T1i or XSi?

[Pen]

First off im going to say i know that there is at least one other person that asked the EXACT same question. Nonetheless im asking it, my decision appears to be based on different things as the others. I have a Sony A330 now w/lens' going basically from 18-300mm, i want to keep that range which means i need at least two lens'. So with the XSi being $640 and the T1i being $820 (right now on amazon). Which one? considering the money saved from the XSi might be able to buy me a better lens. (I dont have a ton of cash either, i wont be buying the $2600 28-300mm lens anytime soon for example) Thanks!

[LoveDSLR]

Originally Posted by Pen

(I dont have a ton of cash either, i wont be buying the $2600 28-300mm lens anytime soon for example)

You can consider a Tamron 28-300 VC.

[OsmosisStudios]

If you're doing just stills in fairly good light, then get the XSI. It outdoes the T1i at base and just above base ISO.

If you're doing stills in less-than-good light or want video, then get the T1i.

[Samanax]

Originally Posted by Pen

I have a Sony A330 now w/lens' going basically from 18-300mm, i want to keep that range which means i need at least two lens'.

Are you switching from Sony?

[Pen]

yes i am switching from sony

[Pen]

thanks for the suggestions osmosisstudios

[OsmosisStudios]

Originally Posted by Pen

thanks for the suggestions osmosisstudios

Not a problem.

DPReview tested the T1i soon after it came out: it faired fairly well. The only thing they saw as being negative was that they got better images from the XSi at base and just-above-base isos (100-400). Of course, the T1i spanked the XSi in the higher ISOs (800+), but thats what happens when you change the processor

The T1i also has a higher resolution, so cropping is less of an issue as was downsampling. It also, quite obviously, has video, which the XSi doesnt.

The big battle in the consumer segment now is the D5000/T1i debate, and that one's fairly simple: If you're concentrating more on stills, the D5000 does a better job; if youre concentrating more on video, then the T1i is a better choice.

[Samanax]

Originally Posted by Pen

yes i am switching from sony

Oh...what is it about the Sony you don't like? And is it something you're sure you'll be happy with from another brand?

[Pen]

Mostly the expandability of the camera, with the accesories, lens', flash etc., as well as the price of the associated items.

[Pen]

thanks again osmosis, i am also looking at the nikon D5000 in fact (as well as the D90) but i thought id ask that question in the nikon section.