Canon Rebel XS or the XSi - Cant Decide

[thehabs24]

I'm going back and forth on which camera to buy. This will be my first DSLR and eventually if I like the hobby I'm sure I'd upgrade to the 50D or something better. But for now I'm trying to chose between these two. The reason why it is a hard decision for me is that Costco has a great deal for the XS which includes the canon 18-55IS and 55-250IS, NOVA 1 bag for $799. I would ideally get the XSi but I haven't been able to find that one for less than $750 (with the 18-55IS lens).

Since this is my first camera, would you recommend just going for the costco deal or just get the XSi even though I'm not getting that extra lens? I'm trying to keep my budget under $1000.

Thanks!

[nuropa]

Should have bought them during boxing day deals. Anyways, Dell.ca has XSI for $699 with 18-55mm IS and $899 with 18-55 + 55-250mm IS lens. Price match against FS or BB for that extra 10% difference.

[bob0]

if you're already planning on upgrading to the 50d if you like it...i'd suggest going for the cheapest option... even buying used so if you do decide to resell, you wont lose too much.

for a first dslr...the results will be impressive. my first dslr was a 300d...and while that camera was pretty bad (at the time i got it...like 2 years ago)...i was really impressed with the results.

[KorruptioN]

If you're set on going with Canon, the XS is a better choice if you're already having thoughts about upgrading (don't jump the gun). Make sure you get the one with the 18-55IS. You don't need any telephotos at the moment - you're just starting out.

[rf134a]

Check out the comparison chart here:
http://www.photolectic.com/reviews/dslr/canon-1000d/xs-vs.-450d/xsi-quick-comparison.html

I chose the XS over the XSi because the $200 premium for +2MP, wireless trigger, 9 vs 7 point AF, 3" vs 2.5" LCD, spot metering and proximity sensor wasn't worth it to me. Does anyone actually use the proximity sensor? :confused:

[Stock R]

I chose the XS over the XSi because the $200 premium for +2MP, wireless trigger, 9 vs 7 point AF, 3" vs 2.5" LCD, spot metering and proximity sensor wasn't worth it to me.

I know someone who was just going through the same decision. I recommended the XS as well for the reasons you mentioned above. The $200 can be put to better use elsewhere.

[MikeAK]

I know we all love to save cash but I seriously don't know why anyone, if they could afford it, wouldn't get the XSi over the XS. Most of those extra features are well worth the price difference and something that you'll appreciate as your photography skills grow. You'll almost certainly be upgrading sooner then later with the XS whereas the XSi not so much.

http://www.cameralabs.com/
http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/
http://www.dpreview.com/
http://www.steves-digicams.com/default.htm

Is the XS a good beginner camera? Absolutely. But make no mistake about it, the XSi is a much better camera.

Either way, both cameras would be a great choice for a beginner and you really can't go wrong.

[jayehs]

lack of spot metering would be a deal breaker for me

[thehabs24]

so i decided to try to price match at futureshop with the dell.ca deal and they did it for me last night. I ended up getting the xsi with the extra lens for $917 after taxes. I had a $50 gift card as well that i used towards the purchase so it only cost me ~$868. I'm pretty happy so far with what I paid for it. Now I need to get a bigger memory card and case :) any suggestions?

I probably wont upgrade for a couple years I'm thinking to one of the higher end models since this seems to be an expensive hobby. The extra features of the xsi over the xs was what helped me make the final decision and it should do what I need for a while. thanks everybody!

[MikeAK]

so i decided to try to price match at futureshop with the dell.ca deal and they did it for me last night. I ended up getting the xsi with the extra lens for $917 after taxes. I had a $50 gift card as well that i used towards the purchase so it only cost me ~$868. I'm pretty happy so far with what I paid for it. Now I need to get a bigger memory card and case :) any suggestions?

I probably wont upgrade for a couple years I'm thinking to one of the higher end models since this seems to be an expensive hobby. The extra features of the xsi over the xs was what helped me make the final decision and it should do what I need for a while. thanks everybody!

You made a very wise decision! Read up on some reputable sites and check the specs and you'll see some of the features in the XSi are on par with those of the 40D, of course build quailty is another story but the XSi's feature set is way above that of the XS. The XS is a great entry cam but with the XSi you just gave yourself a larger window of growth.

As for memory I recommend nothing less then 4GB, 8GB would probably be all you'll ever need. Don't get to caught up in classes either, a class 4 SDHC card is just fine and will do you well. The camera bag is something that will depend on how many lenses you plan on buying as well as accessories. I use a Lowepro Slingshot 100 and it does everything I need.

[s1301950]

heh... FS have now up'ed the price to match dell on their website

[s1301950]

Which nikon model is comparable to the xsi?

[Asad_A203]

^ Maybe the D60

[KorruptioN]

Which nikon model is comparable to the xsi?

^ Maybe the D60

Not really. There's nothing that is directly comparable.

The D60 is too neutered to compare to the XSi on many fronts (smaller screen, no AF drive motor, 3-point AF, no live-view, etc), yet the D90 costs quite a bit more than the XSi.

I don't understand how so many people buy the two-lens kits (with a cheap telephoto) when "starting" out in photography. It's just an easy way for the retailer to unload a high-margin, low-quality item onto the customer. I always suggest getting the standard kit, using it for some time, and then evaluating your needs and getting something down the road as you need it. Then, as you grow into the hobby, you'll probably realize the kit telephoto doesn't cut it.

[SENSEI]

I don't understand how so many people buy the two-lens kits (with a cheap telephoto) when "starting" out in photography. It's just an easy way for the retailer to unload a high-margin, low-quality item onto the customer. I always suggest getting the standard kit, using it for some time, and then evaluating your needs and getting something down the road as you need it. Then, as you grow into the hobby, you'll probably realize the kit telephoto doesn't cut it.

Unfortunately too many people are wowed by numbers.

Well maybe fortunately for the camera companies...but I don't know how many times someone who doesn't know much about photography ask "how many MP is the camera, what is the zoom on that lens?". Even something as crappy as the 75-300 f/4.0-5.6 gets viewed as an added bonus cause it'goes up to 300mm?

I guess everyone has to start somewhere...:-0

[lee086]

Not really. There's nothing that is directly comparable.

The D60 is too neutered to compare to the XSi on many fronts (smaller screen, no AF drive motor, 3-point AF, no live-view, etc), yet the D90 costs quite a bit more than the XSi.

I don't understand how so many people buy the two-lens kits (with a cheap telephoto) when "starting" out in photography. It's just an easy way for the retailer to unload a high-margin, low-quality item onto the customer. I always suggest getting the standard kit, using it for some time, and then evaluating your needs and getting something down the road as you need it. Then, as you grow into the hobby, you'll probably realize the kit telephoto doesn't cut it.

I totally agree with the 2nd paragraph. I think you and I both think alike regarding gears and what not, since I also went with the XS (while I could have jumped on the XSi if I wanted to) fully because I know I will upgrade in a few years to a 5D or 5D2 if the prices drop enough.

It's also better to start with the kit lens and evaluate which kind of photography you're more attracted to. At first I wanted to buy the 55-250IS along with my 18-55IS, but after playing around I realized I enjoy faster primes and the 55-250IS wasn't going to cut it speed wise. I saved myself ~300$ which can be put towards a 85 1.8 which I'm currently saving up for! :)

[Narci]

I don't understand how so many people buy the two-lens kits (with a cheap telephoto) when "starting" out in photography. It's just an easy way for the retailer to unload a high-margin, low-quality item onto the customer. I always suggest getting the standard kit, using it for some time, and then evaluating your needs and getting something down the road as you need it. Then, as you grow into the hobby, you'll probably realize the kit telephoto doesn't cut it.

I see alot of the 75-300 f/4.0-5.6 on sale on craigslist and everywhere. Cheapest I've seen this lens go for was $70.