I’ve never owned a Digital Single Lens Reflex camera before, and it took much cajoling, prompting, begging, and bribing (mostly with promised gift purchases of guides and field reference cards) before I finally took the plunge and bought a Canon Rebel XTi. See, I’ve been using a Casio EX-Z1000, and while I like the camera well enough…let’s just say that my pictures won’t be winning any blue ribbons at the state fair. And although the Rebel isn’t as professional as say, a 30D, 5D, or a 1D, it’s a huge step up for me.
My box from Amazon actually arrived Wednesday, but I showed supreme self control and waited until Thursday to tear into it – because I was working on the OtterBox 1920 Treo Case review and needed to finish! My ex wasn’t quite as reserved, however. He cut the tape and peeked in the box to make sure the camera was actually in there – and then he nicely sealed it back so I could still share the unboxing with you all. 
So let’s take a look…
Clearing away the air-filled packing insulation…
…the Rebel’s red box is revealed!
Warranty paperwork…
…program CDs…
…and two user manuals. I am sure that there is a perfectly good reason for two, but I hope to never really have to read them. I was given a copy of the Digital Rebel XTi/400D Digital Field Guide which includes tons of color pictures – and was not written by a droid. Hopefully it will answer all of my questions as they occur.
Underneath the paper section, I immediately see a neck-strap that I can’t imagine ever wearing…
…the battery charger, starter lens…
…and the camera body, wrapped in double layers of protection.
The body feels solid, not overly large, and it looks a bit odd without a lens attached.
A protective cap covers what would otherwise be the camera’s gaping maw…
It will take me a while to get used to not using the camera’s display to take all of my photos.
I do have a Speedlite 580EX flash on order, so there will be something to fit in that top mount. You can’t really tell, but the dial is set to the “green box”, or Automatic. I suspect it will need to stay there for a little while, as I learn my way around this thing. 
Here is the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens which came with the set. It is supposed to be a pretty good all-purpose lens; I really doubt that I will outgrow it anytime soon.
Once the lens is attached, the camera suddenly looks so professional! I’ll bet my pictures start looking better almost immediately! Okay…maybe not for a while and after lots of practice.
I also ordered a 4GB CF card and a two light shooting kit; hopefully there will soon be a marked improvement in my review photos.
I still need to get a tripod, however. Anyone have any good recommendations? Or are they all about the same? Or did I just utter blasphemy?
Pingback: Fake It ‘Til You Make It at Gear Diary