Time To Upgrade? New Canon XSi

[mabas9395]

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0801/08012403canoneos450d.asp

An upgrade to the relatively new Rebel XTi.

-12.2 megapixel CMOS sensor
-SD/SDHC cards
-Larger viewfinder
-Live view mode, including contrast-detect AF
-Improved 9-point AF system
-Spot metering
-3.0" LCD monitor
-Redesigned menus (including My Menu as seen in 40D)
-Slightly redesigned info display
-Continuous shooting at 3.5fps for up to 53 JPEG (6 RAW)
-ISO setting displays in viewfinder and ISO button
-New, larger, higher capacity battery
-14 bit A/D converter and processing
-Multi-shot self-timer mode
-Highlight Tone Priority (from 40D)
-Auto Lighting Optimiser (boosts shadows after shooting)
-Redesigned battery grip (BG-E5)

 

[tiggr33]

Per Canon's website, it won't be available until April.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

Sigh...I was really hoping that they'd replace the 5D. I think I'll stick with what I have for now...and maybe add a 100mm Macro, or a 24mm T/S, or a 15mm Fisheye, or a 400mm f/2.8. When is that darn stimulus thing supposed to get here. I'm in a mood to be overstimulated.

 

[Miss Kelly]

Is that all? lol I was hoping to see some new specs on the 5D replacement too.

 

[SharonLowe]

Ditto on the 5D upgrade. Just can't justify the 1Ds MkIII right now but would love to see a new 5D.

Mark, if you seriously want a new expensive lens, the 24mm t/s has my vote, especially if you like to take architectural photos. Also, it can make a very nice pano using just 3 shots - one focused to the left side; one to the middle and the other focused to the right. Merge them in PS. (You can also do nice vertical panos that way too)

 

[MarkBarbieri]

I'd love the 24mm t/s and almost bought a used one a few months ago. The problem that I have is that most of my shooting is done rather quick and dirty while out and about with the family. The t/s lenses really reward people that take time to properly set up a shot. I don't think I'm in that phase of my life right now. In a few years, things will be different. Until then, it'll probably remain more in the dream than reality category.

 

[ukcatfan]

As an outsider, here is my take on it. I think it is a nice step forward if you are just entering the DSLR market, but I just do not think may will upgrade from the XT or XTi once they think about it. Owners of the original Rebel might be more interested. Changing the memory, battery, and grip makes it somewhat of a larger investment for many upgraders IMO. If I were in that position, I would go ahead and upgrade to the 40D. The spot metering is a nice addition though. I still think it was a mistake removing the info LCD though.

Kevin

 

[mabas9395]

They also announced two new lenses, for the quick and dirty shooter. An 800mm f/5.6L IS and a 200mm f/2.0L IS.

Gotta get one of each. Unfortunately, that tax rebate isn't going to come close.

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=154&modelid=16358

http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=153&modelid=16357

 

[Golf4food]

The Xsi has piqued my interest for an upgrade over my Pentax ist*DL - some of the feautres for the Xsi sound like they would be better than the 30D or 40D - what do you Canon experts think? Should I just invest the extra few hundred to get a 40D instead?

 

[DVC Jen]

Is that all? lol I was hoping to see some new specs on the 5D replacement too.

Me too! I think I have the hubster willing to let me upgrade next December with his next bonus/profit sharing check. I am really curious to see if and or when they replace the 5D - then I can decide if I want to go with the replacement or get the 5D at a cheaper price tag.

 

[ukcatfan]

The Xsi has piqued my interest for an upgrade over my Pentax ist*DL - some of the feautres for the Xsi sound like they would be better than the 30D or 40D - what do you Canon experts think? Should I just invest the extra few hundred to get a 40D instead?

Unless you just have the kit lens, why not go for the K20D that is the same price range as the 40D? That way you are no re-investing in lenses and other accessories. As for the Canons, I am certainly no expert, but the 40D is still going to be a better camera than the XSi. They have added decent features to it, but the 40D is in a whole different league.

Kevin