Canon Rebel XSi digital SLR camera Thoughts?

[MacDaddy77]

What are some thoughts people have on this camera? I'm looking at purchasing my first Digital SLR camera, it will be used shooting family/kids and there activities

Thanks,

[Russic]

I adore that camera. You'd get a boost in low light performance if you upgraded to the T1i, but beyond that I think for somebody buying their first digital SLR the difference isn't that much. I believe Canon is choking off that particular model so prices are very low.

[MacDaddy77]

Originally Posted by Russic

I adore that camera. You'd get a boost in low light performance if you upgraded to the T1i, but beyond that I think for somebody buying their first digital SLR the difference isn't that much. I believe Canon is choking off that particular model so prices are very low.

Is it a good camera with the 18 - 55mm image stabalization lens? Should I be looking at a Zoom lens in addition to this for taking pictures of the kids during sports? I was looking at the D90, however I feel this is a better bang for my buck.

[SebC]

Originally Posted by MacDaddy77

Is it a good camera with the 18 - 55mm image stabalization lens? Should I be looking at a Zoom lens in addition to this for taking pictures of the kids during sports? I was looking at the D90, however I feel this is a better bang for my buck.

Indoor sports or outdoor sports? 18-55 has the same range as your average 3x zoom point and shoot. If you want more reach than that you'll want a longer zoom. (IS is a must on long zooms IMO.) I'd say unless you have a big event coming up... try the 18-55 first and you'll have a better idea of if and what you need to add. If it's indoor/low light + sports though that's pretty much the toughest shooting condition possible, so you'd need a fast telephoto lens. They're very expensive.

[Regulator75]

Meh, Nikon or nothing...

[SebC]

Originally Posted by Regulator75

Meh, Nikon or nothing...

I believe the D90 does have a lower noise profile... helpful if you're going to shoot indoor sports.

[BlackArcher101]

Yes, if low light, go with the Nikon. Otherwise you will be spending money on fast canon glass, which won't be cheap with image stabilization. The Nikon body will give you a bit better noise performance at higher ISO's.

Still prefer Canon however. I have the XSi with the kit lens. I manage with the low light shots, but do feel limited. Editing on the PC sure helps.

IMO, the 18-55 won't be enough for sports (zoom wise, and speed to a lesser degree). A 200mm zoom would be a good start.

[badradio]

XSi was my first dslr and it's a great beginner camera, the 18-55 is okay. I bought the cheap 50mm 1.8 for $100 which I thought out preformed the 18-55 in image quality. I think the D90 kit lens is 18-105 which will give you more range, so it might be a better fit for you. I'm a Canon guy myself, but the Nikon kit lens for the D90 is more versatile and better than the 18-55.

[Russic]

I think you should take a look right here and pull the trigger:

http://forum.calgarypuck.com/showthread.php?t=98391

[SebC]

^ That's really not a bad idea at all.

[Regulator75]

Yup, pretty good deal.