which is the better way to go? Please help me decide!

I have an S5 now and finally have the money to upgrade. I mostly shoot babies/family stuff but love going to the track with the hubby and shooting cars, outdoor stuff, I guess just about everything.

I found an XSI, canon 50mm 1.8 lens and a canon 55-250 IS lens, and 430 EX speed light (which I already have) plus camera bag for $600.

I also found a Canon 40D w/ 2 Lenses (28-80mm & 75-300mm) Hard Case, Soft Case, carry all bag $550 plus some more accessories it says. I'm guessing the 40D is the way to go...

Are either of these a good choice or should I be considering something else? I would really like to stay around $600.

Are both used?

The Lenses on the XSI are better - the 55-250 in particular is much better than the 75-300.

buy 40D and sell the 75-300. Pick up a 70-300 USM

Yes, both used.

rehab wrote in post #12246814
buy 40D and sell the 75-300. Pick up a 70-300 USM

That lens costs nearly the entire budget the OP has to spend! Better bet is to get the 55-250 IS after selling the 75-300. You won't miss the 50mm of reach with the much better image stabilized features of the 55-250 IS.

melissaandkris wrote in post #12246759
I have an S5 now and finally have the money to upgrade. I mostly shoot babies/family stuff but love going to the track with the hubby and shooting cars, outdoor stuff, I guess just about everything.

I found an XSI, canon 50mm 1.8 lens and a canon 55-250 IS lens, and 430 EX speed light (which I already have) plus camera bag for $600.

I also found a Canon 40D w/ 2 Lenses (28-80mm & 75-300mm) Hard Case, Soft Case, carry all bag $550 plus some more accessories it says. I'm guessing the 40D is the way to go...

Are either of these a good choice or should I be considering something else? I would really like to stay around $600.

the image resolution on the XSi is better along with the much better lens. If you don't shoot much sports pick option 1

I think the XSI_ 55-250_430EX -50mm is the better deal between the two
The 430EX alone will give you about 190$, the 55-250 cost about 190 too and is a good lens, the 50mm is about 90$ used the body basically you are getting the XSI for less than 120$ and the XSI is a good rebel

I in particular like the xxD bodys better than the Rebels, but that is me, I like the 40D, but the lens you are getting on the package are not great, maybe the 28-80 is a decent consumer lens, but the range is not very useful on a crop and the longer lens you will be lucky if you can sell it

My guess from both deals the XSI is a better deal IMO

Buy the 40D kit, sell the 75-300 and buy a 55-250. Then when budget allows purchase the 50 1.8 and perhaps the 18-55IS kit lens.

Ok, talked to lady with the xsi has lots and lots of clicks on it. I won't be able to get another camera for a LONG time probably so don't want to go with one that has been so used. Guy with the 40D says it's in like new condition...but has not responded to the emails to see if its still available

Any ways, I found a Rebel T3 with 18-55mm IS new for $599...Soooo confused! I have wanted to upgrade for a few years and finally I am able to but now I can't decide I don't want to feel like I made a mistake if I buy a new Rebel versus a used 30-40D. Anyone shot with both that can weigh in?

melissaandkris wrote in post #12255488
Ok, talked to lady with the xsi has lots and lots of clicks on it. I won't be able to get another camera for a LONG time probably so don't want to go with one that has been so used. Guy with the 40D says it's in like new condition...but has not responded to the emails to see if its still available

Any ways, I found a Rebel T3 with 18-55mm IS new for $599...Soooo confused! I have wanted to upgrade for a few years and finally I am able to but now I can't decide I don't want to feel like I made a mistake if I buy a new Rebel versus a used 30-40D. Anyone shot with both that can weigh in?

It won't be a "mistake" !
Buying used always entails some risk because there are mechanical parts to a DSLR - shutter, reflex mirror, focusing screen, etc. You can check shutter count with the "astro jargon" program. If the Rebel features and price appeal to you look at the Canon loyalty program - a new T2i (550D) goes for $500

for what you plan to do, the 50/1.8 should be in your bag.

whether you get it now or later, you need that lens. btw its only $120 brand new.

get the rebel t3, it wont have all the bells and whistles the t2i or t3i have, but it will have the same image sensor, you can always opt for the body only and get the 50mm prime for now and buy lenses as you need them.

If what I saw for the Canon loyalty program is right your camera has to be broken to swap for a discount. I think maybe I should buy the T3 new and buy the 50/1.8 with money I should make off prints from a wedding I just shot (with my nephews Sony alpha a390). Anyone shot with the T3? Looks like it got decent reviews from dp.

I am not positive, but I dont think they care, Canon just wants a Canon body in exchange
Another option is simply go refurbished here
http://shop.usa.canon.​com …gory_10051_1005​1_-1_29252

T1I with kit for 599, and body only for 539

melissaandkris wrote in post #12255629
If what I saw for the Canon loyalty program is right your camera has to be broken to swap for a discount. I think maybe I should buy the T3 new and buy the 50/1.8 with money I should make off prints from a wedding I just shot (with my nephews Sony alpha a390). Anyone shot with the T3? Looks like it got decent reviews from dp.

you could look for a cheap broken camera on ebay to buy for trade.

also i was wrong the sensor is not the same on the t3. I'd go with the t2i or t3i through CLP if you can find one.

IMO, try not to cheap out by going with the lowest model. you'll just want to upgrade your body sooner rather than later. at least with the t2i or t3i you get the same sensor as found on the 60D and its currently the best sensor canon offers, you wont be getting the best build quality or AF. But it will take amazing pictures. really should should buy the best body you can afford and buy better glass to improve your pictures.

I called Canon and they didn't mention the camera had to be broken. They said they take 20% off the price listed at shop.usa.canon.com. They add what ever your state tax is and no shipping.

That makes the 50D body $563 and kit $665
and the T2i body $448 and kit $512 both with the 18/55 IS lens.

I don't really need video as I can keep my S5 for that or get a cheap used video later...does that mean I actually made up my mind?

NOW...should I just buy body only and get a 50/1.8 with it or buy kit then save for the 1.8?

Sorry for all the questions...you guys are a huge help!