Is this a good deal? Should I keep looking?

I saw this ad for Canon D60 Digital SLR and I think it’s a great deal. BUT, I am having a heck of the time making up my mind. I am serious looking into getting an SLR but I am wondering if I should spend a little more to get the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT (http://www.steves-digicams.com/2005_reviews/rebelxt.html) (with lens, rams and other crap could rack up to $1200+).

I know the megapixel is much higher but, does it really matter? What is the “honest” difference? I am not planning to print up a billboard size. Just want to take great picture, gather more lights and more flexibility.

Anyway, here's are the detail of what I may be getting below for $700:


Canon D60 Digital SLR (http://www.steves-digicams.com/2002_reviews/d60.html)

2 Sigma Lenses (18-50mm and 55-200mm)
1GB Hitachi Microdrive
Battery Grip
2 Batteries
Charger
Original Box.Manual.Software.Cables
All in perfect shape
Canon Camera Bag

It's an ok deal. For current prices it's best to check somewhere like e-bay

Those Sigma lenses aren't super wonderful and the D60 is getting quite old now.

I think a 10D would be a better choice if you can get one around the same price.

Depends on what you want to take photos of. There have been lots of improvements in the higher ISOs especially. So if you are taking shots in forrests or low light then a newer camera is a better choice. If you are taking shots on a tripod or in brighter surroundings then the D60 would be ok.

I find on my 10D if I go past 400 then the quality drops very fast where with the never 1DS MKII I can use 1600 and get good shots.

Really good lenses are the Tamron 17-35 Di 2.8-3.5 and 28-75 Di 2.8

I can't tell you if this is a good deal or not, but Tascha and I are going to buy the Canon EOS 350D, and I guess that's almost the same of the EOS Rebel? From what I know, that camera has got great reviews. :)

henning, the Rebel and the 350D are different names (US vs. Europe) for the same camera:)

I have the 350D/rebelXT and I'm really pleased with it, but as freaky mentioned, there's a lot of noise at the higher ISO's. I shoot 100 when possible and if it's for print, I don't venture beyond 400 as the noise just becomes unbearable. Other than that, a very flexible camera with good range when the light is sufficient.

I have a sigma 100-300mm and I only get use of it with loads of light, which always seems to be limited for nature shots. :(
Wouldn't recommend the 55-200mm as the quality always goes down as the span goes up. Only heard good about the Canon 70-200mm, but that's 3 times more expensive and with good reason.
I have just bought the sigma 50mm Macro and picking it up on the 21st, so will let you know how it is.

with the never 1DS MKII I can use 1600 and get good shots.
Never trust a man who spends that much on a camera and then brags about it...:p
*blushes with envy*

Ah, different names. No wonder why those cameras confused the heck out of me :) Thanks for clearing that up! Also, glad to hear that you recommend it...

Owen was mainly asking about the D60 though not the rebel.

Owen was mainly asking about the D60 though not the rebel.
Sure thing, but he did ask if he should spend more on the rebel, so thought I'd share my thoughts:)

Owen, if you are not concentrating on print but mainly working for web and screen, then 6,3mp will be fine. Any printing 20cmx30cm or bigger might turn out a bit fuzzy though.

About the glass though, really make sure that you don't underspend on your lenses. Your camera will be worthless with a crap lens. :)

Thanks all!

Well. This morning. I went over to check out the Canon D60 Digital SLR camera. It was very nice camera. Then he told me the camera is now discontinued and comes with NO manufactory warranty. For that reason (I was about 3 seconds from buying it) I backed out. I would hate to plunge $700 that may not last long. I was quite bummed.

So, what the heck…I head over to the local camera shop to look around and asked the professional some questions. This young gal that work there approached to me and ask if I need any help. She is about 19 years old and I wasn’t quite sure if she would have some knowledge about the question I was about to ask. Wow, I was totally blown away! She did an awesome job explaining to me a to z about SLA digital cameras. Most of the stuff I didn’t know. She even demonstrates each and every single model (about 8 different brands)! Where can you get that kind of service elsewhere?? Best Buy? Lol, not.

Has time passes, I didn’t realize we were sampling different camera for almost two hours!

According on my “budget”; I went with the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT (black). It was on sale for $799 with a $100 mail-in rebate. I also purchased a “no-fault” warranty for additional $138 for one year (you never know when you need it, I have a two year old son).

I already have the batteries/memory card from my previous “point-n-shoot” Canon powershot S50. So, I saved a little bit there.

I was happy with the total under $1000. A little more I wanted to spend.

Now I am sitting here typing away this blog and itching to pick up this Rebel and start shooting.

I will be in touch to provide some images. Perhaps a light write up reviews on this bad ass.

Be on a lookout!


Again...thanks for your help everyone.

Congratulations! Sounds like you did the right choice! Looking forward to see some sweet pictures from you around here :)

^
I second that :)