Hello, I am new can anyone suggest which Canon DSLR to get?

[cary chilton]

Hello, I am new. I am hoping to pick up a Canon Rebel XTi or XSi (12 megapixel) or the pricy 40D 10 megapixel. Which one would you recommend?
I can't afford more than the 40D. I am not a professional photographer, but I want to be able to take beautiful portraits, landscapes, sunsets ( I travel around Asia a lot). I thought I read that the XSi uses a newer smaller lithium battery, is that a problem or an adv? Please offer your experiences

Cary

[Marko]

My best advice is to spend about 300-400 on a great used DSLR camera instead of 1000+ plus on a new digital DSLR camera.

It's rarely about the camera when it comes to taking good pics, it's all about the skill of the photographer. If you have no desire to learn photography and want the camera to do all the work then it makes almost zero difference if you buy and expensive DSLR or a cheap one as you'll be setting the camera on automatic anyway and will get almost identical results.

If you DO want to learn photography, then again it makes sense to buy used and cheaper because you will want to upgrade in the future and you haven't wasted a lot of money.

Good used cameras are the Canon 20D the Nikon D70 just to name a few.

Hope that helps
Marko

[Ben H]

Oh the two, I'd recommend the XSi. The 40D is a similar image quality, but is a bigger, heavier and tougher camera - it's more Pro than the 450. It does have a much higher burst/frame rate, but it's a much heavier and bigger camera to lump around.

The XSi/450 strikes a great balance between features and size/weight, so you are more likely to carry it around with you.

Go for the 40D if you need 6fps, a sync port, and a big camera - otherwise, save the money and go for the 450 and an extra lens or two.

[slightlyimperfect]

I have the Canon 40d...true its is a little heavy...but just the same I love it! I don't mind the weight, it seems to have less shake in my hands, also the image stabilizer (I think that has more to do with the lens) really helps to get clear pictures.

I would recommend it.
Robin

[fallintocolors]

I use a Canon XSi (and several lenses). I prefer it rather than a 40D because it has a higher resolution, and is lighter and cheaper. Also XSi has the same 1.6x crop-ratio, and is a newer product. Unless you're going to get a full-frame body, I recommend XSi. The litihum battery is neither a problem nor an advantage; as it won't make a major difference. The kit lens EF-S 18-55mm IS (image stabilization) is also good for a beginner. By the way, to take good photos, a good lens is more important than a good camera body. My website: www.fallintocolors.com
Regards,
AKW

[tomorrowstreasures]

Welcome to the forum, Cary!

[djKianoosh]

Ben has some good advice there.. besides the d70, if you can find yourself a D50 you will not be dissapointed. It's a little newer than the d70 and has a few upgrades to it. I would think it's cheaper though, but don't quote me on it. It's a good option though, assuming you go Nikon.

[The_Camera_Poser]

I have both the 30D and 350D, which are the predecessors of the cameras you are considering. Whenever I want maximum control over the photographic process, and when I'm really after a keeper, I'll go for the 30D 100% of the time. BUT, when I want something light, easy to use and basic, I'll go for the 350D.

As you will be learning and travelling, I'd say the XSi is definitely the best choice. The fact that it takes SD cards makes it nice too. You mate it with a light lens kit, like the 18-55 IS and 55-250IS, and you'll be very able to get extremely good photos without the weight of heavier systems/lenses. When it comes itme to upgrade, you'll know more of what you want, and you can make the call to go with a 40/50D or a 5D.

Marko's point is well made- you can buy a 350D/Rebel XT for something like $300 US- just be aware that their rated lifespan for their shutter is only 50,000, and is the 400D/XTi's, and the 20D-30D-40D has an expected lifespan of 100k. I THINK the XSi is rated for 100,000, which might make it a better choice too.

If you really want basic, cheap but highly effective (and light!) go for the 1000D.

Cheers, and happy shopping.

[mindforge]

You should look at your used options. IF you are never planning on upgrading or buying new lenses you might just want to grab the zooming kit lens and the new rebel.

IF you want to get into photography, even as a hobby - get a used camera and focus on getting good glass.

You might want to look at Nikon also, I was looking for a new camera recently and after looking at both Nikon and Canon, I went with a Nikon D90.

If you are looking for something to just take family pics with and print out some 5x7's get the rebel. If you plan on shooting family weddings and events and all that you might want to look a little higher. The 40d is a great camera, or so I have heard.

I love the D90 if you want to spring for it. It shoots HD video too which was not a selling point for me but will be great for family stuff.

I was hasty with my first DSLR and ended up getting something that I didn't want. I got the Canon S5 camera - I thought it was a good one. It was horrible so I have gotten a few between there and here and ended up going from Canon to Sony to Canon to Nikon.

[dmagick]

Hi Cary,

Hello, I am new. I am hoping to pick up a Canon Rebel XTi or XSi (12 megapixel) or the pricy 40D 10 megapixel. Which one would you recommend?
I can't afford more than the 40D. I am not a professional photographer, but I want to be able to take beautiful portraits, landscapes, sunsets ( I travel around Asia a lot). I thought I read that the XSi uses a newer smaller lithium battery, is that a problem or an adv? Please offer your experiences

Cary

Make sure you go to a camera shop, pick them up and see which you prefer. I have a 30D and 300D and much prefer the 30D because it feels much better for me (weightier, fits my hands better, I feel more comfortable using it). It's only 8Mp but the features of the 40d (and now 50d), while they would be nice, aren't necessary for the type of pics I take. So as others have suggested, maybe a 2nd hand 20d/30d may be enough to get you started, put the extra $$ towards another lens.

Also megapixels aren't everything I've had some professional pics taken of my daughter - and the photographer used a 350d (which is 8Mp) and they are awesome pics.

Check out some reviews about the cameras (here and somewhere like dpreview.com).