Get XSi or T1i

DP13Photo

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I want to upgrade my XTi, mainly for larger LCD, spot metering, 14-bit RAW, and a larger viewfinder.

I'm wondering what are the current experiences of users are?

Dave
 
Well last september I bought my first SLR which was the Xsi. I found the camera to be a great starter camera as well as loaded with features. I love this camera. Ever since getting the camera. I have done much research and even backwards research. I discovered that many have said the Xsi was a pretty large leap compared to the Xti.

As far as what you say you ask for in comparing the two cameras you are looking at... all you said you wanted, you can get in the Xsi. But the T1i has a few added features but you are mostly paying for video. But in addition you get the higher res LCD, the higher ISO level (though you probably would not use it beyond 3200 and most would suggest not even above 1600. Note that its noise levels are about equal with the Xsi), more MP. So you must ask yourself if those extra features are worth $200 dollars?

I love my Xsi and wont be upgrading anytime soon. Good luck.
--
Quickly shooter, draw your lens or prepared to get shot.
 
search this topic in the forum. this has been asked countless times already.
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Stephen
 
The Xsi is a very nice camera. Unless you need video it will satisfy your needs.
I get results as good as my 50D with it. Get a grip though to improve handling.
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Canon 50D, Canon 450D, EFS 18-55mm IS, Tokina 20-35mm f2.8 Pro, EFS-60mm f2.8 macro, EFS 55-250mm IS. Sigma 24-60mm f2.8, 580EX, 430EX, Hensel studio lights, Fuji F30
 
Thanks for your advice on the XSi. I won't be getting a grip. The XTi handles just fine without one and this is my lightweight DSLR.

Dave
 
I would say get the T1i because the higher-resolution LCD can actually increase the enjoyment of shooting. At least on the LCD, the photos will look great. Now whether or not they look the same on your monitor is another thing, but at least in the field they will look good.

I'm not joking :) I use my T1i more than the 5D because 1) it's lighter and 2) the LCD is so much nicer to use- it is .5" larger and a whole lot higher in resolution.
I want to upgrade my XTi, mainly for larger LCD, spot metering, 14-bit RAW, and a larger viewfinder.

I'm wondering what are the current experiences of users are?

Dave
 
I would say get the T1i because the higher-resolution LCD can actually increase the enjoyment of shooting. At least on the LCD, the photos will look great. Now whether or not they look the same on your monitor is another thing, but at least in the field they will look good.

I'm not joking :) I use my T1i more than the 5D because 1) it's lighter and 2) the LCD is so much nicer to use- it is .5" larger and a whole lot higher in resolution.
Thanks for your comments Drew. Like you, I've found myself using the Digital Rebels (XTi) more than the 5D, for the weight factor. One of the main reasons I want to upgrade is that bigger LCD.

I was just wondering, does the T1i gain much on the XTi in image quality, or lower noise?

Dave
 
The XTi has the Digic III processor I believe, like the 40D. I've shot with a friend's 40D and was never convinced that it had 5D-like image quality at the higher ISOs.

The sensor in the T1i along with the new Digic 4 processor, however, produce images that are good enough for me to use even at ISO 1600. In fact, I shot without fear at ISO 1600 on a recent vacation, using only the kit lens to test the limits of the gear I was working with.

I don't pixel peep and I definitely don't shoot the same images with both cameras at equivalent ISOs and compare at 100%. I know the intention of my images and if they are destined to be resized to 1600x1200 or smaller for the web, then the best image quality isn't a top priority.

When I compare the jpeg to a raw file from the T1i, I can tell that the noise removal is a little liberal but it's not distasteful to me, i.e. people don't look like plastic mannequins to me . It's good enough for me that I usually hand off the jpegs to people instead of converting the raw files. I can't quite get Lightroom to match the noise removal of the in-camera engine (my noise removal skills are basic). I was never really happy with the default, Standard picture mode quality of the JPEGs from the 5D but I love the ones from the T1i. These little Rebels have come a long way.
Thanks for your comments Drew. Like you, I've found myself using the Digital Rebels (XTi) more than the 5D, for the weight factor. One of the main reasons I want to upgrade is that bigger LCD.

I was just wondering, does the T1i gain much on the XTi in image quality, or lower noise?

Dave
 
The XTi has the Digic III processor I believe, like the 40D. I've shot with a friend's 40D and was never convinced that it had 5D-like image quality at the higher ISOs.

The sensor in the T1i along with the new Digic 4 processor, however, produce images that are good enough for me to use even at ISO 1600. In fact, I shot without fear at ISO 1600 on a recent vacation, using only the kit lens to test the limits of the gear I was working with.

I don't pixel peep and I definitely don't shoot the same images with both cameras at equivalent ISOs and compare at 100%. I know the intention of my images and if they are destined to be resized to 1600x1200 or smaller for the web, then the best image quality isn't a top priority.

When I compare the jpeg to a raw file from the T1i, I can tell that the noise removal is a little liberal but it's not distasteful to me, i.e. people don't look like plastic mannequins to me . It's good enough for me that I usually hand off the jpegs to people instead of converting the raw files. I can't quite get Lightroom to match the noise removal of the in-camera engine (my noise removal skills are basic). I was never really happy with the default, Standard picture mode quality of the JPEGs from the 5D but I love the ones from the T1i. These little Rebels have come a long way.
I'm worried about the noise levels, I believe they're better in my XTi. THe XTi certainly has a better pixel density. I think I may wait for the next generation. I already have the 40D and the 5D, but I love the Rebels for their light weight and generally use them more.

I like the big LCD and that's a major reason to upgrade, and so is the HD video, however I haven't been reading good reviews on the video. I've looked at four or so on YouTube and only one was really good.

How's your experience with the HD video?

Dave

P.S. I set my own custom picture style as I rarely post process unless for a sale. I usually bump the sharpness and the saturation slightly in camera.
 
I want to upgrade my XTi, mainly for larger LCD, spot metering, 14-bit RAW, and a larger viewfinder.

I'm wondering what are the current experiences of users are?

Dave
the 450D is a great camera but if you can wait there will be options - upgrading to the Canon 7D will create some more used inventory
 
the 450D is a great camera but if you can wait there will be options - upgrading to the Canon 7D will create some more used inventory
I must admit I have not idea what you are talking about; "used inventory."

The 7D is a different class of camera, and it's as heavy as my 40D and almost as much as my 5D. I want the Rebels for their light weight and smaller size. Do you have the 450D and why do you recommend it?

Dave
 
I want to upgrade my XTi, mainly for larger LCD, spot metering, 14-bit RAW, and a larger viewfinder.

I'm wondering what are the current experiences of users are?

Dave
If I had XTi, I would stay put for another cycle of new product, or even two. Those incremental enhancements don't justify an upgrade unless you must have live view or video now.

Rick
 
Easy:

You want Video and/or the ability to shoot ISO 3200 and 6400 natively? Get the t1i

If not, get the XSI.

Everything else about them will have no impact on your shooting or the results.
 
I rarely use it since I bring long an HD video camera whenever I intend to shoot video.

I don't find the controls to be conducive to shooting video. I'll use it if have to but it wasn't a factor when I purchased the camera.
How's your experience with the HD video?
 
I have the 40D and just purchased the T1i primarily because I wanted a smaller camera that I would be more likely to carry with me. I plan to put the 500d (easier to type it that way) through its paces this weekend. However, what won me over was the high ISO performance. From the samples on the web and dpreview, I can't argue that this camera has more high ISO noise than others. However, what I did notice is that it retains a whole lot of detail. Thus, I'm getting marginally better resolution in good light settings, and significantly more detail to play with when the lights go down.

Since I'm not afraid of raw, and the software tools like Nik dfine, Noise ninja etc. are very good at reducing noise, the T1i (I go back and forth) is a clear winner. I also notice that it does much better than the 50d at maintaining both detail and color fidelity at high ISO settings.

This performance and the excellent 920k LCD made the T1i an easy choice. Once you've used a high-fidelity LCD, you just don't want to go back to the low-resolution LCDs.

However, if you are on a budget, don't care about video (I don't), and are looking for truly excellent IQ, both the XS and XSI are reasonable alternatives.
 
The 500D will give you more room to crop if you feel the need to, as well as ISO 3200 and 6400 (extended to 12800, but I guarantee that you would never use it for anything serious), as well as Video (though I have some reservations about Video from it). Only thing I'd recommend is some good lenses to go with the T1i, since it doesn't like cheap lenses (you'll be wasting the MP if you dont have good lenses).
 
If I had XTi, I would stay put for another cycle of new product, or even two. Those incremental enhancements don't justify an upgrade unless you must have live view or video now.

Rick
While I know I would like a larger LCD with more resolution and HD video is something I've always wanted, I'm sure I can live without them for a while longer.

I think I'm beginning to agree with you. I have live view in the 40D. It would be nice to have it in a lighter package, 'cause I use it mainly with the EF-s 60 mm 2.8, but I was looking at some images in 2007 from the XTi with the 17-55 2.8 IS around Lake Tahoe and they were stunning. It's really a great camera although I do have some peeves about it: I don't like the sound of the shutter release. And, I'd like to have auto ISO in a mode other than AUTO.

Dave
 
Stay with 400d untill 550 arrives next year with 7d sensor and video
(but don't count on AF performance)...
Thanks to all. I think I'll hold out for a future upgrade.

Dave
 

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