Canon xsi vs 5D resolution

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dwile38
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p.1 #1 · Canon xsi vs 5D resolution

I was looking into purchasing a 5D however my budget will not allow it at this time.I am now looking at an xsi which I have seen anywhere from 550.00 to 700.00 and it looks to have resolution and sharpness pretty close to the 5D. Anyone have both and can give me insight on a comparison.
Thank you

Oct 08, 2008 at 09:30 PM

veroman
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p.1 #2 · Canon xsi vs 5D resolution

dwile38 wrote:
I was looking into purchasing a 5D however my budget will not allow it at this time. I am now looking at an xsi which I have seen anywhere from 550.00 to 700.00 and it looks to have resolution and sharpness pretty close to the 5D. Anyone have both and can give me insight on a comparison. Thank you

You are correct in your assumption. The xsi and 5D come very close in IQ. I own and use both routinely. But for sheer feature set and application to just about any situation (save for high speed action shooting), the 5D will enable captures that the xsi won't.

That being said, if you're looking for a basic, general-purpose camera that will take great pics under everyday conditions, the xsi is hard to beat. It's a great, great camera.

- Steve

Oct 08, 2008 at 09:38 PM

dwile38
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p.1 #3 · Canon xsi vs 5D resolution

Thank you Steve for the info. I have a 20D now and was wanting a second camera so I will probably pick up an xsi as a backup or a good travel camera. I have good glass so that will not be an issue. Hopefully I will be able to pick up a 5D next summer after saving up some cash.
Mark

Oct 08, 2008 at 09:41 PM

dgenx24
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p.1 #4 · Canon xsi vs 5D resolution

there are a few used 40Ds a little over 700 at buy & sell forum..
y not check it out...

Oct 08, 2008 at 09:44 PM

WilliamG
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p.1 #5 · Canon xsi vs 5D resolution

There's so much more to it than that... I've been using a 5D for a few months, and am now using an XSi (sold the 5D in preparation for the MKII). The XSi comes nowhere close to the 5D. There's a quality about the 5D that the XSi doesn't have. I'm not sure what it is, but all my XSi images look flat, whereas the 5D... just wowzers. FYI, as I've told a lot of people, get your XSi on eBay, with the Microsoft cashback promotion (google it).

Oct 08, 2008 at 09:57 PM

RalphJ
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p.1 #6 · Canon xsi vs 5D resolution

I say all the time that each person should hold for a few minutes a Rebel and then hold an D-series (5D, 40D, etc.) to make sure the Rebel isn't too small (the shallow grip in particular on the Rebel really tires my hand very quickly when walking around with the camera).

I agree that the 40Ds are a steal at $700 and there will only be more of them at that price as the 50D hits the market. Before handing over the money, do try to put in your hands even briefly each of the cameras you're considering!

As far as IQ difference between 450 and 5D (and 40D, and 50D...), you can do side-by-side comparisons between identical photos taken by any two cameras here (I'm partial to the "Still Life" series further down; double click on image to make it huge):

http://www.imaging-resource.com/IMCOMP/COMPS01.HTM

Oct 08, 2008 at 10:12 PM

Imagemaster
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p.1 #7 · Canon xsi vs 5D resolution

WilliamG wrote:
There's so much more to it than that... The XSi comes nowhere close to the 5D. There's a quality about the 5D that the XSi doesn't have. I'm not sure what it is, but all my XSi images look flat, whereas the 5D... just wowzers.

Ditto to that. I don't care what anyone else says, the 5D images just look a lot better.

Had both and sold the XSi. I also found the AF on the XSi not as good.

Oct 08, 2008 at 11:18 PM

s23chang
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p.1 #8 · Canon xsi vs 5D resolution

Maybe DOF control?
I have all three formats
5D
1dm3
xsi

Imagemaster wrote:
WilliamG wrote:
There's so much more to it than that... The XSi comes nowhere close to the 5D. There's a quality about the 5D that the XSi doesn't have. I'm not sure what it is, but all my XSi images look flat, whereas the 5D... just wowzers.

Ditto to that. I don't care what anyone else says, the 5D images just look a lot better.

Had both and sold the XSi. I also found the AF on the XSi not as good.

Oct 08, 2008 at 11:33 PM

RalphJ
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p.1 #9 · Canon xsi vs 5D resolution

Imagemaster wrote: Ditto to that. I don't care what anyone else says, the 5D images just look a lot better.

With the OP having said he can't afford a 5D and his budget seeming to be $700 or less, I'm not sure it's productive to keep saying "Yeah, the 5D is really great, don't get an XSi."

If $700 is indeed the most he can spend on the body, I recommend the 40D-- although I was really torn when looking for a crop-body 5 months ago and almost went with the 450 instead of the 40D.

Oct 09, 2008 at 02:06 AM

Yu Jiang Tham
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p.1 #10 · Canon xsi vs 5D resolution

You can get a used 20D online for ~$300. You'll get more control options and a faster framerate.

Oct 09, 2008 at 02:08 AM

cgardner
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p.1 #11 · Canon xsi vs 5D resolution

Sensor sizes have a profound effect on DOF. The smaller the sensor, the more DOF you get at a given f/stop. The reason is related to the fact f/stop numbers are based on the ratio between the focal length of the lens and the physical diameter of the aperture. WIth a smaller sensor a shorter actual focal length provides the same view angle (e.g. 10mm on a 1.6 crop has the same field of view as a 16mm on a FF sensor body). So if you compare DOF at f/4 of an 1/2" sensor all-in-one, 1.6, 1.3 and FF DSLR it will become progressively shallower, respectively.

Between FF 35mm film and my 1.6 crop 20D I used a small sensor Minolta D7Hi. It was a very nice little camera in many respects, but even wide open at f/3.5 it had almost infinite DOF. For example this shot was taken at f/3.5:

When I got my 20D the biggest adjustment was needing to pay more attention to focus point.

but selective focus became a creative option again

Megapixels are not all there is to IQ. Sensor cell sizes affect the signal/noise ratio so a FF with larger sensor cells may have better overall IQ, especially in the shadows, than a smaller, higher MP sensor with smaller sensor cells because larger cells have higher S/N ratios (i.e. less noise).

I'm currently debating the merits of upgrading to a 5DmkII or staying with the 1.6 format with the 50D. Both have pros and cons for my needs, but the HD Video of the 5DMkII may tip the balance it its favor since I don't have a digital video camera.

Oct 09, 2008 at 02:43 AM

Imagemaster
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p.1 #12 · Canon xsi vs 5D resolution

RalphJ wrote:
Imagemaster wrote: Ditto to that. I don't care what anyone else says, the 5D images just look a lot better.

With the OP having said he can't afford a 5D and his budget seeming to be $700 or less, I'm not sure it's productive to keep saying "Yeah, the 5D is really great, don't get an XSi."

So what? My post made it quite clear I was replying to the post by WilliamG, not the OP.

Oct 09, 2008 at 04:54 AM

Ian.Dobinson
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p.1 #13 · Canon xsi vs 5D resolution

Yu Jiang Tham wrote:
You can get a used 20D online for ~$300. You'll get more control options and a faster framerate.

why he's already got 1 of those.

To the OP, if you've got 700 max and want a back up/travel cam then look no further than the XSi. Only downsides are the controls arem't as good as the xxd/xd series and the smaller raw buffer. if these are a problem then go the 40d

Oct 09, 2008 at 06:12 AM

dhphoto
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p.1 #14 · Canon xsi vs 5D resolution

Imagemaster wrote:
WilliamG wrote:
There's so much more to it than that... The XSi comes nowhere close to the 5D. There's a quality about the 5D that the XSi doesn't have. I'm not sure what it is, but all my XSi images look flat, whereas the 5D... just wowzers.

Ditto to that. I don't care what anyone else says, the 5D images just look a lot better.

Had both and sold the XSi. I also found the AF on the XSi not as good.

This just simply isn't so.

I have been using a 5D (I've had three) since thay came out and the Xsi/450D for most of this year (since it came out) and regrettably it is quite true to say the image quality between the two (at the lower ISO's) is very very similar.

Clearly there is a difference in the perspective as viewed by the lenses and a really shallow dof is harder to obtain on the 450D, but for actual print-viewing 100% pixel peeping they are very very close.

The 5D pulls ahead comfortably at 800ISO + although at 800 the 450D is still extremely good, better than the 400D that preceeded it.

Don't be confused by the clear differences between FF & 1.6 crop, they are there, but in a landscape print for example, you won't see a difference.

David

Oct 09, 2008 at 08:01 AM

pointandshoot
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p.1 #15 · Canon xsi vs 5D resolution

dhphoto wrote:
Imagemaster wrote:
WilliamG wrote:
There's so much more to it than that... The XSi comes nowhere close to the 5D. There's a quality about the 5D that the XSi doesn't have. I'm not sure what it is, but all my XSi images look flat, whereas the 5D... just wowzers.

Ditto to that. I don't care what anyone else says, the 5D images just look a lot better.

Had both and sold the XSi. I also found the AF on the XSi not as good.

This just simply isn't so.

I have been using a 5D (I've had three) since thay came out and the Xsi/450D for most of this year (since it came out) and regrettably it is quite true to say the image quality between the two (at the lower ISO's) is very very similar.

Clearly there is a difference in the perspective as viewed by the lenses and a really shallow dof is harder to obtain on the 450D, but for actual print-viewing 100% pixel peeping they are very very close.

The 5D pulls ahead comfortably at 800ISO + although at 800 the 450D is still extremely good, better than the 400D that preceeded it.

Don't be confused by the clear differences between FF & 1.6 crop, they are there, but in a landscape print for example, you won't see a difference.

David

Totally agree with David about this - Canon new sensors need more time to kill the king and queen.

Oct 09, 2008 at 08:13 AM

Gochugogi
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p.1 #16 · Canon xsi vs 5D resolution

Don't be confused by the clear differences between FF & 1.6 crop, they are there, but in a landscape print for example, you won't see a difference.

Hmm, I mainly shoot landscapes and found that is the very area my 5D clearly excels over my 20D and 40D cameras, at least in large prints.

Oct 09, 2008 at 08:25 AM

dhphoto
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p.1 #17 · Canon xsi vs 5D resolution

Gochugogi wrote:
Don't be confused by the clear differences between FF & 1.6 crop, they are there, but in a landscape print for example, you won't see a difference.

Hmm, I mainly shoot landscapes and found that is the very area my 5D clearly excels over my 20D and 40D cameras, at least in large prints.

Over 20D & 40D yes, I would expect that, the 450D sensor is exceptional, I had a 20D and it doesn't come close.

I took a 450D and a Tamron 17-50 away for my last holiday in preference to my usual 5D + 24-70L and the results were just fantastic. Comparing them side by side at 100% pixel level there is just no benefit in the 5D, which REALLY surprised me. I have been a massive 5D fan (as everyone knows) but for subjects like landscapes the 450D is simply outstanding (especially for value). If you can live with the small body and interface you don't really need any more.

David

Oct 09, 2008 at 08:30 AM

jaclarkaus
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p.1 #18 · Canon xsi vs 5D resolution

veroman wrote:
dwile38 wrote:
I was looking into purchasing a 5D however my budget will not allow it at this time. I am now looking at an xsi which I have seen anywhere from 550.00 to 700.00 and it looks to have resolution and sharpness pretty close to the 5D. Anyone have both and can give me insight on a comparison. Thank you

You are correct in your assumption. The xsi and 5D come very close in IQ.

Actually in my experience the XSi comes nowhere near the 5D in terms of IQ - the larger sensor has significantly less noise, especially when pushing the ISO. The XSi smears and blotches the photo when trying to handle it. In full sun it's fine

Oct 09, 2008 at 08:50 AM

dhphoto
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p.1 #19 · Canon xsi vs 5D resolution

jaclarkaus wrote:

Actually in my experience the XSi comes nowhere near the 5D in terms of IQ - the larger sensor has significantly less noise, especially when pushing the ISO. The XSi smears and blotches the photo when trying to handle it. In full sun it's fine

Are you using RAW?

If not I can understand these results. If you are then maybe you need to reprocess.

David

Oct 09, 2008 at 08:54 AM

pointandshoot
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p.1 #20 · Canon xsi vs 5D resolution

I never see this kind of details on 20D,30D and 40D sensor before. Take a look at this post http://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/694967

Oct 09, 2008 at 08:58 AM

dhphoto
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p.1 #21 · Canon xsi vs 5D resolution

Here are a couple of examples, processed in Lightroom 2, 450D, Tamron 17-50. Crops are both at 200% !!

200 ISO, 17mm F10

This image is copyrighted by the owner

200% crop from foreground

This image is copyrighted by the owner

800 ISO 17mm, f2.8

This image is copyrighted by the owner

200% crop

Oct 09, 2008 at 09:05 AM

pointandshoot
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p.1 #22 · Canon xsi vs 5D resolution

I have to think twice before picking up another 5D1

Oct 09, 2008 at 09:21 AM

s23chang
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p.1 #23 · Canon xsi vs 5D resolution

Absolutely.
Learn how to take photos is priority.
If you have not shot larger format yet then you will not see the different perspective.

pointandshoot wrote:
I have to think twice before picking up another 5D1

Oct 09, 2008 at 09:41 AM

n0b0
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p.1 #24 · Canon xsi vs 5D resolution

RalphJ wrote:
I say all the time that each person should hold for a few minutes a Rebel and then hold an D-series (5D, 40D, etc.) to make sure the Rebel isn't too small (the shallow grip in particular on the Rebel really tires my hand very quickly when walking around with the camera).

I second that. It's sad how Canon seem to think that any amateur photographer would have a little girly hand. The 40D grip however, fits well and is very comfortable to hold. I know my next camera would be one from the XXD series.

Oct 09, 2008 at 10:08 AM

dhphoto
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p.1 #25 · Canon xsi vs 5D resolution

n0b0 wrote:
RalphJ wrote:
I say all the time that each person should hold for a few minutes a Rebel and then hold an D-series (5D, 40D, etc.) to make sure the Rebel isn't too small (the shallow grip in particular on the Rebel really tires my hand very quickly when walking around with the camera).

I second that. It's sad how Canon seem to think that any amateur photographer would have a little girly hand. The 40D grip however, fits well and is very comfortable to hold. I know my next camera would be one from the XXD series.

I think it's just to give users a small camera option. The 450D is considerably lighter and smaller than the XXD series, many people want that, I know I do when I'm travelling. If you put the grip on it makes a lovely neat sized camera, reminiscent of an old Nikon FM or FE

David

Oct 09, 2008 at 10:18 AM


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