I just purchased a new Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera after some extensive research. It came with an EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black) and today I took some close-up pictures of flowers and plants in my garden. I am an novice at using an SLR camera, but these pictures came out really nice right out of the box using the MACRO setting. I decided to upgrade from my old Sony Cybershot camera (which I have been using for the past 5 years) because it is difficult to capture product photos for our website without a lot of Photoshop touch-ups. That can be very time consuming.

Coleus in my Down Under Pot

Hamelia patens (Firebush) which grew as a volunteer in the corner of my backyard up against the fence. I didn’t have the heart to pull it out when I first noticed it and now I am glad I didn’t. It is about 5 feet tall and the butterflies love it.

Need I say more. I love Orange and this Hibiscus is one of my favorites.

Now, I really want to add the Canon EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM Lens for Canon SLR Cameras which after reading the reviews I can only image how stunning my botanical close-ups will be. It is pricey and with the photos above right out of the box, I may wait a bit…. but the reviews on this lens are alluring if you enjoy close-ups in the garden. Other accessories I just bought are:
Canon LP-E5 Battery Pack
The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi/450D Companion
Canon ACK-E5 AC Adapter Kit