Pick a Canon Rebel, any Rebel

[masp]

If you were going to buy a Rebel today as a first camera, which one would you buy and why?

1. Rebel T2i 550D
2. Rebel T1i 500D
3. Rebel XSi 450D
4. Rebel XS 1000D

I keep hearing about the T2i's massive number of megapixels, but I'm not really sure I need files that big. Sure, I guess it's nice to zoom in to the extra detail if there detail is there though. Mostly I'm concerned with a decent viewfinder and a perhaps a better screen, so the two newer models are looking more attractive. The more reviews I read though, the more confused I get. The lowest end model currently has a $200 rebate with a printer going for it which is a nice deal. Maybe I can use it for a year and sell it off for a better model without taking much of a loss?

[Fortytwo]

First of all, I personally would never ever buy one of the small Canon's. I find the ergonomics very bad. The grip is too small and the camera feels all plasticky and toylike. It has improved on the 550D, but still. You'll need to buy a grip to have anything resembling a comfordable handling. Either Nikon of Pentax does this a lot better. I'm a Pentax guy, so I'd buy the K-x in an instant. But I must say the Nikon D3000 looks like a very charming camera to me as well. I don't like the ergonomics of the small Sony's as well, so they're not an option for me...

If any, I'd probably go for the 1000D. Why? It leaves me with the most cash to buy lenses. That extra $200 is enough to get a Tamron 17-50mm f2.8 instead of a crappy Canon 18-55mm. I don't care about 18 megapixels. I never print that big and all they do is slow down Photoshop. So the cheapest one it is.
Or if your budget is big enough, think about a Canon 50D. It such a completely different camera than the small ones. The ergonomics are great which really makes you wonder who they let design the xxxD and xxxxD series.

But this is important:
I would never buy a camera soly based on advice given on the internet!
I don't like the ergonomic of the 550D, maybe you do. Maybe you'll find it the best invention of the world after sliced bread. Who knows. You've gotta try the all out and find what works for you. What I've said is my opinion, and you've got to find your own. Any camera on your list makes great pictures, if in the hands of the right photographer. There is no bad pick!

Hope this helps. Don't worry, I can write crap about any given camera...

[Edit]Oh and thanks for including the European designations. The whole 'rebel' thing confuses the crap out of me... :P

[Marko]

IF it felt good in my hands (feel free to call me a hypocrite I did not do this... ) as my first camera....I'd lean toward cheaper and spend the rest on glass. As a first camera - after a few years you'll likely upgrade... for now, spend the cash on good glass.

[Richard]

I bought the 450D because the 1000D doesn't have the rubberised grip (instead has textured plastic), and has a smaller LCD. The 500D was out of my price range, and I didn't think I needed the video option. The 550 wasn't out at the time.

IF you are just starting out I think you will probably be happy with any of the camera in this price bracket.

I agree about the body size being a bit small, so I have added the battery grip to my kit bag, and I couldn't be happier.

[TimeLapseTulsa]

I'm confused. Is it the 1000D that has the $200 rebate? Where?

In case it matters, I understand the XSi (450D) will be discontinued, but the other three will stay in the current lineup, when the T2i arrives. And the T1i will presumably sell for less than current prices.

[masp]

Thanks for the tips guys. Build quality in particular is a difficult thing to quantify. I tried out the E520 the other day as well. Wished the weight was a little lower considering it's sensor size, but the build quality is good for it's weight.

Fourtytwo: Did you mean this Tamron lens? http://www.slrgear.com/reviews/showp...uct/355/cat/23 Looks like an interesting lens for $460. Is this lens the best deal to set up from 18-55 kit lenses? F 2.8 seems like a nice big aperture for selective focus especially when zoomed to 50mm. I actually just bought a Pentax body, so I'm wondering how it stacks up against the Pentax kit lens that seems to get such good reviews.

Adorama has a $200 rebate for the 1000D when you buy it with a $170 Canon printer. Not a bad deal if you want a free photo printer.

The T2i is available in limited places in here (in the U.S.) at least. Demand for that camera seems to be high because of it's HD video and high megapixel count. Not so sure it really makes sense as a starter camera though as I have little interest in video, but almost everyone seems to be raving about it. Kinda makes me feel weird for not wanting it.

[Fortytwo]

That's the one. That Tamron is very sharp. I like the Pentax kitlens, but the Tamron is way beyond that. It's in the same class as the much more expensive Pentax DA* 16-50mm f2.8. In my opinion, that Tamron is the best buy right now when it comes to standard zoom lenses. Definately recommended!

[Kawarthabob]

I bought the 1000D because it had all i wanted without me paying for things that the other models had that i did not need. I spent the rest on other gadgets( flash, bag, tripod etc).

[scorpio_e]

The T2i is the way to go. Almost the same sensor as the 7D and high ISO


Good luck

[Iguanasan]

Not sure if it's the best deal in town but I would always buy what's current if I could afford it. You'll always be kicking yourself about not having gadget/feature XYZ because you cheaped out and bought the older version. (I know I do!)