Next Camera

[divemaster94]

Greetings,

I currently have a Canon XSi, but I am looking to buy a 50D or T1i. A refurbished 50D is about the same price as a new T1i. Thoughts?

[Bonish Photo]

These cameras are really different when it comes to shooting for a professional, but for someone just trying to record their kids, some home
movies and have a good photo to remember the holidays, you'll do fine with the T1.

But, and this is a But that is a very big deal for me, because of how much the camera is in my hand, but you might not even notice it. The T1 frame is
much smaller than the 50D. I cant stand the Rebel series bodies because of the small frame they have. If you have small hands, or if the wife is going
to be using the camera more than you, this might be a good thing, but for me, my hands get cramped up trying to hold onto it all day long. Again, the
average shooter rarely holds onto the camera for more than a game or so, so they might never notice this.

The T1 is much slower when it comes to frames per second (FPS), but this wont be noticed unless you're into sports and you're
trying to catch some fast action shots. We rented one of the new Rebels while one of our regular bodies was in the shop, and I hated that it was only shooting 3.4
fps compared to the normal 5fps the 30D normally does.

Might not seem like much when only shooting some little league, but try and follow a bucking bull trying to throw the cowboy off and you have a total of
8 seconds to record the entire scene, and every second becomes very important.

Since the new Canon 7D just came out on the market and shoots 8 fps and also does video, the prices on the 50D has dropped drastically. Check out
Photography on the Net and browse their Buy/Sell forum, and you'll see a ton of photographers who have stepped up to the new body and are getting rid of
a slightly used T1 or a 50D. We try and buy all our stuff used, because like computer equipment, the camera bodies are usually outdated every 6-9
months. The prices when new are just over the top, and if you buy last years model, the 50D or the T1, you can usually save a bundle of cash.

Hope that helps and good luck with getting your new camera. Try and save money on the body and spend your real money on some good lenses. That's
where the real quality is and what will make the biggest difference in your images.

Take care

[divemaster94]

Pat,

Thanks for the quick and informative reply. I agree that the XSi and T1i are too small for my hands. (I added the optional battery pack just to have something to grab) My dream camera would be the 7D, however that is beyond my reach. Based on your reply, I believe that I will try to get a 50D. Do you think that prices will continue to drop? Should I wait until after Christmas and see if there are better deals?

Again, thanks for your reply. It was most helpfull.

Troy

[Bonish Photo]

Hey Troy, I'd check out the used market only because with the 7D coming out, so many people have moved up to it that you can find a nearly new 50D for quite cheap

Good luck and make sure you let us know which one you get and how you like it