planning on buying the canon EOS 400D/ digital rebel xti...any comments on the decision?

Answer 1

Do it. It's a great camera. For around $800 or less, it's simply the best dSLR out there. (Better cameras start at $1000 for the Nikon D80).
One thing though - you can not get away with cheap lenses on a 10 mega-pixel camera. I can highly recommend the Canon 17-85mm as your standard zoom ($510). Or if you're willing to spend more, the Canon 17-55mm ($1030), or any of the L-lenses.
If $510 is is too much, I suggest you get the 17-85mm anyway, but in combination with the Canon 350D. That combination will seriously outperform the 400D + 18-55mm kit lens.

Answer 2

Very good decision, best SLR at that price range.
As for the lenses, despite the megapixels, it isn't as critical to get a high end lens for the 400D.
The reason is that the camera has a 1.6 crop factor which means that it only uses the center of the lens to create the image. Therefore any distortion/imperfection in the corners/edges of the lens (which is where higher end lenses are better) is not that noticeable.
At the very least try the kit (included) lens for a while and see how it looks at the print sizes that you would normally print. Then you can see if you need a better lens.
The last link is about the crop factor...

If you want more information and a comprehensive preview of the 400D check the links out...

Answer 3

Buy the camera as the body only and get this lens instead of the kit lens.

http://www.pricegrabber.com/search_getprod.php/masterid=430123/search=EF+28-200mm

Like the reviewer above mentions, you should try the kit lens. However, you should definitely NOT buy the kit lens. Instead, go down to Circuit City and try this camera out (they typically have one on display and often have other lenses you can try out). This camera is very nice and playing around with it will likely seal the deal as to your decision to buy it. However, it is seriously not cool how crappy that kit lens is. I mean, it IS an dSLR after all and the pictures look decent. But exchange the lens with something decent and it's like, whoa. It's very obvious the camera is being hampered by that lens and is capable of much more. I think Canon (and the rest of the entry dSLR manufacturers) are smoking crack. They don't want to sell the cameras as body only as the only option because they think (know) that buyers are stupid and will choose an inferior competing product, just because it comes with the lens. And they don't want to add too much to the price of the camera, so they put a cheap piece of junk in the box, rather than one of their typically fine lenses they sell seperately. But the cameras underperform when they do this and I have to wonder how many people are not satisfied with their camera, not really understanding that it could do alot better, if only they had a real lens on it. I wish they would just bite the bullet and include a good lens with the camera.

Answer 4

Wow, i'm fairly inspired with the attempt you position into making that image. Anywho, as some others have suggested, you won't be able to do this on the XTi. in elementary words the XS, XSi, T1i, 40D, 50D and 5D Mk II have that option ("stay View"). That being suggested, that's no longer the right of the international. stay view is truly particularly ineffective till you've the digital camera hooked as a lot as a microscope or telescope or another weird and wonderful capturing concern. for ordinary capturing stay view will in simple terms get you sluggish capturing cases and doubtlessly blurry photos (confusing to carry 1lb digital camera at arm's length). take a even as to get used to the viewfinder. Your photos will thanks.

Answer 5

I agree.. This camera is a great camera and super easy to use. I found them for a great price. Check it out here: http://rover.ebay.com/rover/1/711-1751-2978-71/1?AID=5463217&PID=2142836&mpre=http%3A//search.ebay.com/search/search.dll%3Ffrom%3DR40%26satitle%3DCanon+EOS+400D. Good luck to you!