Canon t1i vs xsi

[bean bunny]

Hi Everyone - I'm new to the photography board and researching my first DSLR (so exciting!) I'm finding pricing of about $20 difference between the t1i and the xsi. Is there any reason not to go with the t1i? We won't really be looking to use it for video and are primary "subjects" will be Disney and our pets (dogs/cats). I was prepared to buy the xsi but now I'm not sure! Any thoughts really appreciated.

Additionally these are both kits, are there lens that you suggest starting with beyond what comes included?

 

[photo_chick]

The T1i is the newer camera. Between those two I'd definately go with it.

My advice is usually don't buy a whole lot of lenses on the initial purchase. Use the camera with the kit lens. You'll get a pretty good idea rather quickly of where the kit lens will come up short for you and that will tell you what kind of lens you should look at to add to your collection.

However, if your just itching for some to start with, many people get the 18-55 kit, the 55-250 and the 50mm f/1.8 as thier first setup.

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

We have both and can tell you the main differences between them are:

XSi:
- 12.2 megapixels
- DIGIC III image processor

T1i:
- 15 megapixels
- DIGIC 4 image processor
- 3200 ISO (6400-12800 with boost)
- Video capture: 1920 x 1080 (1080P, 16:9) @ 20 fps or 1280 x 720 (720P, 16:9) @ 30 fps

If you are used to taking video with your digital camera, it could be a major factor in your decision. If video is not a major consideration, then I would recommend saving the $180-200 and use that money for some of the other goodies you will want to add to your new DSLR, such as a zoom lens. Another lens you can look is are the "nifty 50" (50 mm f/1.8).

 

[bean bunny]

Thanks everyone! I was actually out shopping and really liked the xs which was a good bit cheaper than the xsi. I think for my needs the xs will be great. I've been taking photos this evening and can't believe the quality. I have to say my purchase was prompted after developing the photos from my p/s. Night photos looked pretty good on the monitor and camera TERRIBLE developed. Our Disney trips are so special and I don't want to hate my photos again

After playing around a bit tonight I can see my first interest will be in getting a lens that allows me to zoom in more.

Also can you tell me more about the nifty fifty. What photos in particular are better with this lens?

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

Also can you tell me more about the nifty fifty. What photos in particular are better with this lens?

It's a fixed length lens so you have to zoom with your feet but at f/1.8 it lets in a lot of light. This lens is great for indoor, low light shooting (especially when a flash is not appropriate), plus 50mm is the perfect focal length for portraits.

I forgot to add if you're looking at taking night shots, get yourself a tripod and a remote shutter that way you can set your ISO on 100 and the remote shutter will eliminate any camera shake. There is a thread on how to take night shots around here somewhere, I'll see if I can find it and post a link for you.

Update: A couple links discussing night photography
- here
- and here
- and one more here

This post also explains night photography well.

 

[ChiSoxKeith]

I recently got to shoot with the 50mm 1.4 and man it was love at first click (considerably more expensive then the 1.8). That being said, I think I will wind up buying the 1.8 myself and save the extra money.

The 1.4 was amazing in low light. Really loved it.

 

[Cdn Friends of Pooh]

I recently got to shoot with the 50mm 1.4 and man it was love at first click (considerably more expensive then the 1.8). That being said, I think I will wind up buying the 1.8 myself and save the extra money.

The 1.4 was amazing in low light. Really loved it.

After using the nifty fifty for a couple trips, we decided to get the Sigma 30 mm f/1.4 and it has become our new favorite low light lens

 

[bob100]

After using the nifty fifty for a couple trips, we decided to get the Sigma 30 mm f/1.4 and it has become our new favorite low light lens

30mm is definitely better for many indoor pics

 

[aloksthephon]

Canon is a T1i-packed DSLR that boasts a wide range of improvements over its predecessor, the bestseller. Like many new digital SLR inherits T1i a number of functions of a top model in the series, but wraps them in a smaller form factor lighter and more affordable, with at least one advantage.