Buy an XT to backup XTi?

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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

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

AeroSmith wrote in post #2430987
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.

liza wrote in post #2431014
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.

liza wrote in post #2431014
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

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.

cdi-ink.com wrote in post #2431169
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!

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

Michael

liza wrote in post #2431014
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)

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.