Keep XT?

[lakesidechadwick]

I am an extreme novice, and have just gotten into the whole "SLR world." it is amazing! I bought the XT, and I guess my obsessive nature has me looking at camera equipment all of the time. Is the XT enough for me to have a ton of fun with and get myself acclimated with SLR photography, or should I be thinkiing about making an upgrade? I guess what I was thinking was possibly going to the XTi. I have read what the differences are between the two, but was wondering if I wouldn't be better off shooting with the XT for a year or two, and then eventually making the big jump to a 30d or better. Nothing of any dier need here, just kind of fishing for ideas amongst the educated!

Thanks

Mike

[Jon]

If you're wondering whether you'll benefit from getting the newer camera, you probably won't. The time to change cameras is when you know exactly why you want to ugpgrade to the newer one. And actually, the only improvement you'll really notice with the XTi is the improved 9-pt. autofocus; unless you routinely print 16x20 and larger, the extra pixels won't make much difference. The anti-dust may be a convenience, but it won't help you take better pictures; just reduce the number of times you need to clean the camera's sensor. Learn to work with what you've got. Once you're comfortable with everything in your gear list you'll have an idea where your equipment's not meeting your expectations and where you're not meeting its. Then you'll know what to get.

[Saralonde]

Don't bother upgrading yet. The XT is a fine camera, particularly if you are just starting out. There is a lot to learn on your first DSLR! Jon is right about taking time to find out if the equipment you have fits your needs. You have a lot of lenses to try out, too. Take your time and get to know what you have. BTW, I'm western PA, too. My husband's family used to live just outside of Erie in Northeast. Oh, and welcome to the forum!

[lakesidechadwick]

BTW, I'm western PA, too. My husband's family used to live just outside of Erie in Northeast. Oh, and welcome to the forum!

Thank you! I actually live in Harborcreek, right next to Northeast! I just have an Erie mailing address.

[Tim S]

Save your money for faster lenses. You will be amazed at the photos you can produce! As stated above, the auto focus system is really the biggest change you would find and it won't necessarily make better pictures.

[jmbboss]

If you're wondering whether you'll benefit from getting the newer camera, you probably won't. The time to change cameras is when you know exactly why you want to ugpgrade to the newer one. And actually, the only improvement you'll really notice with the XTi is the improved 9-pt. autofocus; unless you routinely print 16x20 and larger, the extra pixels won't make much difference. The anti-dust may be a convenience, but it won't help you take better pictures; just reduce the number of times you need to clean the camera's sensor. Learn to work with what you've got. Once you're comfortable with everything in your gear list you'll have an idea where your equipment's not meeting your expectations and where you're not meeting its. Then you'll know what to get.


Jon is right. I had this debate for a couple of weeks, before I bought the XT. I consider myself novice to the digital world, although I have held photography as a hobby since high school (now 20 years). I have gone thru my share of cameras, every couple of years upgrading...until my 35mm Minolta Maxxum STi body with a ProMaster 28-105mm lens, which I used and held onto for 8 years without purchasing a second lens! I sold it last month and purchased the XT, and am extremely happy with it! Of course, there is always something "better" out there, like the XTi , (of course I am VERY attracted to it);) but for the kind of photography I do, (family, friends, gatherings, events, (for now)) and the no-larger than 5X7s I process/print, I think I am ok. I developed a taste to spend more in the first 2 weeks of new ownership, but I am a teacher, single mom, and try to keep myself focused on what is practical for MY needs. I have the kit lens and a nifty fifty. I didnt know at first why I bought the 50mm, (because I survived with just 1 lens for 8 yrs), but now I know why. It takes great pictures! I have learned a lot from this forum and the books I read too, so this helps me. I am, however, saving for only ONE more lens. Jon preaches correctly--learn to work with what youve got and sooner or later, you will know what you need as you use your camera. Just have fun with it! :)

[gjl711]

One thing to keep in perspective is, what do you want/need from the newer models. Though many here refer to the XT as a starter/beginner camera, it is capable of nearly everything that either the XTi, 20D, or 30D is. The important stuff like the shot, image quality, composition, manual control, lens flexibility, post processing is pretty much the same across all the 1.6 cameras. If you need a bigger camera, or need the 9 point focus, or need the bigger LCD, by all means, upgrade. If you think that a XTi/20D/30D is going to get you better pictures, your mistaken.

[Pixel9ine]

Learn to work with what you've got.Excellent advice.

Too soon, novices -myself included- will try to buy 'photographic skill' by spending money on newer, faster, better equipment. The bottom line is, if you fully learn to maximize the abilities of the camera you have (and the XT is a VERY capable camera-- I have one) and still fall short, then it's time to upgrade.

[StewartR]

If you're wondering whether you'll benefit from getting the newer camera, you probably won't. The time to change cameras is when you know exactly why you want to ugpgrade to the newer one.Brilliant advice and very succinctly put.

[Photolistic]

I can tell you this much. Once you upgrade to the 30D you will wonder why you waited so long. :p

[superdiver]

I think the time to upgrade is when yu KNOW your camera will not do a specific task you want...

[jmbboss]

I can tell you this much. Once you upgrade to the 30D you will wonder why you waited so long. :p


Looked at this one, but too much for my tastes! Thanks for making me envious!:oops: