Getting started in Digital SLR (DSLR) Photography on a budget - Canon kits

I'm well into this hobby of digital SLR photography, and let me tell you it is definitely more fun than the little point and shoot cameras, delivering more professional looking results.

On the other hand, DSLR's can also be more addicting and because they are so highly upgradeable and customizable, open up a possible doorway for spending alot of your paycheck on lenses, filters, etc.

But one positive to remember, if you buy Canon brand, high quality gear (like the "L" lenses), you can resell them later for around 90% of what you bought them for!

If I was gonna do it again, I would probably have started with the Canon Rebel XT Kit to make sure i like the hobby, but once i was certain, go straight for a "L" lens combination. Instead, by slowly upgrading, I've bought 6 lenses and sold 3 of them, losing a little on resale and filters that no longer fit.

Here’s what I recommend depending on your budget:



Prices after current Canon Spring Rebates:

Low budget
Just the rebel xt and kit lens $640



Low-medium budget

Rebel xt: $640

With kit lens included

70-200 f/4 lens: $554 amazon





Medium budget:

Rebel xt body only: $580

17-85 IS USM lens: $499

70-200 f/4 lens: $554 amazon





medium-high budget:

Rebel xt Body only (or canon 30D $1399): $580

17-40L f/4 lens: $615

70-200 f/4 lens: $554 amazon (or 70-200 f/2.8 IS for $1660 - amazing lens!)



High budget:

Canon 30d body $1399
or Canon 5d full frame sensor 12MP ($2,550)

10-22 ef-s lens $800

24-70 2.8 lens $1130

70-200 2.8 is lens $1670




Oh, and then there’s the flash and vertical battery grip and all the accessories and bags!!