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Buying a digital SLR camera, especially for the first time, can be overwhelming. There are many choices, decisions and just as many price points to choose from.

Thankfully, Canon offers many cameras in the starter range, perfect for the new photography enthusiast. Once you begin your Canon camera hunt, however, there are other considerations to make. What kind of lens should you buy? Do you need a flash? What about a tripod?

We recommend you consider buying a “photo kit” so you have everything you need as you begin your new hobby. Let’s look at each component of our suggested kit.

Camera body

First, you need to start with your camera. There are many to choose from, and in a variety of price ranges, but we recommend one of the following two:

• Canon 30D
  
• Canon (400D) Rebel XTi
  

Both are well priced, relatively easy to use and yet feature the bells and whistles most photographers are looking for.

The Canon 30D boasts:

• 8.5 megapixels
• Ability to save in JPEG or RAW format (or RAW and JPEG simultaneously)
• Auto ISO from 100-400 or selectable ISO from 100 – 1600
• Burst capacity at 5 frames per second (or 3 frames per second up to 30 in rapid succession)
• 2.5” color LCD viewing display
• Solid build quality that feels very professional in hand
• Current price for body only at Bhphotovideo.com — $799.95

The Canon 400D (Rebel XTi) has these (mostly identical features):

• 10.1 megapixels
• Ability to save in JPEG or RAW format (or RAW and JPEG simultaneously)
• Auto ISO from 100 – 400 or selectable ISO from 100-1600
• Burst capacity 3.0 fps Up to 27 frames (JPEG), 10 Frames RAW, or 8 Frames RAW+JPEG
• 2.5” LCD color display
• Current price for body only at Bhphotovideo.com – 519.95

As you can see from the above specs, there is little difference between the two cameras. The 30D, however, has a slightly faster shutter speed and slightly faster start-up. If flash is important to you (and we’ll discuss buying a flash in a minute), the 30D has a dedicated hot shoe PC terminal, while the 400D has a basic Canon hot shoe.

Many amateurs choose to start with the 400D and upgrade to a 30D (or even more expensive camera) later. Before you settle on this part of your purchase, carefully consider your photography needs.

Kit lens

Most Canon cameras you purchase will come with a kit lens, and you might not need to add this to your bundle purchase, however, you should consider upgrading your lens depending on your needs.

The kit lenses are usually made of lower grade glass and plastic. Its optical performance will soon feel mediocre as you begin to explore the finer details and advance your photographic techniques. Therefore, many hobbyists quickly go for another, better lens which may cost quite a lot more depending on the brand and model. I will post another feature on good lenses for Canon in the future.

Additional lenses

As with any hobby, you might want to add even more parts and pieces to your collection of goodies. Many photographers enjoy adding different lenses to their camera body, and again, depending on the type of photography you choose to participate in, you might have a need for a variety of lenses.

Lenses can be expensive, however, so the beginner might not want to spend too much on a lens collection, but there are a few budget options.

Such as the Canon Zoom Wide Angle-Telephoto EF 28-105mm f/3.5-4.5 II USM Autofocus lens available. This lens, at $219.95, is hundreds less than many telephoto lenses, but features close and clear focusing at 17 inches and it has inner focusing, which is ideal if you are using filters, because the outer section of the lens doesn’t rotate.

If you plan to purchase a camera body, you might want to think about adding the additional lenses to your purchase as you create your beginner “kit”. The versatility these lenses can provide to your photography is worth the extra investment and research time.

Flash

Although for most people the built-in pop-up flash found in prosumer cameras can be sufficient at first, the need for a mounted flash will soon be realized. Basically, it’s unlikely you will decide to forgo a flash in the long run. It will become an essential part of your photography repertoire, so you will want to add these to your beginner/basic photography kit if you have the dosh to spare.

The Canon 220EX Speedlite TTL Shoe Mount Flash will work with most Cannon digital SLR cameras and provides fast recycling, consistent colors and multiple flash modes. It will add about $119.95 to your camera purchase, however, but I believe a flash is too important an item to overlook.

Tripod

I’ve heard and read that what sets the pros and the novices apart is the use of a tripod. You can purchase tripods just about anywhere and in many different price ranges. Your big consideration here is to find a sturdy and reliable tripod.

When you begin looking for a tripod, consider functionality: do you only need a tripod for a table or desktop, or one that provides floor to camera support? Consider the weight of your camera, and make sure that the tripod you choose can handle the weight of the camera (and flash and lens components if applicable). Some tripods can handle only 4 pounds of weight, while many can handle many pounds more.

As for price, you can get a tripod for as little as $20 or as much as several hundred dollars. Although you can order or purchase a tripod at a photo store, you can also pick them up for a good price at discount and warehouse stores.

The Impact 1203 3-Section Tripod with 3-Way Pan/Tilt Head for $79.95 (shown here) is a sturdy tripod that can support up to 5kg of gear on it. That is more than enough for most people and for the price it is a bargain.

Camera bag

You need something to store and cart all your new photography goodies in, so you want to add a camera bag to your purchase list.

Really, you need not be loyal to just one brand when shopping for a camera bag. Any brand will do. I personally own a Lowepro backpack/daypack which can also carry my laptop. They have a huge range of bags to choose from. Your considerations here should be:

• Is it the right size (too large or too small and it’s not going to be the best option for you)?
• Does it have enough pockets and compartments for your filters, lenses and other accessories?
• Do you want a standard shoulder bag, a backpack, a daypack or a belt / hip pack?
• What fabric do you prefer? You can get a microfiber bag, a nylon bag, a leather bag. Your preference here is all that matters.

If you want to stay in the realm of a budget purchase, consider a basic nylon shoulder bag (which you might find for as little as $30 at a discount store).

Final Word

The range of quality cameras and lenses in the Canon product line is impressive and diverse enough even for the beginner. I’ve found that investing in an affordable camera such as those mentioned here and then later saving enough for better lenses as you expand your photography needs is the best way to go. One thing is for sure: a hobby in photography, especially if that involves DSLRs and lens, can leave a huge dent in your wallet.