 Trudi |
Digital Camera Set Up Query I'm looking to buy my partner the 8 megapixel Canon digital SLR - as requested. I want it to work like clockwork on the first day he gets it, all inclusive. From the specs, I can't tell, if it comes with everything it needs. It comes with a 14-55mm lense, but I'm worried that I need rechargeable batteries, and a good size memory card? Help!
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Christopher A. Vedros |
Canon has two 8 MP digital SLR cameras, the 20D and the Digital Rebel XT. The answer to your question is the same for either camera, though. Both cameras come with a rechargeable battery and a charger for the battery. You will need to charge it before he can use the camera, though. These chargers usually have a light to tell you when the battery is fully charged. The kit you are buying probably does not come with a memory card. Both of these cameras use the Compact Flash (or CF) memory card. I would not bother with anything smaller than a 512MB card. You can usually find the 512MB or 1GB cards on sale for a really good price, whereas the larger cards (2GB, 4GB) are still very expensive. The most recent 512MB card that I bought was on sale for $30 after rebate.
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Jon Close |
Apologies in advance for the longish answer... Ditto Chris's advice. The factory kit has everything you need EXCEPT a CF card. Some unscrupulous retailers will advertise a very low price, but it often turns out to be for an unwarranted import that is stripped of necessary items that should be included - like the manual, software, battery & charger (or substituting a 3rd party charger for Canon's), etc. They'll then call you back and attempt to upsell you these needed items at ridiculous prices. Don't fall for it. Shop with a reputable online/mail-order dealer (one that is rated average (7.34) or higher at ResellerRatings.com), or purchase the camera locally from a store you trust. Also resist the pitch for a lens filter kit, especially if it includes an FL-D (Fluorescent to Daylight) filter. A UV filter is sometimes used to protect the lens, and a circular polarizer is very useful, but neither is "necessary." The FL-D on the other hand is never needed with a digital camera. Digital cameras have a white balance adjustment that works better than color-correcting filters. Anyone who tries to sell a filter kit that includes an FL-D with a digital camera either doesn't know their product well enough for you to buy from them, or are out to screw you. I'd also pass on any extended warranties. They only cover manufacturing defects, and it's exceedingly unlikely that if there are any they won't be apparent within Canon's 1 year warranty period. But that's just me. Others feel more comfortable with the extra assurance. For the Digital Rebel XT, the factory kit with lens should include with the camera: The going rate for the Digital Rebel XT kit w/o CF card is $880-1000. Anyone offering it for less is to be viewed with suspicion. The EOS 20D has 2 kit versions: one with the EF-S 18-55 f/3.5-5.6, the other with the EF-S 17-85 f/4-5.6 IS USM lens. In addition to the camera and lens, the kit should include: Going rate for the EF-S 18-55 kit w/o CF card is $1370-1500 (less a $100 rebate). With the EF-S 17-85 expect to pay $1870-2000 (less rebate).
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John C. Schwentner |
Close would know this, Mr. manual. I see that the lens with this is the 18-55 "kit" lens and a short focal back to boot. Ive heard in my research that this wont fit some of the other canons, and that it really isnt up on a par as much with a usm lens or certainly an L series. Am I close, Mr.Close?
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Jon Close |
Yes, the EF-S lenses extend the rear lens element farther into the camera body than the regular EF lenses. Only the Digital Rebel (aka EOS 300D outside the US), Digital Rebel XT (EOS 350D), EOS 20D, and future equivalent models can use both EF-S and EF lenses. All other EOS camera bodies can only use the EF lenses. Some intrepid DIYers have modified EF-S lenses so that they will work on the older 10D, D60, and D30 digitals, but doing so is at your own risk. There's no point in using a modified EF-S lens on a film EOS because the EF-S projects a smaller image circle that just covers the 15mm x 22.5mm sensor of the "1.6x" digitals. An EF-S lens will not give a full-frame image on a 35mm film camera (24mm x 36mm film frame). EF-S lenses are not necessarily sub-par. The EF-S 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 is functionally equivalent to the EF 28-90 f/4-5.6. It gets a bad rap for its cheap build and feel, but is pretty good optically. The EF-S 17-85 f/4-5.6 IS USM is a very nice lens that has Image Stabilization and the preferred ring-USM focus motor. It is functionally equivalent to the EF 28-135 f/3.5-5.6 IS USM. The EF-S 10-22 f/3.5-4.5 USM is a jewel that many consider a virtual "L" lens, lacking only the weather-proofing. If you are getting a "1.6x crop" EOS DSLR, there is no reason not to get an EF-S lens to extend your wide-angle abilities, just as Nikon DSLR owners have no problem with the similar DX lenses for their “1.5x crop” digitals. The DC line of lenses from Sigma, the DX line from Tokina, and the Di II line from Tamron are similarly limited to use only on the “cropped” digital SLRs.
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Trudi |
To everyone who responded - thank you for your insights, that's awesome. The reason I didn't disclose model initially, is because I'm querying from NZ, and the "Digital Rebel XT" goes by the European model name over here. Thanks again for your help, I very much appreciate your help!
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