Canon digital rebel XTi?

hockeyplaya13 · 06-16-08, 05:21

Alright, so I need a dSLR for my digital photography class next year, but was planning on getting one in the near future anyways since I've gotten really into photography. So I don't need the top of the line fifteen hundred dollar camera, but I also don't want the cheapy-deapy camera that I'll want to upgrade in two years. (makes me think of my PC and how I wish I'd got a rotary). So I've been looking around and I think I'm going to go with the Canon Digital Rebel XTi. I want to hear from people who own this camera and I want your input. Do you like it? Is it easy to use? Any regrets? Would you recommend it over the new XSi?
Thanks!

kwikrs · 06-17-08, 03:52

I have the xti, and I love it. It takes a little bit to get used to where all the features are. I found that it had a pretty short learning curve. Can't beat the self cleaning sensor either. I don't know much about the XSI though

jswift2000 · 06-17-08, 05:18

While not in the canon camp (I shoot a Nikon D200), spend as much as you can on good glass. Here are some canon promotions on EOS bodies...

fsi_catalog

BlueZero · 06-17-08, 06:27

Here is a few great websites for information...

Digital Camera Reviews and News: Digital Photography Review: Forums, Glossary, FAQ

Digital Cameras, Digital Camera Reviews - The Imaging Resource!

jbone · 06-17-08, 06:51

I have an xti and absolutely love it!!! As said above it does take a while to get used to all the different features but aside from that it is easier to use than I had expected. You can put some of canons best lenses on it. And once you get some practice in you can be taking phenominal pictures!!! Google "potn" and a canon forum will come up. Register and start reading

You seriously will not be dissapointed with the xti. Unfortunately I dont have any experience with the xsi. If you have big hands the canon battery grip is a must have! hope this helps

sQuashed · 06-17-08, 07:29

Yet another XTI owner...Here is a few sample shots

drew.haynes · 06-17-08, 07:41

+1 on GLASS. If it comes down to a pricey camera and cheap lens vs cheap camera and GOOD lens.. go with a better lens. It'll last you forever - you can always upgrade bodies. Good lenses last.

simracer · 06-18-08, 02:09

I'm an XTi owner and really like my camera. Really good consumer grade digital SLR. However, some of the features I would have enjoyed from the XSi would be the cheaper and more readily available SD format card as well as the live view on the LCD prior to taking the picture.

That said, I couldn't afford the $300+ price difference between the XTi body and the XSi body.

But yes, spend as much on the camera that has the features you'll need and spend as much as you can on the lenses. A great lens will in almost all cases produce terrific pictures regardless of what type of camera it's attached to.

Old Rattle Flat · 06-19-08, 08:02

XTi is great, but the new XSi is even a bit better. At this point, I'd be inclined to go the the XSi as the better long term choice.

George@DetailedImage · 06-19-08, 08:53

I have an XTi but ended up investing a lot more on a good tripod and a few lenses. Investing in a better lens than a typical kit lens will have a bigger impact than moving up to a slightly better body, IMO. Plus as you upgrade to a new body down the road, the lenses will work with it (assuming you keep your new body with Canon). Learn the ins and outs of the camera. I primarily shoot in AP mode. You won't be disappointed with either the XTi or XSi, great entry level D-SLR's!

George

MSOsr · 06-19-08, 10:19

I'm an XTi owner and absolutely love it. I sold my Canon T90 to buy it and am very pleased with the decision.

I agree that good glass is important.

Mike

drew.haynes · 06-19-08, 01:18

Head over to fredmiranda.com to talk with lots of professional photographers - also a GREAT place to buy and sell camera equipment. You could pick up a lightly used XTI for 400. A GREAT beginning lens would be a Tamron 17-50 at about 350-400. If you need to spend less, get an XT and a good lens. Use the heck out of it and in a year you can buy a much better body way cheaper, used, in great condition. You won't regret it.

On here people say "Prep is 90%, LSP is 10%". Well with cameras, it's allllmost like "Lenses are 90%, body is 10%". Most of your results will be a combo of personal ability and LENS ability.