Buy an XT to backup XTi?

[magicmikey]

I bought a Rebel XTi in September as my first dSLR. Although I've had to get used to the way it exposes (not going into that debate here), I'm very happy with it.

I used to do photography professionally (20 years ago.) I recently photographed a reception for a friend and several people asked me about shooting their receptions. I have never felt comfortable photographing a reception for money without a backup camera. (If the camera goes down, I have no way to fulfill my obligation!)

I almost pulled the trigger on one of the Dell deals on an XTi body but it was just more than I wanted to spend on it.

I've seen several people say they won't get rid of their XT's, despite buying an XTi, because of the XT's great ability to handle ISO 1600. That has me thinking that maybe I should purchase an XT body instead of an XTi. The cost is certainly a lot lower.

Here's what I prefer about the XTi: The larger LCD and I understand the focusing is more accurate than that of the XT. I do shoot some things that would benefit from the better high ISO performance.

Those who own or have owned both, if you didn't currently have an XT would you buy one of those as a backup or would you buy another XTi and why? Also, how hard is it going back and forth between the two. (I have always used identical bodies so that I didn't have to think about the differences.)

Thanks for the opinions.

Michael

[Sublimejoe]

This is just my opinion, I had an Xt and I recently sold it and bought a 20d. I looked at the Xti but it just doesnt seem worth it to me to go from an Xt to another consumer camera. Remember, this is just my opinion, I dont want a flame war.

[magicmikey]

Sublimejoe,

I appreciate your input. Actually, I'm not looking to spend anywhere near that much. I'm just trying to see if I it's worth it to buy an XT as a backup. I'm fine with my XTi. (No, it's not up to the 20D/30D but money was a heavy consideration in my choice.)

Michael

[scrumpy]

Buy an XT to backup XTi?
You trying to start a war Mickey? lol

[gjl711]

I had the opportunity to upgrade from a XT to an XTi just last week. Anyway, before I sent the XT to my son, I got to do some side by side testing. The focus is suppose to be faster on the XTi as it uses the same technology from the 30, but I couldn't measure any difference. The larger display is nice and a definite improvement from the XT. All in all both cameras are nearly identical except for one quirk. My XT always seemed to overexpose just a hair and the XTi seems to always underxpose just a bit. The other difference is that the XTi's extra 2 mp does add a bit cropability but you won't see a difference until you start pixel peeping or if you crop photos.

[delhi]

you can always err... return it after the reception gig. I know I know.... I find it almost silly to buy a new dSLR just for one reception shoot.
Having said that, XTs are great buys right now because retailers are discounting them heavily due to inventory.

[Tee Why]

I used to have an XT as a back up to a 1DMiiN, I think it's fine as a back up.

[AeroSmith]

How about a 5D or a 30D for your XTi to backup?

[liza]

How about a 5D or a 30D for your XTi to backup?

This makes more sense if you're going to do paid gigs. Actually, I'd get a 30D with a 20D backup or two 20D's. The build quality, autofocus, and control set up are better, IMO.

[AeroSmith]

This makes more sense if you're going to do paid gigs. Actually, I'd get a 30D with a 20D backup or two 20D's. The build quality, autofocus, and control set up are better, IMO.

AMEN, sistah. :D

[magicmikey]

This makes more sense if you're going to do paid gigs. Actually, I'd get a 30D with a 20D backup or two 20D's. The build quality, autofocus, and control set up are better, IMO.

I agree about the 30D, but it's out of my price range. I don't plan on doing a lot of paid photography. At one time, I considered making photography my full-time living and I found it took away from my enjoyment of taking photos.

In this case, I want to pick and choose what I'll do and do it on my terms. That means it will be a hobby with an occasional paid shoot. If I ever decided to do it regularly, I would step up to a more professional camera.

What I'm trying to do here is decide whether or not I would find the XT to be an acceptable backup. I'm not trying to upgrade.

Thanks for your thoughts, though.

Michael

[cdifoto]

An XT would be a fine backup to an XTi as long as you already like the way the XTi handles. The problem with getting a 20D or 30D even if budget permits, is you'll want your other camera to handle the same way, costing you MUCH more than you really wanted to spend. ;)

[magicmikey]

An XT would be a fine backup to an XTi as long as you already like the way the XTi handles. The problem with getting a 20D or 30D even if budget permits, is you'll want your other camera to handle the same way, costing you MUCH more than you really wanted to spend. ;)

Agreed!:D

That's why I don't want to even go there!

Michael

[cloose]

This makes more sense if you're going to do paid gigs. Actually, I'd get a 30D with a 20D backup or two 20D's. The build quality, autofocus, and control set up are better, IMO.


Are you comparing the autofocus from the xxD to the XT or XTi?
The autofocus on the 30D is the exact same as the XTi. (and both in theory better than the 20D)

[rhys]

I saw a mall photographer using the XT earlier today.

Quite honestly I'll get a second XT as a backup. If my wedding photo business takes off then I'll probably upgrade to a 1D as a tax break but until then I'm happy to use XTs.

[delhi]

I've seen so many 'pros' using D50s. Prolly makes more money than half of the posters here. No worries, the XT is a capable camera. Save the money on good fast lens instead.

[slyone]

Mikey, I have an extra BN never used Black XT (body only) for $550.00. I got a couple from Dell a few weeks ago.

[liza]

Are you comparing the autofocus from the xxD to the XT or XTi?
The autofocus on the 30D is the exact same as the XTi. (and both in theory better than the 20D)

XT. And the thing that turns me off about all the Canon consumer grade DSLR's is the plastic housing and the lack of a command dial. Just a personal preference though.

[softball29]

I shot a wedding with an XT this past summer and things came out fine. I'm looking at a second body myself and am probably going to get a second XT or an XTi because of the viewer screen.

I know these cameras shoot extremly well. I've talked to a handful of pros around here who use the XT and think it works well for everything (which I agree with).

I'm personally more into getting top-notch lenses because they seem to avoid outdating. I can't see spending 3K on a body when I could get a body and a lens or two for the same price. If I had invested in a 30D or 5D this past year, I wouldn't have been able to afford the two L series lenses I purchases -- which to me -- is much more worth it.

As for the original question, I've had my XT since January and love it. I think it would make a great backup for the XTi.

[cloose]

XT. And the thing that turns me off about all the Canon consumer grade DSLR's is the plastic housing and the lack of a command dial. Just a personal preference though.


Gotcha. I understand having a preference, but for me, just donnot get the dial lovin'.....Maybe it is because coming from a fully manual (and nothing but) late 60's 35mm SLR, just having Av and Tv modes with one dial is a big step forward.

[cdifoto]

Gotcha. I understand having a preference, but for me, just donnot get the dial lovin'.....Maybe it is because coming from a fully manual (and nothing but) late 60's 35mm SLR, just having Av and Tv modes with one dial is a big step forward.

For me it's because fully manual is a bigger pain in the rear without a command dial. I never did get used to the Av button, especially being so close to the timer button, so I was shooting primarily Av mode. I couldn't make changes quickly enough. It's not an issue with my 10D and 30D.

[delhi]

Some people are dexterity challenged. :)
A previous post pointed out a good point, save the money for good lenses. I came across folks with 5D with a cheap skate tamron "all-in-one" zoom lens. Then I came across an award winning pic in a magazine shot by a guy with a 350D and kit lens. In the end, it's the user that makes a picture great. XTs are great buys right now with the crazy discounts at retailers. I'm tempted to get one too!

[liza]

Gotcha. I understand having a preference, but for me, just donnot get the dial lovin'.....Maybe it is because coming from a fully manual (and nothing but) late 60's 35mm SLR, just having Av and Tv modes with one dial is a big step forward.

The "dial lovin'" comes from shooting sports and shooting in M nearly 100% of the time. :)

[Dan-o]

The dial is deff. sweet. I was messing with my XT last night because my wife is starting to use it. I haven't used the XT in a few months and realized just how nice the dial is on the 30.

[magicmikey]

Some people are dexterity challenged. :)

I guess I'm lucky in that respect. I'm a professional magician. Dexterity isn't a problem for me!:D

[Borderfox]

I have an XT and I got a 2nd hand 20D.

[magicmikey]

Well, I just bought a "like new" XT body and grip on eBay. Hopefully, it will be up to the description.

I appreciate the input from everyone.

Michael

[cjm]

Why not get a used 10D or 300D (rebel)? Both can be had for under $500 US. IMO, the 10D is still a better camera then the XTi despite its a bit slower to start up.

[rhys]

I see no problem with buying the XT. I mean - until you make money from it you can't justify a more expensive camera.

[delhi]

Why not get a used 10D or 300D (rebel)? Both can be had for under $500 US. IMO, the 10D is still a better camera then the XTi despite its a bit slower to start up.


Eew...I used it and it felt like driving an 80s Corolla. No offense to 10D users. It's just felt ...old.

Anyhoo about the missing dial wheelie.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/NikonD2X/Images/specsview.jpg

I guess them Nikon shooters are missing out with their D2X. ;)

[magicmikey]

Why not get a used 10D or 300D (rebel)? Both can be had for under $500 US. IMO, the 10D is still a better camera then the XTi despite its a bit slower to start up.

I managed to purchase an XT body with after market battery grip for less than $500 so, assuming it's in the like new condition it was listed as being in, I'm all set.

If I ever decide to shoot professionally on a regular basis, I cans sell the XT for close to what I have in it and buy a 30D or it's successor.

Michael

[MikeMcL]

I personally have 2 XT's and I am very happy with them (grips on both)
As said above, one day i'll go to the top of the product line, but for now - cheap cameras while i pile up other kit.

I can take awesome pictures with an XT, and I am about 85% full manual shooter (Av mode for when i get lazy) You cant beat the price of a lightly used XT, IMO.

I am also a scrooge when it comes to cash, I drive a pinto, and have the BMW sitting in my stock market account (figuratively, of course) so the XT is a VERY adequate camera for the price range. My 2 XT's cost me less than $900.00 together (one new, one lightly used)

hopefully you'll never get to enjoy the backup camera! (we dont want the Xti to fail)

[cdifoto]

Eew...I used it and it felt like driving an 80s Corolla. No offense to 10D users. It's just felt ...old.

Anyhoo about the missing dial wheelie.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/NikonD2X/Images/specsview.jpg

I guess them Nikon shooters are missing out with their D2X. ;)

Look a little higher. They still have a command wheel. ;)

[cdifoto]

If I ever decide to shoot professionally on a regular basis, I cans sell the XT for close to what I have in it and buy a 30D or it's successor.

Michael

Eh good luck with that. Bodies tank FAST in market value. Lenses are where the prices stay reasonably high.

If you're shooting professionally enough, you won't really have to worry so much about the resale value of the old XT/XTi bodies. Money won't be an issue.

[magicmikey]

Eh good luck with that. Bodies tank FAST in market value.

That's why I made sure to buy a used one at a really good price. If I had bought it new, I would have paid a lot more.

Michael

[MikeMcL]

When a body hits the price "floor" it wont go any lower, basically.

This is why, no matter what, a 10D or 300D sells for like 350 - 400.00

I bought my XT with kit lens brand new for 447.00 after all taxes and shipping, and this was like 9 months ago. So we get 20 thousand or so pictures, and sell it for, say, 200.00 and we have a tremendous value, i'd say.

<3 POTN, happy holidays

[magicmikey]

I bought my XT with kit lens brand new for 447.00 after all taxes and shipping, and this was like 9 months ago.

<3 POTN, happy holidays


Wow, that was a great deal for new.

Michael

[DegasGoneDigital]

The XT will be a good backup body.........now save up for some good L glass...:D

[softball29]

I personally have 2 XT's and I am very happy with them (grips on both)
As said above, one day i'll go to the top of the product line, but for now - cheap cameras while i pile up other kit.

I can take awesome pictures with an XT, and I am about 85% full manual shooter (Av mode for when i get lazy) You cant beat the price of a lightly used XT, IMO.

I am also a scrooge when it comes to cash, I drive a pinto, and have the BMW sitting in my stock market account (figuratively, of course) so the XT is a VERY adequate camera for the price range. My 2 XT's cost me less than $900.00 together (one new, one lightly used)

hopefully you'll never get to enjoy the backup camera! (we dont want the Xti to fail)

I still say, pending on what you want to do, going with the XT or XTi isn't a bad thing. I agree with the poster who noted someone had a great body and crap glass. I saw someone who has one of the Marks, but still uses a pretty shoddy lens. Couldn't figure why to spend that kind of money on the body and not invest in glass.

I do some small weddings on the side. Not to the level of some, but I've done quite a few. Did them with a couple of film Rebels and did my first couple (only one paid though) last summer with an XT (although with one body, I was scared as hell). Thankfully, I've never had any complaints. But that's proved, to me anyway, that it's not always the body -- rather the person taking the shots and knowing how to use the equipment you have.

So I'm going to be buying a second body soon (probably within the month, considering I won my fantasy football league and will have a little extra $$) and I'm sure I'm going with the XTi. I was gonna look into the 30D, but I'm going to agree with what Mike said above:

I'm a scrooge with my money, too.

I see no reason to spend double the price of the XTi or more when I can get done with the XTi or XT perfectly fine.

I won't lie, I'm a bit jealous of those who have great glass and top-line bodies. In a perfect world, I could afford them and not worry about it. The truth is though -- it's not a perfect world, so the XTi and XT are the way for me to personally go (and when I get extra coin, I go with buying good glass!)

[delhi]

Look a little higher. They still have a command wheel. ;)

that's the main dial.... every camera has one. The big black button is the directional pad, not the xxd wheelie. :p