Recommendations on a Canon DSLR (body only)

[AntiFreze]

Hello All,

My new wife is ready to move from a 35mm Canon to a DSLR and her birthday is approaching so I thought it would be a good time to get her one. She already has a lens from her 35mm so can anyone recommend a good Canon DSLR for around 400 to 500. I was thinking the Canon EOS Rebel XS (10mp) or the Canon EOS Revel XSi (12mp) but I really don't know enough to commit.

Looking for help/advice!

Thank you

 

[ElFenix]

new those are your only options. used maybe a 30D can be had for that, it's a bigger, more substantial body than the two you mentioned, with dual control wheels.

 

[Redfraggle]

I just ordered a the xsi off Amazon for $599 with the kit lens. I researched both cameras quite a bit before I made my choice, and I think I'll be happiest with the xsi. I already own a digital camera, so I am familiar with general features of digital, but this will be my first dslr. I did already know how to use an slr as well. If she is totally new to digital, I might suggest finding a quick community course in its general use if you can find it. If she's more the DIYer, get her a book to go with it. Nothing sucks more than a gift you are excited to get but have no idea how to effectively and fully utilize.

 

[Aharami]

i got a XSi body from craigslist for $400. I thoroughly tested it when i met up with the guy and everything checked out.

 

[angry hampster]

The XSi is a much better camera as far as internals go, but it feels like a toy compared to a 30D. I can't stand using the rebel bodies.

 

[GoSharks]

Originally posted by: ElFenix
new those are your only options. used maybe a 30D can be had for that, it's a bigger, more substantial body than the two you mentioned, with dual control wheels.

OP, what film body is she coming from? Will she even care about the 30D specific features?

 

[twistedlogic]

Originally posted by: AntiFreze
She already has a lens from her 35mm

Will this older lens even work on newer DSLR?
I guess it depends on the mount?

 

[AntiFreze]

Originally posted by: twistedlogic

Originally posted by: AntiFreze
She already has a lens from her 35mm

Will this older lens even work on newer DSLR?
I guess it depends on the mount?

It is a Canon Rebel K2 (with the kit lens)

 

[alfa147x]

Canon 30d

 

[AntiFreze]

Originally posted by: alfa147x
Canon 30d

why the 30d over the XSi?

 

[twistedlogic]

Originally posted by: AntiFreze
It is a Canon Rebel K2 (with the kit lens)

EF 28-80mm f/3.5-5.6 II?

Should work then. But the reviews for this lens are not very glowing, plus on a cropped body this lens short end becomes 44.8, not very wide.

Originally posted by: AntiFreze
why the 30d over the XSi?

One of the biggest reasons is build quality.

Rebel = plastic
30D = Magnesium alloy

You could hammer a nail into the wall with the 30D, .
But thats not the only reason, the 30D has a better viewfinder, more FPS, more dedicated buttons.

 

[angry hampster]

Originally posted by: twistedlogic

One of the biggest reasons is build quality.

Rebel = plastic
30D = Magnesium alloy

You could hammer a nail into the wall with the 30D, .
But thats not the only reason, the 30D has a better viewfinder, more FPS, more dedicated buttons.

Yep. If not these, the big thumb wheel on the back is worth its weight in gold. Two-button aperture control is ridiculous.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: AntiFreze

It is a Canon Rebel K2 (with the kit lens)

that lens isn't worth keeping for use on a digital body. she'll appreciate the upgrade to the 18-55 IS.

 

[bigpow]

Low end = XSI (skip XS, T1i)
Mid = 50D

Since it's for the wife, I'd recommend the 50D body (+ 17-55mm) or 50D w/ 28-135mm kit.
You can thank me later

 

[GoSharks]

A 50D is significantly larger and heavier than the K2. I would check with her if you wanted to get a 50D.

 

[Tip3r]

Low end = XSI (skip XS, T1i)
Mid = 50D

Since it's for the wife, I'd recommend the 50D body (+ 17-55mm) or 50D w/ 28-135mm kit.
You can thank me later

Yup! the 50D is great, plus its almost three times the price limit with one of those lenses!

 

[bigpow]

That's why I said XSI body.

Just making recommendation since 50D isn't that much bigger than XSI, AND, if it were my wife, I'd be glad to pay ONLY $2000 for her DSLR setup.
To suggest something less, would be an insult.

 

[qbfx]

I'd recommend skipping the 30D, and going for a 40D if you wanted something more advanced and well built and/or faster than a Digital Rebel.

However your wife may appreciate a smaller body like the DR XSi. I personally own a DR XS and I think it's a great camera too (if you get over the simpler AF system).

Good luck!

 

[ElFenix]

That's why I said XSI body.

Just making recommendation since 50D isn't that much bigger than XSI, AND, if it were my wife, I'd be glad to pay ONLY $2000 for her DSLR setup.
To suggest something less, would be an insult.

it's huge in comparison to the xsi and the k2.

a k2 is a decidedly entry body. your wife might be able to take full advantage of a $2000+ SLR set up but for the OP an xsi and a 18-55 IS lens will be a very good combination.

 

[bigpow]

I had the XS (same exact size as the XSI), and now I have the 50D.
I don't understand what you're trying to say;
how's 50D huge in comparison to XSI?

Have you ever own either one? Or at least seen/handle it in person?
(I'm out of here)

 

[qbfx]

Umm, while I agree 50D isn't huge compared to the XSI, it is quite bigger and probably can feel somewhat unconfortable in smaller hands. It's heavier too. That said, I'd choose a 50D over a T1i (or 40D for that matter) any day :biggrin:

 

[ElFenix]

I had the XS (same exact size as the XSI), and now I have the 50D.
I don't understand what you're trying to say;
how's 50D huge in comparison to XSI?

Have you ever own either one? Or at least seen/handle it in person?
(I'm out of here)

i had an xti and traded up for a 40D. those cameras basically share bodies with their respective successors. going by weight and volume the 40D is 50% larger than the xti.


side by side

 

[twistedlogic]

According to DPReview the 40D is 266 grams heavier, or as stated above, 48% heavier. Too me that is a huge difference, especially coming from such a light Rebel K2 (365G).

 

[littleprince]

The XSi is the closer camera in features and body design to what she has. Her kit lens is pretty horrible, you'd be much better off with a worse body and better lens than a better body and crap lens.

Think of it this way, take the best body you can afford, cover the lens with dirt and how good are the pictures gonna be?