Lens and XT or XTi questions okIm planning to purchase a new canon DSLR camera. Ive narrowed i down to the Xt or the XTi. I need to decide between those. Is the extra 2 MP and cleaning system worth the $200?As for the lens im thinking the 28-105 USM lens. Is that the best all-around/walkaround lens available. Im trying to keep a low price if possible. Thanks in advance for helping. Lens and XT or XTi questions okIm planning to purchase a new canon DSLR camera. Ive narrowed i down to the Xt or the XTi. I need to decide between those. Is the extra 2 MP and cleaning system... » Read More Lens and XT or XTi questions okIm planning to purchase a new canon DSLR camera. Ive narrowed i down to the Xt or the XTi. I need to decide between those. Is the extra 2 MP and cleaning system worth the $200?As for the lens im thinking the 28-105 USM lens. Is that the best all-around/walkaround lens available. Im trying to keep a low price if possible. Thanks in advance for helping. « Show Less
349707
I would have to say go with the XT. While the XTi has the extra two megapixels and the cleaning system, the XT actually has better pixel detail than the XTi, so your pictures will be sharper unless you want to blow then up very large. As for the cleaning system, it is a nice feature because some people are afraid to clean the camera themselves, though it is relatively simple. I own the XT, and it is a great camera and I clean it myself, not big thing.As for the lens, that is a very nice lens and works great as a walking about lens. There is a image stabaliazed version, but if you are trying to save money, then just stick with the original.Hope that helps! I would have to say go with the XT. While the XTi has the extra two megapixels and the cleaning system, the XT actually has better pixel detail than the XTi, so your pictures will be sharper unless you want to blow then up very large. As for the cleaning system, it is a nice feature because some people are afraid to clean the camera themselves, though it is relatively simple. I own the XT, and it is a great camera and I clean it myself, not big thing.As for the lens, that is a very nice lens and works great as a walking about lens. There is a image stabaliazed version, but if... » Read More I would have to say go with the XT. While the XTi has the extra two megapixels and the cleaning system, the XT actually has better pixel detail than the XTi, so your pictures will be sharper unless you want to blow then up very large. As for the cleaning system, it is a nice feature because some people are afraid to clean the camera themselves, though it is relatively simple. I own the XT, and it is a great camera and I clean it myself, not big thing.As for the lens, that is a very nice lens and works great as a walking about lens. There is a image stabaliazed version, but if you are trying to save money, then just stick with the original.Hope that helps! « Show Less
349708
Todd-I've talked to a few professional photographers and semi-professionals and they've all said the same thing...the XT is an excellent camera and the differences between the two are not worth the extra money. Buy the XT and invest in a good lens. Those with "is usm" have autofocus and image stabilization. By chance, have you ever ordered a camera through Amazon before? I'm wondering if it will contain the original USA Warranty.Thanks and Good Luck!
1917125
I absolutely love the 28-135mm IS f/3.5 lens from Canon. For about $400 +/- you get a moderate zoom telephoto with a 1:1.6 mag aspect on your dSLR about 44mm - 206mm in 35mm terms with an added bonus of macro capability. I use it as a 'walk around lens' and while not the BEST in construction - the optics are sharp, color rendition is super and the IS is a lifesaver when shooting scenes in low light without a tripod or monopod.For wide angle work - I've purchased the SIGMA 17-35mm f/2.8 and found the optics and color rendition above my expectations for a $225 lens. The SIGMA comes with a lens hood and pouch - for which Canon sells as accessories and expensive ones at that. I absolutely love the 28-135mm IS f/3.5 lens from Canon. For about $400 +/- you get a moderate zoom telephoto with a 1:1.6 mag aspect on your dSLR about 44mm - 206mm in 35mm terms with an added bonus of macro capability. I use it as a 'walk around lens' and while not the BEST in construction - the optics are sharp, color rendition is super and the IS is a lifesaver when shooting scenes in low light without a tripod or monopod.For wide angle work - I've purchased the SIGMA 17-35mm f/2.8 and found the optics and color rendition above my expectations for a $225 lens. The SIGMA... » Read More I absolutely love the 28-135mm IS f/3.5 lens from Canon. For about $400 +/- you get a moderate zoom telephoto with a 1:1.6 mag aspect on your dSLR about 44mm - 206mm in 35mm terms with an added bonus of macro capability. I use it as a 'walk around lens' and while not the BEST in construction - the optics are sharp, color rendition is super and the IS is a lifesaver when shooting scenes in low light without a tripod or monopod.For wide angle work - I've purchased the SIGMA 17-35mm f/2.8 and found the optics and color rendition above my expectations for a $225 lens. The SIGMA comes with a lens hood and pouch - for which Canon sells as accessories and expensive ones at that. « Show Less
848890
Ok, great info as usual! I'm not going to be taking many close up "macro" type shots or shots with focused forground objects w/ blurred backgrounds to start off, and I really like the 24-105 f/4 L IS lens, would that be probobly the best "walk around" lens for the XSi then? Also, can a 2.8 lens take landscape / scenic shots where the foreground and background are both in focus? I am confused about that with the f# & lenses.The night railroading shots I posted before are a main priority and I have seen some excellent night / low light posted images under the 24-105 f/4 L IS lens here on Amazon.I have a question on the 50D kit lens quality but I'll try to post that under the 50D discussions. Thanks again for all your input. Ok, great info as usual! I'm not going to be taking many close up "macro" type shots or shots with focused forground objects w/ blurred backgrounds to start off, and I really like the 24-105 f/4 L IS lens, would that be probobly the best "walk around" lens for the XSi then? Also, can a 2.8 lens take landscape / scenic shots where the foreground and background are both in focus? I am confused about that with the f# & lenses.The night railroading shots I posted before are a main priority and I have seen some excellent night / low light... » Read More Ok, great info as usual! I'm not going to be taking many close up "macro" type shots or shots with focused forground objects w/ blurred backgrounds to start off, and I really like the 24-105 f/4 L IS lens, would that be probobly the best "walk around" lens for the XSi then? Also, can a 2.8 lens take landscape / scenic shots where the foreground and background are both in focus? I am confused about that with the f# & lenses.The night railroading shots I posted before are a main priority and I have seen some excellent night / low light posted images under the 24-105 f/4 L IS lens here on Amazon.I have a question on the 50D kit lens quality but I'll try to post that under the 50D discussions. Thanks again for all your input. « Show Less
847183
I'm no expert, but during my research on the same question I found the following: 1) The difference between The 8MP on the XT and 10MP on the XTi is virtually undetectable until you attempt very large prints. At standard sharp resolution (300 DPI) even a 7.2 MP camera will give you an excellent 8X10 print. You really need 12MP over an 8MP camera to see results in smaller prints. Unless you think you'll print larger than 12X16, your eye likely won't detect any difference in quality between the XT and XTi. 2) The XTi has more Megapixels on the same sensor - this can add more noise at higher ISO settings and from my research it seems the XT may actually take a sharper picture in many cases. But for your own opinion - here is a head to head XTi - TX picture comparison: http://www.dimagemaker.com/article.php?articleID=732 3) Opinions on the noise levels of the XTi vary, here is a good conversation on the subject, some here own both XT and XTi: http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1031&message=20548088 4) The XTI's dust cleaning system is as yet unproven - meaning that many owners of the XTi (professional and otherwise) are not exactly convinced the dust removal feature does what its supposed to. Over all, I found that some people were rather irritated with Canon - theorizing that Canon simply put out an XTi 10-mega pixel model with a few bells and whistles to compete with the other manufacturers. In effect, canon created technologically superior camera that may take inferior photographs. The XTi is an excellent camera, but perhaps not a clear upgrade over the XT. On the upside, the XTi does have a bigger LCD screen and a 9-point auto focus. The XT has a 7-point system that some say can have issues auto focusing with faster lenses. Those faster lenses are typically very expensive and professional grade so the majority of amateur / semi-pro XT users have no complaints. After my research, I went with the XT. Hope this helps
1820410
This lens is entirely different from the kit lens. And we don't know what kit lens you are talking about. Of the 40D? of the XT? I got the XT and the 40D. Both came with a 17?-55mm and a 28-135mm IS. The 50mm lens is a different lens all together because it doesn't zoom so you'll be doing a lot of moving back and forward with your feet. The nice thing about this lens is that pictures are RAZOR SHARP. I mean I've never seen pictures sharper than what this lens has produced. I bought 2 of these lenses because I really love the pictures they take. Also, this lens can take pictures in a dark room about 10 times as easy as the kit lens on the 40D or the XT. The f/1.8 is amazing. The color, the light, the picture sharpness = worth $70 by far. GET IT. :)
597329
Sounds good! I'm buying my first digital camera for my daughter and her family. I've locked in on the t1i and 15-85. I really like my 24-105 lens and think that the 15-85 should be a great match for the camera.
307513
Right now you can get the XSi with the 18-55mm kit lens and the 55-250mm lens for just under $800 through Amazon. Both lenses are image stabilized and I have heard good things about the 55-250, which give great range on a cropped sensored body such as the XSi. Amazon doesn't list these items together but if you add them both to your cart (make sure Amazon is the seller on both) you will save $100 over buying them seperately. This price isn't shown until you get the order confirmation screen. This is the best price I have seen on this camera and don't expect to see a much better deal any time soon. The $100 off is an instant rebate promotion that Canon is offering through it's authorized retailers and it lasts until the middle of January. I would also recommend SanDisk's Extreme III class 6 memory cards in order to fully optimize the speed of the camera. I hope this helps.
699880
Ah, the Rebel XT -- I had one of those for a while. Small LCD screen did make it a bit hard to check if something was in focus or not. The Canon 100-300mm USM isn't a bad lens. But you might consider upgrading the 28-80mm USM -- even the newer kit lens, the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, is an improvement. You might also enjoy working with a fast prime lens for the background blurring it can provide. Something like the the Canon 50mm f1.8 or 50mm f1.4 or 85mm f1.8 are excellent lenses. Cool images, by the way!
359572
If the following adds up to whatever you can sell salvage plus additional cost to acquire XTi: 1. Faster 9-point TTL auto focus system, borrowed from EOS 30D. Special enhancement for f/2.8 or faster lenses. 2. 3-point ultrasound dust removal image sensor, with software that masks whatever the system cannot remove. If you change lens regularly, this can be very useful. 3. Faster image processing. For continuous shooting, it can process 3 frames per second for 27 JPEG or 10 RAW (about twice as much). 4. 20% higher resolution, thanks to 10.1 MP APS-C CMOS image sensor (3888 by 2592), without increasing noise or diminishing dynamic range. 5. 40% brighter 2.5" 230,000 pixel LCD vs. 1.8" 115,000 pixel LCD. 6. More durable leathery paint finish. 7. Updated user interface with picture styles and RGB histogram. Now the minuses: 1. Removal of dedicated LCD info display (integrated into main LCD now). 2. Lower battery life, 500 vs. 600 shots.
1385600
I'd say it depends on how much money you have. If you have a gazillion dollars, and like to upgrade your electronics every time a newer version comes out, then yes. If not, then wait ~2 years and upgrade from the XT to the SuperDuper XTi++ Championship Pro Extreme. (The Canon digital SLRs seem to have about a 1.5 year life span before being upgraded.)
1820405
I'm still shooting with the xt I bought in May 2005. I shot with the kit lens for 6 months and then purchased this $70 50mm lens. I use this lens all the time and it's my primary portrait lens. I own several L lenses now and I still use this inexpensive lens all the time. Eventually I'll replace it with the 1.4 or the L version but until then, I can not say enough good things about this lens. Negatives are that the auto-focus hunts in very low light, it's noisy and it's built like a toy. On the other hand, I've taken it around the world twice and been shooting with it for 3 years and it still works like a champ. I'm still shooting with the xt I bought in May 2005. I shot with the kit lens for 6 months and then purchased this $70 50mm lens. I use this lens all the time and it's my primary portrait lens. I own several L lenses now and I still use this inexpensive lens all the time. Eventually I'll replace it with the 1.4 or the L version but until then, I can not say enough good things about this lens. Negatives are that the auto-focus hunts in very low light, it's noisy and it's built like a toy. On the other hand, I've taken it around the world twice and been shooting with it for 3 years and... » Read More I'm still shooting with the xt I bought in May 2005. I shot with the kit lens for 6 months and then purchased this $70 50mm lens. I use this lens all the time and it's my primary portrait lens. I own several L lenses now and I still use this inexpensive lens all the time. Eventually I'll replace it with the 1.4 or the L version but until then, I can not say enough good things about this lens. Negatives are that the auto-focus hunts in very low light, it's noisy and it's built like a toy. On the other hand, I've taken it around the world twice and been shooting with it for 3 years and it still works like a champ. « Show Less
258817
Brian, I think you misinterpreted my comment about the Canon XSi. I didn't have any problem with the camera itself, I said that Canon's kit lens is no match to Olympus kit lens/s and that I would need a lot of money to replace canon's with prime lens/s that match Oly's quality and focal range not mention the weight. I don't believe in investing in expensive lenses while using mid-range DSLR body. The cost of lens/s should be inline with the cost of the body something which I find Olympus doing better by providing inexpensive, good quality lenses even at their standard level.
227598
I am in the same boat. I am highly contemplating the d40/d40x and the Rebel xt/xti. Right now I am leaning towards the d40 as I don't plan on doing large size prints for the most part and I've heard that the Nikon lens kit is better. My only concern is that I want to do some HDR photography, and the Nikon's don't have AEB which concerns me, but I'm seeing a lot of discussion about shooting in RAW and getting similar results from one picture. Should I go with the XTi so I know I can do HDR properly and suffer with lower quality lenses, or get the D40/x and shoot in RAW and be done with it?
1575542
It's not so much the IS as the "STM" or stepping motor used inside this lens vs. the USM motor used in their other high quality lenses. The USM is built to bring subjects into focus with bullet speed. That's great for still image (sports, auto racing, etc) photography but not so good for video where you want a slightly smoother transition when focusing between subjects. The STM motor is designed to work with the new Hybrid CMOS sensor in the camera that utilizes both contrast and phase detect focusing technologies, with the phase detect being the new addition. The STM motor is also stated to be quieter which should translate into less in camera noise being picked up in your videos. Basically once the camera is set into video mode the camera uses the phase detect AF system to get the camera very close to 100% focus lock and then switches over to contrast detect for 100% lock. This of course all happens in nanoseconds. At least this is what I've been able to gleam from the numerous preview articles I've read today. Hope this helps somewhat. FWIW, I'd be looking to get the 18-135 STM kit when/if I do decide to upgrade from my Rebel XT (yes, same camera for 7 years, can you believe it). The flexibility of the 18-135 focal range for all-around still shooting plus the video enhancements make it very appealing. At least as long as the IQ testing backs it up. Plus this lens was stated to sell for around $550 all by itself if I'm not mistaken so in the kit represents a great savings imo.
825630
&gt;&gt;I didn't realize this camera was out there when I bought my FZ28! I notice that in the copy under the camera description, significantly more bought the FZ28K than the FZ50. Presumably the price is the reason, I suppose along with the 18x optical zoom.&lt;&lt; this one came out before the fz28, but at the time i only paid about $440 &gt;&gt;Many reviewers above said the FZ50 is "almost" a dslr - but many, many dslrs are considerably less expensive than the FZ50, which I think costs more now than when it came out....and I think I saw on the digital review site that the camera has been discontinued. &lt;&lt; i didn't know about it being discontinued so soon. it compares to a dslr in many ways. but the ISO settings are pretty noisy above ISO 400, whereas in good dslr's you can get good results up to ISO 3200. this is a very good review that gives all of its specs. http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicfz50/ here it is compared to the canon rebel XT where you can see the ISO 1600 on both cameras. the canon is better. http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/panasonicfz50/page17.asp &gt;&gt;The user photos for this camera are wonderful! I have a Canon Rebel XS, which cost quite a bit less than this camera, and an FZ28K....I'm now wondering if I should sell the FZ28 K, return the Canon, and get a used FZ50.&lt;&lt; yeah, i get better pictures than i ever have. &gt;&gt;What is it about this camera that makes it worth nearly a thousand dollars? &lt;&lt; i don't know. i don't understand. i haven't seen that happen with any other camera.
227594
Hey, i just purchased the Nikon D60... i am thinking about exchanging it for the XTI for the same reason. the time to for the flash to "refresh" really makes it hard to catch the moment when flash is needed. Are you stil happy with your exchange? Can anyone comment on the reasons for the substantially slower flash in the Nikon D60 when compared to the canon XTI? Also, i heard that the Canon XTI is being taken out of the market and only the XSi will remain... is that true?
1784426
The lens is great for all around use. Tack sharp and worth every penny. If you plan on moving full frame it's worth it. On a DX body it will act like a 36-105. It's a bit on the weighty side but not over bearing. I have found the images have a certain pop to them that most other lenses can't provide unless they have the nano coating. Your other option is the great 17-55 which is designed for DX cameras. Look online there are some great reviews. If money isn't an issue go for it.