Rebel XSI v S5 IS

[nerdrageracer]

Not going to go into the reason why, but I can either go with S5 IS right now (no cost to me) or wait a couple months and get Rebel XSI (no cost).

I know nothing about cameras and while I have done a little reading on the S5 it seems like a opint and click with more features and some options to give it a little more SLR feel.

The XSI (I've read reviews for both cams on this site) is much more confusing to my drunken mind (I've read both reviews for the two cams on this site) but a little tempted as it costs more but would still get for free.

Will be doing mostly low light/night shots of landscapes and the pics (especially the one of the buildings iwtht he bank sign) seem to show that the XSI is more capable (would hope for a couple more hundred for it compared to S5) but how complete newbie friendly is it?

The S5 is instant gratification as I get it now whereas I'll have to wait for the XSI (stupid work, just gimme now >.> ) but seems to require more knowledge of cameras.

My real question is, should I just settle for teh S5 IS and get to start using it right away (if I go with it, I'll ahve to purchase the XSI if I still want it) and get the hang of using a camera more complex than a Kodak disposable you can buy from a gas station, or wait and hope I can understand how to use the XSI properly and have to hold off on furthering my personal projects?

The dollar value for each makes the XSI automatically seem better but if it's so complicated I'd probably get annoyed and just end up pointing and clicking and yelling at the sky that it's not getting taken correctly.

So in short, XSI very complicated to use or will reading the manual a couple times get me going to take soem awesome sky shots. Or shall I wait and take some lesser quality sky shots with the S5 almost immediately?

[David Metsky]

You can use the XSI as a total P&S, just like you can use the S5 as a total P&S. Both cameras will benefit from you learning how to use manual controls. The S5 has full manual controls so you can do nearly everything you can do with the XSI.

You didn't say what kind of lenses you are going to buy for the XSI. It will cost you a lot of money to get high quality lenses that duplicate the range of the zoom on the S5. Do you need a 400mm zoom? You might be able to live on the kit lens for now and expand your lens selection later.

[TheWengler]

I'd say go for the XSi. Regardless of what camera you choose you're going to need to figure out what you're doing to get quality shots. Like David said, desired focal range is an important consideration, as is movie mode. If you NEED those things then S5 is probably the way to go. You can get more focal range for a few hundred more dollars on the XSi, but you'll never get a movie mode. However, the XSi will bring you superior quality.

[JTL]

However, the XSi will bring you superior quality.Ah...but will it? I know, here I go again! I would say an XSi could bring you superior quality (which is relative anyway) IF you do the things necessary to get superior quality out of it. DSLRs take commitment. They do. No sense in us denying it. ;)

That being said, an S5 takes a decent level of commitment as well to get decent shots out of it. Leave it on Auto, and a fair amount of the shots will be crap...

I would ask to OP "Why do you want either...or any camera for that matter?" "What do expect out of a camera?" "What do you think is going to happen once you get one?" You know, simple questions like that! :D;):D

I know nothing about camerasI don't know anything about tropical fish...and you don't see me going out and getting an aquarium! :D:D:D

Now...what did I do with that aquarium forum URL anyway...???

[jekostas]

I'm gonna suggest neither... if you can still get an XSi for free down the road, start with a simpler camera that still has full manual controls and learn how to use it.

The Panasonic LZ8 and LZ10 both come to mind, as do the Canon A580 and A590is.

Start to learn how to use the camera - start with Program, and then move on to Av and Tv modes and then manual and see what different things do. Spend a few months with it. If you decide that in the end you do want an XSi, sell the cameras and get the upgrade.

[TheWengler]

Ah...but will it? I know, here I go again! I would say an XSi could bring you superior quality (which is relative anyway) IF you do the things necessary to get superior quality out of it. DSLRs take commitment. They do. No sense in us denying it. ;)

I can't argue with that. When I first got my DSLR, I wasn't getting results that were any better than when I had my S3. After a couple months of practice, I got the ball rolling.

[SpecialK]

I would wait for the XSI. DSLR 's are no more complicated to learn than a point-and-shoot.

Low-light and night shots will be much better, everything else being equal, due to the bigger sensor.

I've got the S3IS which is poor at low-light/high-ISO settings, and the S5IS is a little worse (more megapixels = more noise).