rob answers:

The best deal I have seen in the one I posted below where you get the XSI, a 18-55mm lens, a 4 gb memory card, a memory card reader, a camera case, software, memory card wallet, spare battery, and microfiber cleaning cloth for 589.95

rob answers:

Here’s another option to consider that may save you some green.
I have a Canon Rebel XS and I love it. I mounted a Tamron 18-200 lens and for the complete setup paid about what they’re charging for the XSi – 450D. Just a thought.

Good Luck

rob answers:

I vote for the Canon Rebel XSi.

Maybe this will help you decide
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_eos450d%2Cnikon_d60&show=all

rob answers:

I, personally, don’t think the XSi is much of an improvement on the XTi. Sure it has more megapixels and live view, but both of those things are pretty much inconsequential. If I were you I’d go for the XTi and use the extra cash for lenses and accessories.

rob answers:

The best deal I have seen in the one I posted below where you get the XSI, a 18-55mm lens, a 4 gb memory card, a memory card reader, a camera case, software, memory card wallet, spare battery, and microfiber cleaning cloth for 589.95

rob answers:

Here’s another option to consider that may save you some green.
I have a Canon Rebel XS and I love it. I mounted a Tamron 18-200 lens and for the complete setup paid about what they’re charging for the XSi – 450D. Just a thought.

Good Luck

rob answers:

I vote for the Canon Rebel XSi.

Maybe this will help you decide
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_eos450d%2Cnikon_d60&show=all

rob answers:

I, personally, don’t think the XSi is much of an improvement on the XTi. Sure it has more megapixels and live view, but both of those things are pretty much inconsequential. If I were you I’d go for the XTi and use the extra cash for lenses and accessories.

rob answers:

First, the “Duh” answers:

Memory card full and/or locked, battery dead.

A little less duh:

Lens switch for Autofocus got bumped off (should still take a photo though). May be half-way between off and on. Lens not fully attached. The self timer is on (red light flashing on the front side of the camera, below the shutter button.

rob answers:

Yes, it is a decent camera that will give stunning quality shots if you have the skills to make it do so. Its a lower end dSLR but has great features and the potential to take good shots and videos alike. Read this review to aid in your decision:

http://www.amazon.com/review/R1MOAOIWLTPXQD/ref=cm_cr_pr_perm?ie=UTF8&ASIN=B004J3Y9U6&nodeID=&tag=&linkCode=&sourceid=md.ds&tag=famaeim-20

This is the best price i could find for it:

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Rebel-T3-Digital-18-55mm/dp/B004J3Y9U6/ref=sr_1_1?s=electronics&ie=UTF8&qid=1323331096&sr=1-1&sourceid=md.ds&tag=famaeim-20

rob answers:

O.O

rob answers:

The wireless remote you mentioned has a transmitter and a receiver. The receiver plugs into the camera, in the remote socket under the rubber flap on the side of the camera.

If you don’t have an IR sensor, then the only way you can do it is either with a transmitter/receiver remote like this one, or with a long cable remote.

rob answers:

Canons are better. They focus on image quality (which is really the most important aspect of any camera), rather than stuffing their cameras with gimmicks and megapixels the way Sony does.

I’d also take a look at the Canon S95, which is nice little camera that will take better pictures than all the cameras you mentioned due to its larger sensor and lower megapixel count.

rob answers:

SLR – Single Lens Reflex. With this camera you look through a viewfinder and directly through the lens so you see exactly what the lens “sees”. The SLR style camera was first associated with 35mm film.

DSLR – Digital Single Lens Reflex. Same viewing as above but now the 35mm film has been replaced with a digital sensor. The most common DSLR cameras, like the Canon XSi or Nikon D60 or Sony A300 or Pentax K200D have a sensor that is smaller than a 35mm film frame. These are known as “cropped sensor” cameras and have either a 1.5 or 1.6 “multiplier” to convert the lens to a 35mm film equivalent focal length. A 20mm lens will be a 35mm format equivalent 30mm or 32mm lens.

To further complicate things, Sony, Nikon and Canon have introduced the “full frame” DSLR with a sensor the same size as a 35mm film frame – 24mm x 36mm. These cameras are costly – from about $3,000.00 to $8,000.00 for the body only (no lens) – and are used mainly by professional photographers.

rob answers:

It mainly depends on two things: what you shoot, and how much money you have.
I’m assuming you don’t have more than $4000 to spend, so the 1D series is out. If you shoot action and/or have good EF-S lenses (the EF-S 17-55 f2.8, 10-22, or 60mm macro), you should go with a refurbished 20D or a new 30D. Otherwise, a 5D is probably your best option. But if you think the 5D is “costly”, then you probably shouldn’t buy it… Instead, buy a 30D, save your money, and buy some good lenses.

rob answers:

A few additional things to consider:

With digital technology the model quickly becomes obsolete or at least the features are quickly surpassed. If you plan to grow into a camera you are often better off getting the latest model even though there could be a good deal available on an older model. It is worth paying the extra $100-$150 (in this case) for the latest model which is the T1i not the XSi.

I have read a lot of camera reviews by pros and end-users. The Rebel in general, any of the relatively recent models, is one of the best DSLR entry cameras providing a lot of bang for your buck and any differences in details between this and other competing cameras are relatively insignificant. You can adjust and adapt and save preferences for a later investment when you have more experience and have developed a taste for specific design elements.

My circle is interested in the T1i and 18-55mm IS kit for taking detailed pictures of paintings in museums where tripods and flash units are not allowed. It works quite well for this. Most of us are not photographers and this camera is capable of producing good images under challenging conditions on its own.

=>You certainly can disable the autoflash.
=> You can also use the camera in auto mode to allow it to take a reading stopping short of snapping the picture and then go to manual mode and use the camera’s settings derived in auto mode.

rob answers:

Nikons equivalent is the D300s and the D3s (if full frame & video is a must) but to be fair the canon video mode is better (no mic input on the d90, limited exposure control on both nikons and lower resolution, 720p not full 1080 hd)

The canons benefit from more stills resolution too, the 7d is 18mp, the 5d2 is 21, both nikons are 12mp.

The D90 is a lot cheaper than the 7d, the Nikon D3s is a lot more expensive than the 5d2.

A fairer match would be the Canon 550D versus the D90 (canon wins)

Nikons obviously take Nikon lenses which may be why you are asking. If not, thren go for the canons.

In defence of nikon, they have more sophisticated AF, that said the 5d2 af is adequate, and the 7d focus is terrific.

rob answers:

The Canon website supplies a lot of specs and information about their cameras, and even a comparison function. It is best if you go study them on there.

As to the “beauty shot”, my advice is the same as for any and all effects done in-camera:

DON’T DO IT !!!

Imagine if you just happen to take the best photo you ever took – surely you would want to have it in all its glory, right?

Always set your camera to biggest size, best quality (and to color).

That way, you start with the best possible photo as your original.

Then you make a copy and edit it to your heart’s content.
You have much better control over any editing on your computer, even something as simple as b&w will look MUCH better when it was processed properly instead of in camera.
You can do all sorts of things to it PLUS you get to keep your original.

rob answers:

New camera releases are common during August-October, so if you want the latest cameras, sit tight for a month or two and Canon will most likely release some.

Canon came out with some new cameras earlier this year though, such as the ELPH 100 HS and 300 HS, so you should check those out as well.

Here’s a good place to read about rumored Canon camera releases: http://www.canonrumors.com/

rob answers:

For clarity, there are NO Mark II lenses.

There are Canon EF lenses which are designed to be used with any of the full frame or near full frame (APS-H sensored) cameras in the 1D and 5D series Canon EOS bodies.

These are the only Canon lenses you can use with these cameras. The EF-S lenses can only be used with the Canon APS-C sensored cameras or all the cameras other than the 1D and 5D series.

That means that any lenses your parents use with the 5D, Mark II camera will work with yours. However, you cannot use any of your EF-S lenses on their Mark II. They will damage the cameras mirror and possibly scratch the rear of those lenses optics

rob answers:

Set your camera to a high ISO

Shoot with the lens wide open and your camera in the aperture priority mode.

Sample, shooting at 3200 ISO and the lens wide open.

Http://s862.photobucket.com/albums/ab182/fotomanaz/Answers%20album/?action=view&current=iCYO_9697c.jpg

Another at ISO1600 with the lens stopped down one stop

http://s862.photobucket.com/albums/ab182/fotomanaz/Answers%20album/?action=view&current=iBeckyTwoTimed.jpg

rob answers:

If you have never shot a wedding before, please tell the uncle that you can’t do it. A wedding is much harder than any other kind of photography, and it is a one time deal. You can’t go do it over if the pictures don’t turn out good.

Tell the uncle to get a professional photographer so he won’t be disappointed. You can always shoot other pictures at the wedding.

rob answers:

Here is a link to all the Canon lenses available for your entry level Canon dSLR.

The 18-200 mm is one of the single lens option for your camera.

Take a look at this link and see which Canon lens best fits your wants and needs.

Http://www.usa.canon.com/cusa/consumer/products/cameras/ef_lens_lineup

I would think if you were interested in shooting landscapes, the fine 10-22 mm super wide angle lens or maybe a nice macro lens like the Canon 60 mm f/2.8 macro lens.

What are you missing in the way of lenses in your opinion? From your list of subjects, the two lenses you have are just fine, really.

rob answers:

You don’t need a remote but you do need to use your 10-second timer. Actually you’ll only need about a 5-second shutter speed. You do need to know how to control your camera.

Here’s the one I’ve done and the specs.

Shutter: 5 Seconds
F/5.6
ISO 200

rob answers:

There should be a little “wheel” on the right side of your viewfinder, this adjusts your diopter. Like the first answerer said read your manual, and a book or two on your camera as well.

rob answers:

Yep, the viewfinder is the way to go. As you learn more about your camera (the manual will seem a little dry – but read it – try a few things and read it again – it will sink in!) you really will appreciate the flexibility in the camera.

If you read the manual but are puzzeled on something, people on Answers are more than happy to help!

rob answers:

Depends on the condition really but it’s a pretty good deal and assuming it works you can go a long way with it. Get some 35mm film, and maybe some books out of the library on the basics of photography and learn to use the manual functions and enjoy it!

rob answers:

You can sit with it and the user manuals, even while watching TV and play with all the controls to the point where using it becomes intuitive.

Composition you can learn here

http://photoinf.com/General/Robert_Berdan/Composition_and_the_Elements_of_Visual_Design.htm

rob answers:

The Canon T21 and the 550D are the same model. The T2i is more for marketing than anything. The 550D is to tell you where it lies in the Canon Rebel line. For example, the Canon XSi is also called the 450D. It came out before the T21 and has less features .

You can combine the lenses, no problem there.

rob answers:

Hey,

Here’s a section of tutorials: http://www.the-dslr-photographer.com/2009/11/tutorials.html

Good luck! The site has many more tutorials, tips, reviews and guides!

rob answers:

Yes, they’re the same camera.

Rebel T2i = model name in U.S.
EOS 550D = model name in Europe.

rob answers:

If you are into the video side then you may favor the Canon T2i (550D) since it has the ability to have an external audio microphone connected to it.

If you want the camera for the better still photography ability then I would get the Nikon D5000. Check out the link below, it show the rating of the sensor of these 2 cameras and the Nikon is higher rated.

Hope this helps.

Mark

rob answers:

Another thing to consider is whether a faster lens would solve the problem as well. If you are using the 18-55mm kit lens, and shooting at 55mm (meaning the largest aperture is F5.6), investing in a 50mm F1.8 may be worth while. That’s 3 full stops of light better than the kit lens.

If you can borrow one, or rent one, it might help you decide. This lens typically sells for under $100,

rob answers:

A brand new XSi untouched by human hand with a manufacturers warranty and more resolution more colour depth, live view and IS lens costs roughly the same if not a bit less than what you paid.

As such to sell it privately you will need to pitch it a good bit less than the new kit sells for new, expect about 60% absolute max.

If you go to a dealer expect about 40% value as a trade in, they need to pay staff, rent, tax electricity etc AND they have Mr Canon who can sell the nice shiny new XSis for a chunk less than what the camera retails at…

You have a really good DSLR, and you would really want to be changing systems completely or buying a far superior model (at least a 5D or a 1 series) to warrant selling a decent DSLR at a reduced rate.

If it were me I would keep using the XTi and put any money thats burning a hole in your pocket to better lenses, a good flashgun or a gitzo or manfrotto tripod by the time your XTi dies or becomes obselete you’ll be into cameras that are 20MP or higher for less cash… And the good lenses, flashgun and tripod will still have a life with any new camera you buy.

You have a good camera just now, save your cash and keep using it.

Any lenses you buy should be EF fit, as this will increase your options within the canon system in the future.

rob answers:

The canon Rebel Xti is a good way to upgrade, excellent features and great flexibility. I recently recommended the same camera to my friend who wanted to upgrade from point and shoot to Dslr. I think you will be very happy with the results of your shots.

You should be aware of the lens costs because Canon only gives you one lens and trust me if you’re into photography, you will be lusting for more lens pretty soon, which could cost you twice as much as the camera itself.

I currently use the Olympus E-500 and have gotten great results, the great thing about it is that it comes wiht two lens in the starter’s kit…something to consider.

rob answers:

You may be having problems with your white balance too.

If your auto mode includes white balance, that too could be a problem too.

Get out of “auto”. You can use the aperture and shutter speed priority and all the settings you are using in manual will still apply

rob answers:

Yes…All Canon EF (and EF-S) lenses are fully compatible with the EOS T3i. However, the EF 35-80 f/4-5.6 III is an old low end lens, complete with plastic lens mount (that can be bought for less than $100) and is not great, optically.

For the T3i (with it’s 18MP sensor) you’ll need a much better lens if you want very good, sharp image quality. If you’re after a ‘cheap’ lens, the only one that most photographers would recommend is a prime lens like the EF 50mm f/1.8. It costs around $120, is mostly made of plastic (except for the lens of course) but optically, is very sharp (and, with it’s f/1.8 aperture, is a whole lot faster than the EF 35-80mm).

rob answers:

When in doubt, contacting Canon would be a good first step. 1-800-OK-CANON (1-800-652-2666)

rob answers:

If your friend is just starting photography, then an SLR is not the best recommendation. There are two exceptions: (1) he’s taking a class and will learn photography along with learning about his camera, or (2) you, a more experienced photographer, set the camera on complete auto and tape the controls in place. It’s all too easy for a neophyte accidentally to change a setting on an SLR and ruin their pictures. It happens every day. Then they think that their camera is broken. Of course, in that case he has a rather expensive point-and-shoot. So why not advise him to get a point-and-shoot? He can move up to an SLR once he learns a little about shutter speed, ISO, aperture, focal length, depth of field, light, exposure, and composition.

rob answers:

Get the kit lens and stick with it while you learn how to use a DSLR. The kit lens is a sharp lens, covers a very useful focal length range, and has image stabilization. Trying to decide on a different lens without having a good amount of experience with a DSLR is like worrying about car tires without knowing how to drive.