Camera Labs

If everything goes right, I should have enough money for a Canon Digital Rebel XTi in a couple weeks. My last camera, which I rarely used, had under 3MP of resolution and is probably 6 years old. Will this camera be fine for use in a photography class in college (I plan on majoring in photography and journalism) or will I need to spend another couple thousand in just a year or two. Also, if the Digital Rebel XTi is good for a college photography course, what are some essential accessories for it? I was thinking about getting a polarizing filter and maybe a better lens, but I'm a complete novice when it comes to photography. Thanks for the help.

Congratulations on you decision to go with the Canon. If it isn't good enough for your photography class then change your class!

As far as choosing a lens upgrade I would suggest two things. Get advice from your tutors and fellow students not only about what focal length, zoom, aperture to choose but also about where you are likely to go in the future as far as camera bodies are concerned. If you plan to stick with Canon but eventually upgrade to a full frame sensor such as the 5D then if the budget permits choose an EF lens as the EF-S lenses are only intended for cropped frame bodies such as the XTi.

Bob.

_________________
OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.

You might like having an external flash unit ??

420ex or 430 got a number of 43 as "flash power" and teh built in only have 13.

_________________
Canon Rebel Xti (400D), EF-S 18-55, 50mm f/1.8, Sandisk Extreme III 2gb.
Http://cr4zyh3ad.sisimple.ca

How important is flash for outdoor photography?

If you need to fill in gross shadows, e.g. for portraits against the light, you need a lot of flash power or a reflective setup with white cardboard, mirrors etc.

_________________
Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

as tombomba said !

_________________
Canon Rebel Xti (400D), EF-S 18-55, 50mm f/1.8, Sandisk Extreme III 2gb.
Http://cr4zyh3ad.sisimple.ca

Thanks for the help, but right now it looks like I won't have the money to get a camera. Hopefully I'll have enough to get it before college.

Don't despair! XMAS is approaching FAAAAAST

_________________
Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

I wish I got a thousand dollar gift for Christmas Do you know how much used XTis go for and if it's safe to buy a used camera?

Don't despair! There have been a number of threads on such choices. Have a look at:

http://www.cameralabs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=815&highlight=350d

http://www.cameralabs.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=728&highlight=350d

The Search link at the top of each forum page is a good way to find more. Just pick a model number one generation back from the current latest release from any particular manufacturer and browse through the search results.

As you will see, just because there is a newer model out doesn't mean that the earlier models are suddenly rubbish! Gordon has a number of excellent reviews on such legacy models.

Good luck.

Bob.

_________________
OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.

Would an older model be fine for 4 years of college? I doubt I'll have any money to upgrade when I'm in college.

With 6 or 8MP cameras you can still make very nice photos.
It mostly depends on the eye+brain and not the lens+body

_________________
Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

Couldn't agree more but if in doubt do get in touch with your intended college and get some feedback from them.

Bob.

_________________
OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.