nismoluvr wrote:
b) I got a ultra flash 1GB card for it (fricken $50), but I guess they develope/transfer faster than just regular 'flash' cards.

Faster cards are good if you try to do burst photography. I think 133x is the fastest CF card they make (which I have) and as long as the shutter speeds stay quick I can shoot upwards of 45 frames at 5fps without stopping. (I don't even know what the XTi has for burst rates. The XT was only 3fps, but I'd assume the XTi added the 5fps option.)

a) I did get a really nice case, as it would be stupid to spend $900 bucks on a camera and not have a soft home for it.

b) I got a ultra flash 1GB card for it (fricken $50), but I guess they develope/transfer faster than just regular 'flash' cards.

c) I got the nicest tripod they had...Being I can barely ever sit still, it is nice to have something stabilize for me.

d) I didn't purchase any lenses or accessories as I didn't know if this lens would be sufficient for now, and the bill with 'accidental oh shit damage coverage' was already $1200+ and we didn't need to go any further haha... thanks for the info, I wrote a lot of it down, and when the time comes, I will prolly pm you and squeeze out some more knowledge from your brain.

thanks again

XTi hasn't been on the market more than a couple months and I haven't taken time to read into them or actually pick one up.

First thing, like wes said, get used to the camera. Get a UV filter. If it's the typical cannon 18-55, damaging the lens isn't going to be the end of the world (they're cheap lenses). If it's a higher end cannon or other aftermarket, you need to protect that investment with a UV filter. (so you scratch a $20 UV filter and not the front lens of a $400-$2000+ lens).

Get enough media for whatever you plan on doing. I've got a 1GB card and my laptop with me at all times. It's a hassle but I've made it work (I'm limited to about 250 pictures before offloading).

Get a good case. What defines a good case will be determined by your habits. My camera gets 'tossed' in the back of my Tahoe with everything else to be carried around so I went with a good aluminum case from Monarch. A backpack may also be a good choice if you carry the equipment around a lot and need room for something like a laptop. Convenience outweights protection in that case.

Lenses and additional filters will come down the road. Personally I would have avoided the kit lens outright simply because nobody 'in the business' likes them. Of course you'll be spending at minimum $300 more for a good aftermarket lens (mine was $380.). Don't skimp when it comes to lenses, you'll lose color and sharpness with cheap glass (ie: the ebay packages). (want some of the best glass, get Cannon L series. I don't think I've seen an L-series for under $600 though.)

Eventually you'll probably want a good Circular Polarizer, maybe a couple other filters depending what you shoot, and some more glass. Probably also want tripods, ball heads, flash equipment,......

If you're shooting:
..outdoor sports
-70-200 f2.8L (or f4-5.6L in good light) IS minimum, may add a 1.4x or 2.0x convertor or look at a 300+mm lens (for football, soccer, etc). For drag racing I've been able to get away with a 75mm long end for now.
-good monopod or tripod - big lenses get ackward to handhold.

..indoor sports
-70-200f2.8L IS is still a good lens, may also want something shorter depending what type of event you plan to shoot. Try to stick to a f2.8 or faster lens for indoor - you may not use the large aperature much but it may be needed with low light.
-Possibly a good flash. Some events probably wouldn't let you use one anyway.

..model/product/promotional/wedding/etc photography
-Get a studio and go to school. You're going to need to know a lot about lighting and have a decent budget to get started to take professional quality shots.

I think my next big purchase will be a 70-200 f2.8L (it's about $1600 depending where you source it from). Pretty versatile lens and great image quality.

Now granted you don't need to spend the most possible when you buy stuff (filters, cases, lenses), but I'm a firm believer in doing it right the first time.

weshole wrote:
I expect nothing less than scantily clad women (nude would be better) pictures to follow in the near future from you.

hahaha, for a small fee, I can have that arranged!

weshole wrote:
Nice is all I got to say.

Thanks man... Do you know anything about the XTi? I seriously am curious if anyone can offer insight into it... I'm not looking for a bunch of people to float my boat by my initial post, I am seriously curious if this is a good 'valued' camera, and if anyone can offer insight into accessories... (filters, extended zoom lenses, etc...)

As i said in the first post, I think this is a good buy, and know my way around the everyday basic digi cameras, but know NOTHING about a really nice camera (which this may or may not be?!?).

Any personal use insight is appreciated!

97Cav wrote:
when we going to see some sweet pics taken from the new Camera???

Soon my friend, very soon....

NR is on the comeup