Sony DSC-R1 or Rebel XT? Plz Help

[EWalterJr]

Hi, I'm new to photography so I could use a bit of help. I'm stuck between the DSC-R1 and the Rebel XT. I can get both for about the same price, but based on what I've read, the R1's lense is a lot more versitile that any other DSLR's.

To be blunt, I don't really have money to go around buying fancy lenses. However, I don't want a crappy camera. The R1 has 10 MP's, and the LCD display which I like as well. I'm into creative and artistic photography and I don't plan on taking any wedding photos or proffessional pictures like that. So with that in mind, which camera should I get? Any help is appreciated.

Also, just out of curiosity, do both of these cameras use the same type of memory storage? I'm aware that the R1 can also use Pro Duos though. Thanks

[timmciglobal]

I don't like the R1. Too slow, too small buffer.

Why not buy a Pentax dSLR or perhaps a Nikon D50?

Tim

[Rhys]

The Pentax sounds a good idea. I have the XT and for the price of the XT I could get a Pentax DL and several good lenses.

[Blob]

The Panasonic FZ7 and Canon S2 seem to be good cameras for a serious amatuer. They offer image-stabilized, long lens zooms with good features and high quality photos. The Panasonic forum here on this web site is very active, you may want to look into this type of camera.

[coldrain]

The R1 is a really good camera. In fact, it is the best camera you can get when it is not a DSLR.

The suggestion to get a Pentax *istDL is a bit silly, since that is not teh greatest DSLR at all. Its AF is very hampered, and the JPEG quality is rather sad. Also the DL feels very cheap in its controls, not sure why since the Samsungs do feel a lot better.

The R1 has a good sensor, that does quite a good job. It gets more noisy when you use high ISOs, like ISO 800 and especially ISO 1600, but its performance in lower ISOs is excellent. The XT is quite close in MP count, the Nikon D50 is another good entry level DSLR but it is again a step back in megapixels, and the 4mp difference will be very noticable.

The XT of course will enable you to grow into, with you buying more lenses overtime. The R1 will be sort of a dead end... it will stop at its 24-120mm lens. The XT with a EF 28-105 f3.5-4.5 USM II and the 18-55 kit lens will give about the same range as the R1, and will not break the bank.

One big advantage of the R1 is its live preview. The big advantage of the XT is its lens system. That is the choice you have to make.

[EWalterJr]

Thanks for all the advice everyone. People here really know their stuff. Coldrain, you basically told me what I needed to know about the two cameras though. You're absolutely right, I guess I do need something to grow into and I never really looked at the R1 as a "dead end".

I think I'll just end up getting the Rebel and saving up for a decent lense. I'd like to get the Nikon D70, but I'm a poor college kid, lol. Thanks again to everyone that helped, I think the Rebel XT is the camera for me!

[JTL]

If you're in the U.S, you've got only a few days left before the Canon XT rebate ends (7/15). If you're a "poor college kid", then I don't think you can afford to throw away $100.00...;)

Cheapest online price from a reputable delaer...plus no tax, no shipping charge: http://www.beachcamera.com/shop/product.aspx?sku=CNDRXTB

That's the body only. If you go with the XT, you'll have to make a lens choice as well...if your budget allows, I'd fore go the kit lens and get something else. You can pick up a well regarded Canon 28-105 for around $200.00 new. Just make sure you get the 3.5-4.5 model and not the 4.0-5.6 version!

[some guy]

if money is an issue, then check out the D50. It's bit more basic compared to the XT but it's a fanstastic camera in its own right. Also you will gain access to a wide array of specialist lenses from Nikon and supporting 3rd partiers. R1 is for SLR wannabes. :D I still contend that P&S cameras should be small, if I want a hulking camera, I'd stick with a dSLR. ;)