so i got the new dslr. but i dont know if i got the good deal or it i bought my sis the nicer one. i bought me a nikon d3100 brand new with a bag and the 18-55 kit lens but it also came with the 55-200 kit lens plus got a tripod with it and a 32gb sdcard. i know i know its not the top of the line but man i really dig it. anyhow my lil sister wanted a good cam for graduation, keep in mind she has no exp with photography but shes way intelligent and a free mind. She doesnt want to limit herself to one particular style. So for my two lens, bag, tripod kit setup, all brand new, i paid around 450. I found my sis a canon eos rebel xsi came with aftermarket bag and the 18-55 kit lens, but they shorted her the charger. i got one priority mail should be here tues. and also i should have mentioned hers is used but i know who used it...immaculate condition, like seriously mint. overall between me and my mom we paid around 400 for the rebel for my sis for her graduation gift..... guys did i rip her off by gettin her the rebel and the d3100 for me? Really i just didnt do much for her growing up considering the 11 year age difference and I really wanted to help her out and get her a good starter camera. Y'all think I did alright by her? If not then give me serious insight and I'll give her my all new setup and take the used from her. I just want her to be happy with grad gift and be able to use it. Any input would be appreciated

1. This should be in the "what camera to buy" thread
2. The xsi is a great camera for her to learn on while she figures out if she likes photography.

This was really hard for me to read. Lol.

Uh, I have no experience with rebel, but I will tell you that you should have spent the little extra to upgrade to the d3200. Its an excellent camera to start with. Now that I have improved my shooting I have the 7100 and love it.

I can't tell if this post is for serious.

You need to not type like absolute crap. I couldn't read that god awful mash of letters. From what I felt like skimming, I personally think you got ripped off by paying $400 for the rebel xsi. When I bought my xs brand new I paid $435 for the body and lens and that was about 3 years ago. Based on the fact that your friend would rip you off like that, I'm questioning it's actual condition.

Hmmm. I have no experience with the 3100 or any Cannon, but from what I learned going from throw away walmart cameras to a D-90 (or any DSLR), I can say that it's like going from driving a 85 Ford F-150 to a Porsche 911 with all the trimmings.

Appreciate the thoughts and any advice guys,thanks. And I was in such a hurry putting that up I really didn't notice until I just now read over this, that it really was a jumbled up mess. Yes, it was a serious question, once you could get through the anxious rubbish that accompanied it. Wasn't trying to offend anyone with my horrid typing. But after doing a hell of a lot more looking and price-checking, I believe dawn patrol was right about the ripped off part. Took it back to the chick since there was no way to use it without the battery charged. Just let my sis have the nikon I bought. So now I have to find me one smh.

Glad you were able to return the Canon..

Class move too.. giving sis your Nikon.. Hope she enjoys it..

Don't know what your budget is... But the D3300 is out now. Pretty similar to the 3100 except for the new image processor..

Apparently you liked your Nikon so might as well stick with it.. Also, you can help sis out using hers when you have a body in the same class.. And can share flashes & accessories as well..

I also think it would be a good idea for you and your sister to both have Nikons, especially if you were already using one and comfortable with it. You never specified whether or not yours was new (or I missed it), but I would suggest looking at used equipment. You can typically get better equipment for a better price. Glad you got your money back for the Canon xsi though, that was a really crappy deal your friend gave you.

Any camera is good as long as you know how to use it properly.