Now gone are the days of relying on el-cheapo crappy generic compact digital cameras….enter the new kid on the block, the Rebel T1i, also known as the 500D. I ordered the camera online from the US because I buy a lot of things online, and was gonna buy it locally online anyway…but when comparing prices it was way cheaper than getting one locally. I checked out all the popular online camera stores and ‘real’ stores in SA but none could match the price, even including the delivery. The total cost of the Camera and accessories, as well as shipping was around R7500, and delivery was 1 day ahead of schedule, it took 6 days to arrive from the day I ordered it.

In SA the camera is called the Canon 500D normally, but in the US its called the Canon Rebel T1i, but other than the name, they are identical.

I got a package consisting of the Camera with the standard EF-S 18-55mm IS lense, the best price I could find locally was R7999 for that alone.

Next in the box was Tiffen 58mm essentials kit (locally around R750), consisting of a UV Protector Filter, Circular Polarizer Filter, and Neutral Density 0.6 Filter.

I have heard mixed reviews about this brand, but what the hell, it all looks good, they fit nicely and the quality seems great.

Next was a Fujifilm SDHC-8GB Memory Card with a class 6 rating and a lifetime warranty (around R450 locally)  which is apparently very good for photos and HD video which the 500D can do. I just need to find out how much video can fit on an 8GB card.

The last thing in the box was a Bower battery grip (around R1500 locally), that can take either 2 canon rechargeable batteries, or 6 AA batteries.

I am pretty chuffed with the whole kit, and I have only had 1 day to play so am slowly getting to grips with the camera, but so far I am very impressed.

For all the specs on the camera, check it out at the Canon site here

I’ll be having a bit of a photo binge in the next few weeks, so be prepared to see lots of pictures while I get to grips with the camera.