rob answers:

Canon XS advantage http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fie%3DUTF8%26high-price%3D%26x%3D12%26redirect%3Dtrue%26ref_%3Dsr%5Fnr%5Fp%5F36%5F5%26keywords%3DCanon%2520Rebel%2520XS%2520%26low-price%3D100%26bbn%3D172282%26y%3D17%26qid%3D1278271229%26rnid%3D386442011%26rh%3Dn%253A172282%252Ck%253ACanon%2520Rebel%2520XS%2520&tag=digitsy-marina-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957
Ability to connect the camera and shoot from your computer
Live view mode which allow you to use lcd screen to compose your shot.
Compatibility of all Canon EOS lenses
Nikon D3000 advantage
11 AF points vs 7 AF points
Larger LCD screen, 3″ vs 2.5″
Guide Mode and extensive in camera photo retouch
Better ergonomic
I prefer Nikon…http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fie%3DUTF8%26high-price%3D%26x%3D12%26redirect%3Dtrue%26ref_%3Dsr%5Fnr%5Fp%5F36%5F5%26keywords%3DNikon%2520D3000%26low-price%3D100%26bbn%3D172282%26y%3D7%26qid%3D1278271330%26rnid%3D386442011%26rh%3Dn%253A172282%252Ck%253ANikon%2520D3000&tag=digitsy-marina-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957

rob answers:

The XTi is worth it much more than the XS in my opinion.

rob answers:

None is really better than the other. Both are just about as easy to use, but the D3000 has a “guide mode” which can help under some conditions. Both have comparable image quality, speed, and handling.

Personally, I like Nikon’s grip, handling, and ergonomics better, but that’s just my personal preference. The Xs, from what I remembered from using it, uses extremely hard plastics even on the control dial and places it at a weird angle which make it extremely awkward to use (and it kind of hurts my index finger too when I use the control dial).

I say go to a camera store, and go with the one that fits mostly comfortable in your hands. Neither camera will dissappoint.

rob answers:

The one that has more capacity? Surely you answered your own question there?

Hope this was helpful
Good Luck
Robert

rob answers:

Hope this article can help you: http://www.digitalrev.com/en/canon-eos-1100d-rebel-t3-vs-dot-canon-eos-600d-rebel-t3i—which-one-to-buy-8042-article.html

The T3 definitely falls into your budget range. If you are new to DSLR, T3 is a good beginner’s choice with its good image quality and compact size for a DSLR.

rob answers:

I would get the Pentax K-x. While both are excellent cameras, the Pentax K-x offers these advantages:

*Pentax K-x has higher ISO setting of 3200, 6400 (100-12800 with boost) while the Canon XSi only goes to 1600 ISO. This can make a big difference when shooting in low light situations. The first website link below is to a side by side listing of the features and specs of the 2 cameras. This listing page also has links to reviews with sample images from the camera.

*The Pentax has a higher rated image sensor. The 2nd website link below is to DxO Labs to a page
showing the sensor rating for both cameras.

*Image Stabilization, it is in the body and it appears that it being in the camera body means it can help with a great variety of lenses.

*The Pentax has HD video which could be a nice extra.

*The Pentax costs less, here is a quick price comparison of prices from B&H Photo:

EOS Rebel XSi (1000D) 12MP DSLR Digital Camera Kit w/18-55mm IS Lens – $560
Pentax K-x 12MP DSLR with 18-55mm Zoom (has HD Video also) – $514

I also added a few websites that are good to shop for deals and offer cutomer reviews.

Hope this helps.

Mark

marksablow.com

rob answers:

I own both the XSi and the T1i. Obviously, the T1i is better but not for the reasons you might think.

As far as image quality goes within the normal ISO ranges (100 – 800) they are actually comparable. You’d have trouble telling the difference between pictures taken with the two. Where the T1i is much better is its screen and its ability to do video. The small difference in mega pixels is really negligible.

Here are two shots, one done with an XSi and one with a T1i.

T1i: http://www.flickr.com/photos/51633413@N07/5082485905/in/set-72157624447483747/
Xsi: http://www.flickr.com/photos/51633413@N07/sets/72157624447483747/

I personally prefer working with my T1i but image quality wise, there really is no difference.

rob answers:

Definitely get the T1i. Better image quality, HD video, higher ISO capability… There’s really nothing about the XSi that the T1i doesn’t have, or have more of. The T1i is definitely worth the extra $$$.

rob answers:

There are times when refurbished cameras can be a good deal but I would stay away from anyone but the manufacturer – in other words if you want refurbished, buy it directly from Canon.

My real suggestion would buy new. Then you know it’s factory fresh and straight from Canon.

Good Luck

rob answers:

Yes, it seems that lens will fit on the XSi.

I’d be wary of that lens due to its huge zoom range. That lens has a zoom of about 10x (300/28 = 10). *Generally* lenses with over 5x zoom range make compromises in image quality in order to accommodate the extra zoom. That can be seen in this lens with the f/6.3 at the long end – that’s slow. It may be convenient to have that range but it comes at a cost. Also, as previously mentioned, with the 1.6x crop factor the 28mm becomes 44.8mm which isn’t really covering the wide angle anyways.

If I were you I’d go with the kit and then get a separate telephoto. The newest version of the 18-55mm (the IS) is supposed to be a pretty decent lens for the money. One think I’d look out for when choosing your telephoto is the 75-300mm that they sell at all the big electronics stores. It’s a pretty crappy lens, especially for what they charge for it. If you can find it used for $100 I’d go for it. Otherwise I’d get the 100-300mm or the 70-300mm.

rob answers:

The EOS Rebel XT will take all Canon EF and EF-S mount lenses that you already have. The different between the Rebel XT and a 35mm film SLR are the cropping effect since the sensor of the Rebel XT is smaller than a 35mm film. Therefore there is a 1.6x field of view crop. For example, your 35mm lens will become 56mm on the Rebel XT. The kit lens that comes with the Rebel XT is not very good but its a good value consider it whole less than $100. If you don’t want the kit lens, you may want to get yourself a 17-85mm IS USM lens as your all around lens. If money is not a concern, Canon offers a wide range of L lenses. Go to their web site to check it out.

rob answers:

Any of the Canon EF and EF-S lenses will work with your Rebel DSLR.

What will NOT work are EF-S lenses on the 1D and 5D series Canon DSLR’s or Canon EOS 35 mm SLR’s

NONE of the Canon FD or older FL lenses are usable with the EOS cameras

rob answers:

Yes, there’s an adapter. Here it is:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=360015005500

HTH.

rob answers:

Any Canon EOS camera will use the same lenses as the Rebel Ti.

rob answers:

The 18-55 isn’t so hot. It’s a budget lens, after all.
For your normal zoom, consider spending some extra cash on the Canon 17-85mm ($509 at Beach Camera). This is probably the best lens you’ll find for under a grand. (If money is no object, consider the 17-55mm or an L-lens.)
The 18-55 and the 17-85 both have some distortion at the wide end – as you’d expect from any zoom – but for architectural shots etc. This can easily be corrected in post processing.
The only real drawback of the 17-85, is that it’s relatively weak from 17 to 24mm. Not poor… Just less good than the rest of the range. And I only mention it because most of your work seems to be wide angle.
Now, if 17mm isn’t wide enough (and on the XTi with a 1.6 crop factor, 17mm is effectively just 27mm) you can get a super wide angle zoom. Canon, Tamron, Tokina and Sigma all have them. All versions are okay, but you get what you pay for.
You also asked about 18-200mm lenses. These give you convenience at the expense of image quality. The trade-off is your decision. I don’t know anything about the Tamron version, but I do know a few Nikon shooters who love their Nikon 18-200. I also know a few Nikon shooters who are used to great glass, who returned/ sold their 18-200.
Whatever you do, I strongly recommend that you don’t be cheap about your lens collection – if you want to save a quick $200, get the Canon XT instead of the XTi.

rob answers:

You mean the 50D?

It may be a better idea to get in the manual of your G10 and find out how to reset everything to default. Try that before you buy a new camera and decide you don’t like it. A 50D is very much larger and heavier than a camera like the G10.

rob answers:

The 5D has a full frame sensor, allowing for much more detailed and clearer photos. The 450D has a much smaller “crop” sensor, the photos will not be of the same clarity and quality, even though the specs seem similar. Also the 5D is of a much stronger build than the 450D.. I’d go for the 5D if I had to make a choice.

Go to http://dpreview.com and compare the 2 side by side and read the reviews. There are test photos from both, you’ll see the superority of the 5D.

rob answers:

The camera is already good enough to produce prime time television shows and movies. It has been done. Not long ago, a complete episode of house was filmed with dslrs only. They were all canon 5d mkii cameras.

What other equipment do you need?
Technical equipment will just include lights and rigging.
Rigging to get the lights in place and to hold the camers steady.
You will still need the other parts of a production to be top notch too. Actors, actresses, makeup, wardrobe, props etc.

Lenses?
This all depends on the effect you are trying to achieve. When house was shot they used a variety of canon L lenses and zeiss lenses.
Zeiss lenses are exceptional for film making.
Im not as familiar with the zeiss lineup, however im familiar with many wedding photographers and the lenses they use for wedding videos, they all shoot on canon 5d or 7d.
16-35mm f2.8L
24-70mm f/2.8L
70-200mm f2.8L
50mm f1.2L
85mm f1.2L

rob answers:

EOS400 is an amatuer camera.
EOS 5D is closer to a Pro camera.
I’ll choose the 5D because it has a full frame chip (same size as 35mm) thus, 16mm lens is 16mm and not (16×1.63)mm, Ability for shallower depth of field, etc. Generally, a full frame camera has the capabilities to create better pictures.
Setback of the 5D:
Besides being more pricey than 400D, the burst speed is not great, making it a not-so-good camera for photography that requires speed, ie. Sports photography.

rob answers:

The camera will work without a lens, you just won’t have anything to focus an image on the sensor with and no aperture control. Even with a lens, you may not be able to take a photo due to lack of knowledge or due to breaking the camera. You may as well save enough to buy the camera with a lens (this will save you money) and to take classes before you throw your money away.

rob answers:

The XSi is a great bet. I’ve taken about 7000 pictures with mine already, and the camera still feels new. However, I had borrowed a friend’s Canon 40D beforehand and I was disappointed that the image quality of the XSi (with more megapixels) was worse than the 40D. Too many pixels on such a small chip.

Furthermore, you don’t have to stick with canon. The canon p&s models are quite, quite different from the DSLRs. You might even prefer a nikon. Go to a camera store and feel the camera. Ask to see a 40D, or 50D. If you have large hands, these cameraa will feel substantially better in your hands. My mother is a very small woman yet she only shoots with a 50D. If weight is an issue, the XSi is by far one of the lightest DSLRs on the market.

rob answers:

I would not buy any of them … Only Canon speedlights have all the features that can be used with your cameras flash interface.

If your budget is low, either forget the flash for now and save your pennies or buy the least expensive Canon speedlight … The 220 EX

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/121598-USA/Canon_2262A006_220EX_TTL_Flash.html

You spent good money for a fine camera … No reason to go cheap now.

rob answers:

Probably the most noticeable difference is that the T1i records video while the XSi does not. You can compare their specs side-by-side here:

http://www.dpreview.com/products/compare/side-by-side?products=canon_eos500d&products=canon_eos450d

However, they are both slightly older models. The XSi has been replaced by the T3, and the T1i was replaced by the T2i, although there is also a more recent T3i.

rob answers:

Dpreview.com has a nice way of comparing side by side, feature by feature. They seem very comparable. I like some of the Canon features more and some of the Nikon features more.

I’d also look at prices and lens prices as the body isn’t going to matter a whole lot if you put a lousy lens in front of it.

rob answers:

Canon EOS Rebel XSi is a Great camera, one of the best low(er)-end DSLRs on the market
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0012YA85A?ie=UTF8&tag=nop107-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=390957&creativeASIN=B0012YA85A”

rob answers:

If you’re talking about software for for connecting the camera and downloading, you shouldn’t need to download new software. With the camera that they make nowadays, the computer/camera connection is generic and any software (except Kodak) will recognize the camera and transfer the pictures.
Of course you can use any software that you like for post processing of the photos.

rob answers:

Go to their site /support/download driver should be there.
Been and got it for ya
http://alpha02u.c-wss.com/inc/ApplServlet?SV=WWUCA900

rob answers:

Uninstall the software from the c: drive and reinstall it on your spare drive. You should have the option to pick where you want to install the software. Also keep in mind if you have a lot of photos these will probably be taking up more space than your camera software does. You may want to at least back them up on your spare drive.

rob answers:

Try going to their web site and download the driver manually. If it still doesn’t work after that it maybe time to upgrade to Vista or Windows 7. I’m surprises you haven’t downloaded windows xp service pack 3 yet. It’s free off of the microsoft website.

rob answers:

The best free software for any camera is free from Google.
It’s Picasa.. Here’s the link.. Enjoy!

Http://picasa.google.com/download/thanks.html

rob answers:

The two lenses you have are fine there is nothing wrong with there quality, they take pictures and that is all you need! Your 75-300 has a minimum focusing distance of 4.92′ that means anything from your camera to 4.9′ infront of you cant focus, you need to focus past that. You dont need any better lenses untill you know more about photography and what you want to shoot.

rob answers:

The camera itself need not be connected to the computer (Mac or Windows) to work. If you use a Card Reader (USB Card Reader), it uses no battery, it needs no driver (software) and it’s fast.

But to answer your question, yes, your computer will recognize it if you connect it directly to the computer. Just remember that the battery can be charged for so many times and you will have to replace it – not cheaply either.

rob answers:

Hi,

T1i is older, has more noise, 21fps in Full HD which is weird, and is just one of the worst price/performance models. It’s good, but you overpay. T2i, T3 are much better.

Here’s a DSLR Buying Guide – http://www.the-dslr-photographer.com/2009/11/which-dslr-to-buy/

rob answers:

If you’re a professional get a sandisk extreme
if you’re an amatuer who wants a fast card with very little waiting time for it to save get a sandisk ultra
if you’re just some dood who wants to take pictures of flowers and such, get a normal blue sandisk

sandisk is one of the best brands for normal photographers. The sooper pros go for lexar but it costs mullah. Kingston is good too, pick the one with the coolest picture

if you shoot weddings, get 32 GB and a backup 16 GB card
if you shoot pictures of animals in the wild for many months get a few 64GB cards
if you are just a casual shooter, get a 4GB or 8GB card, whichever one makes you feel like a boss more.
If you’re a lazy shooter who doesn’t ever empty their cards (and i mean EVARRR) then get a 64GB card
if you like to shoot video, get a 32GB card

yeah. So just mix and match brotha (in the case that you are a girl; sistah)

rob answers:

Yes, it is. It’s a great camera for people just getting into photography. However, taking good photos is totally up to you as the photographer, so read up on exposure and composition! (check out the links below)

http://www.cambridgeincolour.com/tutorials/camera-exposure.htm

http://www.digital-photography-school.com/digital-photography-composition-tips

As for auto-focus, that depends on the lens.

rob answers:

I would go to the menu, go to format, and low-format your card (I think that’s what it’s called) press the trash can button once you get into format and it puts a check mark in the box. Then try again.

rob answers:

Okay, honestly, it doesn’t matter. However if you want to go pro, go with the d7000. It has an lcd at the top that tells you information (which can be very handy) The d7000 has been known as one of the best dslr of the year, a predecessor of the much loved d90. It includes many newer technologies that the t2i (older than d7000) has. But when it comes down to the core, an image is an image. D7000 has better noise processing while the t2i is cheaper and doesn’t have the LCD. Also, nikons have better egronomics (but cannon is catching up) I recommend the d7000 because if you buy something, buy the better one, because when you upgrade, you waste the money of the first camera.

I am a canon person, but this is the truth

rob answers:

They’re the same camera, they just have different names depending on where you buy them. In the USA, it’s the Canon Rebel T2i. In Europe. It’s called the Canon EOS 550D. And in Japan, it’s called the Canon EOS Kiss X4.

rob answers:

I have a T2i, and I use it for HD video (and photos). Its absolutely amazing!

rob answers:

The Canon T21 and the 550D are the same model. The T2i is more for marketing than anything. The 550D is to tell you where it lies in the Canon Rebel line. For example, the Canon XSi is also called the 450D. It came out before the T21 and has less features .

You can combine the lenses, no problem there.

rob answers:

It’s a great camera. Pretty great image quality and an all-around solid camera, especially for the money.

Some things to note about the camera:
-On 1080p video, you’re limited to 24FPS
-You’re limited to shooting video on automatic; no manual controls when shooting video

Other than that, it’s a great camera. If you’re not interested in or don’t want to pay for a T2i, the T1i will serve you well.

rob answers:

The pictures are corrupted for some unknown reason. Yes! You can get them back. The first thing is you have to stop using the SD card because you risk overwriting the pictures.

Now- try 001 picture recovery. It is simple and good quality. Download:
http://www.001-software.com/picture-recovery/

rob answers:

This may be all the help you need.

Http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/en/Camera-Sensor/Compare-sensors/(appareil1)/586%7C0/(appareil2)/587%7C0/(onglet)/0/(brand)/Canon/(brand2)/Nikon

As you will notice for all the extra pixels on the T1i, the Nikon D5000 sensor out performs it.

rob answers:

I would think the T1i is better, the K-X and the D5000 can only go up to 720p, where the T1i can go up to 1080p (full HD)

rob answers:

Buying 55-250mm lens is really a good idea. I think you should consider buying it

http://www.amazon.com/gp/search/ref=sr_nr_scat_3017941_ln?rh=n%3A3017941%2Ck%3Acanon+t1i&keywords=canon+t1i&ie=UTF8&tag=bestdeals-y-20&qid=1279615828&scn=3017941&h=8658f355f28e239d13a95209b01933d5d1063295

For memory card you can consider
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_12?url=search-alias%3Daps&tag=bestdeals-y-20&field-keywords=sd+card+8gb+class+6&x=0&y=0&sprefix=sd+card+8gb+

rob answers:

50mm f/1.8

rob answers:

Go to canonusa.com
check the box beside the cameras you want to compare
then press compare.

rob answers:

Unfortunately you are going to have to use a cable release as the Rebel XS does not have an infrared receiver, you would need something like this http://www.amazon.com/Remote-Release-Canon-XSi-Pentax/dp/B001G9Y98I

Your local camera shop should be able to help you find one, they may have one in stock or may be able to order one for you.

If you want to take self portraits you could set the custom timer and take 10 exposures at a time…

There may also be wireless remotes with adapts, but I have not been able to find any…

rob answers:

What price range?

If you’re looking for something to compliment your 18-55 you may look into a 75-300mm lens, or if that’s just too long the 28-135 3.5-5.6 IS is a pretty good walk around lens. It’s not great close in (28mm) but for out in the yard or at the park it’s a good focal length.

The 24-70 that was mentioned above me blows either of these lenses away, but it cost’s over $1k.

rob answers:

Take it in

rob answers:

It’s not really worth trying to use your old manual focus FD lenses on an XSi (which has an excellent auto focus system). You CAN buy an adapter to make them compatible, but at the expense of image quality.
Really, if you want a 50mm lens…you can buy the EF 50mm f/1.8 for less than US$90. It’s all plasticky and toylike, but has very sharp image quality.

I have the XSi (450D) and am more than happy with it and it’s performance (for now).

P.s. Don’t forget that due to the 1.6x field of view crop factor on the XSi and similar Canon models (excluding full frame) a 50mm lens actually becomes an 80mm lens, and a 100mm lens becomes a 160mm lens etc. Etc.

rob answers:

IF your Pentax lenses are K-mount lenses then they will work with the current Pentax DSLR line.

If your Pentax lenses are the older M42 screw-mount lenses then you should be able to find an M42 to Nikon, Pentax, Sony, Canon DSLR body. They will, of course, be manual focus and you’ll have to use stop-down metering.

rob answers:

If they are EF lenses, they will work. If they are EF-S lenses, they will not. The kit lens on an xsi is an EF-S lens for example.

rob answers:

If you want sharpness and quality, please don’t go with any of those 18-200 zooms, NONE, i repeat NONE of them will come close to the quality of some decent glass. My recommendation, is get a 50 1.8 prime first. It’s about 100 bucks, a absolutely great lens, but it’s a prime, ie, it doesn’t zoom, but it’s super fast, at f 1.8. Then go out and get a Sigma 17-70 f 2.8-4.5. It’s a variable aperture lens, but really it doesn’t hinder me much. It’s a great lens at about $380, and you still get some of that prime “wow” factor. Use the extra money to get some quality filters. If money is an object, and you want a lot of zoom, get a Sigma 70-300 APO DG Macro. It’s gotta be the APO version, the other is crap. It stands for Apochromatic i believe. This is a top of the line cheap zoom, you wont get much better quality without jumping way up in price. These run around $250. Hope that helps!

rob answers:

The Canon EF 50 mm f/1.8 or f/1.4 for portraits
The Canon EF-S 10-22 mm for shooting landscapes

rob answers:

I’ve been using the Rebel XT for nearly two months now with an EF 28-90mm lens and so far it’s worked out well for me. It’s my first DSLR and I’m enjoying learning the difference nuances of it and photography. It’s a bit tricky to learn sometimes but all in all it takes some good shots. You can see a little bit of what I’ve done here:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/kimberlya416

I would say it’s a great camera and would definitely recommend it.

rob answers:

It does not have live view. You can’t.

rob answers:

I think you should go with Nikon D3000 10.2MP Digital SLR Camera
*10.2-megapixel DX-format imaging sensor for prints up to 20 x 30 inches
*Includes 3x 18-55mm Zoom-Nikkor VR Image Stabilization lens
*Nikon EXPEED image processing; in-camera image editing and Active D-Lighting
*3.0-inch color LCD screen; 170-degree wide-angle viewing

rob answers:

Did you keep the Owners Manual? If you did and had decided to READ your Owners Manual You would had discovered how to View the Photos because 99% of the time the Answers to your Questions are sitting inside the Owners Manual

rob answers:

Out of those listed cameras, I would get the Nikon D90. I have a class that I am teaching and have 2 students that have D90′s and I have seen images in Photoshop and have very impressed with what I have seen.

Below is a review of the D90 that includes sample images. Also I included 2 links to photo dealer that have customer reviews of equipment.

Hope this helps.

Mark

rob answers:

I would go with the Nikon. Canon segregates their lenses in to two camps: cheap and crappy, and good but hugely expensive. Yes, nikon does make some entry level lenses, but on the whole, they are good and well made across the entire range. Images from Nikons also look better at high ISOs than canon’s.

rob answers:

Yes, the lens is compatible. ANY canon lens made in the last 15 or so years will work on your 7D. Though I would have to agree with the other posters that this is really not a very good lens. The lens is as soft as putty and very inconsistent in the focus department. You might want to look at the Canon 28-135mm which is in the same price range (might be a bit cheaper). Or you could save up a bit and buy the 18-200mm which is an infinitely better lens, as is the 18-135mm.

rob answers:

All EF mount lenses will work with the 7D without adaptors. The only thing you have to remember is that you have to multiply the focal lenght by 1.6 because the sensor is smaller than the original 35mm film. What this means is that a 18-200mm lens would become a 28.8-320mm lens and a 50mm lens would become a 80mm lens. Check out the links below for more information regarding the EF & EF-S lens mounts.

rob answers:

I’ve got both cameras but, given the fact that most of your photography focuses on wildlife and macro photography, the 1.6x crop of the 7D may offer some advantages. The 7D is also $1000 (USD) cheaper than the 5D Mark II which would free up more of your budget for lenses like the MP-E 65mm and off camera lighting.

It’s also worth mentioning that cameras in general are bad “investments.” Because replacements come out every 12-36 months and the cameras have become more consumer electronics/computers than they were in the past, they depreciate very quickly. The original 5D for example, sold for almost $3,000. Today, that camera sells for as little as $1,000. The original 1Ds provides and even more stark comparison when you consider that it sells today for $1,000-$1,300 but, it originally retailed for nearly $8,000. Lenses on the other hand, are much better investments.

Lenses can last a lifetime for many people and a lens may remain on the market for a decade or more. It is also important to keep in mind that the lens is typically more important than the camera itself with respect to image quality and for these reasons, they tend to retain more of their value for a longer period of time. For example, an EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM lens of similar age to the original1Ds may still sell for $1,500 if it’s in good condition. Not a cheap lens but, just before that same lens was discontinued a year or so ago, new copies were selling for $1,800-$1,900. So, here we have a lens that is almost ten years old and it is possible for that lens to have retained over 75% of it’s original value during that time. No DSLR will every be able to do this but, lenses often can and do. Some lenses even manage to go up in value like the old EF 50mm f/1.0L. The bottom line is that as investments go, high quality lenses are a much better investment than the camera itself. The rule is buy the cheapest camera you need while investing in your lenses.

rob answers:

How is the crop factor a disadvantage??? What type of photography are you doing that would require a full-frame camera?

A camera is a camera. All you have to do is use the lens that is appropriate for what you are trying to accomplish.

My camera has a 1.3x factor, so if I want close to a full frame 50mm view I would use either a 35mm (46mm full frame) or something like the 24-70L (zoomed to 38mm for a 50mm full frame view) to accomplish what I want.

rob answers:

The Sony A300/350 feature Live View which works with the auto focus. Suppose you’re at a parade and have to hold the camera over your head to get a picture. Just flip the screen down and you can compose and focus. Or suppose you’re shooting at ground level – just flip the screen up.

Sony has their version of Image Stabilization (IS) in the camera body so any lens you use will have that benefit instead of just a select few. Plus, you don’t have to pay for IS with every lens.

Sony currently lists 26 branded lenses, has released a Carl Zeiss line of lenses and can use every legacy Minolta Maxxum AF lens made since 1985.

At the recent Photo Marketing Association (PMA) Convention, Sony announced their Pro-level full frame sensor (24mm x 36mm) camera will be released later this year.

Also, don’t forget that Sony introduced the world’s first non-film SLR in 1981 – the Sony Mavica. It offered 3 interchangeable lenses and while it wasn’t digital it wasn’t film either.

IMO the A300 would be a good choice and you can use the difference in price between it and the A350 to buy a nother lens.

rob answers:

The XSi is the perfect camera for someone that’s not really a professional but wants all the creative control a SLR will provide. The 5D and 40D are perfect for the pro photographer. I think the 5D is going to get upgraded soon though, so you might want to wait if upgrades are important to you. But it’s an awesome camera.

rob answers:

The Sony A350 is a decent camera and more than likely you will be happy with it. Where you will be unhappy is if you ever decided you want to get heavily into photography and find that you’ve bought into a camera system that lacks lenses, bodies and accessories that are considered high-end. If you’re never going to get heavily into photography then your purchase was probably fine.

rob answers:

All OEM macro lenses are good lenses.

What may concern you is that it is a EF-S lens. What that means is if you ever decide to buy a Canon full frame camera (1D/5D series), you will not be able to use that lens, since it is known to damage the mirrors on such cameras while the camera’s mirror damages the rear element of the lens.

For this reason, many Canon system owners only buy Canon EF lenses to assure that they do not later have to replace lenses if they move to a full frame camera

This means that the EF 50 mm f/2.5 ($300) or EF 100 mm f/2.8 ($600) may be a better choice, but not because one is intrinsically better than the other

rob answers:

The Nikon seems better to me.

rob answers:

I guess an easy thing to check is the file size of the picture you took. My Canon 8 megapixel camera uses about 3.5 MB for most pictures. And I have it set for the highest resolution. If your file sizes are less than that, then you need to check you camera settings.

Turn your camera on as if you are going to take a picture. Select “Func” and use the navigator to get to the resolution (should look like a quarter circle). Make sure that is set to the highest, “Superfine”. Then go down to the size selection and again select the highest, “Large”.

Now take a couple of practice shots and see how they look on your computer.

For your different modes, you have to be in Manual mode. The Auto mode limits your selection.

I would recommend taking a photography class at your local community college. They will show you the basic for any type of photography, but also help you understand your camera.

rob answers:

You should go with Canon PowerShot SD1400IS 14.1 MP Digital Camera
* 14.1-megapixel resolution; 2.7-inch PureColor System LCD
* 28mm wide-angle lens; 4x optical zoom and Optical Image Stabilizer
* 720p HD movie shooting capability plus HDMI output
* Smart AUTO intelligently selects from 22 predefined settings
* New scene modes such as Miniature Effect and Fisheye Effect;
* Low Light mode for dimly-lit situations.

rob answers:

Your camera only records in standard definition at 320X240 or 160X120 pixels (15 frames per second). That is giving you less than ideal video, especially viewing it on an LCD computer monitor or a flat screen TV set at full screen16:9. You will see better results if you change the viewing screen(s) to 4:3 ratio.

Make sure the camera is set to 320X240. That is fine for web use if you may.

rob answers:

58 mm UV filters start at under $10 – you really want to base your choice of camera system on one existing UV filter????

Do yourself a big favour and do a lot more learning and research before you jump into this – you are so NOT ready for this.

rob answers:

Both the Canon SD780 IS and the Canon SD1200 IS have very good image quality. The SD780 IS does better in lower light without using flash. At times they are the same price on line about $180 but most times the SD780 IS is 20 bucks more.