First DSLR: Refurb XSi or T1i?

Thinking about getting my first DSLR. I was originally going to just get an XS, mess with the kit lens for a while, and then buy an additional lens later. But I saw the prices for refurbished cameras on Adorama and decided to look at either a refurbished XSi or T1i. I'm budgeting around $650 for camera and all accessories.

I currently have a G10. I'm definitely a novice, as in I've taken a camera class at the Y, I know how to use the settings on my camera, but still have to think about what I'm doing. We live near a national forest, so I'm shooting landscapes, nature shots/macros in low light. I do some bracketing and the usual family candid shots. I shoot some video, but that's not high on my priority list.

I'm concerned about getting too much camera for me to handle. My classmates with high-end DSLRs really struggled with the settings on their cameras, while I was having a blast with my G10. I'm also concerned about the size/awkwardness of a DSLR when I'm hiking (but I'll live). I wasn't really interested in a DSLR until I compared shots taken with my camera and a borrowed Nikon D40. Same shots, same settings (except I had my camera on a tripod) and the DSLR shots were much sharper with much less noise. I was blown away by the difference.

My two main questions are:
1. Is it safe to buy refurbished from Adorama?
2. Should I buy an XSi or T1i?

Thanks for your help.

With $650 for camera, lens, and ALL accessories, you don't have much choice if you are buying new. Take a look at some used 40D's - some good deals to be had. If not, T1i>XSI in a heartbeat.

Thanks. As far as accessories go, I do have a Speedlite flash/diffuser, remote switch, and a tripod. So, I just need a camera bag, extra memory cards, extra battery, polarizing filter (and yeah I know I can't get a great one for cheap).

I was going to say get a used 30D, but hieu1004's 40D idea is even better. Both are higher end cameras than the Rebel series and both have become very affordable. Adorama's a terrific outfit. They won't screw you over.

I would say get the 30D or 40D body only and a 50 mm f/1.8 lens for now. You can always add more lenses later. The "nifty fifty" lens is very affordable and can give you good quality images and can go very wide aperture. It's a great starter lens, way better than any of the kit lens crap.

Check it out:
used 30D at Adorama:
http://www.adorama.com​/US%20%20%20%20413081.​html
$399

used 40D at Adorama:
http://www.adorama.com​/US%20%20%20%20394147.​html
$524

New Nifty Fifty lens
http://www.adorama.com​/CA5018AFU.html
$100

So you're in for either $499 or $624, depending if you get the 30D or 40D -- under budget either way. Either camera is better than the Rebel series.

ThomasOwenM wrote in post #11304830
.....Adorama's a terrific outfit. They won't screw you over.

Thank you!

repete7 wrote in post #11303716
My two main questions are:
1. Is it safe to buy refurbished from Adorama?
.....

I did a few weeks ago - if that's anything to go on.....

My XSi, 18-55 IS and 55-250 IS are refurbs from Adorama. If you consider the 30 day return policy, one year warranty..and the price...hard to go wrong imo..

it boils down to ur needs and/or wants. do u want video? if not, XSi is the way to go to save since image quality is almost the same...only the pixels are different and you save more money for glass. but if you want video, t1i is the way to go.

but since the idea of 40D is up and about, thats a better route to go from. Image quality would be a tiny bit better and the ergonomics of the controls are better as well.

r u gonna be using it for fun/recreation or for future business ventures? XSi/T1i if its just for fun, 40D if for future business ventures since its a more capable camera than the rebel series.

just a word of advice, or should i say a public service announcement? photography as a hobby is harmful to your wallet. and POTN is not Camera/Lens Anonymous (CLA) like most people would want to believe. its not a place to cure the addiction, but a crackhouse that sells it and it actually feeds more addicting hormones into your brain, to which in return, would be worse for your wallet.

repete7 wrote in post #11303716
Thinking about getting my first DSLR. I was originally going to just get an XS, mess with the kit lens for a while, and then buy an additional lens later. But I saw the prices for refurbished cameras on Adorama and decided to look at either a refurbished XSi or T1i. I'm budgeting around $650 for camera and all accessories.

I currently have a G10. I'm definitely a novice, as in I've taken a camera class at the Y, I know how to use the settings on my camera, but still have to think about what I'm doing. We live near a national forest, so I'm shooting landscapes, nature shots/macros in low light. I do some bracketing and the usual family candid shots. I shoot some video, but that's not high on my priority list.

I'm concerned about getting too much camera for me to handle. My classmates with high-end DSLRs really struggled with the settings on their cameras, while I was having a blast with my G10. I'm also concerned about the size/awkwardness of a DSLR when I'm hiking (but I'll live). I wasn't really interested in a DSLR until I compared shots taken with my camera and a borrowed Nikon D40. Same shots, same settings (except I had my camera on a tripod) and the DSLR shots were much sharper with much less noise. I was blown away by the difference.

My two main questions are:
1. Is it safe to buy refurbished from Adorama?
2. Should I buy an XSi or T1i?

Thanks for your help.

I would go for the newer T1i (550D)
it's safe to buy refurbished from Adorama

Panda_stunter wrote in post #11305126
just a word of advice, or should i say a public service announcement? photography as a hobby is harmful to your wallet. and POTN is not Camera/Lens Anonymous (CLA) like most people would want to believe. its not a place to cure the addiction, but a crackhouse that sells it and it actually feeds more addicting hormones into your brain, to which in return, would be worse for your wallet.

1D Mark IV ...... I'm in PAIN ...... I MUST have one...............

Panda_stunter wrote in post #11305126
just a word of advice, or should i say a public service announcement? photography as a hobby is harmful to your wallet. and POTN is not Camera/Lens Anonymous (CLA) like most people would want to believe. its not a place to cure the addiction, but a crackhouse that sells it and it actually feeds more addicting hormones into your brain, to which in return, would be worse for your wallet.

So, if I'm about to do something reckless, you're not the friend who would talk me out of it? You're the friend who would offer to hold my beer for a few minutes?

Thanks for the advice. I'm getting the refurbished T1i. I'll post back later with how it worked out.

repete7 wrote in post #11309331
Thanks for the advice. I'm getting the refurbished T1i. I'll post back later with how it worked out.

yes, tell us how the refurb from adorama works out

i vote t1i

repete7 wrote in post #11309331
So, if I'm about to do something reckless, you're not the friend who would talk me out of it? You're the friend who would offer to hold my beer for a few minutes?

Thanks for the advice. I'm getting the refurbished T1i. I'll post back later with how it worked out.

i would be the friend that says, "dude, that was gnarly" right beside you in the jail cell! haha!

watt100 wrote in post #11311237
yes, tell us how the refurb from adorama works out

I got the refurb T1i. I'm happy so far. I have played with it for a few days and everything seems fine. The camera came in a Canon box (I don't think it's the original box for T1i) and was clearly marked refurb. No scratches, blemishes on the camera. If it didn't have a refurbished sticker on the bottom, I wouldn't have known. I took a picture of a blank wall and checked the image out carefully and see no evidence of dust on the sensor. I'm still learning how to use this camera, so if I have any problems later I promise to post back.

My only complaint about the T1i is that live view is not available in macro mode. Now, I know that I need to use the viewfinder more often, especially with a camera that has a usable viewfinder, but live view would be really useful in macro mode because you are more likely to have the camera on a tripod at some weird angle to get the shot. Live view is available in AV mode, so I guess that's just a minor annoyance.

I attached a photo of a rhododendron blooming in my yard with very bad timing. Lighting isn't great, but I was afraid it would freeze if I waited another day.

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