Camera DSLR Question
 

So my boss is selling is old DSLR camera as he upgraded to one that could do video. I have the camera now, he let me try it to see if I liked it before I buy.

It's this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Digital-...anon+rebel+xsi

It comes with the 18-55mm lens, carrying case, two batteries, charger and a book that explains how to use the camera by a pro photographer.

So, the issue...I have no f'ing clue how to tell a good camera from a bad one or if this is a good one to get.

My gut tells me yes after talking to my boss as I trust him and we chatted at length about it.

He said he'd give it to me for 225 I think, which seems like a great deal as most online from refurbished places are 350-375 I think and ebay most are 250-275. Also, the reviews on this one seem pretty good from what I can tell and I have always trusted cannon.

My boss is a nerdy/engineer type similar to me and takes good care of his electronics so it's not a lemon or anything.

So anyway, just wondering if anyone who is good with cameras, I know a few people on here are I believe, can give me some feedback. Is this a pretty good starter one? Solid deal? Just go for it? Or any reason not to buy?

I was half tempted to just buy it and worry about it later and if its not what I want sell it for the same price or more but I want a good camera for various car events, life events and the main reason for buying is for the gf and family type stuff.

Thanks for any help guys.

Re: Camera DSLR Question
 

This is a good sign that it doesn't matter if you had a pro body or a consumer body. You don't have the skill necessary to utilize anything past consumer.

Buy this one.

Re: Camera DSLR Question
 

That is why I am asking. I don't need anything super fancy. I have an Iphone camera right now, that is the best i have and while my new iphone 6 camera is ok in perfect conditions, its still shit compared to an actual camera.

I figured this was the answer I was going to get but figured I would ask anyway.

Anyone else? Or is it pretty cut and dry?

Re: Camera DSLR Question
 

Maybe get a Nokia Lumia 1020 for more megapixels?

Re: Camera DSLR Question
 

From the sounds ofnit. You don't need or want an slr. Advanced point and shoots are great these days for non photo guys.

Buy a Canon S120 and be done with it.

Re: Camera DSLR Question
 

Sorry I should've specified. I am a techie, I like this stuff. I just have never gotten into cameras before but would like to.

I guess I was more so wondering if this model is a decent enough one as a starter DSLR.

I dont' know how much new point and shoots are but for $225 for a decent DSLR seems like a solid deal. But again, I have spent like all of 10 minutes researching this. If I buy the camera i will learn how to use it, that won't be a problem.

Re: Camera DSLR Question
 

I think even as a new picture taker', you'll find the basic rebel like the one you posted just comes up short.
I bought a d3200 new, and then got a good deal on a 5200. I think the 3200 is a better value, albeit a little more expensive.

If you're interested in a starter kit, I have a 3200 w/ lense and bag I've been considering selling.

Re: Camera DSLR Question
 

It's the slightly newer big brother to my camera, and I do 99% of my shooting with the exact same lens you'll be getting with it.

If it works for me as a hobbyist, I don't see and reason you'd be unhappy with it. Plus, the lenses are more important than the body, worst case you can get some better glass and be able to get a lot more out of it.

Re: Camera DSLR Question
 

That is pretty much what my boss said, that the lens was 1000x more important and expensive.

I think I might do it, but I will think on it more. Seems like a solid deal.

Thanks Spaz. You were one of the guys I was hoping would respond as I knew you did some photography stuff. I would've posted on evomn but the email notification doesn't work there so I didn't want to.

Re: Camera DSLR Question
 

I have that same camera and it worked great. Never had an issue with it and It takes great pictures. For 225 for the package is a great deal.

Re: Camera DSLR Question
 

i have an xti i bought like 8 years ago or something. An xti or a xsi is a great canon to start with. if you have the motivation to learn about photography you have a great starting point. they clean easy and are pretty damn solid. if it were me i would try to get it for 200 personally otherwise i would look around for a rebel t2i to start with, not much more $ and you get to shoot video which is something that you will miss