I just got a 50D this Christmas (amazing gift, I know… I’m spoiled sometimes, haha) and am stoked on doing some more shooting with it. I just recently did some shots of my friend a week ago (I’ll try to get some of those up soon) with it for some practice with off-camera lighting. I must say, the quality is amazing! Noise levels are low, resolution is absurd, and overwhelming amount of features (some more gimmicky than others) is a huge plus. And to give you an idea of what I originally came from, I was using a 300D (old 6.4mp Rebel) that I had for about 5yrs. I took some great shots with it, but I needed something more due to it’s dated sensor (noise was overwhelming at anything beyond ISO 400.)

But that brings me to an argument I’ve been making for quite some time. We all know glass is more important when shooting than number of pixels, and even a lens can only take you so far (a lens is a tool to achieve MORE, not necessarily better) but what about the camera? People are ogling over the big boys with the full-crop sensors that are twice the cost of the most expensive cropped-sensor cameras, yet some of those same people can’t shoot worth a crap with the camera they’ve got. I’m sure those people would argue “That’s because I need the better camera to make better pictures!”

I say NAY!

I’ve seen people take incredible shots with a point-and-shoot camera; shots better than some of those shot with a decent SLR. Those that wish to hop into photography should not spend $2500 on their first camera (well, unless they’ve got money pouring out of both pockets… I want money in both pockets) but instead buy a reasonable starter camera and invest in better glass. Hell, the kit lens that comes with most cameras is MORE than adequate for learning! To prove my point, I figured I’d take this time to post some pictures I shot in late 2007 during my trip to Europe. And keep in mind I was still learning at this point (although, do we ever stop learning?) and most of these weren’t processed aside from some level adjustments. All pictures shot with the kit lens (18-55mm.)

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