Hi, I am looking into getting my first DSLR, and am trying to decide between a Canon T2i (which noone has in stock, not even Canon), or the Canon 50D. Also wondering what accessories you think I will "need" to get started. Thanks in advance for any opinions!

 

T2i because it has video shooting.

 

I'd say the T2i because it is newer and smaller, but you might want to get the cameras in your hand and see which feels better first. Most women like the smaller body, but some hate it.

 

for accessories i would consider getting a cheap tripod and a nice but comfortable camera bag.

 

I would recommend NOT getting a cheap tripod.

Some sort of bag you like, a good strap (optech ) and a Circular Polarizer Filter if you plan to do outdoor work.

Add a flash (430EXII) to the list as well, plus some extra memory cards, lens pen, LCD screen protector for starters.

 

meh.

I went without a CPL for YEARS and did just peachy.

It wasnt until I started doing more car shots that I broke down and got one because of reflection.

 

It was just a thought...

Plus, I find it invaluable for blue skies and some white cloud shots... Also anything around water, too, unless you are looking to get the sparkle.

 

The size of the 50d doesn't bother me, I played with one at Best Buy, and also a T1i (no T2i's in stock), and I actually liked the 50d. It feels more substantial and solid. After holding that one, the T1i felt like a toy almost.
Any reccomendations in bags?

 

Crumpler is a pretty popular option. You want to pick a bag that you can grow into a bit, I quickly outgrew my first bag. Also you want a bag that doesnt really look like a camera bag, no need to draw unneeded attention to yourself.

As for the T1, I know what you mean about the feel, I hated the feel of it. You could either get a battery grip for it, or go with the 50D

 

How would you like to carry your gear? Will you be hiking or doing things where you'll want your hands free? I personally prefer backpacks, but some like messenger style bags.

I have 4 Lowepro bags in my house and love each one of them (all backpacks). There quite a few good companies out there. Crumpler (as mentioned), Lowepro, Kata, Lowepro, Domke, Lowepro...

 

Tenba

 

I wold like to add Lowepro to your list of good bag manufacturers.

 

 

I am going for a backpack first, getting ready to go to visit my sis in Virginia (spending a couple of days in DC), and I want something to carry my camera comfortably. The problem is that they all look like camera backpacks, and most of them are ugly. I am considering the Lowepro Primus Minimus AW, still looking though.
I am going to get just a regular bag too for everyday use, still looking at those, I want something cute (I am a girl after all).

 

You can get something cute, but you really don't won't something that sticks out. If you want something for a woman, check out http://www.jill-e.com, it's a little $$$ but.

 

Personally, function>>form.


That said...here's one with a little more style from Crumpler. Their website annoys the out of me, but their products are good.

https://www.crumplerbags.com/flash/f...rge-cu05a.html

 

I just got this backpack



it was about $75 shipped

http://www.sierrasnowboard.com/Burto...-Backpacks.asp

I have to wear it a bit awkwardly for the waist strap to work, but for a woman....or Jefford, it should be just fine

 

I'm 5'3, it looks like it would be a little big on me!

 

if I remember, I will put it on my fiancee for sizing

its 21" high 12" wide, and 9" deep. its not quite as big as it looks

 

 

 

is that Burton back any good?? why is it so cheap? just curious!

 

its a few year old leftover, I havent taken it out yet, but from my inspection, it seems like a well put together piece

Jefford

 

I just ended up ordering a Dakine Sequence in Alpine Plaid. I like that it doesnt look like a camera bag, and it actually has a removable "camera block" inside, so you can also use it like a normal backpack. Hope it works out

 

looks like a good bag


uhhhhh do you have a camera to put in it yet?

 

Thanks for mentioning that, the camera is a present, and the boyfriend won't tell me which one I am getting (the T2i or the 50d), or when I am getting it, of even if he has ordered it yet. He loves to torment me that way. My only guess is that it will be soon so I can get used to it soon, so I can play with it before I go to Virginia next month. Sigh.

 

argh, that sucks not being able to choose!

 

Can't go wrong with either camera.

 

Sounds like you need to put a little bedroom pressure on him to get moving.

 

I picked the two. I told him I would be happy with either. Just wish I knew which one HE picked, so I can go on ebay and get extra batteries, memory cards and such

 

Don't use ebay for memory cards, a lot of counterfeits, be careful with batteries as well.

 

I've ordered memory cards on their before, lucky so far, but I will keep that in mind and look elsewhere. I just wish I knew SD or CF. sigh

 

ebays becoming a breeding ground for knockoff sales. Ive given up on most everything new on there, the last time I tried I bought a pair of "real" RayBans from a seller with huge feedback that was 99.9 or 99.8, compaired them to the same ones that I just bought locally, and if you didnt have a known authentic pair, you woulnt have known the difference. Ive heard of similar things with batteries, and thats one huge place you dont want to have a failure

I buy my batteries from SterlingTek.com, came with recommendations from multiple people on POTN. I think I paid $11 each for mine. I bought my CF cards in sale at "best" buy

 

Yeah, I dont buy anything there that is name brand that I expect to be real. Any recommendations for brands of memory cards?

 

for CF's I use Sandisk Extreme III's

check out this website, if you havent seen it already. It is to Canon what Azine is to Acura

http://photography-on-the.net/forum/index.php

 

Thanks!

 

youre welcome, another suggestion I picked up was to go with more smaller memory cards, especially if youre not going to backing them up as you go. That way if a card fails, you didnt loose a massive amount of work

example: 4, 8GB cards instead of one 32GB

 

I was thinking 2 8's. I'm concerned that the more I have (4 instead of 2), the more likely I am to lose one-or more.

 

 

Well the Dakine bag is going back, its huge on me (I'm only 5'3"). Unfortunately everything I like seems to be right around the same size. Guess I am back to square one, and only like 2 1/2 weeks till I go on vacation. Still no camera so I guess I don't have to be in too much of a hurry....