Should I buy the EOS 550D?

[MrMcChicken]

Hi all, I am thinking about buying a EOS 550D DSLR. This would be my first DSLR, but it has all I need and I don't want to take further pics with my mobile cam.
The reviews I have seen are really nice. I know somebody who has this camera and I really like it.

Of course I would use it for my lasers or tesla coils.

But this cam is really expensive. So I don't know if I should really go to buy it,

What is your opinion about this camera? Does somebody has some pics of lasers or tesla coils etc.?

 

[Blord]

You will find little differences between entry DSLR and a high-end DSLR in picture quality.
It is the features and and ergonomics that make the big differences.

So the 550D will take excellent picture if the photographer has skills.

 

[MrMcChicken]

Thanks. I have never had a DSLR before, but I don't want to buy a further because they are so expensive. I had thee "normal" digital cams yet. one of it is water proof.

 

[grainde]

The pic quality does vary between the pro, semipro and consumer models (especially wrt to noise and ISO performance), but you should also think about lenses too. The picture quality is highly dependent on the quality of the lens and if you want a good fast one (or two), they will set you back more than the camera itself. One exception is the 50mm 1.8 prime, which is both cheap and a fantastic lens. The camera is good, no question, but what about looking at some used prosumer bodies? You can pick them up cheaper than a new 550D and with the money you save you could pick up a 50mm; this would significantly outperform the 550D with a kit lens. :beer:

 

[DJNY]

I know this cam, there is nothing wrong with it.

Maybe a little con, it doesn´t have a optical image stabilizer.

I recommend you to buy this one with it:
Cullmann ALPHA 2500 Stativ mit 3-Wege-Kopf: Amazon.de: Elektronik


I have an EOS 20D and two sets of the Cullmann stativ, totally satisfied with the results!

 

[MrMcChicken]

Thanks for the help . Yes, I think I will get it. I am not shure if I should buy a kit, or a cam at ebay and get a better lens for it. I think the kit with the 18-55mm kit is quite good too, isn't it?

 

[icecruncher]

I'm a Nikon guy, but, IMHO, let me say this.

Which DSLR you get won't matter as much as the lenses!

1st whatever brand youy buy, you are committed to those lenses
2nd lenses are the investment, bodies will drop in prices, usually lenses don't, or not much
3rd don't buy cheap knock-off lenses. It will show in your pics

Resolution on DSLR's only help so much.
I started with a Minolta SRT-101 SLR taking wedding pictures in the late 70s, full manual. I'm using a D70 now. Either one of these, up through the latest DSLRs will take great pics with experience and good glass.

 

[Dr_Evil]

I got a 35mm SLR for HS graduation back in 98. There's no way I could ever go back to using a P&S or phone camera. You'll kind of be stuck with one brand one you start buying different lenses and accessories though. That isn't a problem as long as you don't mind the different little quirks that each brand has. I haven't had a problem with any of the Canon bodies I've had. I've spent about $3,500 for a 50D and 3 lenses I have. I plan on getting an external flash and another lens sometime soon. The 100-400mm "L" lens I have was bought back in 2005. Just like anything else, take care of it and it will last a long time.