Thread: Camera as a gift... HELP!

Hey peeps,
I'm looking to purchase a DSLR for the special lady. I'm about to pull the trigger on a Canon XSI with 18-55mm, and 55-250mm lenses. Found it for $880.
Is this a good price? Is this a good set to start with? I don't know much about this stuff, but she loves photography and has been very interested. I'm hoping to suprise her with it, so I appreciate your feedback.

You can get a D200 for ~$600.

High-Point,

The XSI is a great starter camera, very capable, and I prefer Canon myself. Unfortunately, its all personal preference - all the features in the world can't make up for how comfortable you feel with the camera.

If I were you, I'd take her to the store, not mention that you're planning on buying her a camera, and ask her which she likes. Make sure she tries it out first, and goes through the menus, settings, and see what she is more comfortable with.

If she prefers the Canon, or Nikon, then remember that camera, go home, and look for it on Adorama.com or B&H Photo and see if you can find a better deal.

If that isn't an option, then go for it and spring for the XSI, its a great camera to start with, with the capability to take you very, very far.

Agreed, you can get the D200 cheaper, which may be a better value and better performing, but I'm not entirely sure it'd be best to start with. If she feels comfortable with it, go for it.

I'd only be concerned the D200 is geared more for the advanced user, as I don't believe it has all the auto modes and such which beginners will be utilizing.

For a girl, the canon is a good choice. The D200 is a bit big and might feel a bit overwhelming both in physical size and the lay out with all buttons etc etc. And there's no difference in picture quality or functions really. She can grow with the canon for a long time before the camera becomes any kind of limitation.

We went to look a few months back. And she really liked the Canon XSi, Nikon D60, and Sony 350. The specific $880 Canon XSi camera kit includes:
18-55mm lense
55-250mm lense

I thought about the D200 as well, but it does not include lenses for the $600, and I had the same concerns about it being too advanced and may overwhelm her.

I haven't mentioned or looked at cameras with her since, as I'm trying to keep it a suprise.

you actually can get the xsi for cheaper then that with the stock lens, amazon i think is selling it for 699 with free shipping. I own the xsi and it has been a great starter camera I LOVE IT

Originally Posted by mkPOTO

you actually can get the xsi for cheaper then that with the stock lens, amazon i think is selling it for 699 with free shipping. I own the xsi and it has been a great starter camera I LOVE IT

So is the canon 55-250mm lens worth $180? How's the stock lens?

I buy from beachcamera.com and Adorama.com, I have had great experiences with both.

Check:
Beach Camera - beachcamera.com - Reviews, Ratings and Prices at ResellerRatings
Adorama - adorama.com - Reviews, Ratings and Prices at ResellerRatings

I have D60 kit with a 55-200 and it was only $400 from cameta camera. I love it!!!