So You Can't Decide Which Canon Digital Rebel is Right For You?

Fret No More! Here are the simple differences between the Rebel XSi and the RebelT1i that will make your buying decision a piece of cake.

XSi (Rebel 450D) or T1i (Rebel 500D)

Canon has two fantastic entry level DSLR cameras to choose from: the Rebel XSi and the Rebel T1i. (There is not a Rebel X1i, but maybe that will be next)

"Great News! I purchased the XSi last month, and I couldn't be happier. I finally made my decision based on your information about the differences between the Canon Rebel XSi and the Rebel T1i. You gave me just what I needed to make my decision, not a bunch of technology analysis talk. The way you explain the decision making process made it so easy for someone like me without a lot of camera knowledge to understand. I also bought a another lens as you suggested, and I am really having fun taking better photos than I ever thought possible. I am totally in love with my new camera. Thank you soo much!"
Andrea F

I'm making the assumption that those who are reading this article for serious decision making content have already decided that you want to upgrade from a point and shoot camera to a Digital Single Lens Reflex camera (DSLR).

You have made a great decision! You will not regret it.

Be sure to read every word of this article because I will disclose the vital difference between these two cameras that will help you make a choice you will be satisfied with. The photo on the right shows how much they look alike.

Having gotten to this point in your camera research, you know that there is a major difference between Compact and DSLR - right?

You buy a compact digital camera and you have everything you need to be a photographer in one nifty little camera.

But when you buy a DSLR, you are committing to a serious hobby that involves other equipment, including, but not limited to, lenses, tripod, filters, camera case, etc.

Now, don't get the wrong idea. You CAN buy one of the Digital Rebel cameras with the Kit Lens and be set, not having to make all those other purchases.

But the whole point of buying a DSLR is the flexibility it gives you to change out the lens and get that shot you just couldn't get with your old compact point and shoot model. There is a feeling of empowerment when you are able to slap on your 100mm macro lens and get a shot of a jumping spider, some ice crystals, or a new hairy caterpillar (see photo - that caterpillar was about 1 inch long) that you just can't get any other way.

Rebel XSi (aka Rebel 450D) Overview

Canon introduced the Digital Rebel series of cameras in 2003 with the Digital Rebel 300D. There has been a new release about every 2 years. That is until this year. There have been 2 releases in 2 years, the first being the 450D, followed closely by the 500D.

Both these cameras (XSi=450D and T1i=500D) are worthy of ownership.

But there is a reason why one would be better for you than the other - that is the reason of this article. So watch closely.

(and let me just say here - if you are really into the techy side of reading specs and such, please check out some of the camera review sites. My favorite is www.dpreview.com.)

Here are the features of interest for the Digital Rebel 450D:

• 12 megapixel image sensor
• Kit Lens is 18-55mm IS (image stabilization) - a fine lens for starters.
• DIGIC III image processor - Canon's image processor is recognized as one of the better ones in digital image processing.
• 3" LCD panel with excellent viewing, including in high light situations
• Superior image quality when compared to other digital cameras in its class (see cnet.com)
• A wide range of shooting modes, including all except the most complex features of the higher end 5D, allowing the photographer to have as much or as little control over the outcome as desired.
• Nearly all the controls of high-end cameras.

The two items that do not match up to Canon's high-end cameras are the sensor type (1.6 image crop - a techy that simply means you get a better picture if you pay the extra money for the better camera) and burst speed (how many pictures per second you can snap off - in this case about 3fps).

In my humble opinion, overall, the Digital Rebel 450D matches up to ALL cameras in its class.

First Impression of the Canon Digital Rebel T1i

Rebel T1i (aka Rebel 500D) Overview

This gem of a camera is a step up from the XSi in terms of development. You will notice that this camera name has a numeric representation of 500D while the XSi is a 450D. This only means that the 450D was released before the 500D.

Does that make sense? Good.

Canon has a series of cameras in the "professional" market that are considered by many as the top cameras on the market. Canon has taken many of the features of those cameras, such as the Canon 5D, and incorporated them into the Rebel 500D. The major difference in the upper end cameras is the sensor - a technical issue I will not discuss here, but suffice it to say that there is a major difference in price because of that one item.

Now for the features: 500D (from cnet.com)

• 15.1 megapixel sensor - capable of printing HUGE pictures
• 3" LCD panel, which has good quality even in high light.
• Digic 4 processor (this is how the camera processes the pictures. It is a much better processor than most point and shoot cameras, giving you a mega-advantage in the image quality)
• Kit lens is 18-55mm with IS (image stabilization - helps you take pictures that are not blurry because of camera shake). This kit lens has been a vast improvement over its predecessor.
• Plenty of shooting modes (see camera image), including Creative Auto Mode - a brand new feature for the 500D, which point and shoot owners will recognize as a feature in your better compact cameras. The camera makes creative decisions for the photographer.
• Video - a new feature for the 500D. It takes 720p at 30 fps(frames per second). It does take larger video at 1080p, but the speed drops to 20fps, which means the quality also drops. Use the 720p option when shooting video.

(If you would like to see the entire list of specs on the Digital Rebel T1i, check out www.dpreview.com)

Sooo... Which One?

• The sensor size difference of 3 megapixels is a non-issue. Both cameras can produce about the same size files with very large prints.
• Both of these digital masterpieces are rated at the top of their field in image quality.
• Both have the DIGIC image processor, another effective Canon feature (yes, the image processor is upgraded in the Digital Rebel T1i, but the XSi's processor is still rated very highly - enough so that anyone other than the camera tech experts can't see the difference)
• Both cameras sell with the exact same capable Kit Lens.
• They both have enough camera settings to give the control needed for the desired digital outcome.
  

AND NOW, the decision making differences:

1. - Movie mode - only offered in the Digital Rebel T1i.
2. - Creative Auto Mode - only offered in the Digital Rebel T1i.
3. - Price - the Digital Rebel XSi is about $145 less than its T1i cousin.
   

Bottom Line

DO YOU WANT VIDEO AND CREATIVE MODE?

-->If you want video and creative mode, get the Canon EOS Rebel T1i .

-->If video and creative mode are not desireable features for you, get the Canon Digital Rebel XSi. (Use that $145 you didn't spend toward another lens or a tripod)