[Rootus]

After reading through posts here, as well as a lot of research other places on the net, I've concluded that I will probably go with a Canon XTi, and probably with the 18-55 kit lens to get me started. From everything I've read, it seems like the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM is a good all around lens choice, but then I saw the price . Not ready for that just yet.

So on to my real question. I'm pretty happy overall with the day-to-day performance of my Canon S2 IS point-and-shoot. One of the most useful features is the 12x zoom. I'm having a hard time pinning down what that really means when I'm talking DSLR -- I want to know what it will take to at least have the flexibility the S2 has (I make use of that zoom when I'm at the track, for example, where it's hard to get real close). I see the S2's 12x lens specified as "36-432mm", but then on the front it says 6.0-72.0mm. Then there's the whole 1.6x crop on the DSLR and what that does to the specified numbers for a particular lens. I'm confused .

Short version: what lens will get me at least the "12x" equivalent I have with my S2?

[Tim Flat4]

To cut down on the price you could get the f/4 non-IS version of Canon's 70-200. That's what I did (because I couldn't afford the better one) and I'm happy with it. It's a great lens with wonderful glass. I've taken some great shots with the kit lens, but the quality of the photos from the 70-200 is leaps and bounds over the stock lens.

[Rootus]

So perhaps the lens on my S2 really is 6-72mm, but focal length depends on the "film size" and therefore it's equivalent to 36-432mm if it were a 35mm film camera? Which means if I want the same kind of zoom ability on the XTi then I will want a 432mm capable lens ... except with a 1.6x crop factor, all I will need is something that can hit 270mm. Am on the right track with that?

Tim- thanks for that tip. I did notice the 70-200 f/4 is quite a lot less expensive than the f/2.8 IS. How hard is it to get clear shots without a tripod at full zoom with the f/4 lens?

[Rootus]

Costco is making my decision harder. The local store has two kits: the first is a Nikon D40X with the 18-55 lens and a 55-200 VR lens. The second kit is a Canon XTi with the 18-55 lens and a 75-300 lens. Both just under $950. Not as cheap as I could get online, but there is something nice about a local store and Costco's return policies are quite liberal. Decisions, decisions.

[Wolverine 250R]

you are on the right track with the crop factor. A 50mm lens is considered 1x on a 35mm film camera. So for a 35mm film camera, you'd need a 600mm lens to get your 12x zoom. Now since you are using a 1.6 crop DSLR, you'd only need a 375mm lens to achieve your 12x zoom. (1x on 1.6 crop is ~31mm)

My fiance just picked up the Nikon D40 w/ kit lens for $501.20 shipped from bhphotovideo.com. We took the advice from others on here and went to best buy and played with both the XTi and D40. She liked the D40 better, plus it was $20 cheaper and she already had an SD card.

[ghibli99]

Looks like I might be getting a 1D as an early Christmas present. If you're interested in a used XTi, let me know.

-Mike

[Rootus]

I'm actively shopping right now, so if you have a price in mind PM me, because I may be interested. I'm leaning towards an XT if I go with a new one, assuming I can't find a decent deal on a used XTi, and using the money I save to get a respectable telephoto lens.

[corey]

I waited patiently for the XTi to come out before picking up my XT. Stores were nearly giving them away to make space on the shelf for the XTi. Definitely save the money and go with the XT. As elluded to earlier, the kit lense is quite good for what it is. Before jumping into buying extra lenses and such, feel out the DSLR experience. Make sure it's something you want to persue before spending major money on lenses.

[corey]

Also, don't take this as a pickup, but how big are your hands? If you have large hands, you'll hate the XT/XTi/D40. They are relatively small camera bodies and are quite akward for the larger fisted. I personally have tiny hands, so I can work with it. lol

[Rootus]

Originally Posted by corey

Also, don't take this as a pickup, but how big are your hands?

. About average -- 9.5, which is average/large, but by no means big. I played around with the D40x and the XTi at Costco and they both felt comfortable enough in my hands. At least as much as I could test given that the cameras were tied down with fairly short cords .

Unless I get a kick ass deal on an XTi, it does look like XT is where I'm headed. I know I'm going to want something with more reach than 55mm for when I go out to the track to take pictures. And I don't expect to print many pictures, so pixel count isn't high on my list of priorities.

[corey]

Originally Posted by Rootus

. About average -- 9.5, which is average/large, but by no means big. I played around with the D40x and the XTi at Costco and they both felt comfortable enough in my hands. At least as much as I could test given that the cameras were tied down with fairly short cords .

Unless I get a kick ass deal on an XTi, it does look like XT is where I'm headed. I know I'm going to want something with more reach than 55mm for when I go out to the track to take pictures. And I don't expect to print many pictures, so pixel count isn't high on my list of priorities.

A few friends of mine are into the photography thing pretty heavy. They all have large hands and hate the XT/XTi. If you're good with it, that's a huge plus.

Check out some of Joe's stuff

[Parker]

Originally Posted by corey

A few friends of mine are into the photography thing pretty heavy. They all have large hands and hate the XT/XTi. If you're good with it, that's a huge plus.

Check out some of Joe's stuff

this was a huge negative to me when I bought my first DSLR (almost 5 years ago!!!) which is why I went with nikon.

as for lenses, the kit lens will do you find to begin with but it will start to feel cheap and limited after some time. if you're going to spend some money, look at possibly getting a Nikon d80 w/ the 18-200 lens. You'll have a wide angle and telephoto zoom plus VR for those non-tripod situations. the lens isn't horribly fast but the VR helps give you a "extra stop" when shooting in most situations.

[LosAngelsRR]

go to amazon.com they got some good deals too.. i got my d40 kit for 482$ like 4 weeks ago

[Ben]

Originally Posted by corey

A few friends of mine are into the photography thing pretty heavy. They all have large hands and hate the XT/XTi. If you're good with it, that's a huge plus.

Check out some of Joe's stuff

Just get the battery grip and then it's a non-issue.

[BoostJunkie]

When I got my XT I skipped the kit lens and got 2 Sigma lenses, an 18-70mm and a 70-300mm. They were inexpensive and cover a very wide range. The optics on the 18-70 aren't that great but perfect for a starter lens, and definitely better than the kit lens. The quality of the 70-300 is actually surprisingly good for the price. I think I'm actually going to sell my 18-70 (really cheap if you're interested) because I'm getting ready to buy a Canon L lens. Don't discount lenses from Sigma/Tamron though, you often get more for your money than you do with the Canon lenses.