Nikon 1300 or Canon Rebel XS

[sjams]

I am going to be using this for kids, pets, vacation, and would like to do some nature pics. Just want to go a step up from my Canon Power Shot S3.

The Canon is in a package that has both 18-55mm IS and 75-300mm lens'. (at Sam's)
The Nikon would be just the camera. (at Target)

Both are relatively close in price.

I know there are Nikon people and Canon people. Just not sure which way to go.

I have held both and they seem the same.

I think both have video capabilities and that would be fun.

Just confused.

 

[photo_chick]

If you go Canon I'd find a package with the 55-250 IS lens, rather than the 75-300, if you really want a tele zoom right off the bat. The 55-250 is usually about $50 more and generally performs a lot better than the older 75-300.

here is a deal at walmart..
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Canon-EOS...Image-Stabilizer-Telephoto-Zoom-Lens/14659960

 

[Bstanley]

I like my Canon XS quite a bit, but alas it does not have video capabilities.

Don't leave Pentax out of the mix, Adorama has a nifty Lime Green version of the K-x for the same price as a Rebel XS Seriously though the K-x does have video and a nice set of specifications for the money.

When did the Rebel XS get introduced, wasn't it the Summer of 2008? Isn't it about time for it's replacement?

 

[bob100]

I am going to be using this for kids, pets, vacation, and would like to do some nature pics. Just want to go a step up from my Canon Power Shot S3.

The Canon is in a package that has both 18-55mm IS and 75-300mm lens'. (at Sam's)
The Nikon would be just the camera. (at Target)

Both are relatively close in price.

I know there are Nikon people and Canon people. Just not sure which way to go.

I have held both and they seem the same.

I think both have video capabilities and that would be fun.

Just confused.

They both will be a big step up from the S3 but for the Canon I would urge you to consider the newer T1i (500D) or T2i (550D). The XS is an older model with limited features. And whatever you do, don't get the 75-300! If you go with Canon, look at packages that include the 18-55IS and 55-250IS lens.

 

[photo_chick]

When did the Rebel XS get introduced, wasn't it the Summer of 2008? Isn't it about time for it's replacement?

The XS is an old body. And it's also considered a sub class of the Rebel line, meant to compete with the Nikon D40. I do wonder if they will continue with the line and make another scaled down Rebel like it.

 

[sjams]

They both will be a big step up from the S3 but for the Canon I would urge you to consider the newer T1i (500D) or T2i (550D). The XS is an older model with limited features. And whatever you do, don't get the 75-300! If you go with Canon, look at packages that include the 18-55IS and 55-250IS lens.

Do you think that is too big of a jump? If so what do you recommend?

 

[bob100]

Do you think that is too big of a jump? If so what do you recommend?

No, I went from a Canon S5 to a Canon XSi (450D) If you have used the different modes of the S3 - Av, Tv, etc, than a DSLR will not be intimidating.
But I'll say it again, don't be tempted by the low price of the XS !
Wait until you have enough money for a more current model, like the Canon T2i (550D) or T1i (500D) or even a nikon D5000 or pentax K-x, etc.

 

[LPZ_Stitch!]

Do you think that is too big of a jump? If so what do you recommend?

I recently made the jump from an S3 to the T2i ... I don't regret it for a second!! And, I *loved* my S3....

There's no such thing as "too much" of a jump. A DSLR takes a little getting used to, but it's really not much "harder" to use than a bridge camera. If you understand exposure (aperture, shutter speed and ISO) you know enough to get started and get taking great pictures.

The S3 was a *great* camera, but its little 6MP sensor cannot compare to the 18M APS-C sensor in the T2i!

A good starter kit for the T2i is this:

• 18mm-55mm IS (the "kit" lens).
• 55mm-250mm IS (the best of Canon's non-L zooms).
• 50mm 1.8 II (the "nifty fifty" -- an amazingly good lens for $80-$90).

This covers your wide-angle, zoom and low light.

Avoid the 75mm-300mm unless you only plan on using it in very bright light (where it *can* take a decent picture). But, with not-so-great optics, no IS and a relatively small max. aperture the only thing it has going for it is 300mm for about $150.