XT + 18-55 IS or XTi + kit lens

First, I want to thank everyone for all of your help...I've been lurking her for quite some time

So after months of deciding, I am finally ready to buy my first dSLR. Coming from a Powershot S2 and SD1000, Canon is definitely my choice. Unfortunately, I am on a very tight budget at first so I'm keeping it in the $600 range. The decision is XT with the new 18-55IS lens or the XTi with the kit lens. I don't plan on updating bodies anytime soon so I want to start of with something that will last. I'm not sure how soon I would be getting new lenses though. Also I really don't know what I'll be shooting mostly. This is just a hobby, so I guess everything I can. Thanks in advance for all of your help!

How about a used Canon 20D? It can be found for around $500. It's much better than the XT/XTi in my opinon. If you can squeeze a little bit more out of your budget, I would suggest getting a used 20D and a 18-55 IS lens.

Go and play with an XT and an XTi in the store- you'll more than likely want the XTi cause the LCD is much nicer and the XTi seems to be a bit smoother with the shutter IMO.

The new IS lens is cheap (like $200?) I would get the XTi with that lens!

I'll have to look more into a used 20D because I never really considered that an option. I do like the light weight of the XT/XTi though. I figured I would hear XTi with the 18-55IS. That is what I really want, so I'll see if I can squeeze out another $80-100 to get that over the kit lens. Thanks for your help so quickly. I just wanted to make sure these were good options to decide between.

If it is possible, I'd get the XTi with the IS lens kit. The XTi has a nicer LCD, dust reduction system the actually seems to work, faster AF system, and a bigger buffer. It's also slightly easier to hold as well.

Having said that, I'd rather have the XT with the new IS lens than a XTi with the older non IS kit lens.

Lenses make the most difference and the IS lens is dramatically better than the older kit lens. So you'd most likely get better images with the XT/IS than XTi/non IS combo.

Good luck.

My advice: DO NOT buy the non-IS 18-55 under any circumstances - it is little better than a toy.

Tee Why has it exactly right, in my opinion. XTi/IS if possible, otherwise XT/IS.

xarqi wrote in post #4423559
My advice: DO NOT buy the non-IS 18-55 under any circumstances - it is little better than a toy.

Tee Why has it exactly right, in my opinion. XTi/IS if possible, otherwise XT/IS.

Couldn't disagree more. The old kit lens is nothing like a toy. Playing with a toy is fun. Playing with that old lens was not fun at all.


I kid, I kid...
Anyway, here is my review of the IS on the XTi.
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=414914

I tried to use the old kit on the XTi as a point and shoot but couldn't do it. When I read the reviews on the IS lens, I got it and so far, I'm very pleased with it. I plan on using the XTi/IS kit lens as my point and shoot camera I carry around.

You all have been so much help already. I'm really going to try and get the XTi over the XT. I know they are both very capable cameras, but the XTi has a lot that I really like. I am starting to think about getting the body only with the 50mm f1.8. This is still in my price range and I could move up to the 18-55IS later. I'll avoid the kit lens

Consider buying a used XTi then. Also when the XTi's replacement is announced Feb. '08 the price may drop a touch if you can wait till then.

The 50mm f1.8 was my first lens. It's a good and cheap lens to learn on.

Tee Why wrote in post #4423610
Consider buying a used XTi then. Also when the XTi's replacement is announced Feb. '08 the price may drop a touch if you can wait till then.

Is this a pretty consistent rumor? I've heard about it, but wasn't sure if it's worth waiting for that price drop.

http://www.beachcamera​.com/shop/product.aspx​?sku=CNDRXTB

http://www.amazon.com …ics&qid=1196623​536&sr=8-1

that's what I'd get

Noo, get a used 20D over the XTi.

Better noise performance, autofocus, and build, but .. well, not as nice screen but still decent.
Also cheaper than the XTi.

And the 18-55 IS.

aero145 wrote in post #4426294
Noo, get a used 20D over the XTi.

Better noise performance, autofocus, and build, but .. well, not as nice screen but still decent.
Also cheaper than the XTi.

And the 18-55 IS.

You're talking over $700 there, Op said $600 or so

Also, maybe a new DSLR owner might feel more comfortable with a brand new camera with a warranty....

aero145 wrote in post #4426294
Noo, get a used 20D over the XTi.

Better noise performance, autofocus, and build, but .. well, not as nice screen but still decent.
Also cheaper than the XTi.

And the 18-55 IS.

I know about the better build of the 20D, but is autofocus really better too? I thought I read that the XTi has the same autofocus ability as the 30D. Is that just wrong?