Canon Rebel Xti...still a good camera?

[Planner13]

Hi everyone,
First off let me say that I have no photography experience, but I want to start to learn. I use my iPhone for all my picture taking. Anyway about 7 years ago my grandfather bought a Canon Rebel Xti and it ended up in a box after he passed. I don't think it was really ever used beside some practicing he did with it before a trip we had planned on taking. So today I charged it up and it seems to be working fine, but there isn't a memory card, so I'll have to pick one of those up.
So I guess my question is for a total novice, should I learn on this camera? Has digital camera technology changed where I should be looking into newer options? I'm sure the tech has come a long way in 7+ years. Will this camera be something that I can stick with or should I be saving for a new DSLR? Thanks for any advice.

 

[mom2rtk]

I think you'll be happy with how it does. It's still far better than an iphone.

Cameras have indeed come a long ways since then (especially in terms of low light photography) but it's still a solid camera.

 

[SkaGoat]

I think it will be a great camera to learn with!

 

[Frantasmic]

Do...both! Save for a new camera while learning on this one. You are in luck that Canon is updating some good workhorses that are already at bargain prices.

In reality, it depends on what you want to photograph. The XTi is probably really good for outdoor photography. If you are wanting to do indoor sports, you will need faster lenses, but still should be able to obtain decent pictures with practice.

I would save up for the 6D, which is going to be replaced soon. There are already some really good prices on this item, and it will only go down on the future.

EDIT: I would suggest having the sensor professionally cleaned though. Find a good, local camera store that does this.

 

[Planner13]

Thank you all for the advice. Glad to hear that it's still a good camera. I'm pretty excited to start learning. Frantasmic, I'll look into getting the sensor cleaned and do some research on the 6D. This is going to be a start to a new hobby. I live on Lake Erie so I'm probably going to start with nature shots and such. I was thinking that I would take it with me on my trip to WDW in Dec. and spend some time walking around Magic Kingdom by myself and taking pictures. Thanks again.

 

[TheBigE]

It is a great opportunity to get started and use a good camera. You can spend time taking photos and really learning the basics and can skip the dreaded beginner which camera should I buy phase...you already have that decided. Give it a go, shoot, review, shoot and repeat. Consider some online course or local community college to get a good foundation in the basics - ISO, Shutter Speed and Aperture.

Then after time you will know better what type of shooting you enjoy, and what you really need in your next camera. Good luck and have fun.

 

[Diane♥Disney]

I have a Rebel xti and love it. I got it eight years ago and have been thinking of getting a newer one and updrading but haven't yet because it takes such great pictures.

 

[jec6613]

A newer camera will be quicker and have a faster continuous drive, be better in low light, and offer more detail in the photos by around 25%. That's really it.

The bigger problem with the XTi is that if something breaks on it, or your battery dies, repairing it or finding a part for it is going to be tricky. My view is: as long as that XTi still works, keep using it.