firstborn for sale

7/6/09 UPDATE: Both the Rebel and the 50 mm lens have been sold!  Thanks to everyone who contacted me expressing interest!

Any mother will tell you that her firstborn holds a special place in her heart.

I can relate.  That's how I feel about my darling Rebel.

See, Rebel was my first DSLR, and she was sooo good to me.  Early on, she was patient as I painstakingly attempted to figure out the mysterious ISO/aperture/shutter-speed trinity.  She stuck with me through serious learning curves of focus, exposure and white balance.  She became giddy with excitement upon the addition of new siblings to her family, like the Nifty Fifty lens (you'll hear more about her later.)  She has built her life around Christmas card photos, birthday parties and newborns.  Lots of newborns.  In fact, she was there the first time I ever laid eyes on the adorable nephew.  :)  Yes, she has been my go-to girl since the start of this whole photography journey.  

A few months ago, I upgraded my camera body, mainly for the need to push my ISO a bit and shoot with a full-frame sensor (so I could actually use my beloved 85 mm lens indoors!)  I held on to Rebel because I loved her so much AND because the 5D doesn't have a flash... and as much distaste as I have for flash, sometimes it comes in handy.  But with a point-and-shoot AND another DSLR in my possession, I'm sad to say that little Rebel did not see a lot of action.

And so, my friends, as tough as it is, I'm forcing myself to say goodbye to Rebel.  I'm giving her wings so she can flee this nest and take up residence in the talented hands of an eager new owner, where she will create beautiful photos and tons of great memories!

 

If you're just beginning your foray into photography, let me just say in all honesty that the Canon Digital Rebel is a great place to start!  This camera, with a little photog know-how and 1-2 great lenses, will produce GORGEOUS photos.  Many professional photographers will tell you - and I will echo them - that you don't need a super-expensive camera body to take great pictures.  If you're just starting out - save your money.  Invest in lenses and master the basics before you begin dropping cash on high priced gear.  That's what I did, and I haven't regretted it for a second.  (Okay, that's sorta what I did... when I bought the Rebel, it was upwards of $800, so it was still a pretty penny!)

I'm selling the entire Rebel kit, complete with the original box it came in, for $350.  Here's what's included:

• EOS Digital Rebel XT Body
• EF-S 18-55 mm F3.5-F5.6 Kit Lens with Lens Cap
• Lithium-ion Rechargeable Battery (NB-2LH)
• Battery Charger (CB-2LT)
• Wide Neck Strap
• USB Interface Cable (IFC-400PCU)
• Video Cable (VC-100)
• Instruction manuals (English & Spanish)
• EOS Digital Solution Disks (I use the Zoom Browser software to manage all my photos and love it!)

If you'd like more details on the specs, check out Canon's website here.

 

 

Now, if you dig around and do some research, you'll notice the XT is the older version of Canon's current Rebel XS.  Overall, the only big difference between the two is that the XT has slightly less megapixels at 8.2 (the XS has 10.)  Now, before you go gettin' yer panties in a knot over megapixels, let me just say something about that.  I am always amazed when I'm at a place like Best Buy and I hear potential customers asking about megapixels.  Why?  Well, I have to give props to the camera manufacturers - they have done a phenomenal job creating hype around this topic.  I must let you in on a little secret, though... megapixels really only matter if you're cropping significantly or enlarging your photos to GARGANTUAN sizes.  Even most point-and-shoots nowadays have 5-6 megapixels - plenty for printing 8x10s, 11x14s, even 16x20s!  Don't get hung up on megapixels, folks!  If you don't believe me, read this article.

Anyway, the point I was going to make is that many people might be inclined to say "Isn't the XT obsolete since there's now a newer, shinier model out?"  But, being that the only real difference is megapixels, and you're wise to the megapixel myth now, what do you think?  :)

Anyway, enough bantering.  Here's some more photos of the Rebel - she has been extremely well taken care of - no scratches or nicks anywhere on the camera body. 

 

 

  

I recently upgraded my 50 mm lens as well, so the 50 mm F1.8 is now up for grabs!  This is often called the Nifty Fifty because it is seriously the most incredible lens in terms of image quality for the money - it's priced right around $120.  I'm selling it for $75 - like the Rebel, it's also in mint condition.  This is a great lens, and for months after purchasing it, I used nothing else.  You will be amazed at the difference of stopping down to 1.8 aperture after having used the kit lens!  While I am happy to sell the 50 mm on its own, I wholeheartedly recommend it if you're also interested in the Rebel.  Here's a few snaps:

 

(It has a lens cord on it to keep from losing the cover!)

 

Another one of my favorite photographers, DrewB, just posted about cameras and lenses earlier this month.  Check out her blog to get another photographer's perspective.  Please email me using the sidebar link if you're interested in purchasing one or both items above!  Thanks!

Comments

[Julie G]

Oh wow! I really cant wait for my hubby to get home so i can talk him into this sweet deal! fingers crossed!

[Dawn Hudson]

I would like to buy the 50 mm lens from you. Mine just recently had an accident and needs to be replaced. You can contact me at thehudsons24@nc.rr.com

Thanks, Dawn

[Nicole Hammond]

In case you have not already sold the 50mm, I would love to have it! My e-mail address is nicdawnham@yahoo.com. Thank you so much!

[jennifer mathews]

I know 2 people have already written that they are interested in the lens, but I am interested in both the camera and lens! Please e-mail me at jennifer.mathews2@gmail.com