Digital Camera Gift Ideas

Canon EF S 18 55mm f 3 5 5 6 IS SLR Lens

Equipped with Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer (IS) technology, the Canon EF-S 18-55mm standard zoom lens is ideal for just about any application. IS technology compensates for camera shake by providing the equivalent effect of a shutter speed up to four stops faster. This allows you to take sharp handheld shots even in low-light conditions–a must for sports and nature photography. The lens also offers an aspherical lens element that corrects for aberration, thus producing a topnotch image throughout the zoom range, and a circular aperture that exquisitely renders out-of-focus backgrounds. Despite its minimal size, weight, and cost, the lens expands the picture-taking possibilities any time slow shutter speeds are needed.

User Ratings and Reviews

3 Stars An OK lens, not a great lens
The AF is slow compared to Canon USM lens, is slow even compared with Pentax screw-driven lens.

The image quality is improved significantly over previous non-IS versions. The image quality is good for its price. But don’t expect too much, it is nowhere near other higher grade lens from Canon. Even Canon 50/1.8 and 50/2.5 Macro lens beat the 18-55/IS easily.

5 Stars Good value for money
This lens is a vast improvement over the kit lens that came with the Rebel XTi. Good low light photos and less noise. I would definitely recommend this lens for anyone suffering with the kit lens.

5 Stars Great basic lens
This is the lens that normally comes in the kit. If you need a new Rebel, get the kit! We ended up paying more for it separately. What happened was my old camera quit working. We thought it was the body, so we just purchased a new body. Nope. The lens was broken! So then we had to purchase a lens separately. This is a nice basic/starter lens and works great for general photos. I do a lot of animal photos, and it’s worked fine. The next lens up cost more than the camera! So if you just need a basic lens, this does work, takes nice photos, and won’t break the bank.

5 Stars Great, yet cheap little zoom lens
While Canon produces many fantastic lenses, they do offer a lower-quality line at a much cheaper price. Mind you, Canon does this to broaded their market-share and to potentially create loyal customers from this group.

I have been looking for a simple small lens to attach to my camera when I am not doing work for money. I read about the size and weight of this lens and was pleased by the many good ratings, so I decided to get it. I was not disappointed. After a month now, the lens performs as it was stated, smooth zooming, the USM is heard, but it’s nothing bad, and the IS works flawlessly.

I have had no problems whatsoever mounting or dismounting the lens from my EOS 30D body, which stores beautifully amongst my other gear due to its small size. My professional lenses are twice the size and not having to carry the extra weight is a godsend.

I do wish the lens was made from more robust plastics, but if they did, the lens’ price would be higher. I will merely try to baby the lens every step of the way so it will last the longest possible. All in all, this lens is worth the money you spend on it, which is why I rated 5 stars.

4 Stars Nice Suprise
I bought this lens just to have it as a back up to my trusty Sigma 17-70 lens. It has not left my 40D since.I picked up the 18-55 IS as a “USA White Box” lens(was removed from a kit by a retailer).It is light,easy to handle and very sharp.The auto focus is fast and accurate.My thinking was that this might be an temporary lens until the New Canon 15-85 came out. I don’t know that the new lens would justify the extra $650.00. The 18-55 IS does have its short comings,but I feel the image quality and price outweigh them. I team this lens up with the 55-250 IS (another amazing value lens)and a fast prime like the 28 f/1.8 and I am covered for a day of walk around photography.

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Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12 2MP Digital SLR Camera Black Canon EF S 18 55mm IS Lens Spare LP E5 Battery 4GB Card Gadget Bag

Kit includes:anddiams;andnbsp;1) Canon Digital Rebel XSianddiams;andnbsp;2) Canon 18-55mm Lens[Outfit includes: LP-E5 Rechargeable Battery; Charger; Strap; Caps; Eyecup; Cables; Software; Instructions; Canon USA Warranty]anddiams;andnbsp;3) Transcend 4 GB SDHC Memory Cardanddiams;andnbsp;4) Cameta Incognito Deluxe Gadget Baganddiams;andnbsp;5) Spare LP-E5 Replacement Batteryanddiams;andnbsp;6) USB SecureDigital Card Readeranddiams;andnbsp;7) Image Recall Digital Image Recovery Softwareanddiams;andnbsp;8) Memory Card Walletanddiams;andnbsp;9) Cameta Microfiber Cleaning ClothThe Canon EOS Rebel XSi Digital Camera incorporates a 12.2 megapixel CMOS sensor; enhanced sensitivity up to ISO 1600; 14-bit A/D converter for incredibly smooth tones; High-ISO Noise Reduction; Auto Image Optimization technology; and a precise 9-point autofocus system. The large, 3-inch 230,000 pixel LCD monitor makes it a pleasure to review images and scroll through menus. The Live View feature allows you to frame shots using the LCD screen rather than the viewfinder. Canon’s Integrated Self Cleaning System removes dust automatically from the sensor using ultrasonic vibration.The Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Zoom Lens is designed with Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer technology to allow sharp hand-held shots at shutter speeds up to four stops slower than otherwise possible.The Transcend 4 GB SDHC Memory Card is large enough to hold hundreds and hundreds andmdash; a whole vacation’s worth andmdash; of pictures.The Cameta Incognito Deluxe Gadget Bag is constructed of durable Pro-Nylonandtrade;. It will discreetly hold and protect your Digital SLR camera with zoom lens attached, plus 3 extra lenses, flash, and accessories.This value-packed Canon Digital Rebel XSi Kit will give you the amazing family pictures, vacation photos, and group shots you’ve always wanted.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Great camera
I did alot of research prior to purchasing this camera and I am glad this is the on I picked, the picture quality is outstanding, going from a point and shoot to the XSI was a no brainer. Catera camera are top notch, their customer service is outstanding and they have some of teh best deals available.

5 Stars Great Camera for a Rookie like me
I thought this was a great setup for someone that is getting into digital SLR, but I really don’t have anything to compare it too because I am a Rookie. I am still trying to figure out all the buttons but that is part of the fun. I got some great action shots of my granddaughter playing soccer.

I did get a different bag because the one that came with kit was bigger than what I wanted to mess with especially for carrying on an airplane. The bag that came with the camera is good and has lots of room for everything that came the kit and I bet you could get a couple of more lens in there and still have room for a big bag of M&Ms.

I also went right out and bought a 28-200 zoom mostly because I wanted too. I believe this was the cheaper variety but it was kind of cool to fool with and I am having a great time learning to make it work.

I wish I could explain how good the manuals that came with camera are but I don’t read instructions because I am a guy. I know for a fact that the manuals do have pictures.

It must be a great camera because I have pictures that will be great memories so it must be easy to use

5 Stars Fantastic investment!
This camera is hands down way better than my smaller Canon Powershot. You would expect that right–outstanding photo quality, though big files. I found it easy to use and can use my zoom lens from my Canon film SLR from 1987. I’m very pleased with it. The built-in flash is good in a pinch, but invest in the bigger Canon flash for better results, if your serious about photography. I can take the raw files into Photoshop and/or Lightroom and easily manipulate. I love that the XSi will shoot JPEG and RAW at the same time. You just have to remember to change all all the settings and modes as needed.

5 Stars Awesome deal!
This was the best deal I could have taken! I’m so happy with the camera and everything that came with it. My only problem was that one of the snaps was broken on the bag.

5 Stars Wonderful!
I loved this camera- it took beautiful pictures, and was very responsive. Unfortunately, it was stolen very shortly after I received it.

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Canon EF S 55 250mm f 4 0 5 6 IS Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon Digital SLR Cameras

Bring your photographic subjects closer with this Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Image Stabilizer Telephoto Zoom Lens. It is designed with Canon’s Optical Image Stabilizer technology and is compact and light. This high zoom ratio lens is equivalent to a focal length of 88-400mm in the 35mm format (when used on Canon EOS cameras compatible with EF-S lenses). The image stabilizer effect is equivalent to a shutter speed about 4 stops faster than the same size lens without Image Stabilizer. In other words, if the slowest shutter speed you could formerly hold a 250mm lens steadily was 1/250th of a second, with Canon’s 4-stop stabilization correction, you could hand-hold at shutter speeds as slow as 1/15th of a second. It also uses a UD-glass lens element to correct chromatic aberration for excellent image quality throughout the zoom range. Filter Size – 58mm Max. Diameter – x Length 2.8 in. x 4.3 in./70 x 108mm (maximum lens length) Weight – 13.8 oz./390g Canon 1 year limited warranty

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars Very impressive lens
I did a lot of research prior to buying this lens. I have a Canon Rebel XSI, and the combination of this camera and the 55mm to 250 mm telephoto lens is excellent. The image quality is very, very good. I purchased it from Quality Photo through Amazon.com and I couldn’t be happier with the experience. Great price, fast delivery.

E.F. Stone

Fitchburg, Ma.

4 Stars Great value.
I received this lens in a package with my T1i. I think it compliments the kit lens (18-55mm) immensely. Now I have everything covered from wide to telephoto. The IS works very well even out to 250mm. I can hand hold most shots @250mm in daylight. Photos of the moon at night are incredible. You can what seems like every detail of every crater. Great value for the money!

5 Stars Good stable lens
I’m still learning what this lens likes and doesn’t like. For example, it does vignette sometimes but I can see that ahead of time and I just back off full telephoto a bit.

If you’re a novice, don’t forget to turn off the IS when using a tripod. And just because there is IS, it doesn’t mean there won’t be hand shake problems at less than 1/250th speed.

Set camera to center focus so that you get what you want in focus. I use Auto focus 98% of the time. The lens is very responsive and you have to be careful to focus on what you really want. Got some nice sharp photos of small, fast birds in flight and some dogs on a dead run.

Color quality seems good for the most part. Occasionally I get something with a bluish tinge but I think that’s the camera rather than the tele since other pics of the same area at the same time were fine.

As one reviewer said somewhere, get to know what the lens will and won’t do.

I’m really pleased with the price and the results. I don’t want to spend $1000 on a lens since this is a hobby not a profession.

5 Stars I love this lens
This is the first lens I used other than the lens that came with my EOS Rebel XS kit and I love it. I bought it for my family trip to Walt Disney World and it performed better than I expected. The auto focus can be a little slow but not that bad to deal with. Picture quality is really good. Over all I am happy with the purchase.

5 Stars Cannon EF-S 55-225mm Lens Review
This lens was a gift for my girlfriend who is an avid, professional photographer. It was an instant hit with her. The picture quality of this lens with the image stabilization was second to none. Also, the ease of use of the lens was excellent. Finally, Cannon is an excellent company with excellent manufacturing. This lens was a good buy and a very good product.

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Canon Rebel XS 10 1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF S 18 55mm f 3 5 5 6 IS Lens Black

Ideal for a wide range of photographers from first-time digital SLR users to veteran photo enthusiasts, the new Canon EOS Rebel XS camera is designed to embody what you have come to expect from the EOS Rebel series — a fast, non-intimidating, lightweight, easy-to-use camera that produces excellent images and starts emerging photographers off on the right foot. Immediately, photographers will take notice of the camera’s Optical Image Stabilized kit lens for crisp focus, compensating for camera shake from unsteady hands or a moving vehicle. The new Rebel model also incorporates Canon’s DIGIC III image processor, 10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, Live View, Auto Lighting Optimizer, 7-point wide-area autofocus (AF) sensor and 3.0 frames per second continuous JPEG burst rate where the number of consecutive shots in a burst is only limited by the capacity of the flash memory card in the camera.

User Ratings and Reviews

3 Stars Canon XS is adequate
I purchased the Canon XS as a Christmas present for my wife. But after playing around with it myself, decided to return it and purchase the XSi instead. Three reasons why…1) 3″ vs 2.5″ display. I think this makes a big difference. I shoot semi-pro with some 40D bodies and appreciate the extra 0.5″ of screen myself. 2) Spot metering. This feature is not on the XS and I really miss it since I tend to shoot in manual mode a lot. 3) The biggest reason is the proximity sensor for the LCD. This is huge! I use the Rebels to shoot at night when I don’t want to bring the big bodies. When shooting at night, the display on the LCD stays on with the XS; on the XSi as your face gets close to the viewfinder, it shuts off, then turns on again after you move away from it. Shooting at night with the bright LCD is a big distraction.

There are other differences such as the higher resolution and other stuff that really didnt factor in. If you’re deciding on XS vs XSi, get the XSi. Now if you’re going from P&S to SLR and need the very basics, then the XS will fit your needs perfectly. For those people, I would highly recommend the XS.

4 Stars Great dLSR for a good price
I’m still learning about all of the camera’s possibilities. Got some great stop-motion pictures of small birds and dogs. Picture quality is excellent.

I did a lot of research before I bought this camera. I don’t find the focus dots to be a problem. I like the controls on the right side, they’re easy to operate and the camera fits my hand just fine.

There were a few reviews talking about the camera getting damp and never operating again. To prevent condensation, I follow the Canon recommendation of removing the lens from the body when coming in from the cold to a warm room. I’ve even done it (carefully) after getting back into a warm car. The camera and lens don’t take long to warm up.

This is one of the lightest dSLRs on the market, a real plus when adding a telephoto lens.

5 Stars Bought for the speed
Those of you upgrading from a Point and Shoot camera can relate to the lag time between photos. We got so tired of waiting for our PNS to spool up to take another photo we finally upgraded to this DSLR. Wish I had done it 3 years ago. This Rebel is so easy to use and the pictures are great and best of all it is super fast. I am a total Neophyte when it comes to cameras; I just want a good picture. This product delivers and I think the cost is spot on.

5 Stars I LOVE THIS CAMERA
I was going back and forth whether to purchase a DSLR camera that is more than a point n shoot as a non professional and I absolutely love this camera. I wanted a camera that I can take pictures of my baby and not miss that smile. The point n shoots are too slow and I have no pictures of her smiling- well I can not say that any longer- I am able to capture all the smiles. The camera handles wonderful and I have no complaints. I bought this camera on a special day from Amazon and was able to save more money. I would recommend this camera to anyone that wants to move away from the point n shoot and be able to capture all the important memories.

5 Stars 4th Bought for This Family
This is an excellent camera that takes pictures of high quality. It meets the needs of this grandma who prefers a simple camera to use yet has all the features that the expert photographer in the family might want. Our family has purchased 4 of these cameras and would recommend it highly.

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Canon Rebel XS 10 1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF S 18 55mm f 3 5 5 6 IS Lens Black

Ideal for a wide range of photographers from first-time digital SLR users to veteran photo enthusiasts, the new Canon EOS Rebel XS camera is designed to embody what you have come to expect from the EOS Rebel series — a fast, non-intimidating, lightweight, easy-to-use camera that produces excellent images and starts emerging photographers off on the right foot. Immediately, photographers will take notice of the camera’s Optical Image Stabilized kit lens for crisp focus, compensating for camera shake from unsteady hands or a moving vehicle. The new Rebel model also incorporates Canon’s DIGIC III image processor, 10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, Live View, Auto Lighting Optimizer, 7-point wide-area autofocus (AF) sensor and 3.0 frames per second continuous JPEG burst rate where the number of consecutive shots in a burst is only limited by the capacity of the flash memory card in the camera.

User Ratings and Reviews

5 Stars OK, I’m a Canon Snob
In a nut shell (based on cameras in this price range):

* Great picture quality, especially if you know how to manipulate Raw format – software is included

* On the small side of DSLRs – can be a pro or con depending on your use

* Included software to control the camera with a computer is a major plus for me

* Lens is good for being included in a kit at this price, one of the best IMHO.

* Read online professional reviews. Really helpful for me.

* You can’t go wrong with a Canon DSLR

* This is a great entry level DSLR, if you can afford it and want more Megapixels and features, jump up to an XSi or TSi.

* battery life is good – but get a spare just incase

The Long Winded Stuff:

I am a Canon snob ever since my first digital camera, which was a point and shoot Canon S30 3.2 MP I paid over $500.00 for. That S30 took better pictures (as far as quality) than my wife’s Minolta 6 MP DSLR that I bought her years later. I must have bought at least 10 point and shoots and DSLRs for my family and work. All different brands. But every time I didn’t buy a Canon I was upset with the purchase. There have been some good Nikons but none better than the Canons. My biggest disapointment was the Minolta DSLR I bought for my wife. Against my better judgement the guy at the camera store talked me into it.

There are more qualified sites and people on the internet that will give you great professional reviews of the camera and all it’s features. Here is a few reasons I chose this one:

I was contemplating between the XS, XSi or TSi. I did a lot of research online before making my decision and in the end the price won out and I settled for a less megapixels and less $$$ (10.1 is plenty for what I needed). Like all Canon DSLRs this camera takes great photos and the kit lens that it comes with is a great lens for a DSLR in this price range. The body is on the small side and people with large hands may find it uncomfortable if they are taking pictures constently. But the small size also has the benefit of better portability.

Besides the picture quality, my favorite feature is that it comes with the software to control the camera and most of it’s features right from your computer. I actually use this feature a lot, because I do product pictures and indoor still life with it. I can set all aspects of the shot, aperature, sharpness, shooting mode, white balance, etc, then control the shutter right from the computer. The picture loads right to my computer, I can examine the shot adjust the raw photo or make any adjustments necessary and retake the photo without relying on the small LCD screen on the camera. The liveshot helps even more because I can view the shot live as I am setting up before I take the picture. Other copmpanies charge more $$$ for this benefit. I like to use Raw format and make adjustments then convert it to a user friendly format. If your not familiar with the Raw format, it is worth your time to do some research and learn about it, your pictures will be much better.

5 Stars Very pleased
I recently purchased the Rebel XS as a Christmas present for my wife and myself, and we both love it. We mostly use the auto modes. We are not advanced photographers. We mostly just take pictures of our baby daughter. But it has done great for that. We love that when you press the shutter button, it take the photo immediately, unlike with point’n’shoots. And when I want to have more manual control, it is easy. For a beginner, it is everything we need and more. Can’t comment on more advanced use because we don’t know enough to use more advanced features

5 Stars It’s good to have it
This is good camera with reasonable price to compare with other models.

I recommend that everyone should have one like this. Don’t waste money for PnS cameras

4 Stars A gift given.
I bought this as a gift after doing many hours of research to find a good value on this great Digital SLR. The giftee says I did a wonderful job. It is highly rated in the consumers magazine I subscribe to. I have seen some wonderful pictures taken with this camera.

4 Stars Great for a first time DSLR
After having it for a couple of days, I can say that the image quality on just the auto shots are amazing. I bought the book for “dummies” for the xs to help with the advanced exposure options. But for now the auto is damn good. Then again I’m coming from a point and shoot.

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