XSi Question...

Does anyone have an XSi? I was going to buy one today but didn't think it was really worth it to go from an XTi to the XSi.
They had it in Best Buy and Circuit City... I just checked amazon to see if it was cheaper and it says you can preorder it for June 15th. Isn't it already available? It has to be, I had it in my hand and was going to buy it.

NM.... I see it is available, I guess amazon just doesn't have it in stock. I was thrown off by the pre order thing.

caroleigh wrote in post #5370425
Does anyone have an XSi? I was going to buy one today but didn't think it was really worth it to go from an XTi to the XSi.
They had it in Best Buy and Circuit City... I just checked amazon to see if it was cheaper and it says you can preorder it for June 15th. Isn't it already available? It has to be, I had it in my hand and was going to buy it.

I wouldn't really recommend upgrading from a current 'entry level' camera to another 'entry level' camera...I just don't see a large enough gap between those two cameras...and if that you like the features of the XSi, the 40D pulls it off better in a semi pro body. These consumer titles ofcourse won't effect each camera really because they all do work well. I suppose it's really up to you. If you like the feel and the performance then go with what you like.
I would lean towards the 40D though.

That's exactly why I put it back. I held the 40D and played with it, I wasn't sure if I was comfortable with the size and weight. Then I held the XSi and it felt like what I am used to of course... so I went back to the 40D and the more I held it, the more I liked it and felt I could get used to it. That's when I really decided to put the XSi back and think more on if #1 - am I ready to upgrade and #2 - what do I REALLY want when I do upgrade. I decided it's not a great choice to go for the XSi from the XTi.

caroleigh wrote in post #5370555
That's exactly why I put it back. I held the 40D and played with it, I wasn't sure if I was comfortable with the size and weight. Then I held the XSi and it felt like what I am used to of course... so I went back to the 40D and the more I held it, the more I liked it and felt I could get used to it. That's when I really decided to put the XSi back and think more on if #1 - am I ready to upgrade and #2 - what do I REALLY want when I do upgrade. I decided it's not a great choice to go for the XSi from the XTi.

Good to hear ;D
If I was in that position I would consider a new lens and some accessories or the 40D, well actually 5D I really want to get one T_T...

I'd love a 5D, that would be awesome, but since I take pics for fun it's not in my budget.

I got an XSI today, the 40D didn't seem to offer much more besides frame rate for me. The XSI has a much better grip and is built well compared to previous models.

mikepaco wrote in post #5370645
I got an XSI today, the 40D didn't seem to offer much more besides frame rate for me. The XSI has a much better grip and is built well compared to previous models.

still a lot smaller than the 10 series or 1 series bodies though. if you have big hands (my fingers are so long i would hold the camera so my fingers reached around the lens mount on an xt), an upgrade is better than getting a new entry level. and whatever they tell you, xsi is still mainly plastic, nothing like the pure magnesium alloy shell of a 1d

What did you upgrade from?

mikepaco wrote in post #5370645
I got an XSI today, the 40D didn't seem to offer much more besides frame rate for me. The XSI has a much better grip and is built well compared to previous models.

I just purchased the XSi last Friday, upgrading from an old XT. I originally pre-ordered with Amazon.com (back in February when the release was announced), but since the date was bumped back, ordered it online from Circuit City (not available in stores here in Tucson yet).

I haven't had too much of a chance to play with it, but so far I love it. The larger LCD, ISO button on top, enhanced grip, better battery--pretty much everything's an upgrade for me from my XT. I still think the lenses make the biggest difference, but I'm only a hobbyist and haven't used the higher-end cameras.

So why not the 40D? Price difference for what you get (especially with the IS 18-55 lens for only an additional $100 with the XSi) and the built-in flash. Yes, you can always add a flash, but the built-in flash is quick and easy. I find myself using it even in some landscape shots for effect.

Looking forward to getting out in the field with it, plastic body and all!

Take the 40D

I'd go for the 40D, but I tried an XSi and was quite impressed. Much more comfortable grip than the XTi, better viewfinder too. If the price were a bit lower I'd like it a lot more.

mikepaco wrote in post #5370645
I got an XSI today, the 40D didn't seem to offer much more besides frame rate for me. The XSI has a much better grip and is built well compared to previous models.

i went to a 40D from the XT. i did a lot of research and was debating whether to stay with my XT for a little longer or to upgrade to the 40D. I ruled out the XSI because it would have been a sideways move instead of moving up.
the clincher was when i held it in my hands.

my biggest complaint with my XT was how it felt when i held it. my hand felt cramped and it didnt fill my hand the way i wanted.

I tried using the battery grip on the XT but it didnt do it for me. it added enough to the body so my pinky fit on the bottom but it didnt fill in my palm since the back of the XT is pretty flat.

ive held the XTI and XSI as well and they seem to feel a little better than the XT but the 40D felt a lot more comfortable.

my hand doesnt cramp up anymore from holding the camera for long periods.

I agree with the 40D. It is a logical upgrade from the current XTi. I just bought the XSi but it is my first DSLR. I would have liked to have the 40D but it is out of my budget. I am perfectly happy to have the XSi and will look forward to an upgrade to a future camera when the time is right.

Yeah...Amazon is like that.

But the 450D is TOTALLY available now. I went down to the local Best Buy here in NYC, and they had em. Trouble is...like some of the posters here, I got my hands on a 40D...and wow...really fell in love with the way it felt(I've got big hands).

Now having said that, I still may get the 450D. It's a great deal. Just have more to think about now.

Whatever you choose, you're gonna get a great camera.