Susan
This package is probably the BEST option of anyone wanting to seriously take photos. I am from the old school of photography that existed way before digital invaded SLRs. That being said, Ive adapted. (lol). This camera does a great job of offering up great advice in the provided automated settings. Its accurate for lighting in most situations. If you learn to use the light meter settings properly to account for difficult lighting situations (ie, beach & snow & highly dappled situations), you will be able to use this camera and get very professional grade photos. That is, if you can see well enough to focus. (or, you can rely on autofocus- but you need to make sure you use the focal function setting that will only focus on the main target). My biggest gripe with all these new cameras and lenses is that they no longer provide a split screen for focusing manually. My eyesight is not as good as when I was young and I need glasses. I cant count on my eyesight for perfect focus anymore. That split screen was my insurance. Now, you need to either have very accurate glasses or you need to trust the autofocus. Personally, I hate losing that control over my photos. If you are extremely picky about how you like to compose your photos, use your aperture for focal effects, etc, these new digital cameras dont generally include the split screen focal ability. Ok. Enough of my singular gripe. Other than that, this camera offers several stupid proof settings for various lighting scenarios- ie, portrait, sport, etc. If you select one for the described condition, the camera does a very nice job of selecting the right aperture and speed settings. This camera is also designed for video. I havent tested how well the video works yet, but Canon is a leader in all areas- they have been upgrading their video capabilities for some time now. My daughters rebel (one version older) has great video function so I will assume this one does as well. I will update if its not true. I LOVE that this camera comes with a pop up flash AND an additional flash which can be used in so many different ways. it allows extra light in super dark conditions or two directions of light which can be synched with a cable. I also LOVE the two different stands that come with this package. The tall stand is a little CHEAP, but if you are just getting started, it will do. Just dont abuse it and it should last a couple years, I would think. Dont lose any screws or parts that fall off- put them back on the stand to ensure you dont lose them. Repair at home or on the spot. Its pretty basic. The little stand is very efficient and handy for times when hauling a big one is not reasonable (for example, if you are a climber, hiker, biker, etc. ). I also LOVE the two lenses that come with the camera. The basic lense is a standard close to mid range zoom. It will cover almost all your basic photography needs. Even from quite a distance. But if you are wishing to take super long distant shots (like the moon, far off vulcanos popping over the cloud tops, animals at Yellowstone, etc,) the longer zoom is your perfect option. Whats great about the two lenses is that they have the same size opening. That means you can use filters, attaching lenses and other lense accessories for both of them- in other words, you dont need to buy two sets of all these things, which can be very expensive and heavy to carry around. This camera also has two additional screw on helper lenses. These are not true lenses in that they dont attach to your camera directly. They attach to the lenses. One is a wide angle lense (will allow you to see more to the sides of your normal view) and the other is a telephoto lense (that doubles the magnification of what you normally see through the lense.) As mentioned before, these fit both lenses. HAPPY it comes with the filters. While these are not clearly explained in the product description, these are neutral density filters that basically protect your lense glass. You will want to put one on each lense. CLEAN your lense and the filters with the PROVIDED KIT only. Blow all dust off both the lense and filter and only then put the filter on. make sure all moisture is dried up first. This will protect your lense. Believe me, you WILL scratch your lense. Better to scratch a cheap filter than your real lense. THRILLED about getting TWO batteries so that you can juice both up and go out on a long hike or camping trip without running out of battery. So, so important. LOVE that this Cannon set includes THREE ways to transfer your photo files: you can plug the memory chip into a device directly if your device accepts its size. You can use the digital stick with a standard USB plug that will fit into any computer. You can use the WI-FI option of the camera to directly upload to the internet or any device with Bluetooth capabilities. Now THATs flexibility! Last, but not least, is the FUN and sometimes necessary REMOTE CONTROL. This assortment of extra features included in this kit could, alone, cost many hundreds if bought together. I find it remarkable to get all of them together, with a bag and shoulder strap for under $500. The camera and lenses alone could cost that amount in a camera shop. Well, I hope this was useful for you. If so, give me a thumbs up. I review quite a few products and films but I get a little frustrated when it seems they arent helpful to people. Let me know if you find this helpful, ok? If so, I will keep giving these types of reviews.
