 Carrie Bayless |
Canon Rebel XS vs. Canon 40D My brother-in-law is looking to buy a new camera as wondering if it was worth the extra money to spend on the Canon 40D vs. the Canon Rebel XS? I have a Canon Rebel XT and like it a lot but have never handled a 40D model, so I can't give him advise if it is worth the extra money. Anyone have opinions on if it is worth the extra money, that has experience with both? Just a FYI he isn't a professional photographer... he has never owned a dslr this would be his first time buying one, and using one.
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Alan N. Marcus |
Hi Carrie, Both are formidable cameras worthy of ownership by an advanced amateur or perhaps as a back-up camera for a professional. Personally I think both are too much camera for someone who has never owned an SLR. Both likely required the purchase of additional lenses to round out the repertoire. While most on this sight might consider the Canon S5 a toy, I think it great for the budding photographer. Eight megapixels – fast lens – zooms from wide-angle to mammoth telephoto. Not an SLR but close, as it sports a viewfinder that is an LCD viewer that function most SLR like. Runs on 4 AA batteries. The prince is right. Too much camera? Consider the Canon A 1000 10 megapixel pocket size camera, runs on 2 AA batteries with a bright LCD in the back and an optical viewfinder as well. Biggest negative for both is the sensor size which is tiny. Tiny means more noise however unless you are making big prints the noise will likely not be noticeable (exception is dim light situations with the ISO pumped up). Best of luck, Alan Marcus
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John P. Sandstedt |
First off - I'm a user of the Canon 30D; I recommended the Canon XTi to my son's in-laws [really amateurs.] The issue is - what kind of photographer is your BIL? The XS has received absolutely wonderful reviews; the 40D has/had a problem - Canon offered replacement of the body after problems were reported. But, there's now the 50D. It makes no sense to me to buy a 40D over the 50D unless cash is a real problem. It makes no sense to me to buy the 40D over the XS based on the reviews of the entry level camera. Having said all that I recommend, to folks who ask me, that they buy more than they think they'll need. That way, features someone hasn't considered intially just might be part of the camera purchased. I'd go for the 50D . . .
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John G. Clifford Jr |
I don't think a casual enthusiast (someone who likes photography enough to want a dSLR but who isn't a photo fanatic) can buy a bad dSLR from any of the players in the market... Nikon, Canon, Olympus, Pentax, Sigma, or Sony. Nikon, Canon, Olympus, and Pentax have done a great job of creating good entry level dSLRs. I don't think your brother-in-law would be ill-served by picking up the Rebel XS. Nor would he be making a mistake by picking up a Nikon D60 or Pentax K200D. Here's a good comparison matrix for several popular entry-level dSLRs: http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.php?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_eos1000d%2Cnikon_d60%2Cpentax_k200d%2Cpentax_km%2Csony_dslra300&show=all
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Oliver Anderson |
I'd rather have the new Rebel, the Canon 17-40L lens & a 430ex or 580ex.
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- Carlton Ward Contact Carlton Ward Carlton Ward's Gallery |
Hi Carrie, I would consider what type of photography and in what type of environment he will be shooting. I live in the Pacific Northwest, shoot lots of nature/landscape photos and am climbing over logs and down hills & trails. I once had my 20D with 70-200mm lens completely soaked in a sudden rainstorm. After letting them both air dry for 2 days, I wiped them clean and they both worked perfectly. I would fear the XSi wouldn't have fared as well. I had a Rebel XT a few years back and I really prefer the feel, build & menu layout/controls of the 40D to that XT. I haven't held the XSi but I strongly suggest that your Brother-in-law go to a camera store and handle the XSi and the 40D (or 50D) and see how it feels to him and how logical the controls are to him. This is the very reason I went with Canon over Nikon in the 1st place. Alan, Oliver & both Johns made excellent points as well.
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Thomas Lonergan |
Most of the big chain stores in New York have had the XS on sale sporting a 18-55mm lens with an additional 55-250mm lens for $549 during the last month. I'm interested in the XSi because of the 3' lcd and 12mbp and has the 18-55mm lens which is going for $635 at B&H in NY. Does anyone have an opinion as to whether the XSi is a better choice or not?
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John P. Sandstedt |
The XS is Canon's entry level DSLR at this point. It's gotten great reviews but it isn't the XSi. Similarly the XSi isn;t the XTi, although it might be considered a replacement. Onee needs to check sensor size [not that this really matters to most of us.] And, the XTi isn't the 30D or 40D 0r 50D. But you get the picture. Go to a store - get touchy feelie with each of them. Buy the highest level you can reasonably afford. Make certain that you buy the second generation 40D, the first had problems. And, it looks like the 50D has some too. And be sure you understand the lens factor. The 18-55mm kit lens is a 28-80 mm film equivalent. The 55-250 mm is a film lens, not a digital. But again you need to multiply by the lens factor 1.6. So, the 55-250 is 80-400+ equivalent. Ypou can't hand hold it and, I haven't seen any reviews on this lens [Is it a Canon??] Watch out for the big chains. Go to Adorama, B&H or Hunt's Photo.
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photobyliandra.com - Liandra Barry  Contact Liandra Barry Liandra Barry 's Gallery |
The D series (20D, 30D, 40D, etc) are semi-pro cameras that a lot of pros use for sports, wildlife, etc. The XS and XT series are basically beginners cameras in the DSLR point-n-shoot category. While they take great photos and are not as expensive than the D series, they are not as fast and are missing some of the best features. The D series are sturdy, made for a "tough" life of camping, hiking, going on a safari, etc. I had a 20D for years and it sustained major abuse and lots of tumbles. My 40D is going through the same treatment. For the kind of lenses I have, an XT or XS wouldn't really do the trick. I'd buy one if it were my first DSLR and wanted something great for vacations, take photos of the kids' soccer games, etc.
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Thomas Lonergan |
As an update to my previous post regarding the XSi. I bought a Sony A300 DSLR instead. The Sony fits better in my large hand, whereas the XSi's grip was too narrow. The A300 comes with a 18-70mm lens, and the XSi comes with a 18-55mm lens. The A300 has image stabilization in the body, and the XSi has it in the lens restricting what lens' you can use. The Live view is faster on the A300 than the XSi. As for picture quality, I can't say but the shots I'm getting are great. I guess only time will tell if changing my mind was a good move.
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photobyliandra.com - Liandra Barry Contact Liandra Barry Liandra Barry 's Gallery |
Thomas, I actually met someone last weekend with the same Sony she got for Xmas - her first DSLR and it's sweet. It's smaller and lighter, she let me hold it and take a couple of shots and you're right, it's a very nice camera. It all depends on what you want to do and what you need in order to do it. Based on what I heard, you'll love your Sony.
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Thomas Lonergan |
Liandra, Thanks for the response. I'm glad you like the camera. My only complaint is the small font size in the manual. It gives me eye strain. Luckily I was able to download a PDF manual that I can read on my computer.
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