Best Digital Camera

Canon currently sells two lens types, both bayonet mounts - the original EF, and the slightly different EF-S introduced with the Digital Rebel series (300D, 350D and 400D). EF-S lenses (characterized by a red dot instead of the EF white square) are engineered to perform with the smaller sensors of the Digital Rebels (less than 35mm standard film size), but will fit any Canon camera with a red dot on the camera near the mount. The Digital Rebels will fit either EF or EF-S lenses.

I originally purchased my 350D because it was substantially cheaper than the new 400D model. The difference between 8 megapixels and 10 megapixels, for me, did not justify the extra $150. The coin images I shot would have been 2200px instead of 2000px. Today, the difference between the 350D and 400D (body only) is $161 at my favorite dealer. The money thus saved went towards the purchase of an EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro lens. There is no way I could possibly have a higher opinion of this lens for coin photography. You've seen here what it allows me to do - I almost don't need a microscope any longer.

I have read that the EF-S 60mm Macro is also an excellent lens, and approximately $100 cheaper than the 100mm.

Of course, as you already know, a 100mm prime has its' limits in normal photography. I purchased my camera with the available 18-55mm kit lens, which has proven suitable for my "normal" photographic needs, understanding that I am hardly a sophisticated photographer.

May I also recommend DSLR Remote Pro, if your intent is to be taking a lot of pictures. It's software which allows you to control all aspects of the shot from the computer. The camera is "tethered" to the computer via USB cable. You can adjust aperture, exposure, ISO, exposure compensation, white balance and other things, all from the keyboard. You release the shutter with your mouse, and never touch the camera once it is initially set up and turned on. The picture, at your choice, either goes straight to your hard drive or to the camera's card.

Best of all, it has a "Preview" mode wherein the shutter snaps but the picture is not recorded. This minimizes off shots - you can make adjustments based on the on-screen results without wasting drive space.

It is approximately $100.

http://www.breezesys.com/DSLRRemotePro/index.htm