Mum’s New Toy: Canon EOS 350D

Well I was talking to my mum this afternoon via MS Messenger Live while at work and she was telling me how much she really wanted a new camera. I’ve always talked about how much I would love to get a DSLR (Digital SLR) and that if I had to pick I would stick with the Canon brand. I’ve looked at the various brands of Camera manufacturers, Canon, Nikon, Pentax and Olympus but Canon has always been my favorite.  I guess it is because my first digital camera was a Canon and I took it practically everywhere with me.

Sure I do like the Nikon brand, and I have old 35mm lenses that will work with the Pentax brand but I’ve stayed true to the Canon brand because it has yet to disappoint.

Anyway I’ve trailed off a bit. While talking to my mum she was looking at the camera I keep wishing for; the Canon EOS 350D aka Digital Rebel Xt. The Canon Digital Rebel, to me, is where DSLR cameras start and leave the point-n-shoot behind. Of course it is as it is Canon’s introductory DSLR model.

Why do I like the DSLR cameras so much? Well it reminds me of two of my old cameras that were passed down to me by my grandfather; a 35mm Asahi Pentax and a 35mm Zenit camera.  These two cameras are what got me hooked into photography in the first place. DSLR cameras are based on the concept of the SLR (Single-Lens Reflex) which to me it is just natural that I would want one of these. I’m mainly into the whole manual operation of cameras; being able to control my shutter, aperture and various settings. For me it has been a dream, to one day own a DSLR.

Well my dream has somewhat came true today. My mum actually brought home one of these lovely Canon Digital Rebels and I am just in awe of it. She’s always had an interest in photography and I’ve kept hounding her about getting a Canon Digital Rebel because their price have dropped recently and you don’t need to spend over $1000 to get into a DSLR camera. Since the release of the Canon EOS 400D (Digital Rebel XTi) the price of the 350D has currently settled around $700 CDN. That

What do I like about the Canon and my Mum’s most recent purchase (even though she currently has buyer’s remorse)? Have you ever held one in your hand? It’s almost magical, the weight of the camera and lens is remarkably light, yes it isn’t made of metal like my previous Pentax, but it seems it can hold its own.  It is fully featured for an up and coming photographer too. With features such as the Canon DIGIC II processor (for exceptional images), 8 Megapixel resolution, interchangeable lenses (need macro, wide-angle or perhaps telephoto?), lithium battery (yay no more changing AA batteries), various manual controls, hot-shoe and loads of others.

Now the trick is to be able to use it and have fun with it while being able to teach my Mum some basics in photography (as I am no professional, but perhaps one day) so that she herself can enjoy the camera too.  It should be fun, and I hope she gets over her buyer’s remorse; else I will have to pay her for it in some sort of installment. Can’t be a bad thing right?

Well now since I have (well have access to) the camera of my dreams I hope to be able to share more of my photography with people via my little blog and perhaps learn some new things along the way.