Hey there,
I'm looking to purchase a DSLR for my mother for her birthday.


With the help of the sticky above, we are heavily considering getting the Canon Rebel XS.

Problem is, there are 3 different ones at futureshop. One which comes with the standard 18-55 lense, and two others with different lenses:
http://www.futureshop.ca/Search/SearchResults.aspx?path=ca77b9b4beca91fe414314b86bb581f8en20&q=canon%2520rebel%2520xs&sp=FS_en-CA_Site-WideSP&Category=Entire%2520Site&pcname=MCCPCatalog&AllowSecure=True


Question is: Which one should we get? Do the lenses make a big difference in photo taking? Being really new to this whole scene is really hard because there are so many technical numbers that I don't quite understand.


She wants to take photos of outside scenery, so would the telephoto lense be good?

She also wants to take many closeups of her flowers and such, and I do not believe any of the lenses are macro lenses? Or is the 18-55 a macro lense? How do you know which lense is what? (telephoto, wide angle, macro, etc)

I really need some help!

Thanks in advance !

At this point I wouldn't get a xs. I would recommend something slightly better even if that means getting a used body. I think a better standard zoom would be nice but that depends on your budget. A set of kenko extension tubes will get u started in macro.

Get in my vent tonight, I can explain what the odd numbers mean.

This post was edited by Eek on Aug 17 2010 05:29pm

How much would those run me? I don't think my mom is keen on buying something used, as its her birthday present so you know XD


Whats the info? Never been in it yet!

I don't have the info since i'm on my phone. But about all the regulars on computer hardware and discussions has it.. just pm anyone there and ask.

alright thanks.


Is the rebel XS really that bad of a deal? It looks like a solid beginner camera and all the reviews are pretty good for it.

I'll definitely be looking for brand new. Used stuff as presents=

also, were these what you were referring to as Kenko extension tubes? Will they work on any lens?

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/375102-REG/Kenko_AEXTUBEDGC_Auto_Extension_Tube_Set.html#features

Canon xs is fine
Also I don't think you should go with used stuff for bd present...
How experienced is your mom in regards to photography?
Also is your mom very perfectionist?
That will help you decide if you should go with 1 kit lense or 2...
The kit lenses are ok to start, but someone who is very perfectionist will expect more in a lens.
Also, a macro lens will cost more than the camera itself, so you may want to reconsider waiting on that...

She is relatively new and wants to get into photography. She loved taking photos of her flowers a couple years back and wants to pick up on it again.

I would say she is a perfectionist, generally that is. I'm not sure if she can pick up the "problems" any dslr would provide, as most of her experience has been from point and shoot.


Would the lens extensions I listed above help for macro pictures? I can tell most lens are very expensive!

Thanks for your help

If shes a beginner, maybe she should use the kit lens or maybe buy a nifty fifty (Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II) for the time being. Make sure it's something she enjoy doing before you thrown down major cash on the hobby.

The extensions tubes would be perfect for testing the grounds for macro, i have a set and they got me hooked before i throw down major dough on a dedicated macro lens. Just keep in mind that AF with a XS and a nifty fifty with tubes is pretty much worthless. Will have to manual focus for macro shots.

What difference do the kit lens and the (http://www.blackphoto.com/blacks/jump/product/7658/Canon+EF+50mm+f1.8+II/cat100009/Lenses/product.jsp?skuId=7658&prdId=7658) provide?

And yes, she stated that she wanted to start exploring the hobby again and we're researching it together. I'm just trying to help her find the best parts!


If its pretty much worthless, then why would I need the extension tubes?? I thought they would help?

Thanks.