Need advice on camera purchase

[kscarlett 0]

I need some advice on purchasing a camera. I want to buy a stills camera for my boyfriend. He currently shoots video, but has not previously shot stills. He wants to go with a Canon Rebel, but I don't know enough about them to know whether to go with a 35mm or a digital, and if a digital, then 8mp or 10.1mp, used, or new, etc. and I don't want to walk into a store, not knowing the "lingo" and get taken, so I am turning to my fellow skydivers for advice on what to look for, what to buy, what to ask, etc.

And, I don't want to ask my boyfriend, because I want it to be a surprise. I know he had been thinking about just going with 35mm initially, but if I can afford it and if everyone thinks it is more advantageous, I would go with a digital instead. Any input and advice would be appreciated.

[LukeH 0]

Canon Digital Rebel XTi (Canon 400D in Europe)

Assuming you don't want to spend a fortune on accessories to get him started the 18-55mm (kit lens) will do and a 1GB Sandisk Extreme III CF card.
He will also need a mounting plate and a bite switch to use it for skydiving. Don't get sucked into buying other stuff like extra batteries cases etc.

Someone on here recently said that Costco had a good deal on this camera, otherwise you might try B&H at the link below.

Assuming he has a decent computer, Digital is the way to go. If he isn't already into photography he will learn much faster with digital because of the quick feedback, and he won't spend a fortune on prints.

B&H
Review