Goodbye, dear Rebel XT.
It's been a good (almost) four years.
Since that Christmas day in 2007, you've helped me take better pictures of my children.
Even when all I had was your kit lens.
You were with me at the very start of my blogging career.
And I loved you just the way you were.
Then I got my 50mm 1.4 lens, and ooh, baby!
You were like a whole new camera.
You've been with me on many a photo shoot.
You've documented family, friends, babies,
and babies in progress.
I would have kept you by my side much longer, were it not for the fact that you refuse to turn on anymore.
And since repairs beyond a simple battery fix (that's not your problem) tend to run in the $200-$250 range, I think we're through, much as it pains me to say that.
Your life isn't over yet, though...you're headed to Ebay, where you'll be sold for parts.
So, dear Rebel, thanks for all the good times and for the thousands upon thousands of pictures you've taken for me...we made a good pair, and I'm sorry our relationship had to end.
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(I bought a CanonRebel T1i , body only, and it arrived yesterday. They sky has been dreadfully dark and rainy since it arrived, so I haven't been able to properly try it out. I'll let you know what I think of it once the clouds clear a bit, as even my 7D was having difficulty producing nice photos yesterday.)
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Today's 365 post:Silhouettes
We have a Cannon AE-1 that we bought way back when our children were small. As time went buy we acquired more and more lenses and gizmos. We now have digital cameras as well as "old faithful" which uses film. The pictures off this old camera are just great especially black and white. And though the AE-1 has "episodes" and isn't perfect DW just won't give it up. I think I may have fixed the old camera as crazy as it sounds. I was told at a camera store that the new cameras are "throw aways" and are in no way as durable as the old cameras made just a couple of years back.
We have a CanonRebelT1i that my husband and I bought for a Christmas gift for each other last year. I hope you love your new camera as much as we love ours. So, we too need to sell our old camera(s) for parts on Ebay, but I've never sold anything on Ebay before and I'm worried about how to phrase an ad for used camera parts and I'm not that knowledgeable on either cameras or Ebay (Craig's List expert; Ebay, not so much). Any advice on how to word an ad for a used camera?
From what I can tell by browsing around, you need to put "for parts only" in your listing and explain what works and what doesn't on the camera.
You have given me a good idea...
My old Nikon 5005 SLR is in the same boat. Repairs not fiscally smart (broken light meter). However, the rest of the camera is solid and it would make a fine 'parts' camera. And just like you, when it broke, I bought within the same family (I bought a Nikon D80) a few years ago so I could use most of my accessories.
But I never thought about putting the old one on eBay for parts. I guess I figured that one day I would come around and pay the ridiculous money to have the light meter fixed. But after 4 years, clearly, I am not.
I know almost nothing about taking good pictures. I was really lucky to have a pretty good point and shoot but a couple of years ago the auto focus started to slip and the only way I could get focused pictures is if the flash was on. Now it shuts down every time I take a picture. I have spent the last year just using my iphone. It is time to get another camera.
I am a little afraid to leave the world of point and shoot but don't know what to by in that area and I really want to start getting better pictures of my kids. Do I need to take some kind of class to move up? What would you recommend for a beginner?
If you want to take better pictures, an SLR is definitely the way to go. A point and shoot will only take you so far, even if it's a good point and shoot.
A Rebel camera is a GREAT starter SLR, and the lens it comes with is not hard to use (it's not a fabulous lens, but it's easy to use).
The Rebel T1i, T2i, or T3i would all be good options for you.
Also, I'm working on writing an ebook about how to take better pictures of children, so you might want to check that out once I'm finished with it. 🙂
So, is this going to be your new "outdoor" camera?
(And then, being nosy, might I ask why you're willing to spend so much money on a "backup" camera?)
Because camera equipment is one of those areas that I'm willing to spend on. I will wear $2 Goodwill clothes, make yogurt, get my hair cut only twice a year, use freecycle furniture, make bread from scratch, and cut my children's hair myself, but I will also splurge on cameras. 🙂 (though of course I only EVER buy camera stuff with cash and I never scrimp on other parts of the budget to make these purchases)
My 7D is great, but it's too big and heavy to carry around with me every day when I'm out and about. I've really missed having something smaller to put in my purse, and I know myself well enough to know that I would be supremely unsatisfied if I bought a point and shoot for that purpose.
Also, since I use my camera stuff to earn money, it is a tax-deductible purchase.
I'll use this camera when I am out and about and especially when I am somewhere I'm loathe to take my 7D (like on a sandy beach).
I figured something like that. I was just a bit boggled - probably because I am NOT a photo-taken or photo-be-inner.
Although, coffee? Yes please.
Although my husband is a former professional photographer, all he has is a low frills digital camera. I would really like to buy him a nice camera as a gift, and think that I need to start putting money aside for this specific cause.
I wish you all the best with your new camera, enjoy!
Katy
Oh, I bet he would just LOVE that.
I have that same camera and love it, I never had a digital slr just the normal little 10mp or what not digital camera's. I don't make money with my camera, but I love to take pictures. My daughter is going to a university as a Photopgraphy major and a minor in criminal justice. So picture taking is a love in our family... 🙂
Kristen,
I own a Nikon D5000 and you're making me all sad for you and your Canon. I felt the same way when I had to finally replace my old and reliable digital Sony that was the first camera we bought when my oldest son was born. I have such great pictures of those times and others because of that camera, but what can you do when the thing won't turn on or every picture looks like you're running 500 mph? I'm glad that you were able to get a replacement. Although there is nothing professional about the pictures I take, I am at a loss when I don't have my camera w/me.
I love your photos and I'm envious I don't have a good eye. What do you look for in a camera. I know there's so much information out there but I become unindated with all that information. Researching and comparison hunting frustrate me. I have an old camera, should I just focus on getting a better lens? Should I choose a well known brand? What are the tricks to choosing a good camera...and where? Thanks.
So, I'm a little confused. Maybe you explained this and I missed it. Are you buying a new rebel? are you just going to use your better camera.
I recently paid $280 to have my Rebel repaired because I thought it was better than spending money on a new camera.
Yep, I bought a new Rebel, just the body, with no lens. 🙂 I still have my 7D, but the Rebel I will carry around with me and use in messier situations where I wouldn't want to bring my 7D.
I will live vicariously through you and your nice cameras! I'm dying for an SLR, but recently got the Canon Powershot S95 to tide me over until I can save up for one. At least it has manual features and shoots in raw, but it's still not a dear SLR. Those pictures are just great!!
Maybe too late, but have you tried calling Canon. My camera broke shortly after my 2 year extended warranty and they fixed my camera for almost nothing - shipping. If I had wanted to they were willing to sell me a new camera at a discount too. AWESOME customer service, hence I bought another Canon.
In Hebrew we have an expression: Titchadshi. It means, roughly, "enjoy the item that is new to you, with best wishes." Well, OK, it doesn't translate very well into English, but hopefully you can get the idea. 🙂
I want a digital SLR so bad I can't hardly stand it. But, I have no funds for that. I do have, however, my old SLR Pentax with multiple lenses and filters. I just need to buy film. I am especially anxious to shoot some black and white film. I love the classic feel to it. I will share when I have actual pics to show 🙂
If you still have all of your pentax gear you should look at buying a digital pentax body. They make some really nice and pretty inexpesive ones. My dad has one and they will work with the older lenses, although it is much easier to use an old prime lens than zoom lens with the new bodies.
So what were the symptoms of your Canon's demise? I have a Canon that is giving me fits and I'm wondering if I can make a diagnosis based on your experience.
It's hard to say goodbye to a camera. It's as if it came along with you on all your adventures. Have a cup of tea and a cookie in its honour.
I am exactly like you with spending money and cameras. I almost never buy myself anything new but did spend quite a bit on a pentax kx. I can't wait to hear how your new camera does and see some sample pics. Even though my I've only had my slr for 7 mo. I'm thinking I'd better start saving $30 or so a month for when it dies. I'm hoping mine lasts 3 more years! Great pictures are that important to me! Since I only have one extra lens I'd be willing to switch brands if I could get a great deal. Thanks for sharing all you do on this blog!
Wow, or more importantly WOW ! I love this photo story, you are truly gifted. I so enjoy reading your posts. Thanks for everything.
I love this love story with your camera!
Like others, I may use your idea and sell my point-and-shoot for parts as there is a black speck on the lens that now appears on every picture, and I just can't get it off. I would really love to replace it with a decent low-end SLR, but not sure I'm game to carry around yet another bag (with expensive equipment inside) when we leave the house.
I just bought a T3i a couple of months ago after my point&shoot died. I'm a total newbie at DSLRs and have started practicing, but most of my shots are still kinda awful, unless i have a high ISO setting. Just wondering if you have a preferred ISO/aperture setting?
I have the same Rebel XT, and would love to by a lens but have no idea where to begin! Is the 50 mm 1.4 lens you have easy to use? I love the way your pics look.