You guys are scaring me! (Potential dSLR buyer)

I have been thinking about taking the plunge into the dSLR world, and my preference in cameras is Canon. I was thinking about the Rebel XTi before the XSi came out, but I'm the type of buyer that figures the latest incarnation is probably worth it for the improvements that have been made (like using the DIGIC III processor rather than the II). Would others agree that between the choice of XTi and XSi, there are enough improvements to warrant getting the XSi as a first dSLR? (Image quality is what I am thinking here...)

My budget is about $800 - I am not a professional; I intend to use the camera mostly for family photography and possibly as a gateway to photography as a hobby (but chances of this happening are not that likely). The main driver for a dSLR purchase would be to get better pics of my children, and to learn more about photography as a side benefit.

I was just about all set to purchase the Rebel XSi, but nearly every post on here screams, "NO!! Get a 40D instead!!" To me, though, the 40D looks like it would easily cost $1200 or more by the time I have the camera and something like the 18-55 IS lens (kit lens on XSi)... and that's a HUGE chunk of money to blow, in my mind.

I would prefer a new camera over a used one, and would prefer to spend less rather than more, as I don't intend to be making money from this investment... just enjoyment.

All that being said - is the Rebel XSi really that bad of a choice for a first-time dSLR user, as others here have made it out to sound?
Or should I be OK with that camera?

Thanks for reading this ramble... and feel free to reply by PM if you would like.

fritzk3 wrote in post #5464413
I have been thinking about taking the plunge into the dSLR world, and my preference in cameras is Canon. I was thinking about the Rebel XTi before the XSi came out, but I'm the type of buyer that figures the latest incarnation is probably worth it for the improvements that have been made (like using the DIGIC III processor rather than the II). Would others agree that between the choice of XTi and XSi, there are enough improvements to warrant getting the XSi as a first dSLR? (Image quality is what I am thinking here...)

My budget is about $800 - I am not a professional; I intend to use the camera mostly for family photography and possibly as a gateway to photography as a hobby (but chances of this happening are not that likely). The main driver for a dSLR purchase would be to get better pics of my children, and to learn more about photography as a side benefit.

I was just about all set to purchase the Rebel XSi, but nearly every post on here screams, "NO!! Get a 40D instead!!" To me, though, the 40D looks like it would easily cost $1200 or more by the time I have the camera and something like the 18-55 IS lens (kit lens on XSi)... and that's a HUGE chunk of money to blow, in my mind.

I would prefer a new camera over a used one, and would prefer to spend less rather than more, as I don't intend to be making money from this investment... just enjoyment.

All that being said - is the Rebel XSi really that bad of a choice for a first-time dSLR user, as others here have made it out to sound?
Or should I be OK with that camera?

Thanks for reading this ramble... and feel free to reply by PM if you would like.

If that were my stated purpose, i believe I'd take advantage of some of the very economical deals on XTi. It is a very capable camera that should meet and exceed your stated purposes.

If you can afford an XSi with kit lens, get it. It's a great camera. I wouldn't think you would want a 40D. XTi is good too, but if you don't mind the extra cost, the XSi would be a lot better if you ask me.

XSI will be fine, esp since it will be your first...

I would buy a used 30D myself if I was shopping for a Camera below $800 or wait and get a 40d.

With all of the advances in DSLR technology, the camera body is more or less a moot point as far as I.Q. is concerned (handling, AF, speed aside). Your money should go towards a good lens.

The XSi and 40D are almost the same cameras except for a few features, size and weight, and the build of the camera. Whether these are important to you is a personal decision. Both will take outstanding pics and both are capable of delivering almost identical pictures quality wise. The camera body will not be your limiting factor.

If your just starting out I would spend less on a body and more on the glass. Glass will improve IQ from day one and depending on the lens it very noticeable.

I chose the XSi over the XTi for the sole reason that it has ISO in the viewfinder and a dedicated ISO button. Because I find myself in constant changing lighting situations, I found that it was invaluable for me to verify the ISO w/o looking at the LCD. That was the biggest reason I chose the XSi. All the other things that make it great was just icing on the cake for me

The Xti is a great camera. The XSi should be pushing the prices lower. Spend the extra money you save on glass. The Xti is small and light ..The 40D is a big camera and expect the 30D is too.

I would go with the XTi. It is closer to your budget and will meet your expectations, without getting too complicated. If you are not sure how far you will go with this as a hobby it would be better to spend what you figure you can afford and if it doesn't pan out you won't end up with an expensive camera gathering dust.
I have had the XT for 3 years now and am still satisfied with what it is able to produce. When I upgrade I will go for the 40D, but only because I have a lot invested in memory cards and it has more of what I want than the XSi.

I wouldn't spend that kind of money (for a 40D) for the uses you describe.

The XTi and the XSi are both fine cameras and both more than you will need from what it sounds like.

If you can afford the XSi and really want it, I say go for it, but just know that the XTi will give VERY similar results and IMHO it's not worth the extra money for XSi unless you did macro and wanted live view on the LCD.

I had the XTi before I upgraded to the 30D, and it was fine. A little small and doesn't have the best viewfinder (still LIGHT YEARS ahead of any P&S viewfinder though)... get the XTi body only with the 18-55mm IS lens. You will not be disappointed...

If I were you, I would get the XTi, since it is cheaper. I would definitely go with the new 18-55 IS kit lens, as it is supposed to be very good. There would really be no difference in image quality between the XTi and the XSi, but you would be paying a premium for the XSi as it has just been released.

One thing I think you should consider is getting a flash unit, such as the 430ex. This would DEFINITELY make a HUGE difference in the quality of your flash pictures because of the ability to swivel and bounce the flash. The XSi with the 18-55 IS kit lens is $900. The XTi with the same lens AND a 430EX is $965. (B&H Photo prices)

Hope this helps.

Get the XTi and RUN !!!

Yes you read ok.

Get the XTi and RUN out of this and other forums. The XTi is a great camera and now you can get one for a good price. Buy yourself a good walkaround lens like a Tamron 17-50 2.8 and a Telefoto as the 75-300 Canon lens and RUN or you will end getting more expensive cameras as my self. RUNNNNN !!!!

Regards

PS: Welcome to one of the most addictive (and costly) hobbies in the world

Thanks to all for the advice so far... now it seems like the XTi is the favorite, at least for the scenario I am describing. I know Costco has an in-store deal right now for the XTi, 18-55 IS, and 55-250 IS (and I think a 1GB card too) for $1100. I think the Canon DG200 bag is also included... so that's another tempting option.

I am just wondering if there are enough new features on the XSi to make my pictures better in spite of my newness to dSLRs... in other words, if I'll get better images "out of the box." Also... if I do start to get better at photography, including things like metering and what-not, does the XSi leave me better-positioned for the future in terms of what the camera and firmware can do, compared to the XTi?

(I know what the tech specs say, but what I'm after here is the user perspective from people who actually get out there and shoot.)

Ideally, I would buy just one camera and keep it for 5+ yrs... I don't plan on upgrading to an xxD or anything like that.

I would say go with the XTi. I just upgraded to it from the original digital rebel and am very satisfied with it so far. I pretty much do the same things you are wanting to do with it. It will do everything you want it to do and then some more. The 18-55 IS kit lens is the way to go. The only other thing I would think of getting is an external flash.

Then as you get more into it by more glass. This is an expense that when you upgrade cameras later on you can still use the same glass.

enjoy your new hobby and welcome to the addiction.

SeattleJerry