Camera opinion's Options

[gt_driFFter]

I can't decide if I want the Canon S3 IS, or to pony up the extra $$ for the Canon Digital Rebel XT (350D). Anybody have experience with either of these? I mainly want to shoot cars, and pictures of the skyline/sunset. Please post up your opinions on either of these camera's!

*EDIT*
No longer looking at the S3, just trying to decide between the Canon Rebel XT, and XTi. Please see the 5th post in this thread!

This post has been edited by gt_driFFter: Jul 4, 2007 - 1:13 AM

[Mynzeyes]

I just purchased the Canon S3-IS. I'm completely happy with my purchase, and it is an amazing camera for the price. As for the 350D, I do not think it is worth well over double the price. As with any DSLR, you are going to need all the different attachments in order to make it a well-rounded camera. With the S3-IS, it is pretty much ready right out of the box. The only main thing I would recommend is a lens hood and filter, available for around 30 dollars. There was a review somewhere on the net comparing the S3-IS to a 5000 dollar DSLR, but I cannot find it right now. However, I do remember that there was definitely not a 4600 dollar difference in pictures. For a 6mp Super-Zoom P&S camera with all of the mods and abilities as the Canon, you cannot go wrong. Especially if you are really just a novice, and just now getting started in learning about the in-depth properties of serious photography, it is a great camera.

You can compare the S3-IS side-by-side to the 350D here:
http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM
My opinion based on those comparisons is, spend the less money, and go with the S3-IS. If you want more zoom, or wide angle, you can always get attachments. But based on those pictures, the 350D is not worth well over twice the price (to me).

Also, another good forum is here:
http://www.stevesforums.com/forums/

And, here is a PowerShot S3-IS only forum:
http://www.powershots3.com/

I'll keep looking for that comparison with the DSLR, but for now, check out a couple of those links. Based on those 2, I say the S3-IS is the better buy, but use those to help you make your own decision.

-John-

[gt_driFFter]

Thanks for the info. If you don't mind, what did you pay for yours? I can get the camera, a 512Mb SD card, a case and 6ft tripod all for $390. That's sounding a lot more appealing than $800+. Could you post up some pictures that you've taken?

[Mynzeyes]

Thanks for the info. If you don't mind, what did you pay for yours? I can get the camera, a 512Mb SD card, a case and 6ft tripod all for $390. That's sounding a lot more appealing than $800+. Could you post up some pictures that you've taken?

I already had a tripod and camera bag, which were about 15 each. I got the camera and a 1gb SD Ultra II card for 415 after tax. I believe the camera itself was 339.99 from Circuit City. As for pictures, I will post up some later, bc I haven't gone though a lot of them, as I am still learning the camera. . I'll check back in later and post up pics. If you go through those sites, you can find pics other people have taken. But I'll post up some in a bit.

-John-

[gt_driFFter]

Okay, I'll be buying one within the next two weeks, and I've narrowed it down between the Canon Rebel XT, and the XTi. There is a $175 difference at best buy, and I want to know if you guys think the dust filter, extra 2mp, and bigger screen are worth it.

Anybody go with the XT and wish they would've got the XTi?

What are some good forums, besides dpreview?

Thanks!

[BLINKYxMUNKEY]

If you buy a DSLR, you will want to buy an assortment of lenses. Just happens. XT's and XTi's are great choices. Either choice is good. Have you gone to Best Buy or somewhere and tried them out? For Canon cameras, check out www.photography-on-the.net

This post has been edited by BLINKYxMUNKEY: Jul 3, 2007 - 7:10 PM

[Supersprynt]

What do you look for in a camera?

The 2mp difference you won't notice.

Do you want portable? DSLRs are large and clunky. Lens' can get very heavy.

Do you like using the LCD view finder? DSLRs require you to use the eye piece. The LCD is for settings and picture review.

Look at the pros and cons of each camera. I had a Canon S50 before my XTi and I loved it, but it was a helluva lot more portable.

[gt_driFFter]

If you buy a DSLR, you will want to buy an assortment of lenses. Just happens. XT's and XTi's are great choices. Either choice is good. Have you gone to Best Buy or somewhere and tried them out? For Canon cameras, check out www.photography-on-the.net

I *think* I will be satisfied with the 18-55mm Zoom Lens at first, at least until I get used to the camera and most of the settings. I work at best buy and have played around with both camera's since I started this thread in sep of '06

What do you look for in a camera?

The 2mp difference you won't notice.

Do you want portable? DSLRs are large and clunky. Lens' can get very heavy.

Do you like using the LCD view finder? DSLRs require you to use the eye piece. The LCD is for settings and picture review.

Look at the pros and cons of each camera. I had a Canon S50 before my XTi and I loved it, but it was a helluva lot more portable.

I want a camera to shoot high quality pictures of cars, motorcycles, scenery, and skies. I'm looking to make this one of my main hobbies, as I have always been fascinated by photography. I'll probably even take a college class or two, just to get acquainted.

I figured I probably wouldn't notice the 2mp, unless I was making posters or something huge.

Portability is not a requirement for me, since the only times I'll really be using it is when I'm going to intentionally go out to take pictures.

I realize the LCD screen is soley for review and settings, and I am fine with that. I'm also fine with using the eyepiece.

Really, I want the XTi just because I don't want to spend $700 and still say "oh man, I wish I would've spent a little more for the XTi".

On ebay I can get the XTi and a couple other accessories (4gb card, tripod) for about what I can get the XT, and and extended warranty. Normally I don't buy warranties but the fact that it covers accidental damage for 4 years is kind of nice. The other nice thing about buying from bestbuy is that I work there, so if I ever have a problem, I know I'll get taken care of, and I won't have to ship anything out, or deal with people over the phone.

So basically it's:

Get an Xti with a couple goodies, but deal with usual risks of buying off ebay
or

get an xt, with a warranty, from a local place where I have no doubts about getting taken care of.

Anybody have any experiences from buying off ebay?

Thanks,
Josh

[Supersprynt]

Everyone buys off ebay. Just make sure you get someone with excellent feedback.

Don't get me wrong. I absolutely love my XTI and I think its worth every penny. Once you get into lenses you'll find out how expensive a hobby it can be. The lens I want right now is roughly a grand, but I'm also toying with the idea of making into a career, so I'm thinking ahead.

The only thing with the ebay stuff is how cheap those accessories are.

This post has been edited by Supersprynt: Jul 3, 2007 - 7:48 PM

[jason]

newegg has some good deals everynow n then s3 was 300 with accessories where bb had it for 370 just the camera, imo.. the xti seems to be more the choice for you since you seem to want "better" choices for taking different shots, i am fairly new to the photography world, learned back in highschool on a film cam, and rescently got an s5 and love it, id like to get a bunch of different lenses etc for as i have somewhat mastered the manual modes etc, and i havent started to toy around with an slr type camera yet, but from what i hear you can get some very nice pictures out of them, for now though, i cannot justify spending over $500 to get settled into photography... which is why i went with my s5.

[C3L1CA]

I really like my canon xt. It takes great pictures and I've seen a couple pro photographers with a 350D. I'd just pony up the for the xt and be able to grow with it, instead of getting the s3 and wanting to upgrade later. Its really up to you so I'd pick whatever you want, its your money so do what you want.

Some recent pictures, aren't the greatest but they are the most recent I have. The pictures really depend on the photographer, and I suck so the pictures aren't all that amazing.

[Supersprynt]

I very much like #2 - nice job!

[C3L1CA]

I very much like #2 - nice job!

Thanks man I fell in love with the picture you took of your car and the ferris wheel in the 'post a pic of your car thread.' I've been looking for a ferris wheel ever since

[gt_driFFter]

hahah I guess I'll have to edit my first posts, as this thread was from last year and I am no longer considering the S3 as an option.

C3L1CA, those are awesome shots, and EXACTLY what I'm trying to go for. any tips would be greatly appreciated! Oh, and do you ever wish you had got the xti instead?

Josh

[C3L1CA]

haha my bad, I should've read more in depth the middle of the thread.

Nope I never really wanted to get a xti. I've wanted to upgrade before, but my XT works for what I need it for and all of my extra money has been spoken for lately. I just read a couple reviews of the xti and it does seem like it is a bit of an upgrade from the normal xt.

xt review: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos350d/
xti review: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos400d/

I'd pick it over the xt if I had a choice, just because it is newer and has more options.


For tips I'd just say just keep going out and take pictures. Try to shoot in RAW whenever possible to keep editing as non destructive for as long as possible. Whenever I'm bored I go to http://photography-on-the.net/forum/ to get ideas on what to take pictures on and get inspired. Here is another great thread on my local car forum that had a couple good reads.

http://www.mnsportcompacts.net/forum/showthread.php?t=37466

[lagos]

i dont know, i like my s3 a lot. the fact that you can take videos, use the lcd screen as a view finder (and move it around in different positions) and its a fraction of the price of a real dslr made it a great choice for me.

whatever youll end up buying, just be prepared to realize that a good camera is only about 50% of a good shot. the rest will really depend on your skills at using it.

[cjh4l22]

dude all those dslr's are badass! and i don't think u can lose w/a great company like canon. i have my canon sd630 w/1gb ultra II card right next to me now and its awesome! pictures to follow..

[BLINKYxMUNKEY]

I love my XTi!!!

[gt_driFFter]

Great pics guys, what do you use for photo editing? I'd really like to avoid spending a ton on photoshop...

[BLINKYxMUNKEY]

Great pics guys, what do you use for photo editing? I'd really like to avoid spending a ton on photoshop...

Photoshop CS2 via Bittorrent.

[JoKeRkId613]

Great pics guys, what do you use for photo editing? I'd really like to avoid spending a ton on photoshop...

Photoshop CS2 via Bittorrent.

^uh oh, the secrets out (jk)

[BloodyStupidDave...]

Great pics guys, what do you use for photo editing? I'd really like to avoid spending a ton on photoshop...

Gimp for Windows. It is a free Photoshop clone.

http://gimp-win.sourceforge.net/

[lagos]

paint.net is another great open source photo app.

[BLINKYxMUNKEY]

Great pics guys, what do you use for photo editing? I'd really like to avoid spending a ton on photoshop...

Photoshop CS2 via Bittorrent.

^uh oh, the secrets out (jk)

[gt_driFFter]

C3L1CA, for those photos, what lense and settings were you using? Specifically the bike, and the night shot. Those are awesome

[C3L1CA]

C3L1CA, for those photos, what lense and settings were you using? Specifically the bike, and the night shot. Those are awesome

For the bike/night shot I was using my 75-300 lense.
Info on the two shots, I always like and find it helpful to see what other setting people use when taking pics

Night Picture
Exposure : 15.0 s at f/20
Exposure Mode : Manual
ISO : 200
Focal Length :75mm
White Balance : Auto

Bike Picture
Exposure : 1/60 s at f/14
Exposure Mode : Manual
ISO : 100
Focal Length :135mm
White Balance : Auto

To be honest a lot of it is editing. I didn't edit the night picture but the bike picture I did play with the colors a lot. Original bike pic: link

Shoot me an email and I might be able to tell you where to find a copy cs2 c3l1ca94@hotmail.com