Lowepro
Topload Zoom Mini Camera Holster Bag - Black
MFR #2013210 • B&H #LOTLZMB

Bogen / Manfrotto
682B (3230) Professional Monopod (Black) with 3229 Swivel/Tilt Head ...
B&H #BO682B3229

Canon
NB-2LH Lithium-Ion Battery (7.4v 720mAh) for Canon Digital Cameras & ...
MFR #9612A001 • B&H #CANB2LH

Canon
EOS Digital Rebel XT (a.k.a. 350D) 8.0 Megapixel, SLR, Digital Camera ...
MFR #CAEDRKK3 • B&H #CAEDRXTKB3
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What do you guys think of this as a starter setup?...basically looking for something versatile (kids, baby, family, sports, event/vacation photos) as the Canon SD230 Digital Elph isn't cutting it...great for the wife, but terrible for taking good, quality pictures...I probably get 1 good/reasonable pic out of 15-20 taken.

hey kevin,

instead of a monopod, get a tripod with a ball head. my only real suggestion.

i'm looking at the same camera myself.

though i found a bit of a better price on butterflyphoto.

Not Kevin... :D

Anyway, I was thinking about a tripod, but I have come across times when (at sporting events) they do not allow tripods...anyway, this one has a a tripod stand on the bottom that folds away...sort of a stealthy tripod.

This price was for the EOS Digital Rebel XT with the 18-55 lense kit and 1GB Memory card.

I'll check out butterflyphoto.com

Thanks!

Not Kevin... :D

Anyway, I was thinking about a tripod, but I have come across times when (at sporting events) they do not allow tripods...anyway, this one has a a tripod stand on the bottom that folds away...sort of a stealthy tripod.

This price was for the EOS Digital Rebel XT with the 18-55 lense kit and 1GB Memory card.

I'll check out butterflyphoto.com

Thanks!


oops, sorry keith
haha
one or the other, i couldn't remember

what price?

i've been shopping quite extensively for the XT. dell had a super deal last week for 750 including the 18-55... but i missed out on the coupon code. (good thing it was for the silver only, i don't feel TOO bad)

$999.95 for the black XT with 18-55 & 1GB lexar 80x CF card...

Do you need an SLR? If you are only doing family stuff, you probably won't need it. An SLR will turn into a very expensive hobby. You might want to look into the Canon PowerShot S2 IS camera. It's a 5 megapixel with a 12x optical zoom and Image Stabilization. It is good to have a good point-and-shoot camera as well as an SLR. SLR's get bulky and you won't want to take them everywhere, but are great if you NEED one. You will need multiple lenses and find yourself carrying a 30lb pack around everywhere you go (Like I do). I'm picking up one of these as a multi-use vacation camera, I don't always feel like carrying $7k in camera equipment with me.

But if you are certain that you do want an SLR, than your planned hardware list looks good. I assume you will be sticking with the kit lens for now? Plan on spending another grand on lenses, cleaning equipment, filters, and miscellaneous other hardware.

I already have a Canon S230 Digital Elph for vacations, etc...but the camara sucks for portrait shots, etc...probably 2 in 10 shots are good (if that).