Compare Digital Rebel XSi and T1i

Calling it a "Mini 7D," Canon introduced the Rebel T2i, the highest resolution consumer SLR, and the highest resolution SLR under $900, period. The 7D association comes primarily from Canon's use of an 18-megapixel sensor that they say is essentially the same spec as the sensor in the 7D, the only difference being that the readout speed has been cut in half. From there, the Canon T2i shares more with the Rebel T1i than with the 7D. The major exception to that is the movie mode, which now supports 1080p at 24, 25, and 30 frames per second, while the T1i only did 1080p at 20 fps.

So where does that leave the Rebel T1i and the Rebel XSi? Both are still great cameras. However, it appears that Canon will discontinue manufacturing the Rebel XSi. The T2i becomes the flagship camera of the entry level market for Canon, and the T1i will remain in production as a "less expensive" entry level DSLR. To see how the Canon Rebel T2i stacks up against the Canon Rebel T1i, check out the new lens at www.squidoo.com/compare-t2i-t1i.

Having gotten to this point in your camera research, you know that there is a major difference between Compact and DSLR - right?

You buy a compact digital camera and you have everything you need to be a photographer.

But when you buy a DSLR, you are committing to a serious hobby that involves other equipment, including, but not limited to, lenses, tripod, camera case, etc.

Now, don't get the wrong idea. You CAN buy one of the Digital Rebel cameras with the Kit Lens and be set, not having to make all those other purchases.

But the whole point of buying a DSLR is the flexibility it gives you to change out the lens and get that shot you just couldn't get with your old compact point and shoot model.

There is a feeling of empowerment when you are able to slap on your 100mm macro lens and get a shot of a jumping spider, some ice crystals, or a new hairy caterpillar (see photo - that caterpillar was about 1 inch long) that you just can't get any other way.

A Testimonial:

"Great News! I purchased the XSi last month, and I couldn't be happier. I finally made my decision based on your information about the differences between the Canon Rebel XSi and the Rebel T1i. You gave me just what I needed to make my decision, not a bunch of technology analysis talk. The way you explain the decision making process made it so easy for someone like me without a lot of camera knowledge to understand. I also bought a another lens as you suggested, and I am really having fun taking better photos than I ever thought possible. I am totally in love with my new camera. Thank you soo much!"
Andrea F

Canon introduced the Digital Rebel series of cameras in 2003 with the Digital Rebel 300D. There has been a new release about every 2 years. That is until this year. There have been 2 releases in 2 years, the first being the 450D, followed closely by the 500D.

Both these cameras (XSi=450D and T1i=500D) are worthy of ownership.

But there is a reason why one would be better for you than the other - that is the reason of this article. So watch closely.

(and let me just say here - if you are really into the techy side of reading specs and such, please check out some of the camera review sites. My favorite is www.dpreview.com.)

Here are the features of interest for the Canon Digital Rebel XSi
:

• 12 megapixel image sensor


• Kit Lens is 18-55mm IS (image stabilization) - a fine lens for starters, but check out the Sigma 18-250 all purpose lens for Canon.


• DIGIC III image processor - Canon's image processor is recognized as one of the better ones in digital image processing.


• 3" LCD panel with excellent viewing, including in high light situations


• Superior image quality when compared to other digital cameras in its class (see cnet.com)


• A wide range of shooting modes, including all except the most complex features of the higher end 5D, allowing the photographer to have as much or as little control over the outcome as desired.


• Nearly all the controls of high-end cameras.

The two items that do not match up to Canon's high-end cameras are the sensor type (1.6 image crop - a techy that simply means you get a better picture if you pay the extra money for the better camera) and burst speed (how many pictures per second you can snap off - in this case about 3fps).

In my humble opinion, overall, the Digital Rebel 450D matches up to ALL cameras in its class.

This gem of a camera is a step up from the XSi in terms of development. You will notice that this camera name has a numeric representation of 500D while the XSi is a 450D. This only means that the 450D was released before the 500D.

Does that make sense? Good.

Canon has a series of cameras in the "professional" market that are considered by many as the top cameras on the market. Canon has taken many of the features of those cameras (the 50D the 5D) and incorporated them into the Rebel 500D. The major difference in the upper end cameras is the sensor - a technical issue I will not discuss here, but suffice it to say that there is a major difference in price because of that one item.

Now for the features of the Canon Rebel T1i
:

• 15.1 megapixel sensor - capable of printing HUGE pictures


• 3" LCD panel, which has good quality even in high light.


• Digic 4 processor (this is how the camera processes the pictures. It is a much better processor than most point and shoot cameras, giving you a mega-advantage in the image quality)


• Kit lens is 18-55mm with IS (image stabilization - helps you take pictures that are not blurry because of camera shake). This kit lens has been a vast improvement over its predecessor, but check out the Sigma 18-250 all purpose lens for Canon.


• Plenty of shooting modes (see camera image), including Creative Auto Mode - a brand new feature for the 500D, which point and shoot owners will recognize as a feature in your better compact cameras. The camera makes creative decisions for the photographer.


• Video - a new feature for the 500D. It takes 720p at 30 fps(frames per second). It does take larger video at 1080p, but the speed drops to 20fps, which means the quality also drops. Use the 720p option when shooting video.

(If you would like to see the entire list of specs on the Digital Rebel T1i, check out www.dpreview.com)

OK, Canon vs Canon. Sounds like a civil war, huh? Well, since each manufacturer is always trying to outdo the others, it stands to reason that they will also be competing against themselves.

Thanks to our friends at dpreview, we have a side-by-side comparison of images for both Canon Rebels. They set up each camera in their lab so they can get exactly the same conditions. In this case, they take the picture, then crop it while viewing at 100%. As you can see, there is virtually no difference in image quality even though the Rebel 500D sports about 3 megapixels more than the Rebel 450D . You can be the judge.

If you looked at the "First Impression" videos from CNET, you will already know that there are very few differences between the XSi and the T1i.

• The sensor size difference of 3 megapixels is a non-issue. Both cameras can produce about the same size files with very large prints.


• Both of these digital masterpieces are rated at the top of their field in image quality.


• Both have the DIGIC image processor, another effective Canon feature (yes, the image processor is upgraded in the Digital Rebel T1i, but the XSi's processor is still rated very highly - enough so that anyone other than the camera tech experts can't see the difference)


• Both cameras sell with the exact same capable Kit Lens.


• They both have enough camera settings to give the control needed for the desired digital outcome.

AND NOW, the decision making differences:

1. - Movie mode - only offered in the Digital Rebel T1i.


2. - Creative Auto Mode - only offered in the Digital Rebel T1i.


3. - Price - the Digital Rebel XSi is about $120 less than its T1i cousin (depending upon the day you happen to be checking).

News Flash - as of September 13, the price for both cameras has been reduced.. The Canon Digital Rebel XSi is now selling for $612 while the Canon EOS Rebel T1i
has dropped to $799!

Bottom Line

DO YOU WANT VIDEO AND CREATIVE MODE?

-->If you want video and creative mode, get the Canon Rebel T1i (500D).

-->If video and creative mode are not desireable features for you, get the Canon Digital Rebel XSi (450D). (Use that $120 you didn't spend toward another lens or a tripod)

Simple!!!

->Check the price on your
Canon Digital Rebel XSi
now from Amazon. <-

->Check the price on your
Canon EOS Rebel T1i
now from Amazon.<-

Analyze your requirements before you decide to just get the kit lens. In most cases, you will be getting a Canon 18-55mm lens. This is definitely an OK lens, but, again, what are your requirements? Some of the online sellers are promoting an additional Canon EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS Telephoto Zoom Lens to go with the kit lens.. of course, there is an additional cost of about $275. This is also not a bad deal.
Here are some questions to evaluate as you consider your new camera with a lens or lenses:

• Do you plan to do lots of landscape photos requiring a wide angle lens?


• Will you use your new DSLR for taking lots of travel photos that require a large zoom range?


• Will you be taking mostly macro (very highly magnified and closely focused)


• What about sports or other far away action?

If you require the ability to take these types of photos, you will need either more than one lens, OR a different lens than the kit lens

Check these out... they can do all of the above, with great image quality (always the deciding factor in selecting a lens):

The SIGMA 18-250mm F3.5-6.3 DC OS HSM

The Sigma 18-250mm lens incorporates Sigma's original anti-shake compensation function, with a 13.8 times zoom ratio. For the camera have anti-shake function in the camera body, this lens's Hybrid Optical Stabilizer provide not only anti-shake function for the camera body compensation, but also provide the function to compensate the image shaking in the view finder of the camera like anti-shake compensation built in the lens. Incorporating four Special Low Dispersion glass elements and three Aspherical lens elements provides excellent image quality throughout the entire zoom range. This lens has a minimum focusing distance of 45cm (17.7 inches) at all focal lengths and a maximum magnification of 1: 3.4 reproduction ratio, making it ideal for close-up photography. An inner focusing system eliminates front lens rotation, making it suitable for use with circular polarizing filters and the supplied petal-type hood. Incorporating super multi layer coating reduce the ghost in the backlight photography.

Tamron 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 macro zoom lens

Camera shake can ruin your photos, particularly when taking telephoto shots or shooting in low light conditions. The Tamron 18-270mm f/3.5-6.3 macro zoom lens, however, fights camera shake with its state-of-the-art vibration compensation (VC) mechanism, which delivers blur-free handheld images for incredible results. The proprietary VC mechanism employs a three-coil system that moves the VC lens electromagnetically based on signals originating from the movement of three steel balls. The lens element that compensates for vibration is held in place by the balls, so there is little friction and the movement is quite smooth. The end result is a technology that makes it possible to create exceptional images at slower shutter speeds under conditions where a tripod used to be necessary. You can also use subject movement to good effect with the lens, bringing out the contrast between motion and stillness, or shoot without a flash to evoke the genuine atmosphere of the scene.

I have an apology - something I can't change. The article URL was typed incorrectly when I first began this lens. There is no Rebel X1i. But I hope you get the information you were looking for in spite of the mistake.
However, there are several folks, like myself, who have gotten confused with the letters and numbers that Canon and others use to identify their cameras. Each one tries to get the cooler name or letter/number combination. Canon SHOULD have a model X1i, right? It's a cool name for a camera - better (IMO) than T1i.