This is always an interesting discussion. I have mentioned it before in my blog here. I have also written a few articles about either the Canon Digital Rebels or the comparison between the Nikon D3000 and D5000. They are getting quite a few views at Ezine Articles.

There are also articles that compare the cheapest DSLRs from Canon and Nikon.

The bottom line is not really well defined. Nikon has the newest entry level DSLR in the Nikon D3000, but for just a bit more money, you can get a Canon T1i or a Nikon D5000. Both these cameras have HD Video, and the D5000 has that articulating LCD panel which is pretty cool for taking pictures at weird angles.

As I have mentioned before, I am using a Canon 30D, but if I was entering the DSLR market today, the decision would probably come down on the Nikon side for just one reason… make that one name – Moose Peterson. He uses Nikon products and he takes the very best nature shots in the world (my humble opinion, of course).

Check the user reviews for Canon EOS Rebel T1i on Amazon.com

Perhaps even more impressive are the user reviews at B & H Photo. There are 120 reviews posted for the Rebel T1i and all but 2 of those are 4 or 5 stars. You can see the B & H Photo reviews for the Rebel T1i by clicking HERE.

Just thought you might want to know.

Happy Shooting!

TOKYO, August 20, 2009—The European Imaging and Sound Association (EISA), composed of 50 special interests magazines from 19 countries focusing on photography, A/V products, home theaters, and mobile devices, has recognized three Canon products with prestigious “Best Product” awards: the Canon EOS 5D Mark II as European Advanced Camera 2009-2010; the Canon EOS 500D (EOS Rebel T1i in other regions) as European SLR Camera 2009-2010; and the Canon PIXMA Pro9000 Mark II as European Photo Printer 2009-2010.

EISA awards are presented to products released in Europe within the past 12 months and deemed representative of their product category by a judging panel composed of editors of EISA-affiliated magazines specializing in that respective product division.

And the EISA individual praise for the Canon Rebel 500D (T1i):

The EOS 500D, which incorporates a Live View recording function and high-resolution 3.0-inch LCD monitor, realizes high-quality images and low noise even in dark environments. The jury speculated that the 500D’s high-quality High Definition video mode may be enough to inspire some users to pursue amateur film-making as a hobby.

Pretty impressive!

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.

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