Canon 400D (Rebel Xti, Kiss X)

[PhotobearSam]

Thanks for the replies guys..

My problem is that I am a trained Pro Photographer, but I have been "Out" of the business since 2002 as we opened up a summer motel business and I did not have time to devote to doing weddings anymore.

I left the commercial side of photography just as Digital was taking off. So I never really investigated the Digital World.

I am afraid that if I get the Rebel, I would feel like I was missing out on quality. I do want my shots to be good enough for my portfolio.

Just to compare, my 35 mm was/is a Canon EOS Elan, I have 2 of them. I loved the control and the sharpness of the lenses...

Can you tell, I miss my old job, I miss film, I have to decide...I'm such a digital mess...

Also, my tag says I took 1245 trip photos...Just to clarify, that was in 2001, over 11 days, and all on FILM!!!

Just wanted to add, that in our photo below, that's my DH with his small digital camera...He would not let me bring my SLR's to the parks...

 

[Master Mason]

I think you could get shots good enough for your portfolio with the XTi, but what I have often found is if you really want the better one for whatever reason, you should just get it, as when you get the lesser one you end up buying the better one anyway, so you have spent twice.

But I do agree that the 30D is probably due to be replaced rather quickly, based on the past, it will be the 40D. It will probably come with the dust cleaning set up like the XTi and other improvements. Might be worth the short wait.

 

[AbbysFamily]

Basic rumors say the 40D will be out soon. The XTi was a jump in features including a jump in pixels and the all important improvements in dust cleaning.

The 40D will have the magnesium body that none of the rebel set get, and probably more of the speed, etc that is from 30D.

For an average consumer, the XTi will be good enough. The rebel series is very good - the 10D-30D (and eventually 40D) are obviously better, but the XTi is impressive for the price.

 

[tinksdad]

If you were used to a "pro" camera back in the day, it might be hard for you to go down in features and quality. I agree that having a new camera that is replaced within months might make you feel bad, but, will it affect your pictures and life of the camera? Probably not.

You might want to go physically put your hands on both cameras, if that is possible and "feel" the differences. I like a heavier camera, it just fits my hands better than a smaller one.

 

[boBQuincy]

It's not so much the image quality that is different, apart from (maybe) more high ISO noise on the XT I doubt anyone could tell the images apart.

It's the handling of the cameras that is so different. I like the wheel on the back of the 'D' models and just can't work well with the buttons on the Rebels. I have a 30D and DW has a XT.

The replacement for the 30D may be announced at PMA in March, but that's maybe 3 months until you can get the new model, and there won't be any deals for awhile.

Don't wear it around your neck, carry it with the strap wrapped around your wrist. It's much faster when you see a good opportunity and much easier on your neck.

 

[PhotobearSam]

I knew...I nkew I would end up wanting the 30d...

Problem here is that the only pro shop in town closed down and Future Shop (Think a Canadian Best Buy Store) is the only place where I can get them. They have then out but you can't try them out because they are attached by a cable to the counter. I can never get a good read on the feel of the camera.

Oh, well...I will see if they will release them to me for a test drive.

 

[allyn]

i suspect canon will announce a 40d in about two months at the pma show.

note that rebates on the 30d (and other models like the 5d) have been extended until 2/19.

 

[PhotobearSam]

Can one see any difference in Colour or clarity of the shots? I would love to be able to take shots with both at the same time and print them both 8x10 to see if I can see a difference.

 

[Groucho]

If you're concerned about weight, I'd highly recommend picking up an Op/Tech Pro Strap. It made a huge difference carrying my DSLR around WDW for ten days. I also carried a camera bag with a 35mm body and three lenses and various accessories on my shoulder using an Op/Tech SOS Strap and thanks to those straps, I rarely got really sore, far less than I would have with the factory straps.

I don't think I saw anyone else using the straps - some of the people with bigger and heavier DSLRs and the thin, non-stretchy factory straps must have been really been feeling the pain!

 

[PhotobearSam]

I am going to check out that strap.

 

[Master Mason]

There is a guy on ebay that carries the straps at the best price I could find. He had a variety of colors and styles. They were all at buy it now pricing, so it was quick and easy.

 

[Steve's Girl]

Can one see any difference in Colour or clarity of the shots? I would love to be able to take shots with both at the same time and print them both 8x10 to see if I can see a difference.

This is exactly what I did at Ritz. I took photos with the various cameras I was interested in and they printed them in the store. This was a huge factor in my decision. If you can get to a store that will do this, I would highly recommend it.

 

[Groucho]

There is a guy on ebay that carries the straps at the best price I could find. He had a variety of colors and styles. They were all at buy it now pricing, so it was quick and easy.

Op/Tech has a dealer list on their web site, also. I got mine for $20 at the local college (RIT) bookstore, I haven't seen it that cheap (counting shipping) online.

Unfortunately, they didn't have the SOS strap, so I ended up ordering that from Adorama for $20 plus tax plus shipping... bleah!

 

[MarkBarbieri]

Here's the list I came up with for the last 30D vs XTi post.

1) Rebel XTi 10mp vs 8mp for the 30D
2) Rebel XTi is $700 vs $1100 for the 30D
3) Rebel XTi is 19.6 oz vs 27.7 oz for the 30D
4) Rebel XTi is smaller
5) 30D has a larger and brighter viewfinder
6) Rebel XTi shoots 3fps vs 5fps for the 30D
7) 30D has more switches/dials which makes it quicker to operate
8) 30D is more rugged
9) Rebel XTi uses cheap IR remote, 30D does not
10) 30D has spot meter
11) XTi has anti-dust system
12) 30D has 2nd LCD
13) XTi max shutter speed is 1/4000 vs 1/8000 for the 30D
14) Battery life is longer on 30D
15) 30D has marginally useful 3200 ISO while XTi does not

I'm not at all sure that one has an IQ advantage over the other. If there is a difference, I bet that it's pretty small.

A few more differences:

16) 30D starts up instantly but the XTi takes 1.1 seconds. Well, you can actually take a shot with a turned off XTi in 0.1 seconds (vs 0.2 for the 30D) but the LCD doesn't become active for a second.
17) When shooting JPG, the XTi buffer fills after about 30 shots while the 30D can take a bit fewer than 40 (these numbers are affected by CF card speed). When shooting RAW, they can both shoot about 11 shots before filling the buffer.
18) The full buffer shooting behavior is different, with the 30D allowing about 1 shot every second or second and a half (depending on CF card speed). The XTi waits until a significant part of the buffer is flushed and then lets you fire off another burst. If you are shooting a lot of shots in a hurry with RAW, the XTi could be difficult to use.
19) The 30D has about twice the battery life of the XTi.

 

[treynolds]

I am looking at buying a Canon Rebel xti body only camera. However, the least expensive ones do not come w/ the factory accessories. I can buy those separate. Is the software necessary for the camera to work w/computer. This may be a dumb question. Can't find software to buy.

 

[DVC Jen]

You get quite a bit of software with it - at least I did. I got the EOS Utility software that take the photos off the memory card and onto your PC. I got the Zoom Browser EX that reads the raw files and lets you process and tweak them as well as save them to another photo format. And I got Corel Paint Shop Pro 9.

I definately think it is worth it. If you are planning on shooting in RAW you will need a program that will recognize the files and let you process them.

 

[ukcatfan]

I am looking at buying a Canon Rebel xti body only camera. However, the least expensive ones do not come w/ the factory accessories. I can buy those separate. Is the software necessary for the camera to work w/computer. This may be a dumb question. Can't find software to buy.

This might not apply to you, but I want to offer a warning just in case. Many online retailers (and I-Drive ones for that matter) that offer a body only without anything else, are scam artists. If it is an online shop, check their rating and reviews at http://www.resellerratings.com before you buy.

Kevin

 

[jann1033]

i don't use any of the canon software except the raw converter( like it better then the others i have) so i don't think you "need" it but you do need some software...pse5 is about $70 (unless you can find it on sale cheaper) and i don't know if cheap software would have the raw converter. so you'd need to take that into account with a bargain place..imo they cost to much to save a couple $$ and end up getting something that may be fake .also not sure how any firmware updates would work, if they would be connected to the software or not

i bought a rebel xt body only at buydig.com and it came with everything except the kit lens, ie software, strap, caps, battery charger, battery, manual...if someone is offering less, i'm with kevin, be careful

 

[MICKEY88]

I personally would be cautious with any seller that doesn't include the basics with a camera....to the best of my knowledge all major manufacturers, ship their cameras with all neccessary paperwork, cables software etc.
....

more often than not, sellers who offer a really low price for just the camera body, will then offer all the neccessary accessories for an additional cost, quite a few will insist that you buy the extras and if you refuse they will suddenly discover that the camera is out of stock...

I have also heard stories of these sellers including the basic accessories, and charging the buyers card, and then if you insist they take the items back, they charge a restocking fee....


if you choose to buy such a camera... Corels Paint Shop Pro Photo XI

will handle canon raw files, and will meet all your editing needs...

as far as needing software to get the photos from camera to pc..I personally recommend using a card reader instead of uploading from your camera, why put the wear and tear on your camera and battery.....when using a card reader you simply use windows explorer to copy or move the files from your card to your pc..

 

[treynolds]

I just ordered a Canon Rebel XTI--- I am so excited. Finally bit the bullet and gave up my Rebel film camera. I would like to purchase a remote shutter release. I have read that these really help out a lot shooting fireworks. Headed to WDW in two weeks. So I need to get one before we leave. I looked at the RC-1. Does anyone have this one? What do you think about it? Any other suggestions?