XTi (400D) questions

[tmnt]

I have a few FD lenses so I've pretty much settled on the XTi.

1. I hear the 18-55 lense that comes with the camera is not so good. What do you think? It's only $100 bucks or so more than the camera by itself... Can you recommend another zoom (still on the wider side) that's not a crazy amount dearer instead?

2. Anything I should be aware of when using my FD lenses on this? Anyone have a EOS to FD converter they'd recommend?

3. If I do buy the pack with the 18-55 lense, what other acessories will I need/want?

4. B&H seem to have good prices, anyone know of any great deals elsewhere at the moment?

5. I read you can't use the LCD to frame a shot? What the?

6. I HATE to ask this question but... is there a new version of the rebel coming out anytime soon?

Thanks a lot and if there's any other pointers you could give me I'd be grateful.

Ian

[Rick Meyer]

hey tmnt....I can answer some of your questions. Perhaps some of the others can chime in with the rest.

For starters, the 18-55 lens is not spectacular glass. However, I've seen some spectacular photos taken with it. It really depends on whose clicking the shutter. If you do not currently have a lens, I would recommend going ahead and getting the kit with this lens. Its a great starter lens. I'm not saying you are a beginner...I'm referring to the fact that once you really start pouring money into a better lens...$100 dollars will seem like a joke. For example, the 24-70 f/2.8 L lens...nearly the same focal range and you're talking $1200 to $1300 hundred dollars. But, check out some examples...sharp and tons of color... http://www.dvxuser.com/V6/showthread.php?t=98210

So, the kit lens does a decent job for what it is.

Accessories? Well, a bag to protect the cam of course. But other than that, a BIG but FAST compact flash card. Newegg is great for this type of purchase. I would get at LEAST a 2gig card and these days, they are definitely affordable. Finally, an extra battery. I find the battery on this cam really lasts but being without an extra battery at the right time...annoying as hell. Not to mention you can really blow a great opportunity.

B&H is good. But, one of my favorites is BUYDIG.com. They are totally legit, and fast. I see you are in Australia so I don't quite know what that would mean in terms of shipping.

LCD...no. You can't use it to frame the shot. You have to go back to 1979 when all we had were film cameras and actually had to use the viewfinder to take the photo.:laugh: It's really not a limitation at all. Especially since you have all of your exposure and metering information right inside the viewfinder right before you take the picture. I've never heard of anyone finding this to be a limitation.

Hope this helps!
Rick
PS Oh, definitely DEFINITELY consider getting the 50mm 1.8 lens. For the price (about $80 dollars) you cannot beat it!
PPS I suggest really combing through the Rebel thread. You will see many pictures you like and often times the lens and exposure info is listed. If it isn't, all you need to do is ask.

[egproductions]

Rlm already covered some of the issues I am repeating.

1. Since it seems you are more of a newbie I would go for the 18-55. It will let you appreciate fast lenses once you need them. Also it will show you how nice a wide angle can be. It isn't the sharpest lens but the contrast it good and unless you are going to be making big prints right off the bat sharpness doesn't really matter.

2. I believe that the use of the FD lenses via an adapter will disable auto aperture control (not such a bad thing but takes getting used to) but the biggest issue will be focusing since there won't be a focusing screen or Auto focus to assist you (you will have to practice a lot to get good)

3. I would reccommend a 2-4 GB sandisk IV card, an extra battery to start you off. Not worth putting a UV filter to protect your lens since it's not such an expensive peice of glass.

5. No you can't compose off the LCD but thats a good thing (you would have a hell of a time trying to focus on a low res LCD. Also looking though a viewfinder can really help you learn composition. (imagine professional photographers holding their cameras 2 feet infront of them with two hands trying to frame a shot)

[tmnt]

Hey guys thanks a lot! Your answers really helped me out. I think I'll pick up the XTi next pay. Can't wait to start snapping. I'll definately go for the extra battery and a couple CF cards (wish I could use my pro duo's though as a I have a few).

Cheers
Ian

[Shane Jackson]

The new 450D will be out Feb 2008.

[Pettersen]

Using an adapter for you FD lenses will make the quality pretty bad. Since the focal plane is only 42mm from the lens (the EF system is 44mm), you will need an optical adapter to get infinity focus. Canon made one a long time ago, but the production of these units have been discontinued a long time ago. You can still find one on ebay, but the price is insane.

If you still want to use an optical adapter, you will get light loss and a multiplication factor. Bob Atkins has a good write-up on using manual focus lenses on EF-bodies here: http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/eosfaq/manual_focus_EOS.html

[tmnt]

Thanks guys. That's not good news for me in regard to the FD lenses, using them was one of the main reasons I thought it'd be good to get into still photography (I have the FD's for my brevis 35mm adaptor).

Would you all consider the XTi good value for money? What other cameras should I consider? I've read in other threads the Nikkons seem to have a more filmic quality which appeals to me.

Thanks

[CR_OPSO]

Other cameras with good value for the money... XT (350D) body is only $430 at B&H. I know it's not the latest/greatest... but it's a good deal.

[Pettersen]

Let the grip decide. Both nikon and canon make exellent dslrs, so go to your local camera shop, try both, and chose the camera that fits best in your hands.