Canon xsi...

[rskbh00]

Is the Canon XSI with kit lens a good starter DSLR? If I get it will I need to upgrade in a year to a better camera or will I be able to just buy more lens and be good to go?
I am just a hobbyist not trying to be a pro by the way. Not that I would not love to be a pro one day but just not today!

 

[bob100]

Is the Canon XSI with kit lens a good starter DSLR? If I get it will I need to upgrade in a year to a better camera or will I be able to just buy more lens and be good to go?
I am just a hobbyist not trying to be a pro by the way. Not that I would not love to be a pro one day but just not today!

sure, the Canon XSi (450D) is a good "starter" DSLR but it's been around for a few years. Why not something newer with a lot more features, e.g. the Canon T2i (550D) - 18 megapixels, HD video, ISO to 12,800, etc. - only $649 at Adorama with the 18-55IS kit lens and free shipping and one year warranty

 

[boBQuincy]

The Xsi is a good camera to start out with, whether you need more features later depends on which features you may need. As for the basic dSLR features almost all dSLRs have the same: Program, Auto, Shutter, Aperture, and Manual modes; selectable ISO; RAW; several metering modes; several focusing modes. About the only real "feature" the Xsi is missing is video.

Now as for the *level* of those features, the Xsi is (sort of) limited to ISO 1600 and has a 12 MP sensor. So, can a T2i (or 7D) get images that the Xsi can't? Apart from images that require ISO 6400 and up, not likely. So if high ISO or video are among our requirements then the T2i would be a better choice.

 

[All American]

I am in the same boat as you and was looking at getting the XSi (birthday/anniversary gift) but have opted for the T2i instead.

The newness and the extra features of the T2i are really appealing especially since I love taking video of my family and on vacation. However, the thing that really sold me on the T2i over the Xsi was the feel of the camera. I tried them both at the camera store, and the T2i felt a little bit sturdier because it weighs a tad more. I also liked that it has a textured hand grip which made it feel a bit more secure in my hands--very important when trying to photograph a fast-moving 1 year-old.

Hope this helps and good luck with your purchase.

 

[networktek]

i opted for the canon XSI with the kit lens 18-55 and 55-250 loved the lens that it came with just upgraded to a 17-85 IS USM lens and now love that lens but the XSI is an amazing camera

 

[Rental01]

I got my XSi last June and I love it.

 

[boBQuincy]

Btw, almost all of the photos on our website taken after October 2008 are with an Xsi, so if those are up to your standards then the Xsi should work for you.

 

[mom2rtk]

I had the Xsi and recently upgraded to the T2i. Both take awesome photos, but I really wanted the higher ISO. You'll be happy with either!

 

[klmall]

As you can see in my siggy I have an XSi (that I bought in 2009) choosing it over the XT series since I don't need video. This camera has been a great step up to learn on and takes great pics; my only wish is to have more pixels. I know, I know; not what counts anymore but I like to enlarge my pictures on the screen and crop and zoom in and that isn't always possible with the lenses I have. But I have to say I get some amazing shots right on auto when I am in a hurry hiking along a trail. And I am mastering fireworks too.

Explore my SmugMug site using my Mt. Rainier link and anything you see from my Washington state trip was taken with the XSi.

 

[photo_chick]

If you're shopping new I'd go for the T1i or the T2i. The price difference between the XSi (body only new where you can find it) and the T1i (body only new) is well under $100 and what you gain is, IMO, well worth that price difference.

 

[Frantasmic]

If I were buying today, from scratch, with your expectations, I'd go with the T2i.

My dilemma two years ago was the 30D or the XSi. I went with the XSi for the newer innards, even though the 30D was probably a sturdier camera.

The XSi received great reviews and is a good camera. Even with the right lens, you can get pretty good pictures from high ISOs.

If most of your picture taking is outside, or in areas of good light, the XSi is a good fit. If you have pictures in gyms, enclosed swimming venues, or expect to take great pictures of actions on stage (choirs, orchestras, plays, etc.), I'd go with the T2i.

 

[rskbh00]

Thanks everyone for all your help. I decided to go with the Canon T2i and I ordered it this morning...it should be here Friday! Is there anything I need? Any instructional books, websites to learn all I can about my new camera? I am looking forward to learning all I can. This is my very first DSLR!

 

[WilsonFlyer]

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Rebel-550D-Dummies-Computer/dp/0470768819

Yes. Seriously.

 

[KarenAylwood]

Thanks everyone for all your help. I decided to go with the Canon T2i and I ordered it this morning...it should be here Friday! Is there anything I need? Any instructional books, websites to learn all I can about my new camera? I am looking forward to learning all I can. This is my very first DSLR!

Good choice and have fun! I still have the first dSLR I bought (Canon XSi) and LOVE it. Bought it in August 2008. If I was buying new now I'd go with the T2i. You can't go wrong with Canon and I'm sure it will be nice to have the video on there as well. I haven't upgraded because I've been putting money into lenses. Eventually I'll buy a new camera but my XSi has held strong for over 2 years. Only annoyance is now I'm feeling limited in ISO like others mentioned. Have fun!!

 

[rskbh00]

Well my canon T2i arrived a couple hours ago and finally got the battery completely charged and now playing with it. But so far I am loving it!