Switching to a DSLR
All my life I’ve used a regular digital point-and-shoot camera - until last month, when I decided to purchase my first Digital SLR camera: The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi (EOS 400D in Europe). I went for the standard black with the 18-55mm kit lens. A lot of people have recommended I get a 50mm prime lens, too. This will definitely be something I’ll buy some time soon - I’ll either get the f/1.8 or f/1.4 USM.
I chose the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi because I’ve heard excellent reviews of it throughout the internet, it has won several awards in the past. The other camera I considered was the Nikon D40X - the Rebel XTi’s rival. I was also considering a very high-end point-and-shoot camera, the Canon PowerShot G9.
The XTi will soon be replaced by the new XSi, an updated version of Canon’s highly successful beginner SLR. It features a larger 12-megapixel sensor, 18-55mm IS (image stabilisation) lens, Live View and costs approximately $200 more than the XTi. I’m happy with the XTi though, and as Glenn Wolsey mentioned: 12.2 megapixels stuffed into such a small sensor might not be so forgiving on noise at ISO 800 and above.
The Canon Rebel XTi definitely lived up to the expectations I had of it. I’m a first-time SLR user, but I instantly picked up the basics of how to use it. The size of the camera is a lot bigger than my previous compact camera, but this is something you get used to over time. I’ve spent a lot of time experimenting with the camera, and you can see the majority of my photos on Flickr.
I hope to improve taking photos with my new camera, and, as Canon say, explore the “digital playground”. If you have any tips, please comment - it’s much appreciated.