My new DSLR!

Yesterday, I made a Target run during rehearsal for a few things. I stopped by the electronics section to get a SD card for our theatre department digital camera, when I spotted that they were having a clearance on some of their cameras. I spotted this little guy.

Canon EOS Rebel XS

I've been wanting a new camera since... well, for over a year! I take so many photos and I have been dubbed the "family historian." I have over 1,500 photos tagged of me on Facebook, and most of those photos are my own. Friends and family know they can count on me having a camera. However, I don't have a fancy camera. In fact, I have my Canon Powershot from 2006 (although I think Canon Powershots are probably the best point-and-shoot cameras around). I have been wanting to add some quality to my historian responsibilities, and I started to look around for a DSLR. I wasn't really loving the pricetag on these cameras, especially for what I wanted.

My brother gave my little sister an older Rebel model that I am familiar with using because I like playing with it whenever I see it. It's pretty user-friendly, although I am not an expert by any means. Seemed like it would be fairly easy to learn. This is, after all, for a hobby and it should be fun.

I couldn't help but notice the low price tag. I saw it online for at least $100 more.

I asked the gentleman behind the counter about it, and the one I was stalking was the last one left (the display one). Not only that.... he could give me an additional 10 percent off of the display camera. I called Greg and he didn't have an opinion over it (that's a good thing). I called my brother and he said that was a perfect starter DSLR and the price was incredible.

I walked away with that baby.

We just got our tax return in, so that's how I'm justifying it financially. And since I got a cool new gadget, Greg should be able to get a cool new gadget. Yay for both of us!

When I got home later, I automatically started playing with my new Rebel. Here are a few photos. Yeah, keep in mind-- first day with the camera! I know some photos aren't super clear, but I am a beginner!

With the flash on. Dexter looks weird.

Dexter's toy mouse. He's obsessed.

In my spot

Eye see you.

Yay new fancy camera!

So excited to learn and have fun! If any of you have a Canon or are photo-savvy (I'm lookin' at you, Ashley and Anne!) any advice is welcome! Tips, tricks, books I should read, websites I should visit, etc.!