So I just took advantage of Best Buy's special on DSLR's and got the Canon EOS Rebel XS 10.1 MP with both the standard 18-55mm and 75-300mm lenses. This is my first DSLR and I am so stoked to start learning. Anyone suggest any places to go for reading and learning? I am a do it yourselfer so I will end up learning a lot by trial and error but would like to get to know as much as possible. I know we have some big time amateur photographers on here so I appreciate any advice!
Canon Photography on the Net is a great forum with loads of information and samples. I also read Understanding Exposure which is a great book too. Congratulations and have fun shooting.
The Rebel XS is a great way to learn the wonderful world of DSRL photography. I started with a Rebel XT before moving up to a 50D. Although the difference between the two is night and day, I still took some of my favorite pictures with the Rebel camera. The 18-55mm lens is nice, I assume you have the IS version? The zoom lens is nothing to write home about, if I were you I'd sell it and put that money towards a nice flash.
Yeah I'm new to it so all the reviews I read said this was the way to go. And yeah I do have the IS version. I have also heard the zoom lens isn't the best so I may trade up, or like you said get a better flash. I have been snoopin around there all day actually lol A lot of good inspiration on there making me want to get out and start snappin away.
I have a similar kit, mines a T1i with the 18-55mm and a 55-200mm i think. I sold the 55-200mm and got a nifty fifty - aka 50mm f1.4 prime lens. There's a f1.8 too but build quality is like the 18-55mm (plastic). I got most of my basic learning material through youtube, great source for people, like me, who prefer to watch than read. Hmm, if you want to buy a battery grip, I got mine from ebay - 3rd party brand but it works! Canon grips are pretty expensive. But yeah, get ready to spend a good amount of $$$$ on lens + gear.
+1. Photography is just as addicting as detailing. I've spent a fortune the past year on gear. I probably could have paid off my car if I didn't. hahahaha
I would go return the zoom (If you still can), and get a prime instead. Then, save the money and buy a 17-55 f/2.8.
Buy lenses with Image Stabilization (vibration control, optical stabilization- depending on brand). The extra cost for the image stabilization is well worth it unless you have some really fast F2.8 lenses( those usually are high too). Take a class at a Community College or Junior College. Learning what all the buttons do on a camera is another task all together. Its a short class. Meet once a week for 6 weeks. Well worth it.
The zoom lens came with the package so it was an add on. Not too worried if I part with it for something else. Like a lot of you guys are saying some reviews say trade or sell the zoom lens. I'm taking a look to see if there are any local classes. There is so much literature on this stuff its amazing.
I'll have some a little later tonight, almost wish I would have purchased this in the fall so I could have captured some of the great foliage here in Maryland.
It's definitely worth reading Understanding Exposure. There are a lot of variables to consider when taking photographs and composition is pretty important, just as much as lighting. In my opinion, the 75-300mm doesn't hold too much value. You can have much more fun and a better learning experience with prime lenses. Good luck and have fun with your new toy! Don't be afraid to take too many photos.
As always, just don't get stuck in a habit. If you find something that works, it's worth it to see what else might work. That'll help you learn what each variable accounts for. Don't be afraid to experiment with the variables you are given to work with, aperture, ISO, and shutter speed. I like prime lenses too. The 50mm f/1.8 is probably by far the best value lens out there. You'll be very happy with the pictures.
Search "Adorama TV" and look for the digital photography 1 on 1 videos. There are like forty-something of them. If you don't already know about the basics of photography you can learn some helpful stuff. I know I did.
Well since this was already brought back from the dead and bumped I'll agree with Mike...the 17-55 is awesome glass! Check out a set on my flickr that I shot with a rented one. I'll be dumping my kit lens (18-55) and picking one up at some point after my wedding.
Hey I just picked up a Canon Eos T1I Kit with the 18-55 lens. Sweet camera . Now I have something else to learn about. LOL !!!! as I know absolutely nothing about photography and I need another hobby like I need another hole in my head . Or should I say wallet .
