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After many years of taking great pics, my point-n-shoot Canon has developed focus issues when zoomed in, and it's time to replace it.
I've wanted a decent DSLR that has a proven record in astrophotography, and the Canon 350D is the one I've decided on. I've been looking at that camera for years, and the time has come to spend a few bucks on the forced upgrade. All I'll need initially is the body and basic lens that typically comes with it (18-55mm, I think). I'm sure I'll be adding lenses to the collection as I take a class or two and learn more about taking decent photos.
Any suggestions for places to find a deal on such a beast? While I am in the market for it, I really don't have any money to spare, so finding the best deal possible is pretty important. I've been checking eBay and craigslist, but I figure that there are probably some better sites out there.
You're in the US? I ask because your location says Las Vegas but you refer to the camera as the 350D, which is the UK model name - in the US it's known as the Digital Rebel XT.
Anyway, for US purchases I recommend Adorama: Cameras
There are 4 XT's available there - 2 with the kit lens, 2 without - all in excellent condition.
Location: Splitting time between Dayton, NJ and Needmore, PA
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As PA2UK asked, are you looking for the UK or US version of the camera? While the guts will be the same, if you need the camera repaired, issues may arise.
Here are a few additional thoughts on this.
1) You mention "astrophotography" and if that is what you are pursuing a site you may find helpful in learning about astrophotography is Astrophotography Techniques.
2) If you are planning to shoot the stars using a telescope, make sure the telescope can support the weight of the camera. Make sure the telescope will take a threaded mount. IIRC, you then need to get a T-mount which will replace the lens that would normally be placed on the camera. Depending on how close the camera body is to the telescope, you may also need an extension tube for extra space.
2a) If you need a telescope, you may want to check out SCOPETRONIX.COM. Just be aware that you may be in for a bit of sticker shock.
3) If you are planning to shoot with "just" a telephoto lens, I'd recommend budgeting for a quality tripod and a remote shutter release so as to minimize camera shake.
3a) If you are going the telephoto route, keep in mind that your lenses, even used, are going to get pricey pretty quick. And you are going to want to make certain you are looking at high f-stops, <2.8, if you are looking for quality photos.
4) When you do look at telephoto lenses, look for the image stabilization (IS) so that even light vibrations caused by the raising and lowering of the mirror can be minimized, if not eliminated.
You're in the US? I ask because your location says Las Vegas but you refer to the camera as the 350D, which is the UK model name - in the US it's known as the Digital Rebel XT.
Yes, the US version would be the one I'm looking at. Didn't realize there was a difference. (Is there a [functional] difference?)
Quote:
Originally Posted by PA2UK
Anyway, for US purchases I recommend Adorama: Cameras
There are 4 XT's available there - 2 with the kit lens, 2 without - all in excellent condition.
They have one at a really good price - I've bookmarked it - thanks!
1) You mention "astrophotography" and if that is what you are pursuing a site you may find helpful in learning about astrophotography is Astrophotography Techniques.
2) If you are planning to shoot the stars using a telescope, make sure the telescope can support the weight of the camera. Make sure the telescope will take a threaded mount. IIRC, you then need to get a T-mount which will replace the lens that would normally be placed on the camera. Depending on how close the camera body is to the telescope, you may also need an extension tube for extra space.
2a) If you need a telescope, you may want to check out SCOPETRONIX.COM. Just be aware that you may be in for a bit of sticker shock.
3) If you are planning to shoot with "just" a telephoto lens, I'd recommend budgeting for a quality tripod and a remote shutter release so as to minimize camera shake.
3a) If you are going the telephoto route, keep in mind that your lenses, even used, are going to get pricey pretty quick. And you are going to want to make certain you are looking at high f-stops, <2.8, if you are looking for quality photos.
4) When you do look at telephoto lenses, look for the image stabilization (IS) so that even light vibrations caused by the raising and lowering of the mirror can be minimized, if not eliminated.
Thanks for the tips. I've been in astronomy for a number of years, and I'm already setup as far as all that goes. I've also been dabbling in astrophotography with webcams and point-n-shoots, and doing some homework on DSLR astrophotography in general, so I pretty much know what to expect. My scope isn't ideal for astrophotography (pretty slow at f/9), but the mount (LXD55 GEM) is well suited. I'll be doing a lot of stacking.
I've played around with an Olympus film camera at prime focus, but dealing with film is way too costly to experiment with as much as I need to. BTW, the Olympus is for sale if anyone's looking...
Until I get a more appropriate scope, I plan to do most of my photography with the camera piggybacked on the one I have. Since the new camera is replacing my PowerShot, I'll be using it for every day stuff, too, of course, and I'll finally be able to take some photography classes - I always figured that it wasn't worth bothering until I had the right hardware to be able to take some serious pictures.
Yes, the US version would be the one I'm looking at. Didn't realize there was a difference. (Is there a [functional] difference?)
No, it's the same camera, just a different name. I only mention it because if you're looking for a 350D in the US, you'll struggle to find it in your searches.
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