Help for a photographic idiot before I screw up

[Bob Riggins]

My son and daughter in law want a new digital SLR camera.  She is an artist and takes primarily landscapes and wildlife photos, currently with a 35MM film camera.  I am a Canon guy but know nothing about the SLR’s.

Anyway, what do you guys think about the Canon Rebel EOS T2i.  It is 18 mp.  Is that significantly better than the T1i, 15 mp version (which is cheaper).  Also, it comes with an 18 -55 lens, but I was also thinking about adding a zoom lens.  I have three in mind, an EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS, an EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III USM, and an EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III.  Is image stabilization that big a deal?  What does USM mean?  Also, will the older Canon lenses from the film SLR fit the digital?

Any thoughts would be appreciated.  This is some pretty big bucks, so I don’t want to make a major mistake.

[Mike Anderson]

Unless she really wants the video capability I’d probably look for a deal on a 50D and there should be plenty of deals to be had now that the 60D is out. I would also avoid the kit lens unless it’s part of a really great deal.
USM = Ultrasonic motor. Drives the Auto Focus on the lens.

The 70-200 F4 (non is) can be found cheap and is an outstanding pro quality L lens. If you buy used you can get this one for a song.

For a walk around the 24-105 F$ L is another great all around lens but it is a little more then the lower end glass.

Then there is the very nice 17-40 F4 L that can be had cheaply sometimes. I found one at Best Buy just under $600

[Adam McDowell]

Bob, Mike had good advice above.

Tell your daughter to put her money into lenses.

There are great deals on older model bodies if you buy from reputable sources like KEH.

[Author]

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