going places and doing stuff to save money, lol). If the camera is 2 to 3 hundred more that's fine.

What camera is the best at what I'm looking to do? Also - which Lens is a MUST HAVE for the camera you may be proposing?

Thank you so much!

[Amanda Rockwell]

Honestly, If you're into Cannon, I'd start out with a Rebel XT. A 50 mm lens is GREAT for portraits. Just make sure you have enough room in your house to back up FAR! There's no zoom on this lens, it's fixed.

[Angela]

I agree with Amanda. The XT with the 50mm is an excellent start.

[nicunurse]

I also agree with Amanda. And the 50mm 1.8 lens is inexpensive as far as lenses go. I started with the 50mm 1.8 and have since upgraded to the 1.4, but the 1.8 is a great starter! This lens is on my camera 90% of the time.

[Lauren]

Yup, another vote for the XT. The image quality is excellent for the price - most people won't be able to tell the difference between shots taken with this and a more expensive model such as the 30D. I personally don't like the 50mm 1.8 but only because of its build, there was nothing to complain about with the photos. Definitely worth picking up for beginning portrait work.

If your budget can stretch to it, I'd suggest picking up a zoom other than the kit lens. The Tamron 28-75 2.8 is supposedly excellent (I have friends who are pro and love it) and very affordable for what it is - I believe it can be had new from around $350 online.

[ina]

Me too, I love the XT. Another suggestion for lenses (besides the 50mm 1.8, which I love!) is the Sigma 17-70. It has a little more reach than the kit lens, and takes beautiful sharp photos.

[*AmyLyn*]

I second the Tamron 28-75. I have it and it is WONDERFUL. Takes tack sharp photos and is a very good walking around lens.

[GingerT]

Sarah,

I am very happy with my Rebel XT -- and I just bought the 50 mm 1.8 lens and am really happy with it too. It is taking time to adjust to the shallow depth of field but it is GREAT for low lighting/inside photography (and cheap!)

I also have a 75-300 mm and I love it too -- I find I can get nice close ups of Cassidy without having to be in her face.

[vshaw]

Yep I agree with everyone else. If your partial to Canon then get the Rebel XT.

[SarahMD]

Thanx everyone. My husband said just recently that after August (one of our busiest months) that he'll get me my rebel xt!! YAY! And at Costco it's only 699 YAY!! So I'll have a little bit left over for an extra lens! Yay! LOL...I'll be checking these other Lens out! Thanx again!

[Dani~B]

SWEEEEET!! You will LOVE it! Clear out some space on your HD or EHD for all those pics though ;) there will be gobs of them!

[growliesgirl]

Have fun! I got a digital Rebel XT a couple months ago and absolutely love it.

[cheribear]

I also love my Rebel XT. I had a professional photographer take pictures of my daughter a few months ago and she said she started her business with hers. She had an AMAZING portfolio and 90% of her pictures were taken with it. As her business took off she upgraded to a more expensive camera but was only able to afford it with the $$ she made taking pics with the Rebel.

I have no aspirations to become a professional but when I saw what she was able to do with a Rebel I knew that it was what I wanted. I love my Rebel with the kit lens and it will probably be a LOOOOOOOONG time before I outgrow it.

~Cheri