XS vs T1i recommendations

Hi,

My school has required an XS with ring flash.
However, I was wondering if I should just jump to a T1i.

Questions:

1) Are all the accessories like same ring flash and same lenses compatible between the 2 cameras?
2) Is the T1i a much better camera than the XS?

This will be primarily used to photograph people's teeth, so video is not a concern. However, I'd like to do casual photographing every so often, as well.

Thanks!

Ken

As far as lenses go, yes all of the lenses are interchangeable between the two. I can't comment on too much else since I'm a noob but somebody else will chime in shortly with more knowledge.

If you're using a ringflash, I'd recommend the XS. The T1i has a higher resolution and better high ISO performance, both of which I don't see coming in play if you're taking pictures of teeth with a ringflash. Between the two, yes, they can accept the same lenses as they both share the same lens mount. If you're doing the sort of photography I'm thinking of, cataloging decay, crowns, bridges, etc. for either your own or insurance purposes, I'd go with the XS.

As for ring flash, I'd assume it's also compatible between the two, but I can't say for certain.

Usually most accessories like flashes are upward comparable, not downward. You might for instance buy a flash that has features for a camera like say the 60D, that wouldn't work on the XS, but any flash that worked on the XS would surely work on the 60D. As an example, you could buy a flash that is able to be triggered wirelessly like the 60D offers, while it would work on the XS, you wouldn't be able to use the wireless function.

The opposite is true for lenses, all lenses will work on the lower model cameras but not on the better fullframe models. You wont have a problem with lenses as all the crop bodies like the XS accept EF and EF-S lenses. But FF models wont accept the EF-S lenses.

That said the XS is a great starter camera and as long as you weren't looking for anymore extra curricular than casual shooting and shooting teeth, it would suit you just fine. if you do want some extras, i would look at the new t3 (not t3i). that's the latest model to replace the XS.