Camera buffs? Canon rebel XS vs. XSI? - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

AFireInside · 06-27-2009, 10:27 PM

Hey everyone..

I know there are some photographers on here. What are your suggestions. I have just purchased an Xsi. I got a pretty good deal on it, they start at about 700... I got mine for 600.... I was going to buy the Xs for 500.... Is there enough of a difference to warrant buying the Xsi for the extra $100?

This is an entry level SLR I realize. So I don't know the ins and outs of every detail and plan to learn in the next several weeks...

One reason I'm kind of ticked, the guy at futureshop was telling me the XS had no live view. I told him I was sure it did, but he was adamant that it didn't. Well I just checked again and it does have live view..... So I'm a little irritated and tempted to take it back and go elsewhere to purchase the XS...

Any opinions would be greatly appreciated....

HotHotHeat · 06-27-2009, 11:17 PM

Not nearly worth the upgrade.

AFireInside · 06-27-2009, 11:39 PM

Just to be sure:

The Xsi is not worth the extra 100 bucks?

Jude · 06-27-2009, 11:46 PM

I can't really tell you anything between the two cameras but here's a site that might help you out

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/comp...1000d&show=all

They have some pretty in-depth reviews as well

browna · 06-28-2009, 12:11 AM

Coming from (and still having one) Canon point and shoot cameras, I thought Liveview would be a useful feature.

Thus, we got an XSi just before they released the Xs.

To be honest, I don't think we've used Liveview yet. Its not quite the same procedure to get to Liveview as it is on a point and shoot (ie not a single button press), and given the fact that you have to hold a SLR different than a P&S, just doesn't feel like a natural movement to be holding it back from your face to use the screen.

That said, in the near future having Liveview may become more useful to us, so its nice to have the option.

No issues with the XSi...takes great pictures and is fairly feature packed. Not sure what they've stripped out in the Xs (maybe less an IS lens?), but with Canon I don't think you can go wrong either way.

AFireInside · 06-28-2009, 12:50 AM

They both have live view.. I think the main differences are that there is spot metering with the Xsi, a bigger lcd, better resolution, the xsi is 12 megapixels, while the Xs is 10.

At the same time I'm a little unsure because the Xsi was an open box. Which the clerk assures me was someone just returned it and there are no problems... I don't normally deal with Futureshop so I'm kind of inclined to return the Xsi and get an unopened Xs....

LouCypher · 06-28-2009, 09:03 AM

sAs someone who sells cameras for a living I deal with both models daily. At $600 you probably paid what is reasonable for the Xsi since it only features a few moderate improvements over the XS.

At full price I usually will steer people towards the XS because those 2 extra megapixels only really matter if you are planning on doing larger prints or doing a lot of cropping and want to see more detail. The 7 point vs 9 point autofocus and 2.5 vs. 3 inch LCD are also fairly moderate improvements but they can make some difference.

End of the day it comes down to lenses and both cameras give you the same ability to really get the most out of your pictures if you can build up a decent selection of lenses.

Liveview to me is a feature I dont look for simply because im used to shooting through a view finder. For those who really want the liveview it really isnt the most special thing about this camera, more of a gimmick since the technology is now there to include liveview in the consumer level DSLRs.

All this being said you really cant go wrong with either camera, and be sure to take advantage of shooting in the manual modes if you dont already. The level of control you get can open up to so many different styles of photography without having to invest in expensive gear or glass.

Edit: As a side note the company I work for also offers a free lesson with every camera you purchase. Dont want to solicit anything here but I know my company will top the future shop experience when you buy a camera for sure.

FurnaceFace · 06-28-2009, 09:34 AM

I support what Lou says above. I (thanks to his lesson hint) know where he works and I've bought equipment from them and had a good experience. Some really knowledgeable people at that store.

This also reminded me I need to use my lesson up...and head over to get a free magazine.

Flapper97 · 06-28-2009, 10:26 AM

I'm actually looking at buying a DSLR right now and I can't decide between Canon or Nikon. I'm looking at the Nikon D5000, or the Canon T1i.

Does anyone have any recommendations if it's better to go with Nikon or Canon? I know I can always upgrade the body later if I get really serious. I just don't want to have to switch brands as well because the lenses are better from one company versus the other.

HotHotHeat · 06-28-2009, 10:31 AM

The only difference between the two is a different AF number, 7 points on the XS and I believe 9 on the XSi. 12 mp's vs. 10...What it comes down to is the extra money is better spent buying a secondary lens or a stand or something. It's essentially the same camera.

moncton golden flames · 10-05-2009, 03:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flapper97

I'm actually looking at buying a DSLR right now and I can't decide between Canon or Nikon. I'm looking at the Nikon D5000, or the Canon T1i.

Does anyone have any recommendations if it's better to go with Nikon or Canon? I know I can always upgrade the body later if I get really serious. I just don't want to have to switch brands as well because the lenses are better from one company versus the other.

i just bought a nikon d5000 for the girlfriend's birthday. when looking at the canon and nikon in store, i found the menus on the nikon to be much easier to operate. being able to understand and use the menus seemed like a deal breaker. her birthday isn't for another week, so i can't vouch for any image quality.

Phaneuf3 · 10-05-2009, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AFireInside

Hey everyone..

I know there are some photographers on here. What are your suggestions. I have just purchased an Xsi. I got a pretty good deal on it, they start at about 700... I got mine for 600.... I was going to buy the Xs for 500.... Is there enough of a difference to warrant buying the Xsi for the extra $100?

This is an entry level SLR I realize. So I don't know the ins and outs of every detail and plan to learn in the next several weeks...

One reason I'm kind of ticked, the guy at futureshop was telling me the XS had no live view. I told him I was sure it did, but he was adamant that it didn't. Well I just checked again and it does have live view..... So I'm a little irritated and tempted to take it back and go elsewhere to purchase the XS...

Any opinions would be greatly appreciated....

XS will be just fine, IMO.

Regarding Futureshop, don't rely on them for any sort of expert advice. In general they don't know what they're talking about and don't give a damn. There are exceptions to the rule but take anything a Futureshop employee tells you, especially when they're trying to make a sale, with a shaker of salt.

Phaneuf3 · 10-05-2009, 03:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Flapper97

I'm actually looking at buying a DSLR right now and I can't decide between Canon or Nikon. I'm looking at the Nikon D5000, or the Canon T1i.

Does anyone have any recommendations if it's better to go with Nikon or Canon? I know I can always upgrade the body later if I get really serious. I just don't want to have to switch brands as well because the lenses are better from one company versus the other.

It doesn't really matter too much to be honest. Especially if you're just using it for hobby type usage. Similar features, similar prices, similar lens selection.

Go into a reputable camera store and handle them a bit. Whichever you like the feel of better in your hand,like the menu system and controls... go with that one. I went with the Canon line and have 0 regrets but am sure I would be just as happy with a Nikon.

Redliner · 10-05-2009, 04:10 PM

Canon vs. Nikon is an age-old debate. Both are excellent cameras, and really it boils down to personal preference. I find the build quality of Canon's bodies to be inferior to Nikon's, at least until you get up into the higher end models. I also find Nikon's menus to be easier to navigate, but that's just me. (guess you can tell which side of the Nikon/Canon argument I'm on, eh?) If you do consider crossing over, the D60 is an excellent started camera. Go with the D90 if you want something a little more advanced.