Camera for Dad?

Hi guys, I was curious as to which kit would be better for my dad (and mom if she ever wanted to green box it). He used to shoot film SLR's like 20 years ago, but hasn't used a SLR since. He currently has an Olympus superzoom point and shoot and really enjoys using it. I know he would love either the XS or XSi. Perhaps the XSi would be better because hes got pretty big hands. However even the XS makes the olympus he is using look small. Which do you think would be better for someone with his experience? Does it really make a difference? I know these two bodies are very similar.

I plan on getting something for him/them before they take their 25th anniversary trip out to the southwest. I know he'd love to have a nice camera to take along. I think the 18-55 would be adequate for the trip, however he would probably end up wanting a 55-250 as well. Anything beyond the body + kit lens + mem card would be out of their pocket though.

Thanks for any guidance you can offer!

Are you sure your Dad and/or Mom would really want a DSLR.After using a point and shoot camera for a long time they might be still more comfortable with it.

mrgooch wrote in post #9333137
Are you sure your Dad and/or Mom would really want a DSLR.After using a point and shoot camera for a long time they might be still more comfortable with it.

Agreed. Have you discussed it? He may look at it and wonder why it doesn't have the huge zoom range that his Olympus does, and consider that a disadvantage. He may not even care about the advantages of a DSLR.

If it's down to it, the XS and XSi are the same size. Get the XSi if you can swing it; it's the better camera.

mrgooch wrote in post #9333137
Are you sure your Dad and/or Mom would really want a DSLR.After using a point and shoot camera for a long time they might be still more comfortable with it.

He has mentioned it on several occasions. If it weren't for him getting laid off last year, he probably would have got one. Thankfully he's got a job again.

He wanted a HD camcorder for the trip, however their computer isn't anywhere near up to the task of dealing with HD video. Plus a decent HD camcorder is as much money as the XSi. I'm sure a DSLR would be something he would really enjoy.

My mom isn't terribly interested in photography, but even she could figure out green box mode...

Dare I reccomend at Pentax KX with the two lens kit .. it gives him all the zoom and in body I.S.

Photon Phil wrote in post #9333167
Dare I reccomend at Pentax KX with the two lens kit .. it gives him all the zoom and in body I.S.

I'd rather get him something that lets him use my lenses... at least while I am still living at home.

The XSI was my first DSLR and I can recommend it as a great camera in it's class.

mrgooch wrote in post #9333184
The XSI was my first DSLR and I can recommend it as a great camera in it's class.

I guess I should mention that I shoot with a XSi myself...

Maybe I could do the totally not selfish thing and get a 50D body and give him the XSi. Though in all seriousness, I don't have the money for that after buying the 300 f/4 L IS.

If your dad has big hands maybe a 30D/40D/50D would be better. The XSi and XS are almost identical in size and weight.

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

XSi
129 x 98 x 62 mm
(5.1 x 3.9 x 2.4 in)
524 g (1.2 lb)

XS
126 x 98 x 62 mm
(5.0 x 3.9 x 2.4 in)
502 g (1.1 lb)

if he wants an HD camcorder and an SLR the choice is obvious - T1i.

kinda spendy, but watch the classifieds, I have a feeling someone will be selling one for a pretty good price in the near future...

Kiwikat wrote in post #9333106
Hi guys, I was curious as to which kit would be better for my dad (and mom if she ever wanted to green box it). He used to shoot film SLR's like 20 years ago, but hasn't used a SLR since. He currently has an Olympus superzoom point and shoot and really enjoys using it. I know he would love either the XS or XSi. Perhaps the XSi would be better because hes got pretty big hands. However even the XS makes the olympus he is using look small. Which do you think would be better for someone with his experience? Does it really make a difference? I know these two bodies are very similar.

I plan on getting something for him/them before they take their 25th anniversary trip out to the southwest. I know he'd love to have a nice camera to take along. I think the 18-55 would be adequate for the trip, however he would probably end up wanting a 55-250 as well. Anything beyond the body + kit lens + mem card would be out of their pocket though.

Thanks for any guidance you can offer!

How about any of the Canon G series cameras? G9,G10, G11? Simple in auto with freedom to play, as well as not bulky.

I had the same question but gonna get my folks S90! I see it as G10/G11 in a more compact body, the control ring is a plus though I don't see them using it and the f/2 is sweet.

Erik_L wrote in post #9333266
if he wants an HD camcorder and an SLR the choice is obvious - T1i.

kinda spendy, but watch the classifieds, I have a feeling someone will be selling one for a pretty good price in the near future...

I would strongly recommend the T1i. It has a great feature set and takes videos, kill two birds with ones tone right? It is not too much more expensive than a XSi. It is a great DSLR and a decent cam corder (very fun since you get to use your own lenses and make videos!)

mrgooch wrote in post #9333137
Are you sure your Dad and/or Mom would really want a DSLR.After using a point and shoot camera for a long time they might be still more comfortable with it.

why discourage? if he is that comfortable with a P&S then he may be even more at home with a dslr...

melvinudawl wrote in post #9334117
why discourage? if he is that comfortable with a P&S then he may be even more at home with a dslr...

He wouldn't be uncomfortable with a DSLR as he used a film one for many years. Even took shots for a local newspaper...

It isn't like shutter speed, aperture, and ISO now do completely different things...

Well I asked my mom about it and she thought it might be a good idea if I upgraded and gave my XSi to him. She said she might even pitch in a little money to help with it...

The T1i sounds like an interesting idea though.