First impressions of the Canon 450D (XSi)

[Tom]

... Nikon has a specific button to make a change in a setup whereas the same setting must be done via the Canon menu system.

That's what I figured was going on Bob, but I couldn't "read" the icons to figure out what the extra buttons did. In some cases, it might have just been a different location for the same button feature. Haven't gone to any of the detailed camera reviews to check it all out.

I also noticed a 'Scene' position on the dial, and assumed this worked the same way as the SCN button on my Panasonic, i.e. it pops up a menu of options for different scenes. The Canon doesn't have this and has the scenes on the dial instead. However, the Nikon also had what appeared to be scene options on the dial but, without being able to switch it on, I couldn't really figure out what each one did.

Tho I still have some thoughts when I see a feature that Nikon has that I don't have I ponder a bit . . .

I suspect that will happen to me a lot  

[seilerbird]

My take on every Nikon DSLR I have ever picked up is that it has way too many buttons, but I guess there are some people who like a lot of buttons. I choose Canon in the first place mainly because most of photo buddies shoot Canon and that made it easier to get advise and borrow lenses and stuff. But no matter what system you choose the guy pushing the button has a lot more influence on how the photos turn out than the brand name.

[Marsha/CA]

But no matter what system you choose the guy pushing the button has a lot more influence on how the photos turn out than the brand name.

This is so true.  I know the discussion is centered about first impressions of the Canon 450D, but no matter what camera you have, the time of day, the composition and even the subject matter all affect the results.  I bet you could take 10 people, have them stand on the same spot and point in the same direction.  You could allow them to take the picture at their choice of time and settings and I would bet, each picture would turn out different than the other 9.

Marsha~

[seilerbird]

This is so true.  I know the discussion is centered about first impressions of the Canon 450D, but no matter what camera you have, the time of day, the composition and even the subject matter all affect the results.  I bet you could take 10 people, have them stand on the same spot and point in the same direction.  You could allow them to take the picture at their choice of time and settings and I would bet, each picture would turn out different than the other 9.

Marsha~

You are so right Marsha. I did just that. A few years ago I was at Yellowstone and Kodak was having their Photography in the Park activities. Every day a professional photographer would lead us on a field trip to a very beautiful spot and explain how he would approach the shot. Then we all got our chance to try out his advise and then show him the photo for his critique. The images were all over the map. Some stunning, some barking.

[Tom]

You guys are giving me an inferiority complex 

[Marsha/CA]

Tom, beauty is always in the eye of the beholder.  Several years ago, I was emailing with a friend and we were discussing photography.  I sent him photos to critique.  One was a shot of a campground with picnic tables all lined up perfectly, along with the site numbers.  At the end of the row, the tables veered  off to one side.  His suggestion was to crop the last campsite to keep the tables all lined up.  What I loved about the photo, was that I felt the tables actually led the eye out of the picture and made you wonder if there was another table.

So even though one person thinks the photo is outstanding; another may have a different opinion and may have shot it from an entirely different perspective.  Photography is not an exact science; and I believe it is an individual thing.  And, I truly believe some people have a natural knack for taking exceptionally good photos.

Marsha~

[Tom]

.. I truly believe some people have a natural knack for taking exceptionally good photos.

I'm certainly not in that group Marsha.

[PancakeBill]

Tom congrats on the Xsi.  I bought the T1i over the summer and having a blast with it.  There is annother forum on the ne, called 'Photography On The net', great information in there..  To me, it is like this forum for photography, it is centered on Canon.  Want to feel you know nothing though, wow, these guys have some amazing shots.  Other Tom, do yo go on there?  They also have weekly theme contests which are fun to watch.

I had always shot Minolta in my SLR dys, and was leaning towards Nikon for a DSLR, no particular reason other than brand impression.  Then Canoon came to Yellowstone with the Photography in the Park program and I had that chance to use different cameras and lens, alongside the pros.  I was very impressed with the T1i.  Also the 50D.  They didn't have the XSi available, but I would have gone for the higher pixels anyway. 

I have the same two lens you have (Tom), and very happy with them.  In fact on the POTN there is a long running thread for just the 55-250, so you can see the capabilities.

You can submit photos, just need thick skin.  Good learning points though, including like what Marsha mentioned, one saying you got it right, another teilling you crop.  Take it all in and learn.

[Tom]

Thanks for the info Bill, and congrats on the T1i. I have 90 days to decide if I'll upgrade 

[seilerbird]

Yep, I post on PTON occasionally. It is a great place to share photos and learn about your camera. I also participate in the DPReview forum, which has forums for every kind of digital camera made. They also have photo contests.

[PancakeBill]

http://preview.tinyurl.com/l39nfl


Tom,  here is a side by side comparison of the XSi to the T1i.  Depending on the upgrade price, the T1i is pretty cool.  Couple big things is video and ISO speeds for low light.  Take a peek at the comparison. 

[Tom]

Thanks Bill. I believe I ran the same comparison on that site recently. The T1i is definitely a nice camera, but probably much more camera than I need. The incremental price difference was IIRC not much more than $100.

[PancakeBill]

For around a little more than 100, I would lean towards the T1i, you will grow into the stuff that is more than what you need.  Just the video capability would haver put me over the edge. 

Nothing wrong with the XSi, great rig, you will enjoy it.  But,,,  if you have 90 days to decide, and if you can try out the T, try it. 

[Tom]

Understood Bill. I have a Canon video camera, which was one reason I shied away from the T1i; Didn't feel I needed to pay extra money to get that feature.

[seilerbird]

The video camera built into the X1i is probably a much better video camera than your stand alone video camera is, unless it is relatively new and expensive. And having them both in one package sure makes things handy.

[Tom]

Holding a DSLR to shoot video seems counter-intuitive.

BTW the new standalone video cameras are really slick.

[PancakeBill]

The standalone will be better and easier I am sure.  But to have it with you at the twist of a knob is priceless as they say.  I went flying with a buddy the other morning, took some pics from the plane, of the plane, but on landing approacj I switched to video.  You use the live screen.  Got about 4 minutes of HD video of his smooth landing.  He is pleased.  If I had both I probably only would have taken one.

[Tom]

Whatever turns y'all on.

[seilerbird]

The Canon 7d does HD recording at 1920 lines of resolution, good enough for broadcast TV. It is a simple, push one button and you are shooting video, operation. Doesn't get any easier or better than that. The nice thing is you can use your L lenses for video which are far superior to the lensis on all but the top of the line video cameras for sale today.

[Tom]

I can't afford an L lens 

[seilerbird]

Your priorities will change in a year or so. You have been bitten by the bug, there is no escaping