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General discussion

Canon EOS Rebel XS vs. XSi

Mar 17, 2010 3:49AM PDT

Hello,
I need some opinions on which camera to purchase. I am a beginner at SLR photography but I do plan on really learning my camera and making photography a hobby. It will be used primarily for family photos and travel photography.

I am deciding between the Canon EOS Rebel XS and the XSi. I know that the XSi is a better camera. However, I found a kit that comes with the Canon EOS Rebel XS, a memory card, camera bag PLUS TWO lenses,
Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS lens and Canon EF 75-300mm lens. The other option is the Canon EOS Rebel XSi which just comes with the 18-55 mm lens.

Both of these options are around $600, which is what I have budgeted. If you were in my position, which would you choose and why?

Thanks in advance for the help Happy

Discussion is locked

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I thought I had replied...hmmm

Well, I wouldn't buy the kit you're thinking of. The 75-300mm Canon lens is the worst zoom lens that Canon produces. The only reason they keep it around is because of the cheap cost to produce and that most people that buy their first DSLR don't have much knowledge on lenses. I'd use it more for a doorstop and get a better lens.

If you want a twin lens kit then look for the one offered with the 55-250mm IS lens. That's their new low budget lens and it's pretty good.

For the XS vs XSI, you'll have to decide whether the extra AF points, the better center-point AF sensor, better LCD, and spot metering is worth it for you. Nobody can make that decision for you, but both cameras are very good performers.

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wait a couple of weeks
Mar 18, 2010 4:40AM PDT

Depends where you live but the new 550d (t2i) is coming out end of this month in the US. This should cause a drop in the price of the older models. Be a little careful of the KIT things being sold. The 18-55IS lens they include is a nice lens but in general you will pay $100 for it in the kit which is only a very small discount. Other kits included lenses tend to be ok but nothing special for the price.

Unless you really know what lenses you want I would stay with just the first one and see if you can borrow some of the other lenses before you buy. You want to buy the best possible lens you can afford since it will outlive your camera body. Both Sigma and Tamron make very nice lenses when the canon ones are out of your budget.

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Thanks
Mar 18, 2010 5:36AM PDT

Thanks, that was really helpful to know that lens is garbage. I think I will go with the XSi, since I have heard a lot of great things about it.