Canon Rebel XSi

First, allow me to set your mind at ease. There is no “best” camera at this basic DSLR entry level. Just make sure you stick with a major manufacturer like Canon.

But don’t despair. There are some GREAT cameras to choose from.

What you must do is settle within yourself what your priorities are in buying a new Digital Rebel.

Oh, I almost forgot to tell you. But you probably already know. There is no Rebel X1i… yet.

I have no idea how these camera makers come up with their camera names, but it is certainly confusing, isn’t it?

There is a long line of Digital Rebels, beginning with the original Digital Rebel 300D. At that time, there were no 3 character combinations to remember like XSi, XT1, or JQ2. These letters are hard to keep in mind if you don’t already own one of the cameras they represent. One thing that has remained constant is the number system that Canon uses. It started with the Rebel 300D and each new entry has added 50. So there was the Digital Rebel 350D, 400D, and now we are up to the 500D which is the T1i.

So this article is really about whether you should buy a Digital Rebel 450D or 500D.

Historically, Canon has added to the Rebel line of cameras about every 2 years.

Each new entry has had some very significant upgrades from the previous model.

That is, until you get to the most recent offering, which hit the market only about a year after the previous version.

Pear Portrait

The result is, in many experts’ opinions, that the upgrades in the Rebel T1i are not enough to warrant an individual to buy the newest model.

Now, there are a couple of very valid reasons to buy the newer version of the Rebel:

1. You are buying your first DSLR, and you simply want the newest model you can get.
2. You want a DSLR that has video capture.
3. Money is no object for you, and you just want a decent backup camera.

I have checked with some very reliable sources to come to the conclusion that the previous version of Digital Rebel (the XSi) is a very reliable, well featured digital camera that takes photos that are considered among the best at this level and price range.

There are a few differences that I will note:

• 12.2 megapixels vs 15.1 megapixels (not significant at all considering the ability to print super large pictures from either)
• DIGIC 4 processor vs DIGIC III processor (while the DIGIC 4 is better, unless you are a pixel prude, you will not be able to tell the difference)
• 3″ LCD with a resolution of about 930,000 pixels vs 3: LCD with a resolution of about 230,000 pixels (while this seems significant, what you see on the LCD panel should not drive your decision to purchase)
• Creative Auto is available only on the newer model (this is a way to alter the output of your camera by added “photo filters” – some reviews have stated that the output is not consistent… I prefer to make these changes in photoshop or some other processing software)
• Video Capture is available only on the newer model (while this may be a deciding factor for you, reviews have had mixed feelings about the video capabilities, especially the lack of a good sound recorder)

OK, that sounds like I am totally against the Digital Rebel T1i.

But it ain’t so.

Tiger Swallowtail

I think that both cameras would be a fantastic fit for anyone except the extreme amateur or the professional photographer.

Digital Rebels have always given their owners fantastic images. Mine certainly did. And these two cameras are no different. Both are HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Hopefully you are better informed now than you were. Buying a new camera has always been an exciting venture for me. There are so many techy options and features that the pro reviewers look at. But in my opinion, it all boils down to this – will the camera do what you want it to do.

In this case, either the Rebel XSi or T1i will. There is more info at http://www.digital-photographic-resources.com, including product pictures and features.

I am also an amateur photographer. You can see some examples of my photography at http://www.thewayeyeseeit.net. Many of the pictures displayed are taken with a Rebel.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Wayne_Rasku

So the question is (as it always has been), the Canon XSi or the Nikon D3000, how do I choose the right DSLR? The Canon/Nikon debate is pretty funny, really. The question pops up almost daily on one review forum or another. And there will be some hot discussions about the quality of one feature or another that boosts the camera proponents argument about why the Canon or the Nikon is the best camera manufacturer.

Here’s my take on it, because I did the same thing. I agonized over the purchase of a Canon Rebel or a Nikon D40 as my first DSLR.

Just buy one – either the Canon XSi or Nikon D3000! In this decision there are no losers. Both cameras are great. Both will give excellent photos. Both have a great feature set, allowing the photography to have plenty of control over the final photo.

The Nikon D3000 will be available on September 1, but you can preorder it now at one of the online camera stores.

For more information check the web site at www.digital-photographic-resources.com/cheap-dslr.html

Canon Rebel XSi (450D)

The debate continues among camera enthusiasts and Rebel buyers. Which camera is the better deal, the newer Rebel T1i (500D) or the older Rebel XSi (450D)?

The question of image quality and megapixels always comes up. The XSi has 12.1 megapixels vs the T1i’s 15 megapixels. Ken Rockwell has some interesting information and insight into the Megapixel Myth that would make any arguement about 12 vs 15 megapixels a mute point. As an owner of the very first Digital Rebel (300D), which had a mere 6 megapixels, I can attest to the great image quality of the Rebel line of cameras. And I have printed up to 24 x 30 inch photos from that 6MP camera with really nice results.

Then there is the real difference – video. The T1i has video capability, following in the footsteps of much bigger brother, Canon 5D MarkII. And, yes, it looks as if most DSLRs are going down the video inclusion road. But apparently the T1i’s video ouput quality and control’s are still lacking when compared to even some of the compact cameras. Here is an observation from the forum at photographyreview.com:

Take a careful look at what you’re getting for your money before trading your XSi for the T1i / 500D. The T1i can capture video, but the jury is still out on the quality. More importantly, the T1i – as well as the 5D Mk II, D90, and D5000 – have no auto focus when you’re shooting video. They’re manual focus only. The reality is that these cameras aren’t very consumer-friendly yet, when it comes to video. And the T1i doesn’t really offer much more than your XSi as far as still image quality goes. If video is really important to you and you want more than manual focus, consider a dedicated video camera to go along with your XSi. You’ll get better performance and features.

If you are still trying to decide which of these two cameras you should purchase, don’t stress. You will be happy with the quality and performance of either one. And if you want to save a few $$$ to make your camera buying experience even better, I once again recommend the Canon Rebel XSi.

Check these web sites for much more technical information about the Canon Rebels: www.digital-photographic-resources.com/rebel-comparison.html, www.imaging-resource.com, or dpreview.com.

Let me start by saying that the Canon Digital Rebel XSi is a great camera as an entry level DSLR.

Did you know that Canon comes out with newer, replacement models every couple of years?
It’s true. Most camera manufacturers do it. Especially if the camera has a fantastic track record, as the Digital Rebel certainly does. It was my very first DSLR, and I took many many wonderful photos with it. This woodpecker is one of them.

But I digress.

This year, Canon came out with a replacement for its Rebel series after only 1 year.
They did it to incorporate some features, such as video, so they could keep up with the Joneses (the “Joneses in this case are other camera manufacturers).

OK, so what does that have to do with anything?

It has a lot to do with price. All of a sudden the price of the Rebel 450D (aka Rebel XSi) dropped $200!

Has the feature package been upgraded enough for you to pay an additional $200 to get the latest model?

Only if you must have video. The video package is pretty good on the newer Rebel 500D (aka Rebel T1i).

Now, there are a couple of other upgrades in the newest release, and you can see the comparison at www.squidoo.com/canon-rebel-xsi-x1i. But the features on the Rebel 450D were already awesome, and the camera had only been on the consumer market for a year. When you consider the price difference and the quality of the camera along with its photographic output, I think you may agree that the 450-D is a fabulous deal.

The Canon Digital Rebel SXi really rocks!

More information about the two cameras is available HERE. Do yourself a favor, if you are interested in a truly great entry level DSLR and check it out.

First, let me say that once you make your decision, no matter which camera you choose, you will not be disappointed. Both cameras record fantastic images.

If there is one thing that every reviewer agrees upon, it is the image quality of the Rebel matches or exceeds that of other entry level DSLR’s.

But let’s talk about Creative Auto. What is that?

Check out this nifty animation. I grabbed it from the Canon website. They have added a new setting on the selection wheel called “CA” – you guessed it – Creative Auto.

Here’s how Canon describes it: “the Creative Auto mode — as the name suggests — lets the photographer apply the creative effects he or she wants, but in a friendly, automatic way that doesn’t force them to get into aperture numbers, exposure compensation numbers and so on.”

Settings that are available to manipulate using Creative Auto include:

• Background: Blurred <--> Sharp
• Exposure: Darker <--> Brighter
• Picture Style – Choose between “Standard”, “Smooth skin tones”, “Vivid blues and greens”, and Monochrome image”.
• Image Quality – nothing new here, just easier to get to on the LCD screen
• Drive Mode – single shot or continuous advance (up to 3.4frames per second), again, not new, just easier access

This feature has migrated to the Rebel T1i from the higher end cameras, the 5D and the 50D. One reviewer has mentioned that it helps newer photographers handle the camera.

So, while this is a nifty feature, is it worth the extra money (about $200) you have to pay for the new Rebel T1i over the not-so-old version, the Rebel XSi?

Other upgrades are a newer image processor – the DIGIC 4, and movie mode.

The DIGIC III in the Rebel XSi is still a very fine processor, and movie mode…

You have to decide whether you want to spend the extra money to get these features.

From my experience with the Canon Digital Rebel 300D (that’s the original version from a few years back), the images were fantastic. Many photographers will tell you it’s not the camera as much as who is holding the camera.

HERE is where I have added some other comparisons of the two Digital Rebels.

May the good photos be yours!

Canon has released a new version of the Digital Rebel – it’s the T1i.

This comes only a year after a similar version (the Canon Digital Rebel XSi) was released.

So what’s up?

Well, this one has video capabilities, as well as, something called Creative Auto.

The pricetag is similar to new Rebel releases – $899 which includes a 18-55mm IS Kit lens.

This is not a bad deal. In fact every Digital Rebel that Canon has released has been a good deal.

It’s mainly because of the great product the Digital Rebel has been. This little entry level DSLR produces great photos. And now the sensor size is up to 15.1 megapixels!

But WAIT. Do you really want to take video footage with your DSLR?

Most folks buy a DSLR for the flexibility of lens choice and quality of still photos.

I have seen the video image quality of point and shoot cameras, and I have seen a video produced by the new Rebel T1i. It’s OK, but it’s definitely not Hollywood quality.

The price of the Digital Rebel XSi (in the $710 neighborhood) will save you almost $200. Image quality is just as good, and you get all the other features and controls you would get for the extra 200 bucks.

But, Oh, I forgot about the Creative Auto!

It turns out that Creative Auto is one of the features from compact point and shoot cameras that is not all that reliable. It’s for those who don’t want to learn how to use their camera to its fullest.

If you’re buying a DSLR, I think you should learn to use it. (just my opinion)

So, I still would go with the Canon Digital Rebel SXi.

At least that’s “the way eye see it”.

Want more of a comparison? I thought so.

Here it is: Compare the Canon Digital Rebel XSi and T1i.