Help deciding between XS and XSi

Hi guys, I'm going to be upgrading to my first DLSR camera in about a month or so and I've been leaning towards the rebel XSi for the past couple weeks, but now I'm starting to find out that the XS is just as good and for about 100 dollars less...

Now I'm not a professional photographer but Ive always had a passion for photography and looking to get back into it and learning about DLSR...My main focus is gonna be mainly outdoor photography...

So my question is...Which is the better camera for me, the XSi or the XS? Is the image quality really that much better in the XSi than the XS or is it the same? and will I tell much difference between the 10mp and the 12 mp? Should I save my money and buy the XS and use the rest to invest in a better lens?

So any help and suggestions would be greatly appreciated guys as I will be leaning towards your opinions towards which camera I choose...Thanks for hearing me out

JC32 wrote in post #8640163
Hi guys, I'm going to be upgrading to my first DLSR camera in about a month or so and I've been leaning towards the rebel XSi for the past couple weeks, but now I'm finding out that the XS is just as good and for about 100 dollars less...

Now I'm not a professional photographer but Ive always had a passion for photography and looking to get back into it and learning about DLSR...My main focus is gonna be mainly outdoor photography...

So my question is...Which is the better camera for me, the XSi or the XS? Is the image quality really that much better in the XSi than the XS or is it the same? and will I tell much difference between the 10mp and the 12 mp? Should I save my money and buy the XS and use the rest to invest in a better lens?

So any help and suggestions would be greatly appreciated guys as I will be leaning towards your opinions towards which camera I choose...Thanks for hearing me out

T1i or D5000..... Go into a camera shop and do a hands on comparison of the cameras.
Look at everything in your price range and then decide on a brand and model.

Well I'm looking to spend no more than $700, so I'm set between either the XS or XSi..

Between an XS and an XSI, no doubt I would go for the XSI.

XS has a 7 point AF vs. 9 point AF on the XSI and the XS is missing spot metering and live view.

Take a look at the T1i too.

tfd888 wrote in post #8640206
Between an XS and an XSI, no doubt I would go for the XSI.

XS has a 7 point AF vs. 9 point AF on the XSI and the XS is missing spot metering and live view.

Take a look at the T1i too.

XS has live view.

Go for the XSi OR just spend 650-750 on a used 40d...you won't regret it.

tfd888 wrote in post #8640206
XS has a 7 point AF vs. 9 point AF on the XSI and the XS is missing spot metering and live view.

The XS does have Live View.

@ OP

Check the 1000D/XS thread. It is, by no means, a bad camera. And yes, you can get a 50mm f/1.8 with the money you save by not going for the XSi.

Differences among XSi, XS, XTi are shown here:

http://www.dpreview.co​m …s/CanonEOS1000D​/page2.asp

XS Pro's & Cons shown here:

http://www.dpreview.co​m …/CanonEOS1000D/​page34.asp

XSi Pro's & Cons shown here:

http://www.dpreview.co​m …s/CanonEOS450D/​page34.asp

Xs lcd 2.5" vs XSi's 3"

Differences between XSi & T1i here:

http://www.dpreview.co​m/reviews/CanonEOS500D​/

The T1i has Live View Face Detection which is a feature I need on my next camera. None of the rebels have a scroll wheel, which always feels like a 'downgrade' vs even most compact point & shoots...

I would get a used 40D or a new XSi - then start saving for a real lens. The 50mm f/1.8 II mentioned above is like walking around with a 3x zoom, and is a good inexpensive addition to the XSi kit 18-55mm lens. The f1.8 means it can be used in low light, so to speak...
Hope this is helpful

robtography wrote in post #8640227
XS has live view.

Go for the XSi OR just spend 650-750 on a used 40d...you won't regret it.

pageisgod85 wrote in post #8640233
The XS does have Live View.

Whoops, my bad.

Before you dive into DSLR, you might want to consider that it doesn't stop right there...it's an expensive hobby.....and if you're really passionate about it...you need to also consider that you will be spending more than you think you will...the XSI kit lens along with the canon 50mm 1.8 is a pretty good start and start saving money for your next buy. the kit lens with the 50 1.8 will last you a couple months depending on your development as a photographer....but again you can be just happy with this setup or end up craving for more like some of L-holics out here...

Been reading up on things about both camera's and in all honestly, I just want to get the camera that produces the best picture quality...I'm not conerned about the spot metering etc...So I'm just wanting the best advice between the XS and XSi...if the Xsi produces the better image then i'll go for that, if the XS produces image quality close or identical to the XSi then I might use the money I saved and buy a better lens and a bag....What it comes down to is I don't want to get the XS and think..."oh man, I should of got the XSi"

JC32 wrote in post #8642135
Been reading up on things about both camera's and in all honestly, I just want to get the camera that produces the best picture quality...I'm not conerned about the spot metering etc...So I'm just wanting the best advice between the XS and XSi...if the Xsi produces the better image then i'll go for that, if the XS produces image quality close or identical to the XSi then I might use the money I saved and buy a better lens and a bag....What it comes down to is I don't want to get the XS and think..."oh man, I should of got the XSi"

I understand you want to simplify the camera choice, but you should check out the Nikon line also. IMO...The Nikon entry level cameras are much better with a great AF system that wont have you second guessing your purchase.
Look at the D5000 and the D40 or even a D90 before you spend your money.

JC32 wrote in post #8642135
Been reading up on things about both camera's and in all honestly, I just want to get the camera that produces the best picture quality...I'm not conerned about the spot metering etc...So I'm just wanting the best advice between the XS and XSi...if the Xsi produces the better image then i'll go for that, if the XS produces image quality close or identical to the XSi then I might use the money I saved and buy a better lens and a bag....What it comes down to is I don't want to get the XS and think..."oh man, I should of got the XSi"

I don't think there's a HUGE step up between the XS and XSi...main differences already stated above are:

3" LCD
9 AF points vs 7
Spot Metering
2.1 more mp on the XSi (12.2 vs 10.1 - Not a big difference, unless you're really into printing large images, which I am doubting)

All in all, if you're looking to save a few bucks, and the autofocus points don't matter as much to you, then go for the XS and buy yourself a nifty fifty. I myself like the additional AF points and the larger LCD, which is why I went with the XSi. I was a B&H and was almost about to ge thte XS when I decided to burn a few more $$ at the last second. Even the guy working there said the XS is just as capable as the XSi and recommended it.

Anymore advice guys?

The 2 big lame shortcomings the XS has vs teh XSi are the SLOW 1.5fps shooting in RAW, and the lack of the extra f2.8 precision sensor. For most things, there will be absolutely no difference between the cameras, but for action (in RAW) the XS is very crippled. I honestly have not had any focus issues, so I am not sure if the precision sensor is all that necessary.

That said, if I had to do it again, I would probably have bought the XSi or a refurb 40D instead of my XS. They are not THAT much more and stave off upgrade-itis for just that much longer.

Another budget option I would very seriously consider is the Pentax K2000 (or Km in some countries). It is a great entry level SLR with the same IQ as the Canon rebels. You can get a 2 lens kit (18-55 and 55-200) for about $550 and you can use the change to get an extra prime or a flash. There is in body IS, so even primes are stabilized. There is lots of excellent manual focus pentax lenses that auto meter and get focus confirm on pentax bodies. Good all around option.