Beginner: Canon EOS Rebel XS vs. XSi

<p>Hello,<br /> 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. <br /> <br /> 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,<br /> 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.<br /> <br /> 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?<br /> <br /> Thanks in advance for the help <img src="http://www.cnet.com/i/mb/emoticons/happy.gif" border="0" alt=":)" /></p>

<p>I can't really give you very much input on the camera bodies except to say you'll probably be fine with either. See if the XSi offers any features that you think you'll need over the XS and if not, then there probably won't be much difference to you.</p>

<p>I can tell you that the 75-300 isn't a very good lens. I know, I have one collecting dust on a shelf. For a beginner, you might like trying it in order to see if you like the focal range but I wouldn't make it a deciding factor. The newer 70-300 IS is MUCH better and has really made the older lens worthless, in my opinion.</p>

<p>If it were me, knowing what I know about the 75-300 and that I like to buy the newest technology I can afford, I would opt for the XSi (or have you looked at the T1i if you think you might like video and can swing a little more money?) if I were in your position. If you do decide on the XSi, be sure it comes with the 18-55 IS lens. I'm sure it does, but be aware that there is an older non-IS version of this lens that's just as bad as the 75-300.</p>

<p>I would ordinarily say get more lens, and less camera. But in this case, that 75-300 lens isn't of much use to anyone. The 55-250 is much better, and has IS, for only a little more money. Since it might put you out of your budget, I would just settle for the 18-55mm lens for now. If you anticipate being able to expand your budget a little in the near future, then get the XS and save up a little to buy the 55-250. If that's not likely, then get the XSi and the 18-55mm, and put telephoto photography out of your mind.</p>

<p>Obviously, the best choice is the XSi, 18-55, and 55-250. I would forget about the 75-300, though.</p>

<p>The 18-55 is the common kit zoom Canon has for Rebel cameras. Originally it didn't have IS and wasn't that good. The 18-55 with IS much better. So make sure you get the one with IS. The 75-300mm is reportably not that great either and it is often not offered as part of a kit. Canon does make the 55-250 IS lens and it is sometimes available with the 18-55 IS and camera as a kit. I don't have any of these lenses but I have friends that have the two IS lenses. From the limited number of pictures I have seen the 18-55IS and 55-250IS are good lenses. </p>

<p>What company are you buying from. Some companies are not that great or are even scams. For your first purchase I would recommend <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com">www.bhphotovideo.com</a> or <a href="http://www.adorama.com">www.adorama.com</a> Both are well respected and competative on price. If the price is lower that these to you might not be getting a good deal. </p>

<p>The deal with just the one lens and the XSi is a factory bundle, so the lens is the real Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS lens, and the bargain is real, not a cheap phoney deal.</p>

<p>Look at places like B&H or Adorama to see what an XS with the EF-S 18-55mm IS, and the EF-S 55-250mm IS altogether would sell for. Buy a decent, cheap but plenty good, Kingston Memory card from the same source, and go to your local big box store to see what kind of bag you can get. It doesn't have to be sold as a camera bag, to hold one, you know. Then price the same things, but with an XSi, and you will see what you can afford.</p>

<p>Emily,</p>

<p>They are both fine cameras. I have the XSi with the 18-55mm IS. </p>

<p>If I was you I would look for an XS kit that has the 18-55mm IS and Canon's 55-250mm IS lens. The 55-250mm has shown in tests to be a fine lens for the price. It also has IS which can be helpful with a long lens.</p>

<p>A 4GB SDHC memory card costs between $20-$30. A bag should cost the same although they can go higher. I would rather chose the bag myself.</p>

<p>You might want to purchase through Adorama. You can find their store at the top of the photo.net page. They have a fine reputation and buying through them helps photo.net.</p>

<p>As others have pointed out, one option could be the XS with just the 18-55 for now (~$500), and save up for the 55-250. A used one from KEH.com is $215 so you wouldn't have that much to save.</p>

<p>Emily,<br>

I just bought the XS a couple of months ago. I love the XS. It's a great unit and I couldn't be happier. The kit with the 18-55 EF IS and the 75-300 EF sounds good for the money. You could get the the XS without the 75-300 for about $470.00 (Butterfly Photo) but that doesn't include the bag and memory, so it might be better to get the 2 lens kit. You will find ways to get great shots with the 75-300, I'm sure. But if you can wait, get the lens with IS. Either way, you are going to have a good time with your new hobby. It's a lot of fun. Good luck. </p>

<p>both models are good for starting out but whatever you do DON'T get the 75-300mm - terrible lens!<br>

look at the 18-55<strong>IS</strong> and 55-250IS</p>

<p> </p>

<p>I have the xs and a friend of mine has the xsi - photos from both cameras are great. If you're going to use the camera mainly for family photos & travel photography, then either camera will fit the bill - I also use the 18-55 IS lens and I can't complain. Whichever one you go with, have fun, take lots of photos and share :)</p>

<blockquote>

<p>"I am a beginner at SLR photography but I do plan on really learning my camera and making photography a hobby."</p>

</blockquote>

<p>Either body would be fine! But you might also want to consider a used 40D for a starter. They can still be obtained with all the original manuals, cords, software etc., etc.. and would be within your budget with enough left over for one of the IS lens(es). Most of the kit lens(es) can be obtained used and are also in "like new" condition.<br>

You will eventually be looking/deciding between the 50D or 7D before you know it!<br>

The EF 50, 1.8 is an exceptional buy for it's capabilities and "beginner" benefits, especially for "Family photo's."<br>

My .02 worth!<br>

Best wishes,<br>

Jim J.</p>

 

<p>You will be fine with either. I just sent my daughter the XS kit (happy birthday honey!) I got from Adorama at $500. Not a bad deal, and all the camera she will need until she starts to want "more". When that happens, she'll have enough knowledge under her belt to be able to know what she needs.</p>