Upgrading Canon Xsi

[lmb80129]

I've been throwing the idea of upgrading my camera for XMAS. I currently have the Canon Xsi with the kit lens and a 55-250. I'm currently using it for family photos and really just on auto but I'd love to learn more as the kids get older. I'd like to stay with a Canon camera but am wondering what models to look at that will be that much better than the one I have. I'm specifically concerned with improving speed and low light pictures. Or do I just get a lens that will perform well in low light settings? Thanks for any help!

 

[ukcatfan]

A lens would probably be the best investment for low light. That said, you can get a lot of high ISO improvement with something like a T3i or even T2i.

 

[bob100]

I've been throwing the idea of upgrading my camera for XMAS. I currently have the Canon Xsi with the kit lens and a 55-250. I'm currently using it for family photos and really just on auto but I'd love to learn more as the kids get older. I'd like to stay with a Canon camera but am wondering what models to look at that will be that much better than the one I have. I'm specifically concerned with improving speed and low light pictures. Or do I just get a lens that will perform well in low light settings? Thanks for any help!

neither!
Get an external flash and learn about using different camera settings with Av, Tv, manual mode, etc. You can get a Canon ETTL flash for as little as $60 (Yongnuo) and produce awesome family pics. Add a set of wireless triggers ($25) and a $6 shoot thru umbrella and produce even more awesome pics.
Don't believe me? Check out the XSi and flash/lighting section at a Canon forum like http://photography-on-the.net/forum/

 

[photo_chick]

I've been throwing the idea of upgrading my camera for XMAS. I currently have the Canon Xsi with the kit lens and a 55-250. I'm currently using it for family photos and really just on auto but I'd love to learn more as the kids get older. I'd like to stay with a Canon camera but am wondering what models to look at that will be that much better than the one I have. I'm specifically concerned with improving speed and low light pictures. Or do I just get a lens that will perform well in low light settings? Thanks for any help!

While you would improve your ISO performance, both in range and noise, with a body like a T2i or T3i... you would also gain a lot in low light with a fast prime or two added to your kit. I'd be really torn between the two options if I were you right now, but for me unless the camera were malfunctioning or there was a feature on the new cameras I really wanted (video, live view, faster burst rate...) I'd probably go for some fast glass.

I shot with a Rebel XT for about five years and was able to produce some really great hand held low light shots with the 50mm f/1.8 on it. The main reason I replaced my Rebel with a 50D as my primary camera was because the light meter on the Rebel started reading a little wonky.

 

[jillgunter]

I personally would learn how to use your camera in manual first. Higher the camera, more buttons to figure out! I love my 50 mm 1.8 lens. It is a great portrait lens. And is really good for low light. Its a cheap lens too, you can get it for around $100.

I upgraded recently to the 60D, and really love it. Great camera! I cant wait to take it to Disney in a few weeks.

 

[Frantasmic]

You could get a slightly better camera with a better sensor. But your current camera can produce great pictures. You should learn shooting in raw and to compose your shot. A good lens would also help. A better camera in auto doesn't equal better pictures.

 

[Mister Skellington]

Lens before body IMO.

I love the suggestion of the nifty 50. (50 MM)
It is on my camera 75% of the time. If you want longer focal length (and have the dough!) I would go for the 100 MM which also has GREAT Macro ability. Which gives you another creative outlet. Of course the 100 MM wont do as well with low light as the 50 mm. A fast L lens in the mid range is high on my list as well.