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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> How do i choose which Canon??
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03/28/2010 10:38:35 AM · #1
LOYAL Canon user here... I am looking for (mostly) versatility and am moving up from 'amateur' to 'busy photographer'.
Trying to do comparison shopping is turning out to be too rediculously hard for me. So, here I am... begging the help of the DPC'ers again...

How in the world do I choose between these...?
~Canon EOS Rebel T1i
~Canon EOS-350D Rebel XT
~Canon EOS Rebel XSi SLR
The reviews I read about them are all good reviews, but vague. I need to know more more more! :-)

The things i NEED to have are:
1. Ability to attach studio flash accessories
2. Highest-quality studio AND outdoor capabilities
3. Ability to attach an excellent zoom lens (for zoo's/travel, etc.)
4. Extensive manual settings (for long-exposures/night scenes/star-trails/water, etc.)

I'm sure there's more I've left out... basically, I need what we all need - what's the best of the best for versatility and possible as-needed add-on capabilities?

Price IS an option...but I have been saving for 3 years and don't mind saving a couple more months to REALLY get what I need. Please feel free to ask me questions about things I forgot to mention that would help my search.

:) Thanks in advance! :)
~Marie~
03/28/2010 11:08:39 AM · #2
One way to look at it - get the most current Rebel you can afford. The technology will be the best available and will keep up with you longer. Another option - look for a used 30D or 40D. There should be a fair number of those available.
03/28/2010 11:14:31 AM · #3
All the above are different years of Canons entry level camera line. The latest being the T1i, that is being compared favorably to the Canon 7D..
03/28/2010 11:24:26 AM · #4
The rebel XT is the oldest model there, and 8Mp. I bought one nearly new for $325 2 years ago. Don't pay much for one of those. I see lots of them being offered WAY overpriced online. The 12Mp XSi is a good choice if you want to keep cost down. Not the current model, but still fairly recent. T1i is the top end choice. Image quality is supposed to be nearly the same as my 50D, but in a lesser body.

Message edited by author 2010-03-28 11:25:56.
03/28/2010 11:26:41 AM · #5
And I can accessorize however i like with all these? (i.e. zoom lens, filters, flash)
03/28/2010 11:30:06 AM · #6
I wonder if you have checked out any of these cameras in person? All of these DSLR's will be bigger and heavier than your current model. The Rebel series is smaller in size than say a 40D or a 50D, which would make a difference if you have small hands or weight is an issue (camera/lens). The T1i is a great camera that is being succeeded by the T2i. 18 MP and a lot of great features like you mentioned that you were interested in. Smaller in size too than the 40 or 50D. They are just now being made available and sell for about $900 with a kit lens. $800 for the body alone. I am currently looking at this as my next camera.

Yes you can accessorize to your heart's content or your credit card is maxxed out ;)

Message edited by author 2010-04-13 23:00:03.
03/28/2010 11:31:51 AM · #7
... by choosing a Nikon instead of. ;-P
03/28/2010 11:32:38 AM · #8
Originally posted by PeeprKeepr:

And I can accessorize however i like with all these? (i.e. zoom lens, filters, flash)

They can all use the same accessories. I have flashes and lenses that I bought for my Rebel XT and they also work with the 50D I now have. The only thing that ever might be an issue is if you buy EF-S lenses, which are designed for a crop sensor camera (a group to which which all the ones being discussed belong) and then upgrade to a full frame camera, which has a larger sensor, the full frame camera won't be able to use the EF-S lenses.

Canon makes two styles of lenses: EF, which have a larger field of view, and can be used on all their cameras, and EF-S, which only work on the smaller APS-C sensor cameras.

Message edited by author 2010-03-28 11:34:09.
03/28/2010 11:53:19 AM · #9
Another question - my sister has a rebel xsi and it doesn't let you see what you're taking a picture of on the screen (only after you take the pic)...what is this called, "Live View", idunno... but which of the cameras mentioned will let me use the screen to capture photos, not JUST the viewfinder?
03/28/2010 12:01:36 PM · #10
SXi, T1i.
03/28/2010 12:02:17 PM · #11
Originally posted by PeeprKeepr:

Another question - my sister has a rebel xsi and it doesn't let you see what you're taking a picture of on the screen (only after you take the pic)...what is this called, "Live View", idunno... but which of the cameras mentioned will let me use the screen to capture photos, not JUST the viewfinder?

Yes, that's live view. (I thought the XSi had that...) On an SLR, you will find you will prefer to use the viewfinder most of the time. Shooting the pics with Live view is slower because of the camera having move mirrors around, and the focusing works differently. Liveview is convenient for tripod work, however. It's nice to have when it's there, but it hasn't been a requirement for me.

Added: I checked the XSi review at DPREview.com, it does have live view, as I thought.

Message edited by author 2010-03-28 12:04:38.
03/28/2010 12:03:08 PM · #12
Originally posted by PeeprKeepr:

Another question - my sister has a rebel xsi and it doesn't let you see what you're taking a picture of on the screen (only after you take the pic)...what is this called, "Live View", idunno... but which of the cameras mentioned will let me use the screen to capture photos, not JUST the viewfinder?


The xsi has live view. Press the middle "set" button and it will switch to live view mode. But keep in mind that some features are disabled in this mode; make sure you check the manual (or another much more reader friendly book that you can buy).

I love my xsi... although I am tempted to upgrade to the T2 one of these days.
03/28/2010 12:10:08 PM · #13
Sheesh, my sister makes me crazy sometimes! It didn't quite make sense to me why Canon would make such a brilliant machine and not have a 'live view' option... thanks for clearing that up for me. :-)
03/28/2010 12:19:03 PM · #14
Originally posted by PeeprKeepr:

Sheesh, my sister makes me crazy sometimes! It didn't quite make sense to me why Canon would make such a brilliant machine and not have a 'live view' option... thanks for clearing that up for me. :-)

Well, it's a reasonable question. The XSi hit the market at the time when the manufactures were still introducing live view and it was in the process of trickling down to to the lower end of the lineup. Now it's pretty standard on even entry level SLR's but 3 years ago it could not be counted on.
03/28/2010 12:46:05 PM · #15
Checked out the specs on the T2i - looks pretty awesome :-D Also has a remote control! Compared it to the XSi and the T1i... all 3 are comparable. Looks like MoRe ReSeArCh FoR mE! :-) A trip to Best Buy is eminent so I can handle/operate each one. I appreciate all your information!! Thanks so much!!
03/28/2010 01:16:20 PM · #16
How big are your friends Canon? Get one bigger than theirs. Also get a much larger lens than theirs.
03/28/2010 03:26:40 PM · #17
look for a used 40d, they're great cameras.

If you have $1000, get a used 5d, its still one of the best Canon cameras in existence.
03/28/2010 08:00:45 PM · #18
I've got the T1i and I love it. Mostly because of the high-speed processor, and large preview screen. They make it easy to shoot sports, hummingbird, etc. because you can shoot a lot of photos at once, then view them immediately in preview, no wait time, I love it. The large screen helps you pick out images you really don't need, and they look closer to what you get on a computer monitor. IN addition to viewing, I love the option to turn off the viewfinder and look at the photo on the screen as it will appear. There is a button on the camera itself. When pressed, it shuts off the viewfinder and gives you a preview of the photo you are about to take on the screen. When you change the shutter speed, the picture on the screen changes as well. It's very helpful for shooting with a tripod, in the studio, and in a cramped setting. The T1i in my opinion has taken a large step from its predecessor and should last you a while.

My Opinion: If you have the money, take the T1i!!!
03/28/2010 08:10:46 PM · #19
Originally posted by PeeprKeepr:

Sheesh, my sister makes me crazy sometimes! It didn't quite make sense to me why Canon would make such a brilliant machine and not have a 'live view' option... thanks for clearing that up for me. :-)


xsi has live view! There's a whole chapter (Chapter 5) devoted to it in the manual! Someon'e not reading there materials...

I missed that someone already replied o the live view question...

Message edited by author 2010-03-28 20:12:17.
03/28/2010 08:33:23 PM · #20
How do i choose which Canon??

simple, choose the canon which has nikon written on it.

// jus kiddin
03/28/2010 09:18:44 PM · #21
Welp...I'm getting excited! Maybe I can spare a few extra smackaroos for a membership on here too, so all you helpful friends of mine can see my progress. :-) Thanks everybody for all the help! OOH! Can't wait!
03/29/2010 12:24:18 AM · #22
I would go with the biggest one yet the lightest too. Portability is important in times of war and heavy cannons always slow down the troops. Large cannons make bigger holes though so you may take that into consideration. Being able to quickly load the cannonballs is a skill every troop needs to work on every day to maintain top fighting status at all times. Good luck.

PS. Bring a camera for documenting the battle. :)
03/29/2010 01:06:33 AM · #23
Originally posted by Jac:

I would go with the biggest one yet the lightest too. Portability is important in times of war and heavy cannons always slow down the troops. Large cannons make bigger holes though so you may take that into consideration. Being able to quickly load the cannonballs is a skill every troop needs to work on every day to maintain top fighting status at all times. Good luck.

PS. Bring a camera for documenting the battle. :)


The OP never specified if they were wanting cannon for field, fortification or ship use.
04/13/2010 10:57:18 PM · #24
Update!!!

I ended up with the T2i... there's a lot to learn about it and so far, it seems the camera is way smarter than me!
One thing I can't find in the book is any info. on what "Exp.SIM" means...?? It keeps flashing on the lcd and I have no idea how to make it shut up or how it got there in the first place...eek!
04/13/2010 10:58:01 PM · #25
Originally posted by Jac:

I would go with the biggest one yet the lightest too. Portability is important in times of war and heavy cannons always slow down the troops. Large cannons make bigger holes though so you may take that into consideration. Being able to quickly load the cannonballs is a skill every troop needs to work on every day to maintain top fighting status at all times. Good luck.

PS. Bring a camera for documenting the battle. :)


LOL!!! Thanks! :-P~~~
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