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Archive 2009 · T1I vs XSI newb here, critique my planned purchase

72_chevy_truck
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · T1I vs XSI newb here, critique my planned purchase

I am fairly new to photography. I want to purchase an entry level DSLR camera to take with me to an NHRA race in August. I have had some experience with both a Canon T-70 and one of the original 6.0 mp rebels.

I am leaning towards the XSI due to the cost but the T1I has the newer image processor and some more mp. Most of my mind says I should be committed to the XSI due to the fact I won't be able to use it to its full potential for quite some time. I planned on purchasing one of these two cameras with the 18-55mm kit lens and a zoom lens of some sort.

The zoom lens I had first planned on getting was the following:

70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

Do I really need the image stabilization if I am not shooting video? (T1I, I don't plan on using the video function and besides I am more of a right tool for the job type of guy)

If not, would I be better to spend a little more money and go with this lens?

70-200mm f/4L USM

What is the difference in the US made and imported lenses aside from the orgin of manufacture?

Thanks

Dec 15, 2009 at 10:14 AM

davenfl
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · T1I vs XSI newb here, critique my planned purchase

First off both are fine cameras and for your needs either will deliver good to excellent IQ and fit your purposes. The biggest difference really video. If that is important to you then maybe the $200+ difference in cost may be worth it. Personally from your brief description I would go with the Xsi, it is one of the best bargains out there right now. As far as the lens if your at the NHRA your going to want some reach and image stabilization so of your 2 lenses choice the 70-300 would make more sense to me. You cannot lose here really.

Dave

Dec 15, 2009 at 10:30 AM

bpark42
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · T1I vs XSI newb here, critique my planned purchase

XSi sounds like a better fit for you. Take the money saved by not getting the T1i and put it toward a lens.

The 70-300 is a good choice as well. The extra reach and the IS are probably worth it here over 70-200. IS can be very useful on long lenses. It's definitely not a "video thing."

Well, either way they are both very good lenses. The 70-200 has a better build and probably slightly better image quality, but the 70-300 is more flexible and is no slouch.

As for US vs. Import I believe the difference has to do with the warranty provided, but I am no expert on that.

Dec 15, 2009 at 10:54 AM

72_chevy_truck
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · T1I vs XSI newb here, critique my planned purchase

I don't need the video function, I don't really even care about the video function. I thought that maybe the upgraded image processor might be worth the extra coin.

Dec 15, 2009 at 10:59 AM

72_chevy_truck
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · T1I vs XSI newb here, critique my planned purchase

It looks like both of you are telling me what I wanted to hear.

I was waffling this morning on my choices. By August I may have even more savings to play with if the price drops. I should probably have at least a month to get really familiar with the camera before I go to the race. Maybe take some freeway shots on a nice day to see how it works.

I was also thinking I should have a photo log so that I can learn from my mistakes. What would you normally write down with each picture taken? Or is this information stored in the photo file itself?

Dec 15, 2009 at 11:03 AM

mfreardon
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · T1I vs XSI newb here, critique my planned purchase

Maybe you can reduce your decision to this question: Do you need the additional reach that the 70-300 will provide? If so, choose it. If not, the L glass probably will provide better images.

For what it's worth, I used to own a 70-200 f/4L. The images from the lens were excellent and I'm sorry that I sold it.

Dec 15, 2009 at 11:04 AM

Ian.Dobinson
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p.1 #7 · p.1 #7 · T1I vs XSI newb here, critique my planned purchase

72_chevy_truck wrote:
I

70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM

Do I really need the image stabilization if I am not shooting video? (T1I, I don't plan on using the video function and besides I am more of a right tool for the job type of guy)

If not, would I be better to spend a little more money and go with this lens?

70-200mm f/4L USM

What is the difference in the US made and imported lenses aside from the orgin of manufacture?

Thanks

well you dont REALLY NEED IS but it sure helps.
Even just for the IS float of the viewfinder it helps when keeping the target in the AF point.
We sure as hell were able to get sharp images without it but the keeper rate was less.
All that said I have just sold my 70-300 IS as I like using my 80-200L more. But the 70-300 is a great lens.

Now for the body.
If I were to choose between the XSi and the T1i I would go for the 40D or 50D

depending on the budget.
Had a XSi and yes it is a great little camera but the 40D I replaced it with just does things better.

Dec 15, 2009 at 11:07 AM

72_chevy_truck
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p.1 #8 · p.1 #8 · T1I vs XSI newb here, critique my planned purchase

I guess I may be concerned with the amount of shake I could get with amateur hands with high speed subjects. I could go either way. I wish I had someone near me that had one of these lenses to try out and compare.

Dec 15, 2009 at 11:08 AM

Ian.Dobinson
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p.1 #9 · p.1 #9 · T1I vs XSI newb here, critique my planned purchase

To quantify my post above.
You want the camera to go to the NHRA, you have a very small amount of time to shoot each subject. Now the XSi can burst @3.5 (ish) FPS and the 40D/50D over 6.3 fps . thats double (nearly) the shots per burst.
Add to that the Buffer if you shoot Raw the XSi can only do 6 frames but my 40D gets about 15. Although if you shoot Jpeg the XSi can go on long enough

Dec 15, 2009 at 11:13 AM

72_chevy_truck
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p.1 #10 · p.1 #10 · T1I vs XSI newb here, critique my planned purchase

I can't afford the 40D or the 50D. Maybe down the road when I am not such a newbie to photography. I am hoping to have about $1300-$1400 set aside by July to make the purchase plus a bag and a couple CF cards. I don't plan on using this camera to make money doing photography. I only want it for my enjoyment although I wouldn't put it past myself to put a few of the good shots on a stock photo website...

Dec 15, 2009 at 11:15 AM

Ian.Dobinson
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p.1 #11 · p.1 #11 · T1I vs XSI newb here, critique my planned purchase

As for import V USA model they will be made in the same factory on the same line. your warranty will be different but even then I think Lenses carry a worldwide warranty (you need to check that)

Dec 15, 2009 at 11:16 AM

Ian.Dobinson
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p.1 #12 · p.1 #12 · T1I vs XSI newb here, critique my planned purchase

look around here and I bet you will find 40D's going for around the 500 bucks a XSi costs body only

Although this looks a great deal
http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/589090-REG/Canon__EOS_Rebel_XSi_a_k_a_.html
the 55-250 IS is also a very good lens if you dont need the 300 end

Dec 15, 2009 at 11:21 AM

72_chevy_truck
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p.1 #13 · p.1 #13 · T1I vs XSI newb here, critique my planned purchase

I will probably start by shooting jpeg for now. I will probably have to use Gimp for a while for processing.

Dec 15, 2009 at 11:21 AM

72_chevy_truck
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p.1 #14 · p.1 #14 · T1I vs XSI newb here, critique my planned purchase

good point, I didn't consider looking at the used market. If I went used, what should I be looking at to make sure what I buy will last me a long time.

Dec 15, 2009 at 11:25 AM

rhameed
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p.1 #15 · p.1 #15 · T1I vs XSI newb here, critique my planned purchase

As others suggested - a used 40D is the best bet for your intended use. In addition to higher fps, it also has a superior autofocus system which will be important for you.

40D is a pretty complete camera with not much to fault and will serve you very well over the long run as well.

Dec 15, 2009 at 01:20 PM

72_chevy_truck
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p.1 #16 · p.1 #16 · T1I vs XSI newb here, critique my planned purchase

I will keep the 40D in mind as I build my camera piggy bank. I might as well see what I can find for used lenses as well while I am at it. I might be able to find a deal there too.

Dec 15, 2009 at 01:53 PM

4honor
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p.1 #17 · p.1 #17 · T1I vs XSI newb here, critique my planned purchase

I have the XSi, and I have used the T1i for a couple shoots. Not sure if you will need it, but the T1i can go up to 3200 ISO, while the XSi max out at 1600. Granted, you probably don't want to go up that high, but it's there when you need it.

Another thing, since you won't need a camera until July/August, maybe you should wait a bit longer for new models and such? For me, I like to buy my bodies new, for the warranty and return policy, but lenses you can buy used pretty safe.

As for the lenses, get the 70-300 IS if you need the 300mm, otherwise just get the 55-250 IS or something. 70-200 series are awesome (I have the f/2.8 IS), but I think you should save for the IS versions...

Dec 15, 2009 at 02:05 PM

CW100
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p.1 #18 · p.1 #18 · T1I vs XSI newb here, critique my planned purchase

The XSi /450D is probably your best option - better ISO performance and image quality compared to the older 40D. If you like video the newer T1i (500D) could be a good choice. I would look at the Canon 55-250IS for a cheap but good telephoto zoom.

Dec 15, 2009 at 03:52 PM

72_chevy_truck
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p.1 #19 · p.1 #19 · T1I vs XSI newb here, critique my planned purchase

If I was to look at a used 40D how much should I be paying for a low shutter count?
What is considered low shutter count?

Dec 15, 2009 at 05:53 PM

jamesf99
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p.1 #20 · p.1 #20 · T1I vs XSI newb here, critique my planned purchase

I'd say get the XSi (450d). It really is a great camera and even though I recently helped a friend buy the T1i, I'd buy the XSi for myself.

I'm reluctant to point you there, but if you read the reviews at DPR, or Dpreview, you can get somewhat of a comparison. Be aware though, those guys are borderline(?) hacks IMO and what they list as negative on one camera will get a total pass on another as a "non issue". This is often a Canon vs. Nikon problem though - they're currently in LOVE with everything Nikon - but still be aware of their biases).

Low shutter count should be <10k on a 40d. Shutters are "rated" to 100k I think (or they were at one time on the xxd series).

Dec 15, 2009 at 06:14 PM

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