First Digital SLR

[brontis5]

Hello,

I am writing to get advice as to what would be a good first digital SLR for someone with basic photo knowledge. Currently I have a Canon G7, which when I can get close enough to planes the shots are quite crisp for a point and shoot. I want to upgrade to a digital SLR so that I can get lenses that will allow for more detail and zoom. Any advice or opinions would be great. I might also like to add that my budget will allow me to spend around 1000 dollars or so, if possible.

Thanks,

Brian

[nwafan20]

Canon Digital Rebel XTi (Body only): $625
Canon 70-300 IS: $500

If you can extend your budget another $200, you can also get the Canon 28-105 II USM, good lens for general shooting if you want to do shooting other than airplanes.

[T-Bird76]

Using the same IS lens NWA mentioned look for a Rebel XT (350D) vs the XTi (400D) and you should fall right within you're budget.

[SmAlbany]

Here's another option that's even closer to your listed budget:

Dreb XT (350D) 479.95
EF 70-200 F/4L 559.95

Prices are as listed at B&H

Spend a little less on the body and more on some better glass.

Also, the L glass will hold it's value pretty well if you take care of it.

Dan

[nwafan20]

Here's another option that's even closer to your listed budget:

Dreb XT (350D) 479.95
EF 70-200 F/4L 559.95

Prices are as listed at B&H

Spend a little less on the body and more on some better glass.

Also, the L glass will hold it's value pretty well if you take care of it.

Dan

The only issue with the 70-200 L is that you don't quite have the reach of a 300mm lens. A lot of spots around JFK need 300mm.

[emshighway]

Personally, I got the Nikon D80 but thats because I can borrow lenes. The Canon XTi is your best bet.

[brontis5]

Thanks for all the imput. I have been so busy with work that I have not gotten my new camera just yet. I just had some more questions about the lenses for Canon SLR's. Are there any other lenses that you all would recommend other than the Canon 70-300 IS. I looked at it and it seems really nice, but sort of large especially since I am not used to using an SLR. I was just wondering if there were any other recommended lenses that are more compact and good for all around shooting, but would give me a good amount of zoom and detail?

[SmAlbany]

Thanks for all the imput. I have been so busy with work that I have not gotten my new camera just yet. I just had some more questions about the lenses for Canon SLR's. Are there any other lenses that you all would recommend other than the Canon 70-300 IS. I looked at it and it seems really nice, but sort of large especially since I am not used to using an SLR. I was just wondering if there were any other recommended lenses that are more compact and good for all around shooting, but would give me a good amount of zoom and detail?

For the zoom range you are talking about, I don't think that there is any option that is much smaller. The only one that comes to mind is the Canon 70-300 DO IS. http://www.adorama.com/CA70300IS.html

I can't speak for it's image quality having never used it but if you want smaller size ...
You also break your budget with that one.