Expert: John Oliverio - 11/25/2010

Question
I am thinking about getting a digital slr. My former cameras were a Minolta 7000 & 8000 and I want to possibly do some professional work at least part time so as you see I would like a good camera but I cannot afford the best ones. I think I would like to have something like 15-18MP and I am looking at the Cannon eos t1 possibly t2. I see some places have a 2 lens set one from 18-55mm and the other something like 70-300. Some of my shots may be blown up to poster size that is why I would like the t2 but the price may be more than I can afford. I also see there are better more professional cameras but higher price.
My questions are what is needed when blowing up to poster size, are these cameras good enough, are the lenses comparable to a film slr and do you know any other cameras that would work for me at a better price? Can the Sony use my lenses?

Answer
Neither the t1 or t2 are professional cameras.  And more importantly, the lenses that come in the kits are not professional lenses.  

Having said that, either camera has enough resolution to make a poster...  both have more than enough.  There are two possible problems with using these cameras professionally:  The first is that while there is more than enough resolution to make a poster the lens quality is not up to professional standards.  And the second possible problem is that if you are working directly with your customer he will see your camera.  You can't have a camera on a job that your customer probably has at home.  He won't want to pay you because he figures he can do the job with his.  

If you aren't going to be working directly with you customer, either rebel will be fine as far as resolution goes but you will have to bite the bullet and get professional lenses to stay competitive.

No, Sony does not mount Canon lenses.

John