? for Canon Rebel users

[aamob]

I currently have the REbel XT and am in need badly of an upgrade. I don't want video and would like to go as cheap as possible. What do all you experts recommend? Also should add to be a bit pickier, SD instead of Compactflash and a touch lighterweight would be a plus and IS would be nice. Thanks!

 

[ukcatfan]

It would help if you have a budget amount you could share and let us know what else you have. If you just have the body and kit lens, then maybe you should be considering another brand.

 

[C&B Young]

I currently have the REbel XT and am in need badly of an upgrade. I don't want video and would like to go as cheap as possible. What do all you experts recommend? Also should add to be a bit pickier, SD instead of Compactflash and a touch lighterweight would be a plus and IS would be nice. Thanks!

If you're already invested in Canon lenses and want to go with a new Canon Rebel, video is going to come with even the entry level models. You can get the new Rebel T3 with the IS kit lens for $600, or the T1i (which is a bit older now) for $680 with IS lens. There's a side-by-side spec comparison here.
You could go older with an XS or XSI, but I don't think they'd be a very significant upgrade from your XT.

 

[photo_chick]

If you stay Canon the T1i or newer would be a significant advance as far as ISO performance goes. The technology has come a long way since the XT came out. Canon puts the IS in the lenses not the body and many of the entry and mid level zooms do have IS.

 

[kshark]

For the money it is hard to beat the T1i. I have the T1i and 7D, and while I certainly prefer my 7D, the T1i makes great images. There really isn't a huge difference in image quality between the two, it's the frame rate, autofocus system, ergonomics, etc.

I think would be really happy with an upgrade to the T1i. Without a battery grip and with an 18-55 IS lens it's very lightweight. Also look for deals on refurbished units from Canon. I have a friend that just got a refurbished T1i kit directly from Canon and you can't tell it from new and there is still a warranty.

 

[Theosus]

For the money it is hard to beat the T1i. I have the T1i and 7D, and while I certainly prefer my 7D, the T1i makes great images. There really isn't a huge difference in image quality between the two, it's the frame rate, autofocus system, ergonomics, etc.

I think would be really happy with an upgrade to the T1i. Without a battery grip and with an 18-55 IS lens it's very lightweight. Also look for deals on refurbished units from Canon. I have a friend that just got a refurbished T1i kit directly from Canon and you can't tell it from new and there is still a warranty.

I'll second that.... I love my t1i. It is VERY light, especially with the kit lens.
I have a 30 year old f1.4 50mm that I sometimes use on it with an adapter ring. Its all grass and brass, and it almost outweighs the t1i and kit lens combined.

 

[manning]

If you stay Canon the T1i or newer would be a significant advance as far as ISO performance goes. The technology has come a long way since the XT came out. Canon puts the IS in the lenses not the body and many of the entry and mid level zooms do have IS.

And video is 1920x1080 High Definition

 

[mom2rtk]

I have a Canon T2i and absolutely love it.

But if I was starting over, I'd be really tempted to go with Sony or Pentax. Like Photo Chick pointed out, the IS in the body is really nice, especially if you want to buy additional lenses later. You don't have to buy it each time you buy a new lens.

The Pentax and Sony lines generally start at a little lower price point, and have the IS, along with the high ISO you find in the new Canons, but also a faster burst rate. I'm committed to Canon because of my growing collection of lenses, but if I were starting over, I'd go with one of these lines. I recently helped my friend get her first DSLR and she went with the Sony A500. It was $600 with their 18-200 kit lens. I think it's slightly higher now, like eveything else coming out of Japan.

 

[bob100]

I currently have the REbel XT and am in need badly of an upgrade. I don't want video and would like to go as cheap as possible. What do all you experts recommend? Also should add to be a bit pickier, SD instead of Compactflash and a touch lighterweight would be a plus and IS would be nice. Thanks!

Look at the older (but still good) Canon T2i (550D) - $500 through the loyalty program