T1i vs. 50D

[hiromatsuo]

I'm looking to get my first DSLR and my top picks are either the T1i or the 50D. I was thinking about getting them with their respective kit lenses, but I also plan to get a 50mm f/1.8. Mainly I'm interested in portrait and landscape (maybe some macro later on).

I've read the reviews and looked at the specs but they seem to be nearly identical on paper (the T1i movie mode is not a deal breaker for me since I got a Canon HD camcorder).

Can anyone tell me if the 50D has any advantages over the T1i? or vice versa?

[bearly]

unlike the T1i's cheap plastic body, the 50D has a full magnesium body so its much more solid than the Rebel line of cameras. However, this does make the camera weigh quite a bit more, but more weight also helps reduce camera shake... the 50D has more controls accessible at your fingertips because it has more buttons with different functions so you don't have to go through the menus, and it also has the quick select dial on the back, whereas the T1i only has one selection dial. the 50D also handles high isos better, although people have complained about the noise at the highest isos with the 50D as well. the 50D has almost double the fps that the T1i does, but for portraits and landscapes thats not really an issue.

i'm probably leaving things out but thats all i can think of right now. hope that helps a little
i personally would go for the 50D, or if you are willing to wait a few months, the 60D should be coming out in february or march. i've used both, and the T1i feels like a toy... i have yet to even have my own dslr, but from the experience i have using other people's, i feel as though i've already outgrown the rebel line.

[MattWalker53]

I bought a T1i because it was in my price range, just couldnt afford the 50d at the time. I have since used my brothers 50d and they are both great. your deciding factor should come down to feel, which ever one feel best in your hand is the one to get.

[inkista]

The 50D is a mid-grade camera, while the T1i is an entry-level camera. The 50D is more heavy-duty and action-oriented than the T1i. It has a more sophisticated autofocus system, the larger and heavier metal body (which a lot of photographers find to be more comfortable to hold), dual-wheel controls (i.e., instead of the four-way direction buttons, it has a control dial on the back), the second LCD on the top of the camera, a brighter viewfinder (pentaprism vs. pentamirror), interchangeable focus screens, a dampened shutter (i.e., the sound of the mirror slap isn't as sharp), interchangeble focus screens, and a much faster burst rate (6fps vs. 3fps).

However, the 50D and T1i have very similar sensors and the same processor, so the image quality and high iso noise performance between the two bodies is very similar. So, basically, the 50D is much nicer to use, especially for fast action photography, but the T1i can give the same picture quality.

[Darren Mathews]

6 months ago I bought a 40D from Adorama. Christmas day it broke with the dreaded "Err 99..." I returned it to Adorama who then issued full store credit.

I'm now stuck with the difficult decision of buying a new camera. I've narrowed it down to two choices, the T1i and the 50D. I really liked the feel of the 40D and the 50D is almost identical(size, weight, feel.) I like the heavier camera body as it does help cut down on camera shake. However, I take a lot of pictures of my kids sporting events and enjoy the high-speed shutter, but there are times when I would like to have a video clip instead.

The deciding factor is essentially the trade-off between having video capability and slower fps, or sturdier and faster but without video. Oh the torment......

[inkista]

If you can hang on until the end of February, PMA announcements will be happening, and a 50D successor is on the list of "highly probables." My guess would be that it'll be a 50D with some 7D tech. Video might be one of the new features.

[ncbcymtechie]

Actually, Canon Rumors is saying the PMA will be February 9th, so you just have to hold on another month or so. Just thought I'd add that in!

[Darren Mathews]

Oh I'll wait. It's all snow covered and cold right now anyway, so the only thing I'd be taking pictures of would be snowmen this time of year. I can wait.....hopefully though, the prices will be close to what's currently on the street for the current lineup.

[inkista]

Ah depends on your definition of "close". If your definition is "pretty much the same", that's unlikely for a 60D. Canon dSLR prices come down over the product life cycle. When the 50D was announced back in late August 2008, the initial MSRP (and street price) of the body only was $1300. Today, it's streeting around $1000.

So, if a 60D does get announced, it's likely to MSRP/street initially around $1300, and then after six months or so when initial demand has been met, the price will begin to come down. About 18 months on, it'll be where the 50D sits pricewise, now. Over time, the prices may trend downwards (when the 20D came out, it MSRPed body-only at $1500), but I really wouldn't count on a price dip.

The T1i/500D, like most of the digital Rebels initially MSRP/streeted around $900 kit and $800 body only (actually, my old XT initially MSRPed at $1k for the kit, and $900 for the body). The XS/1000D kit initially MSRPed around $700, iirc.

The closer to the beginning of the release cycle you get the camera, the more expensive it is. Also, new cameras will only be announced in February, it's likely not to be released until a month or two afterwards. So, if you can't wait, or if you want the prices you see now, then maybe waiting to see what's announced may not be worth it. Prices on "replaced" models won't drop sharply--they've just been coming down all along. Usually the price drops start about six months after the camera's been released, and initial demand has been met. The longer you wait, the cheaper it gets.

[ncbcymtechie]

I got my Rebel XSi last month (it's been out since June 2008, so that's a whole year and a half) and got it for a nice $575 with the 18-55mm f/3.5-4.5 IS kit lens, so I feel pretty happy about the money I spent. It's definitely true that the longer you wait the cheaper it gets. (I'd also like to add that I did a LOT of review reading to find out specs and such.)

I'd say weigh all the opinions here, read the T1i review by DCR and other reviews (Camera Labs, Imaging Reviews, and DPReview to name a few) , then go out to a store and try them out. See how they focus, shoot, shoot continuously, note their layouts, focus points, feel, weight, etc. Then pick the one that suits your needs best. If it's the T1i for whatever reason (video, size, whatever) then go with that one. If it's the 50D (more advanced capabilities, whatever) go with that one.

One of my favorite TV chefs on the Food Network, Alton Brown, asked a knife sharpener the question, "What is the best knife?" The sharpener's response: "The one that feels comfortable in your hand, because that's the one you're going to use." So get the camera you're going to use, or you'll have paid for a very, very expensive paperweight or ego trip. Then when you make the decision, go out and shoot! Make the most of your purchase and don't look back. Just do all the research and the handling and the trying and take the plunge, because whether T1i or the 50D you'll be happy you did.

(I realize I didn't help much in detailing the benefits of each body, but reading reviews will tell you plenty—I just want to emphasize that both DSLRs are well-capable workhorses that will serve you well so when you make the decision after research and testing, you should be happy and free of [too much] buyer's remorse. They are both, after all, extremely competent cameras!)