Thinking of upgrading... need some opinions!

[fightinfire21]

I am currently using a Canon SD500 point and shoot camera and I am thinking of upgrading to a DSLR.

I am a Canon fan so I had been looking at the Rebel XSi and the newer Rebel T1i. I had been leaning towards the XSi because I don't really need the video (already have a Canon Vixia HF100) and the fact it is almost the same camera for less money.

At B & H, where I purchase my photo/video stuff, the XSi with 18-55mm lens kit is selling for $659.95 and the T1i with 18-55mm lens kit is selling for $809.95

BUT tonight I was browsing and found there is a $300 mail in rebate when you purchase the T1i and a Canon PIXMA MP980 printer. B & H is offering a package with the Camera and lens kit plus the printer for $1,069.95 ($769.95 after rebate)

It is almost a no brainer to go with the package and get the printer for an extra $110. Even if I don't want to use the printer I can sell it on Ebay and end up with the "better" camera for less money!

Before I do this I just want to make sure that there isn't some reason I shouldn't purchase the T1i over the XSi

If you have upgraded from the XSi to the T1i... what do you think??

If you didn't upgrade.... why not?

Thanks in advance for reading this long post and replying.

 

[ukcatfan]

Not to throw a wrench into your plan, but it sounds like you are buying blindly just based on brand. I am also a Canon fan and had four Canon p&s models before upgrading to DSLR. I was set on a Rebel when I went to buy. I then went out to handle them and the Rebel just didn't feel right in my hands. I did however really like one that I didn't even know much about and was not even considering, the Pentax K100D. I have owned it over two two years and have no regrets. Basically, I am suggesting that you go out and handle all the options to make sure that you are making the right choice. I am glad I did.

 

[Frantasmic]

uk's advice is good. There was also a thread recently about someone else who was trying to decide between the XSi and the T1i. Popular Photography has a pretty good review of the T1i in this month's issue. They were fairly impressed with it.

However, other reviews I've seen say there's not that much difference in picture quality between the two and if you aren't that interested in the video, the suggestion is to go with whatever camera gets you the best deal. Sounds like you are in that camp.

I don't think you will be disappointed in either the XSi or the T1i, should you decide to go the Canon route. If you are new to DSLR, handling different brands in your hand is a good idea.

 

[bob100]

I am currently using a Canon SD500 point and shoot camera and I am thinking of upgrading to a DSLR.

I am a Canon fan so I had been looking at the Rebel XSi and the newer Rebel T1i. I had been leaning towards the XSi because I don't really need the video (already have a Canon Vixia HF100) and the fact it is almost the same camera for less money.

At B & H, where I purchase my photo/video stuff, the XSi with 18-55mm lens kit is selling for $659.95 and the T1i with 18-55mm lens kit is selling for $809.95

BUT tonight I was browsing and found there is a $300 mail in rebate when you purchase the T1i and a Canon PIXMA MP980 printer. B & H is offering a package with the Camera and lens kit plus the printer for $1,069.95 ($769.95 after rebate)

It is almost a no brainer to go with the package and get the printer for an extra $110. Even if I don't want to use the printer I can sell it on Ebay and end up with the "better" camera for less money!

Before I do this I just want to make sure that there isn't some reason I shouldn't purchase the T1i over the XSi

If you have upgraded from the XSi to the T1i... what do you think??

If you didn't upgrade.... why not?

Thanks in advance for reading this long post and replying.

I have the XSi (450D) and won't be upgrading anytime soon but if I was buying now the T1i (500D) plus printer and kit lens at $770 does look like a good deal. You can google for the differences but I believe the additional features are not real significant other than the video capability. I agree with the others if you are new to DSLR go and check out the models before buying. Keep in mind the you may not be satisfied with just the kit lens - you could be spending more down the road on telezooms, prime lens, tripods, etc, !

 

[Sewfun]

Not to throw a wrench into your plan, but it sounds like you are buying blindly just based on brand. I am also a Canon fan and had four Canon p&s models before upgrading to DSLR. I was set on a Rebel when I went to buy. I then went out to handle them and the Rebel just didn't feel right in my hands. I did however really like one that I didn't even know much about and was not even considering, the Pentax K100D. I have owned it over two two years and have no regrets. Basically, I am suggesting that you go out and handle all the options to make sure that you are making the right choice. I am glad I did.

I was seriously looking at a Canon xsi as well...until I tried my ex-boyfriend's and found I hated it. I went into a camera store and tried all of them, and fell in love with the Sony A350 because of how it felt in my hands, and then some of the features like image stabilization is in the camera, not the lens! I had never spent this much on a camera before and I wanted to try them all before I bought. I have been very happy with the Sony but I never would have tried it without going into a store and holding all of them in my hands.

 

[fightinfire21]

I have briefly handled the XSi at Sam's Club... I liked how it felt to hold and I felt like the buttons and modes were somewhat familiar to me.

I also recently played around with my uncles Nikon (not sure what model). It felt OK to hold... not bad but didn't like it as much as the Canon and I did not like the layout of the controls. I have not had any contact with any of the other brands. I'll have to get a day to play around with them at Best Buy.