Need help deciding between 50D and t1i

I had the Rebel XT, and loved it. Although, in the last couple of years I had become frustrated with my picture quality. Since my camera bag, and other stuff, was stolen in September, and I have finally gotten my check from the insurance company, and I can buy a new camera. I cannot decide between the t1i and the 50D. I can get a much better deal on the t1i and it would include the zoom lens, but it looks like the 50D may have some good features that I could really use, including better weather resistance, and better low light images. However, the cost difference is about $280, plus that zoom lens!! Now, if it is really worth it, I will spend the money on the 50D, and am almost already sold on doing so. I guess I am hoping to be sold on the t1i, which has that little camcording option that could be convenient. Also, isn't a CF card superior to an SD card? I want a camera that will work as a point and shoot most of the time for snapshots, yet will perform great for sporting events, portraits, and occasional creative stuff.

Thanks for any advice!

50D IMO

XT to T1i isn't much of a leap. I'd go 50D

I would agree, the 50D would be my choice.

Does it have to be brand new? I would go with a 40D + $$$ towards a decent lens.

50D hands down! I think even as suggested ^ a 40D + $$$ towards lens is good too. Just upgrading to the xxD bodies is a huge ergonomic benefit already...IMO.

50D all the way! Big step up in camera!

A big factor in deciding would probably be the video capability of the t1i.
Other than that, its just about preference of size, weight, and features.

i love my t1i, video function come in handy when i'm doing photo-journaling, the size and weight come into play too, l do like the compactness, managed to pack 7 lens and a flash with the camera with space for extra 1-2 lens in a 9"x8"x6" bag. but there are a few things that i wish i had 50D for. So it's a tough call for me. But it does depends on how heavily you weight individual advantage/disadvantage of each....

Of the stuff you mentioned wanting to do I honestly feel the 50D will only be better for some high speed sporting events with its 6.3fps and better AF. Otherwise the capabilities are very similar though the T1i adds some video.

For size the T1i will be similar to your XT but has a bigger better LCD. The 50D is bigger and heavier so depending on what you want that can be better or worse. T1i and 50D have the same rear LCD, 50D also has the top LCD.

Personally I tried both for handling and preferred the T1i so its what I bought. While shooting some sports action however, I sometimes wish I had the 50D. For weather sealing the 50D isn't the greatest but it is loads better than the T1i which really shouldn't meet any moisture if you can help it. 99% of the time I don't want to be out shooting in rain anyways but for that 1% a camera which won't be ruined by a light shower can be nice. You need expensive sealed L lenses or covers for full weather treatment however.

hpulley wrote in post #9189229
Of the stuff you mentioned wanting to do I honestly feel the 50D will only be better for some high speed sporting events with its 6.3fps and better AF. Otherwise the capabilities are very similar though the T1i adds some video.

For size the T1i will be similar to your XT but has a bigger better LCD. The 50D is bigger and heavier so depending on what you want that can be better or worse. T1i and 50D have the same rear LCD, 50D also has the top LCD.

Personally I tried both for handling and preferred the T1i so its what I bought. While shooting some sports action however, I sometimes wish I had the 50D. For weather sealing the 50D isn't the greatest but it is loads better than the T1i which really shouldn't meet any moisture if you can help it. 99% of the time I don't want to be out shooting in rain anyways but for that 1% a camera which won't be ruined by a light shower can be nice. You need expensive sealed L lenses or covers for full weather treatment however.

Not really a fair comparison. You didn't mention things like the ISO of the 50D blows the T1i out of the water.

I went through the same thing, T1i or 50D, and ended up going to take a look and handle them side by side one day. I ended up with the 50D and haven't looked back!

Undispu7ed wrote in post #9189515
Not really a fair comparison. You didn't mention things like the ISO of the 50D blows the T1i out of the water.

"blows the T1i out of the water" - perhaps not!
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50D all the way. Much better build.

I have read some things about the 50D being much better in low light. That I guess, will be the deciding factor for me. I often am frustrated with my indoor photography, and I never became good enough with the bounce flash to get it right. I am definitely leaning toward the 50D, but the good deal at Costco that includes a zoom lens on the t1i is very tempting, since I won't be able to afford a zoom lens right away.

Now, the idea of a 40D could work out. You say decent lens, but how do I make sure it is good? I am leary of buying used, but it looks like the 40D body is still available out there. I notice it is only 10MP, which my Rebel XT was only 8, but I could see that when trying to blow pics into 8x10. Doesn't the 15MP make a big difference?

I'm hunting out 40D's online right now, so maybe I will go a whole different direction.