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Need a gentle push towards the Canon XSi

post #1 of 85
7/10/09 at 11:33am
Thread Starter 
Over at Amazon, they are giving back the entire $200 instant rebate promotion when you buy a Canon XSi kit (with 18-55mm IS lens) and a Canon 55-250mm IS lens, F4-F5.6), which makes the deal around $716, the camera's in stock, while the longer lens would ship later.  I just wonder if there's a better deal around the corner as Canon is running promotions to deplete their XS and XSi inventories in order to go full bore with the recently released T1i, and upcoming release of the T1.  The current promotion ends tomorrow 7/11/09, and I've been hemming and hawing for a few days.

Part of me is thinking that maybe I should wait for the T1 (I don't really need the HD video capabilities of the T1i), which would have Digic 4, and a better LCD screen than the XSi (if it's close to being the same as the T1i's LCD screen).
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post #2 of 85
7/10/09 at 4:13pm
Don't you already have a 40d? Personally I would feel cramped with the xsi class camera as a primary camera but the d5000 is growing on me as a backup/leave it in the car camera...
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post #3 of 85
7/10/09 at 9:56pm
Thread Starter 
No, never done the dSLR thang.  I think you have me confused with Cameron.

Sam, I know you and I have different threshholds when it comes to how much camera gear we are willing to lug around when snapping photos. 


Edited by Patrick Sun - 7/11/2009 at 05:10 am GMT
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post #4 of 85
7/11/09 at 10:11am
Oh, that's right, you had like an a570 or something similar at our events now if I remember right.  Well, in that case, go for it, the XSI is probably the gateway drug to bigger and better =)   If you have a Costco tho I would go buy their kit setup there, its a nice package with a case and you get 90 days no hassle returns which is WELL WORTH whatever delta in price there is, within reason.
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post #5 of 85
7/11/09 at 11:29am
Patrick, that is a good price for the package. Both lenses, while not the best, are well-regarded for their price point. That kit should cover your needs for quite some time.
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post #6 of 85
7/11/09 at 11:54pm
Did you get the silver or the black?
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post #7 of 85
7/12/09 at 12:16pm
Thread Starter 
In the end, I decided not to pull the trigger on the deal, I'm just waiting on the T1 specs now, and seeing if more deals will materialize with the XSi.  I can't remember if I saw the XSi package at Costco a few weekends ago, or was it the T1i package.  I'll have to check it out again at Costco soon.  The hunt is back on, I suppose...
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post #8 of 85
7/13/09 at 9:08am
If you are sold on the t1I you should follow this thread:
http://forums.slickdeals.net/showthread.php?sduid=0&t=1434581
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post #9 of 85
7/13/09 at 6:00pm
I trust the New Zealander who reviews at CameraLabs.com. He says this, comparing the two:

[quote]

Compared to Canon Rebel XSi

 
Canon EOS 450D / Rebel XSi
 
Physically speaking the new EOS T1i shares a great deal with its predecessor, the best-selling EOS XSi. They share the same dimensions, virtually the same weight (the new model’s 5g heavier), the same viewfinder and AF specification, and even the same battery (albeit now with 20% shorter life). The continuous shooting speed is also virtually the same, although the new model makes up for fractionally slower speed with a larger frame burst.

In its favour, the new EOS 500D / T1i boasts an extra three Megapixels, a much more detailed VGA monitor, an HDMI port, a much higher maximum sensitivity of 12800 ISO compared to just 1600 on its predecessor, Peripheral Illumination Correction to reduce the corner darkening of lens vignetting, the Creative Auto mode, and of course the headline feature of HD video recording.

In our tests, we didn’t notice much difference in terms of real-life detail, especially when the 500D / T1i was fitted with the standard EF-S 18-55mm IS kit lens, although there’s the potential for superior resolving power if you fit better optics. Noise levels were similar at lower sensitivities, although at 800 and especially 1600 ISO, the 500D / T1i avoids the chroma artefacts of its predecessor. But in terms of overall image quality, there’s not much in it.

So you should really only choose the 500D / T1i over the 450D / XSi if you’re either coupling it with decent lenses, or value its new features, like the HD Movies and VGA screen. If you’re not bothered by the movies or screen and intend to use the kit lens, then save yourself some money and go for the older 450D / XSi. It remains an excellent DSLR which is likely to fall in price further as stocks last. See our Canon EOS 450D / XSi review for more details.[/quote]

Source: http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/Canon_EOS_500D_Digital_Rebel_T1i/index.shtml
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post #10 of 85
7/18/09 at 8:41am
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the link, Will.  Now I wait for the T1 to finally show up because I doubt I will want the T1i's HD video capabilties (just not a video dude).
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post #11 of 85
7/18/09 at 9:37am
Patrick,

I own and use almost daily the Xti, it's the same size with almost the same feature set (features that count).  I see no advantage going to the T1 just because it's the new model.  Don't sit on the fence too long, using a digital SLR with 10 MP or higher is quite simply fun.  You will be amazed at the shots you'll get.  Truly, the only way to frame great shots is with a TTL SLR.  You just can't do it with a a piont and shoot (without some luck). 
I always carry 3 lenses, 18-55mm, 70-200mm and 300mm. The other item that will help with great shots is a monopod.  you can get a very inexpensive one at Walmart for $19.00. 

Good luck, let us know what you end up with.
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post #12 of 85
7/18/09 at 11:49am
If you can save significant $$$ (toward better glass, etc) by going w/ the older model, I'd go that route.

I doubt they've improved much on these bodies to pay more for the new one (unless you really want the video features).

_Man_
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post #13 of 85
7/18/09 at 5:03pm
 I ended up selling my monopod.  I shoot a lot of movie palace interiors and neon signs, and found the monopod only helped with exposures from around 1/4 to 1/8th of a second.  Any faster than that I could do handheld, any slower and I needed a tripod.  I picked up a light tripod which is serving me very well.  So I would say weigh the type of shooting you do against the advice of buying a monopod.
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post #14 of 85
7/18/09 at 6:54pm
Thread Starter 
The arrival of the T1 may drive the price of the XSi down a bit more, though I still would like to know if the T1 will have the same LCD screen as the T1i since it's a much better screen than the XSi screen.  I don't really care for liveview, so that's not much of a feature for me.  Reviews have pretty much made it clear that to get the most out of the 15 megapixels with either the T1i or T1, you need to use good glass, and I'm not all about megapixels arms race, so 10-12 megapixel wouldn't be a negative.  I just keep going back to the LCD screen as the main reason to keep the T1 as an option, though I might end up with the XSi in the end.

Thanks for the feedback on accessories (monopods, tripods, lenses).
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post #15 of 85
7/18/09 at 8:26pm


Quote:
Originally Posted by Don Solosan View Post

 I ended up selling my monopod.  I shoot a lot of movie palace interiors and neon signs, and found the monopod only helped with exposures from around 1/4 to 1/8th of a second.  Any faster than that I could do handheld, any slower and I needed a tripod.  I picked up a light tripod which is serving me very well.  So I would say weigh the type of shooting you do against the advice of buying a monopod.

You probably aren't shooting those interiors with a 70-200 or 300 fast prime tho.  Even those are debatably improved by a Mono, but the superteles basically require one (or a tri)
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post #16 of 85
7/18/09 at 9:04pm
Patrick,

I think you are making a smart move not buying into the 15MP hype.  I routinely enlarge my images to 14x19 inches and some even larger.  10MP stays sharp at that size image with zero pixelation visable. of course, if you were to use a magnifying glass you could probably see some pixels.  As for the Monopod, I shoot outside most of the time, the monopod makes a huge difference in keeping the image as sharp and focused as possible, especially with the zooms.  As for the LCD screen on the camera itself,  use it only to perform cursory looks at your shots, always,always view your shots on a well calibrated monitor before deciding to dump them.  Many times I have checked an image on the monitor and found artistic or very neat images that only needed cropping here and there to make them keepers.

Bill
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post #17 of 85
7/19/09 at 11:18pm
 "You probably aren't shooting those interiors with a 70-200 or 300 fast prime tho.  Even those are debatably improved by a Mono, but the superteles basically require one (or a tri)"

No, I'm usually at the wide end of the spectrum.  If I do want to zoom in on some feature, I need the stability of a tripod.  A mono is just too limiting for the type of shooting I do.  I'm not trying to suggest that they're not useful, they just don't do a whole lot for me.
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post #18 of 85
7/20/09 at 4:46am


Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill Cowmeadow View Post

Patrick,

I think you are making a smart move not buying into the 15MP hype.  I routinely enlarge my images to 14x19 inches and some even larger.  10MP stays sharp at that size image with zero pixelation visable. of course, if you were to use a magnifying glass you could probably see some pixels. 

Yes, higher megapixels is as much marketing hype as anything, unless you do a lot of cropping of your images -- then the extra megapixels can be useful. With my old 8MP Rebel XT, I have enlarged to as much as 20x30 without any issues.
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post #19 of 85
7/20/09 at 1:03pm
If you rarely actually need a monopod, maybe you could use your tripod like a monopod on those occasions when you do need one -- although you'll probably want to use a different (swivel/tilt) head for it for such instances.  I have both (made of carbon fiber), but I've been finding myself using my tripod as a monopod quite often. 

FYI, a monopod is more useful for shooting (moderately predictable) action and such than inanimate objects/scenes -- for the latter, you're better off using a tripod (as suggested by others).  Of course, if you're using a IS/VR lens or some other form of image stabilization, then that would make a monopod less useful (though not completely so).

_Man_
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post #20 of 85
7/21/09 at 4:42am


Quote:
Originally Posted by Man-Fai Wong View Post



FYI, a monopod is more useful for shooting (moderately predictable) action and such than inanimate objects/scenes -- for the latter, you're better off using a tripod (as suggested by others).  Of course, if you're using a IS/VR lens or some other form of image stabilization, then that would make a monopod less useful (though not completely so).

_Man_

Since I have lenses with image stabilization, I've never bothered with a monopod. I do have a decent carbon fiber tripod and ball head, though.  For my types of shooting, this combination works well.
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post #21 of 85
8/23/09 at 8:26am
Thread Starter 
I finally pulled the trigger on an XSI this morning.  Went with a Bing cashback promotion 12-14% from J&R, and J&R was offering the kit for $599.99.  Not as good as the nice Target price of $449.99 if you got lucky living near a Target that clearanced them out last month.  But I can live with paying another $60+ (factoring taxes for local purchase) in lieu of spending it on gas driving all over creation.

Looks like I ordered just in time, they updated the pricing and it went up to around $640 and in clearance status just 15 minutes after I placed my order.

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post #22 of 85
8/24/09 at 6:35am
Congrats Patrick, please keep us in the loop as you come up to speed on the new camera!

Regarding Monopods, I've been shooting a lot of sports lately, American Football and Baseball mostly, and it amuses me to see guys with smaller IS/VR lenses on monopods.  Talking to a few of them it seems to be more a method of dealing with the WEIGHT issue than stabilization.  And I kinda get that, but I'm used to lugging around two camera bodies plus two pro-line f2.8 zooms and the 70-300VR plus a messenger bag full of support gear, running up and down the sidelines like mad, and I see them sitting on a steel fence with an XTI and a 70-200IS, glued to the spot...  And I'm no small guy either, my own weight is a bigger impediment to me than the couple pounds a lens weighs.  

It's funny to see these guys standing side by side with guys with real supertelephotos tho...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/kadath/3851485040/sizes/l/

(Not a great pic but you see what I mean on the sidelines)
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post #23 of 85
8/24/09 at 9:18am
Patrick,

Congrats on the new camera. Did it come with just the 18-55mm IS kit lens?

If you want a 2nd battery for your new camera, I would suggest checking out http://www.sterlingtek.com .They have batteries for a fraction of the cost of an actual Canon battery, and they work just as well. I have been using their batteries for many years.
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post #24 of 85
8/24/09 at 11:19am
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the link to sterlingtek, I'll need to bookmark it at home.  I did pick up a couple of LP-E5 batteries from the Adorama housebrand for the same price as Sterlingtek, so I don't feel too bad about getting them from Adorama this time. 

Yes to the kit lens being the 18-55mm IS lens, only.  Now to look for a telephoto lens (probably get the 55-250mm IS F4/F5.6 Canon lens, not all that fast, but lighter in weight than the big boys),

Will I need another battery charger, or will the kit have a battery charger inside the box?  Hope I can get by with the kit charger (hope I don't have to charge the battery via a USB cable connected to a PC.  Yowie!

Also, besides getting to use the camera for Dragon Con in about 10 days, I also have CEDIA the following week/end, so I'll have plenty of opportunities to experiment with the XSi.

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post #25 of 85
8/24/09 at 12:11pm
The camera should include one Canon battery plus an external battery charger -- at least, that's what every Canon camera I've ever purchased has included. The external charger will work with the non-Canon brand batteries -- I've used Sterlingtek batteries with Canon chargers on three different cameras, and the Adorama house brand batteries should be no different.

I've read good things about the image quality of the 55-250mm IS lens, as long as you can live with its limitations (smaller maximum + variable aperture, plastic mount, slower auto focus, and no full frame compatibility). It certainly is priced attractively. I have not personally tried one, though.
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post #26 of 85
8/24/09 at 3:29pm
Thread Starter 
I'm already bracing for a world of hurt when it comes to the lenses in the future.  We'll see if I catch that lens upgrade bug or not in the near term after September is done.
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post #27 of 85
8/24/09 at 3:56pm
I think if you're only going to own one (Canon) telezoom in this range, it should probably be the 70-200 f/4L IS, if not something f/2.8.  If the $$$ (and size) is an issue, you might even want to consider the Sigma 50-150 f/2.8.  I read/heard very positive things about that Sigma digital crop telezoom (from Nikon users).

_Man_
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post #28 of 85
8/24/09 at 4:31pm


Quote:
Originally Posted by Man-Fai Wong View Post

I think if you're only going to own one (Canon) telezoom in this range, it should probably be the 70-200 f/4L IS, if not something f/2.8.  If the $$$ (and size) is an issue, you might even want to consider the Sigma 50-150 f/2.8.  I read/heard very positive things about that Sigma digital crop telezoom (from Nikon users).

_Man_

I own the 70-200mm f/4L IS, and it is a superb lens. However, it is also over $1,000 new, so it is quite an investment for someone just starting up. I began with a Rebel XT, Sigma 17-70mm, and Canon 70-300mm IS lens and then began upgrading to better lenses before finally upgrading the body to a 40D. Since lenses hold their value pretty well, you can usually sell them for a decent price when you upgrade later.

If you can afford it up front, though, I always recommend spending the money for better glass.

FYI, my lens kit now consists of a Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 IS, Canon EF-S 10-22mm, the 70-200 above, Canon EF 85mm f/1.8, Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 and Kenko 1.4x teleconverter.  It's really an ideal kit for a crop sensor -- the only one I am not happy with is the 50mm prime. It's a cheap lens with an extremely slow auto focus motor. I never use it since adding the 17-55mm f/2.8.  My next purchase will be something to get to the 400 - 500mm range, but that probably will not be for at least another year. We currently have no trips planned where I anticipate needing that much reach.


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post #29 of 85
8/24/09 at 5:39pm
I love the Canon 70-200F4IS and hated the 70-300 Consumer IS Zoom.

The Nikon 70-300VR is superb however.  Not rubbing it in, if it were reversed I'd say it.  The 70-200F4IS is a superb lens which has no Nikon counterpart.  The 24-105IS is also amazing.
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post #30 of 85
8/24/09 at 5:43pm

Quote:
Originally Posted by Scott Merryfield View Post

Since lenses hold their value pretty well, you can usually sell them for a decent price when you upgrade later.

 

Is it actually worthwhile to try to resell an old kit-level lens though?  I thought about selling my old Nikon 18-75DX, which is better than typical kit lenses, but found that it'd only fetch ~$150 or so even if it was in near-mint condition in large part because it's too widely available (and discounted) -- it was ~$300 new when I got it w/ my D70.  I ended up deciding to hold off on an upgrade instead, and now, plan to just pass it (along w/ the old D70) on to my middle-school-age daughter, who is becoming interested in photography.

Honestly, I think if you have a cheap, old kit lens, you're better off just giving it away to a good friend or someone in the family, instead of selling it at a substantial loss.

If we're talking about reselling an upper-mid-tier lens (or better), that'd probably be different.  People wanting such a lens are more likely to know better and consider buying used, instead of as part of a brand new kit from some retailer.

_Man_
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