Which DSLR should I get?
 

I realize this question probably has been posted here a few times and I do plan to do some research on my own as well but thought I would inquire here first.

I have the following options available:

1. Canon EOS Digital Rebel Xsi wtih 18-55 IS Lens Kit
2. Canon EOS Rebel XS
3. Nikon D3000 DSLR

The options above are from Airmiles as I have saved enough points to get a DSLR through them and thought I would inquire further with some experts on this forum.

I appreciate any feedback and comments, bare in mind Im a newbie and do plan to learn how to utilize a DSLR.

Thanks in advance!

#1

I appreciate your reply. Is there a signifant reason for #1 over the others and in particular the next Canon.

Ive been leaning towards a Canon personally

Take it from someone who owns a Canon XS: you will be much happier owning the better XSi. When I bought my XS I was only looking at the price difference, which was about $250. On paper the advantages of the XSi don't seem to stick out much, but after using my XS for over a year and also handling the XSi several times I regret my decision.

The rubber grip inserts on the XSi make it much more comfortable to handle and it feels more secure in your hands. When not selecting your own autofocus point, the XSi seems to be more accurate on focus (it has 9 autofocus points plus proximity sensor versus 7 on XS). The XSi includes spot metering which I don't find useful, but it adds a reference circle around the centre focus point in the viewfinder which makes it much easier to see. The XSi can shoot 3.5fps in RAW mode for 6 frames, while the XS only shoots 1.5fps in RAW mode for 5 frames (3.0fps in JPEG only).

The two biggest advantages of the XSi that become immediately apparent when comparing: viewfinder and LCD. The XSi has 0.87 x magnification on its viewfinder, versus 0.81 x magnification on the XS. The picture in the viewfinder appears larger and brighter making it easier to frame your photo and check focus. Many will say 0.87 versus 0.81 is insignificant, but I have tested them side by side and it was noticeable. Finally, the 3.0" LCD versus 2.5" LCD makes a world of difference. I can't remember how many photos on my XS had bad focus but I didn't notice because the tiny LCD review looked okay.

Nikon D3000 for ease of use....does it come with a lens?

i got a XSi during boxing week.

love it so far doing random shots. just that i haven't had time to really go out and play with it.

Jason,

the nikon doesnt come with a lens...i would have to order that seperately


thnx to everyone for the posts: ill read the links shortly..

If you have lenses already, go for the Nikon D3000 or Canon XS respectively. Otherwise get the XSI with the kit lens, unless you're willing to buy lenses for whichever you choose.

I'm with senna on the ease of use on the D3000, it was designed to be easy to use so that new DSLR users could easily just pick it up and shoot with it.

I've played around with the XSI that belonged to a friend's Dad. It's not bad but changing settings on it like ISO, WB, aperture and shutter speed while in manual just made me mad so I had to put it down before I destroyed it out of frustration. I guess using the D90 has spoiled me and cut my patience in half of what it used to be.

looking at prices online the XSI and D3000 with 18-55 kit lens are both around the same price. with the D3000 being cheaper at some retailers.

^And again, go to the store and TRY THEM BOTH OUT FOR YOURSELF - what one person finds "easier" or "more intuitive" may not be the same thing YOU prefer. In the end, only YOU will know which camera is more comfortable for you.