I have just recieved notice that I will be needing a SLR 35mm camera for a college course I will be taking in the fall. I have been looking around B&H Photo Video and I have no clue what's good and bad in these cameras.

Film cameras are not my field of work.

I own the Canon XL2 and I have been pondering the lense system on Canon's cameras. To maybe benefit (Even more) from this purchase I would like to buy a Canon camera that I will be able to switch lenses with on my XL2.

So, I need some assistance on getting the most bang for my buck (I am a college student and I am low on funds, but I want a camera that I will use for years to come).

Of course I am only interested in Canon cameras that work with the lenses compatible with the XL2 (I believe it's the EF lenses, with the purchase of the XL2 attachment) so, could someone that's more familiar with film cameras possibly point me in the right direction?

Thanks!

Your best bet might be to look at a specialist site like www.photographyreview.com

I did a bit of research recently and ended up getting a good second hand deal on a Canon EOS 30 from BHPhoto. It is an excellent camera that is a step up from consumer however not too expensive.

My advice would be to go second hand because as everyone moves to digital, excellent bodies are going so cheap. At the end of the day it is your lens which is most important. The Canon EOS 50mm 1.8 is meant to be excellent value for money but you'll probably want a zoom as well.

Thanks for the quick response Mark.

I checked out the site you mentioned and came across the Canon EOS Rebel Ti / 300V. It seems to be a very nice camera for it's price, I don't believe it has the interchangable lense system though.

Travis:

I use Canon's EOS 20D. It's a 8.2 megapixel camera. Probably a little too pricey for what you're after.

I would suggest Canon's EOS Digital Rebel. It has a 6.3 Megapixel CMOS sensor and accept the entire family of Canon's EF lenses. Currently, it's selling for about $700 at BHPhoto. Add a good lens (that you can also use on your XL2) and 1GB Ultra II CompactFlash Card, and you may be up to $1100.

Before putting down that much money, I would suggest looking for a used Digital Rebel.

Good luck!

the Canon EOS Rebel Ti / 300V... I don't believe it has the interchangable lense system though.Actually yes it is; all Rebel models are true SLR's with interchangeable lenses.

Actually yes it is; all Rebel models are true SLR's with interchangeable lenses.

Great! Now my problem is, I cannot find it anywhere besides Ebay. It would be great to get a used one for around 150$ so, I'll hope for that.

Jeff,

That camera sounds amazing, but like you said it's a bit too much for my budget. haha Also, I am looking for a film camera for the college course cause it requires us to develop film.

Thanks for your help!

Wish me luck!