Upgrading to a Canon Rebel

[LaurieG]

Good Morning,

I am looking for some advice. First a little background, I started with a canon A90 went to he S5 (which I LOVED), moved to the SX10 (which I hate) and now have decided to make the leap to a rebel. I am considering taking advantage of the canon loyalty program. The camera choices are XS-XSI or T1. I have been reading the boards and had convinced myself (well actually you guys had) that the T2 was the way to go.
Can anyone tell me if I should stick with my guns and go with the T2 or take advantage of the canon loyalty program and get the T1?
Am I going to unhappy with the T1? Am I going to kick myself for not going with the T2?
Also, the S5 is dead that is why I went with the SX10. Canon will take the S5 w/the loyalty program but what do I do with the Sx10? Should I try and sell it on Craigslist?
Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated.

 

[LPZ_Stitch!]

Can anyone tell me if I should stick with my guns and go with the T2 or take advantage of the canon loyalty program and get the T1?
Am I going to unhappy with the T1? Am I going to kick myself for not going with the T2?

I recently upgraded from a Canon S3 (which I loved) to a T2i (which I love even more!!).

I don't think you'll be "kicking yourself" by getting the T1i over the T2i, but the T2i is *definitely* a more capable entry-level DSLR. It's routinely reviewed as the "best of its kind."

The T2i s basically just a stripped-down version of the more-expensive 7D. Its low light/high ISO capabilities are amazing and movie modes are fantastic.

The T1i is *nearly* as good, but it doesn't quite reach the specs of the T2i....

Moving up from a good bridge camera, though, I don't think you'd be disappointed with either.

Also, the S5 is dead that is why I went with the SX10. Canon will take the S5 w/the loyalty program but what do I do with the Sx10? Should I try and sell it on Craigslist?
Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated.

I've been trying to decide the same thing ... what to do with my beloved S3. I was thinking: sell it on eBay as a "package" as I have quite a few extras (lensmate tube, Raynox teleconverter, filters, etc, none of which fit my T2i ).

You might be able to sell it for enough to buy a new lens ... that's what I'm hoping ... or, at least knock down the cost of a more expensive lens....

 

[Frantasmic]

The XSi and the T2i received better reviews. The T1i is the older technology. The XS is a stripped down version of the T1i (same sensor anyway).

My order of preference, if I were buying, would be T2i, XSi, T1i, and XS.

I have the XSi btw and really enjoy it. I will probably upgrade to the 60D when/(if) it comes out.

 

[LaurieG]

I had a funny feeling I maybe getting these responses, I am glad that I did not jump at the T1 yesterday when it was offered to me, it was tempting! I think I will hold out for the T2 with the kit and then try and sell the Sx10. Any ideas on what to ask for it? It is about 11 months old and I am going to guess have taken about 1500 pictures with it.
Thanks so much for all of your input

 

[VVFF]

The XSi and the T2i received better reviews. The T1i is the older technology. The XS is a stripped down version of the T1i (same sensor anyway).

My order of preference, if I were buying, would be T2i, XSi, T1i, and XS.

I have the XSi btw and really enjoy it. I will probably upgrade to the 60D when/(if) it comes out.

Don't know where you got this. The XSi is significantly older than the T1i. The T1i is a 15MP camera that is a takeoff of the 50D. It has a similar sensor to the 50D but without the gapless microlenses.

The XS is a 10MP camera that uses a sensor similar to that of the 40D. It lacks quite a few of the features of the 40D however.

The XSi is a good camera, and uses a 12MP sensor. It lacks many of the features of the T1i/50D but adds some important ones that the XS lacks.

The overall feature set of each camera leads to the following ranking if only considering sensor technology:

T2i>50D>T1i>XSi>XS

However, when factoring in other features on camera it becomes a more difficult call:

T2i and 50D each have features that could sway a user one way or another.

So, in terms of the OP's question, the T2i is a significant step up from the T1i in terms of sensor and metering. However, for a new SLR user each camera will more than exceed the ability of the user for quite a while. My 50D "kicks my butt" more often than not, meaning that I still can't do it justice more often than not.

So, it depends entirely on cost. What's the cost of the T1i that they're willing to give you through the Canon Loyalty program? When comparing that to the cost of a T2i we can better judge whether its worth the cost increase.

 

[VVFF]

I had a funny feeling I maybe getting these responses, I am glad that I did not jump at the T1 yesterday when it was offered to me, it was tempting! I think I will hold out for the T2 with the kit and then try and sell the Sx10. Any ideas on what to ask for it? It is about 11 months old and I am going to guess have taken about 1500 pictures with it.
Thanks so much for all of your input

I highly doubt that a T1i would "hold you back". Is the T2i better? Sure. However, it isn't THAT much better that this is an obvious decision. Give us the costs and it'll be easier to judge.

 

[photo_chick]

Whether or not you'd kick yourself is something only you can answer. I know if I were choosing between the T1i and T2i it would be no contest, I'd go for the T2i... but that's me. You just have to ask yourself is it worth the price difference to you?

 

[LaurieG]

The cost of the T1 kit through the Loyalty program is $519.99 the cost of the T2 kit through camera shop here in NH is $879.99. When I asked about the availability of the T2 through the loyalty program I was told it would be quite a while.
I am sure that either one will "kick my butt" for a long, long, long time. I am eager to learn and will probably become a thorn in all of your sides!!!!

Where do you generally buy your cameras? B&H, Best Buy, a local shop Etc?

 

[VVFF]

The cost of the T1 kit through the Loyalty program is $519.99 the cost of the T2 kit through camera shop here in NH is $879.99. When I asked about the availability of the T2 through the loyalty program I was told it would be quite a while.
I am sure that either one will "kick my butt" for a long, long, long time. I am eager to learn and will probably become a thorn in all of your sides!!!!

Where do you generally buy your cameras? B&H, Best Buy, a local shop Etc?

I've bought from Adorama, B&H, Beach Camera, Amazon and more. Honestly for the price difference I would rather see you get a T1i and a nicer lens vs. the T1i with just the kit lens. Trust me, the 50D is more than enough for me right now. Would I like some of the features of the 7D? Sure, but when I really think about where my money should go at this point its either lenses or specialty lessons on specific topics. A better camera honestly may improve 1 shot out of 100 because of camera features.

Camera bodies come and go, there will always be another around the corner that you will want. Get a nice lens like the 85mm F1.8 or 30/50mm Sigma and improve with those.

 

[SrisonS]

I made the jump last year from an S3 to a T1i. I loved my S3, but love the T1i even more. You definitely won't be disappointed with it. I'd say to price out the sx10 on eBay, to see how much you could possibly get for it. Then let that help decide if you want the T2i over the T1i.

 

[bob100]

. The camera choices are XS-XSI or T1. I have been reading the boards and had convinced myself (well actually you guys had) that the T2 was the way to go.
Can anyone tell me if I should stick with my guns and go with the T2 or take advantage of the canon loyalty program and get the T1?
Am I going to unhappy with the T1? Am I going to kick myself for not going with the T2?
A:

I would go with the newer Canon T2i (550D)
http://www.popphoto.com/reviews/cameras/2010/05/camera-test-canon-eos-rebel-t2i

 

[pjacobi]

I started with a canon A90 went to he S5 (which I LOVED), moved to the SX10 (which I hate) and now have decided to make the leap to a rebel

Did you know how to shoot these cameras on Av, Tv, or manual mode? Do you know how to post process your photos?

A more expensive camera will not guarantee better photos! Time and effort are 90% of photography.

What could you do with a dSLR camera that was not already possible with a previous camera?


-Paul

 

[KYCruiseCrazy]

Good Morning,

I am looking for some advice. First a little background, I started with a canon A90 went to he S5 (which I LOVED), moved to the SX10 (which I hate) and now have decided to make the leap to a rebel. I am considering taking advantage of the canon loyalty program. The camera choices are XS-XSI or T1. I have been reading the boards and had convinced myself (well actually you guys had) that the T2 was the way to go.
Can anyone tell me if I should stick with my guns and go with the T2 or take advantage of the canon loyalty program and get the T1?
Am I going to unhappy with the T1? Am I going to kick myself for not going with the T2?
Also, the S5 is dead that is why I went with the SX10. Canon will take the S5 w/the loyalty program but what do I do with the Sx10? Should I try and sell it on Craigslist?
Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated.

Just remember this all important thing about upgrading to a Dslr........It's heavier, bulkier, and weighs alot more then the P&S you had. The quality of the photo's will improve and I strongly recommend you get a book to help you learn the camera. I started with a Canon rebel film camera. moved up to a Canon Rebel XT. And now I have a Canon Xsi and love it. My only problem with the Xsi is the size. It's hard to enjoy a baseball game with a Dslr as compared to a P&S.

I'm trying to get DW to buy a nice P&S so we can get great shots at concerts and places where a Dslr just won't work. Also, remember this about Dslr's, they can cost BIG $$$$$$$. I would get the cheaper Xs or Xsi just because of the price. The bigger cameras have settings you will more then likely never use. This is just my opinion. Good Luck!!

 

[ukcatfan]

Every time I looked into the canon loyalty program in teh past, they were offering refurb cameras. They might be new now, but make sure you know what you would be getting. A refurb would only have about a 90 day warranty.

As for the differences between the T1i and T2i, I just do not see the big advantage of the T2i. It might have a a little more than a half stop advantage at high ISO, but if shot in RAW, I doubt it would even be that much. The video mode is significantly better if that is important to you. The extra MPs at this high amount already do not mean much. I also really doubt the metering will be much different. My camera only has a 16 zone system and I have no complaints on exposure. The drive mode is almost identical. The viewfinder looks to be identical. The LCD changed aspect ratio, but is the same size. The shutter appears to be identical. What am I missing here that makes people want the T2i over the T1i so much? The only big thing I see is the video mode. I just do not see the metering (which has no affect on image quality) and the extra MPs being worth that much. If it was only like $100 different then sure, but it looks like there is more of a difference than that. I just think that money would be better spent on a better lens where you would actually see the difference in the end product.

 

[Wingman]

Every time I looked into the canon loyalty program in teh past, they were offering refurb cameras. They might be new now, but make sure you know what you would be getting. A refurb would only have about a 90 day warranty.

They still are refurbs.

 

[ukcatfan]

The cost of the T1 kit through the Loyalty program is $519.99 the cost of the T2 kit through camera shop here in NH is $879.99.

Every time I looked into the canon loyalty program in teh past, they were offering refurb cameras. They might be new now, but make sure you know what you would be getting. A refurb would only have about a 90 day warranty.

They still are refurbs.

$520 for a refurb is not soo great of a deal if you ask me. It is cheaper than a new one, but remember that you are still getting a used camera with a short warranty.

 

[LaurieG]

pjacobi- I know just enough to be dangerous!! I do sometimes shoot in Av, TV and when I get very brave manual. I have leaned a lot from these boards, trial and error and missed shots! I will confess that I shoot in auto or program when I don't want to miss the shot but other times I try to shoot in TV, or AV. I would love to be able to shoot in manual more and know that the only way that is going to happen is for me to practice, practice, practice, practice

KYCruiseCrazy- Thank you for the great advice, I had never thought of that before

ukcatfan and Wingman- I did not realize that the cameras through the loyalty program were refurbished AND came with a shortened warranty, thanks for the heads up an the insight.

Thanks to everyone who has given advice, I really, really appreciate it! Please keep it coming!

I think I will now go beat my head against the wall!

 

[LPZ_Stitch!]

I would love to be able to shoot in manual more and know that the only way that is going to happen is for me to practice, practice, practice, practice

There's a feature on the T2i (and probably a lot of other, newer DSLRs) called Auto ISO ... it's a really great pairing with getting the hang of Manual mode.

With Auto ISO, in Manual, you set your Aperture and Shutter speed, and the camera automatically picks the ISO based on the metering it reads. Since Aperture and Shutter speed are the two parts of the exposure "triangle" that actually affect the *look* of the pic (DOF and sharpness), I think it allows for maximum control with the least amount of improperly exposed shots. It's become my new favorite mode!

 

[bob100]

pjacobi- I know just enough to be dangerous!! I do sometimes shoot in Av, TV and when I get very brave manual. I have leaned a lot from these boards, trial and error and missed shots! I will confess that I shoot in auto or program when I don't want to miss the shot but other times I try to shoot in TV, or AV. I would love to be able to shoot in manual more and know that the only way that is going to happen is for me to practice, practice, practice, practice

KYCruiseCrazy- Thank you for the great advice, I had never thought of that before

ukcatfan and Wingman- I did not realize that the cameras through the loyalty program were refurbished AND came with a shortened warranty, thanks for the heads up an the insight.

Thanks to everyone who has given advice, I really, really appreciate it! Please keep it coming!

I think I will now go beat my head against the wall!

FYI - the Canon refurbs sold by www.adorama.com include a one year warranty

 

[Wingman]

ukcatfan and Wingman- I did not realize that the cameras through the loyalty program were refurbished AND came with a shortened warranty, thanks for the heads up an the insight.

Don't let that scare you away, many folks prefer these as they have been looked at by a Canon tech vs just assembled in a factory.