Upgrading Rebel XT with the Rebel T1i...am I crazy?

I've had my Canon Rebel XT for 3.5 years and it has served me very, very well.

I feel it lacks in high ISO performance, small LCD screen, auto-focusing, etc...and guess what improves on that? The T1i, of course.

I'm not interested in a bigger/heavier body or full-frame, so the 50D, 7D, etc. don't really have much interest for me. Plus I have some vital crop-lenses in my small arsenal that I don't want to part with.

So, shelling out $650 for the Rebel T1i...am I crazy? I've got some cash to burn, for what it's worth.

Are you crazy? Like a FOX!

Just order up the T1i. You'll love it.

Makes perfect sense to me. The XT is a fine little camera, and I've loved mine, but its features are pretty dated and weak compared to a T1i.

I don't really think you have much choice do you ? I'm curious as to why you don't want to upgrade to the XXD line of cameras. I have pretty small hands so I was worried that maybe the 30D I bought would be too large but, now that I'm used to it, it feels so much better. I heald my cousin's recently purchased XSi, which felt awesome when I had an XT, and the thing felt way too small and toylike.

Wouldn't do it myself, because I just find taking pictures with a bigger body so much better, and I'm falling in love with my 7D

Have you shot with a bigger camera before?

Not discounting your desire for a new body with a much nicer screen + the video the question is how many outstanding photos have you seen taken with the T1i at 1600 ISO ? IMHO the extra ISO capability of the T1i is pretty much a joke if your objective is IQ at 1600 iso or above with the newer T1i. If video is not important consider the XSi even though its limited to 1600 ISO and save yourself $150.00 bucks.

Regards whatever your decision & enjoy your new camera !

benesotor wrote in post #9037969
Have you shot with a bigger camera before?

No. I travel a lot, and don't want to be burdened with a large body...

I should really try it out though.

I upgraded my XT to a T1i about... 1/2 a year ago, I loved the upgrade -- never looked back. The features made it easier to make adjustments and take the shots.

Later on went to buy a 2nd body (used 5D classic) -- I didn't think I'd like the bigger body or care about the 2nd wheel on the back. It makes a world of a difference, and is a lot easier to hold. The rebel is still my travel body though.

lonelyjew wrote in post #9037790
I heald my cousin's recently purchased XSi, which felt awesome when I had an XT, and the thing felt way too small and toylike.

Having the grip helps with this. I think the rebels are way too short without the grip and it adds some weight as well. I do think the bigger cameras feel great though. i held a 7D in the store the other day and was surprised at how heavy it was.

El Duderino wrote in post #9038043
No. I travel a lot, and don't want to be burdened with a large body...

I should really try it out though.

Well to be honest the extra few centimeters doesnt make all that much difference in my opinion, It'll have a similar sized case so probably wont take any more room up in a backpack than a rebel.

I'd advise trying a XXD+ body out, the shape and size is a real pleasure, and the more intuitive controls of a XXD+ body save time and stress.
Also think of it like this, if you're traveling, maybe you want a tougher body, ie. Mag-alloy and weather sealing?

I'm not trying to be snobbish, it's just I think you should try a bigger/higher end body if you've got the money, else you might regret it.

benesotor wrote in post #9038137
Well to be honest the extra few centimeters doesnt make all that much difference in my opinion, It'll have a similar sized case so probably wont take any more room up in a backpack than a rebel.

I think the weight makes more of difference than size for travel.

StimpyJCat wrote in post #9038172
I think the weight makes more of difference than size for travel.

I guess, just have to ask whether it's worth it. IMO i'd rather have a heavier camera I'm not too worried about getting a bit of water on, or dropping on the hard ground when I'm traveling.

benesotor wrote in post #9038182
I guess, just have to ask whether it's worth it. IMO i'd rather have a heavier camera I'm not too worried about getting a bit of water on, or dropping on the hard ground when I'm traveling.

It is personal preference. I think there are some with several bodies that will take a rebel on a long hike because it is lighter, but use their higher end bodies the rest of the time. I see both sides. I don't think I would let weight/size keep me from upgrading to a 7D or 5DmkII if I had the $$.

benesotor wrote in post #9038182
I guess, just have to ask whether it's worth it. IMO i'd rather have a heavier camera I'm not too worried about getting a bit of water on, or dropping on the hard ground when I'm traveling.

I don't think a 7D would hold up any better do a 4 foot drop on concrete than a T1i would. Please demonstrate on video

I don't see anything wrong with upgrading to a T1i. I've got an XTi and even though I have no intention to upgrade anytime soon, I'm more than happy with its size and I don't think I'd want to move to the XXD series (seems to be a rare statement around here, ha).