I was going though some drawers at work, and found the former display model Rebel GII sitting there. It had been clearenced out to be replaced by the old models, so I was able to get a screaming deal.
I had been wanting to get a new SLR so I could get back into photography, and this was my chance. I jumped at the chance to get a Canon Rebel for $70.
When I started shooting with it I was not disapointed. It is a great camera. I have only used the included 35-80mm lens thus far, but it has suited my purposes.
I know that the GII is last year's model, but if you see one laying around somehwere you can get a great deal on a very good camera.
the only drawback I had was that since it was aa display model, it did not come with the user manual. But thanks to the help at the Canon 800 number, I was able to figure the thing out quite easily.
Strengths:
a very versitile, easy to use camera.
Weaknesses:
Only three AF zones, but I tend to use manual focus anyway.
Similar Products Used:
Olympus OM-10 and a Ricoh (I dont know the model, it was a gift from an exgirlfriend.)
Customer Service:
The Canon Customer Service rep was awesome in helping me to get over the no manual problem.
I was originally going to go for a Minolta of similar price but the walmart that I was working at didn't have the Minolta. They had a Nikon but the technician recommended Canon. I also asked them to check how many of each of them they have sold recently. They had sold more of the Canon Rebel GII's and after that, I got the camera, a bag, and a tripod. The camera is light enough that it would fit on even their most lightweight camera provided there wasn't a huge wind. I mean HUGE wind. I used the camera for a while in some of the auto modes but I tended to find them restrictive and wanting to learn more about photography myself, I read up on info at betterphoto.com and experimented while using up a LOT of film. The camera came with Canon's 35-80mm f/4.0-5.6 lens that was fine for outdoor pictures but not as good for indoors. Something else that you HAVE to get out of our head with SLR cameras is the generalizations for which speed of film to use. ISO 100 is not just for outdoors and with a flash. I would recommend buying a Canon 50mm f/1.8 lens for under $90. Even though it's a fixed lens and does not zoom, it immediately upgrades the photos that will come from the camera. I used this camera for a slide photography class at my college (Indiana University: Bloomington) and had some of the sharpest slides in my class with this camera and lens.
Strengths:
The camera's built in meter is GREAT! The partial metering is a wonderful option as one bright point of light in a photo or one dark part can really mess up the whole photo. The manual is very clear as well, though you may want to read it a few times while holding the camera to work on things. All of my pictures for my class were taken in the "Creative" zone, including P, TV, AV, and M. I use AV mode the most. It's very light and isn't bad to carry around with a good camera bag. Look for one by Canon.
Weaknesses:
Autofocus in lowlight isn't always good, even with the assist beam. You can't turn off the autofocus beam unless you use manual focus. Frames per second is low. Shutter is somewhat loud for quiet times.
Similar Products Used:
Canon 20D digital SLR
Customer Service:
None needed. I got everything I needed from reading the manual, looking online, and checking out betterphoto.com.
Never can Go Wrong really with a rebel series their all fantastic
but I really enjoy this one. Its rather simple to use and you also have a creative zone where u choose the shutter speed. plus many more options..very great detailed manual...
Strengths:
Great Quality and Clear Pictures
The TV Mode Is my Fave...For exp. I took a picture of a waterfall with an original cam and it looked choppy once I manually put it on a lower shutter speed it looked beautiful like a smooth painting.
Weaknesses:
The weight of it...But alas it is because of the heavy duty 300 mm lens. it can easily be changed with a more lighter EOS lens they are most compatible
I bought this camera to take to Hawaii on vacation. I just got the picutes back. UNBELIEVABLE! Almost every pic turned out perfect. I did have a couple of dark ones, but they were my fault - should have used the flash. Very clear pics, I even played with the shutter speeds during some action shots - They really were "freeze frame" quaility! Easy to use, even my 13 year old took great shots.
Great camera for the price. very easy to use, but has lots of functions that you can grow into, so you wont get bored with it :-) Great staff at walmarts photo center, they answered every question i had and treated me great. I would go back there for anything.
Strengths:
Cost to benefit ration, good auto focus, good automatic settings, good manual settings, easy to use right out of the box
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