Photography/Videography

[CrazyED]

Canon T1i - $699

Canon 70-200 F4L - $639

Canon 2x Extender $ 309

Total: $1647 + Free shipping if you have amazon prime + no tax depending on where you live.

This is a very solid starter rig. If you really get into it and want to upgrade the glass will hold its value, cameras not so much depending on how long you hold on to it.

15 megapixel SLR @ 400mm f/5.6

Figure $75 for an 8GB CF card.

If you watch the used market great deals can be had and you could easily shave a few hundred bucks off the price.

[John Brown Jr.]

Originally Posted by dahusker

I'm wanting to purchase a new SLR and decent video camera in the next few months. Anyone have any suggestions? I'm zoning in on a Canon T1i but is a 250 mm lense enough or do I need atleast a 300. Cannon GL2 or XL1? John Brown...got any suggestions?

I wish I could help you out but I very seldom study the newer equipment. Well, honestly I haven't looked at any new equipment in several years. I'm kinda like a NASCAR driver. I'm not sure how it does what it does, but I know how to make it happen.

[CrazyED]

Well and I wasnt kidding about checking out the used market. There are great deals to be had with good people who buy gear and either don't use it as much as they thought they would or they're upgrading. If you think you want to go the canon route I would help you track down some gear if needed and try and help you find a deal. Most people who buy equipment of this caliber take care of it.

[dahusker]

Thanks a lot ed, I am not opposed to some good used equipment that was taken care of to save some $$. I will be coming home from Afghanistan in Mid-October so that's when I want to have it and start taking pictures/video.

Thanks!

[HunterDan]

I just picked up a Canon XH A1 HD videocamera on ebay for $2100 with a hard case, camo rain cover, bunch of tapes, and extended dummy warrenty. I thought it was a pretty good deal considering the cam is in mint condition and is covered for another two years for user damage. If you want to edit video, you will need to fork out a little more for software and other stuff, but it's not too bad.

[HunterDan]

And THANK YOU for your service to this country.

[<*)))><(]

BH Photo has a pretty good deal going on. If you buy a Canon Pro9000 printer and a Canon T1i or T2i or 50D or 5D or 7D, you get a $400 rebate. So you are getting the printer for free and then some. The printer is $369.95 if you call in and ask.

The T2i is getting great reviews.

[dahusker]

Thanks for the replies and options. I really appreciate the help, it's confusing sometimes to know what to choose from all the available options. I really like the telephoto X2 option.

[Billb66]

Wish I asked this question a few weeks ago.

I picked up a Nikon D-3000 plus the 55 - 200 lens for about $800
Haven't used it enough to really judge it but I have noticed:

It takes good low light pics

200 Lens is not enough in my opinion

The shutter sounds like a truck door closing. Not really but if it's quiet in the woods it is very loud.

Haven't tried the video yet.

Good luck, let us know what you end up with and how you like it.

[dahusker]

Crazy Ed/Archaic,

I went ahead and bought the Canon Rebel T2i and it came with a EFS 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS lense. Can I buy the X2 doubler and use it with this lense or do I need to also buy a bigger telephoto to go with the doubler? I'm pretty disappointed this really only takes good pictures of deer within long bow range or about 60 yards. I'd like to be able to zoom in on things 100-150 yards away if possible.

Thanks for the replies.