canon xsi or 7D

[Evn_Gee]

i know that there not 2 cameras to compare. but i was wondering witch one should i get .its my first dslr , but Ive been reading a bunch of books on photography and taking some small courses,so i pretty much know most of the basics, but i'm not sure witch to get . and i shoot landscapes, portraits, and sports.

 

[JeffieLove]

If you can afford the 7d, get it

I have the XSi and while I LOVE it, I would LOVE to have a 7d instead

 

[Nubbs]

I had the XTI and moved up to the 7d. If you can afford it and feel that you will eventually grow into what the 7d is capable of than get the 7D. I love my 7D!

 

[j6waneye]

I own the xsi, and absolutely love it. I shoot live music gigs, portraits and wildlife. Works extremely well for me. Would LOVE LOVE LOVE to have the 7d though

 

[KenC]

Consider a T2i, which should be available for a nice price now that the T3i is out. You will get as good (or at least very nearly) high-ISO performance as the 7D for a lot less money. The big advantage of the 7D is the autofocus, but it probably will cost you more than 2X what the T2i will, and you could use the extra money to buy a couple of good lenses.

 

[bigtwinky]

I had an XSI for a few years and bought a 7D.

The reasons I upgraded where because of the high ISO of the 7D. While still not as good as a full frame, my ISO 1600 on the 7D looks like ISO 400 on the XSI. The XSI had ISO 1600 which looked like crap (to me).

You dont list low light shooting as a requirement though.
However, you do list sport shooting. The autofocusing in the 7D is years ahead of the XSI and great for sport shooting. Plus, being able to shoot at 8 fps vs 3.5 fps (or was it 3.0) with the XSI is a huge boon for sport shooting.

The XSI is a very very capable camera. But the 7D is a nicer camera with some extra perks that I would recommend.

HOWEVER... lenses are WAY more important than an upgrade. If buying an XSI means that you can also get a pro L lens, I'd go with that to start. If you already have decent lenses or plans on buying decent lenses, then get the 7D. I'd prefer to shoot sports with an XSI and a 70-200 f/2.8 IS than with a 7D and a 55-250 f/4-5.6

EDIT: If you can get an T1i or a T2i for a similar price to the XSI, that would be great. The high ISO is a bit cleaner on those models.

 

[Evn_Gee]

Ok thanks guys. I might just go for the xsi and then 7D later

 

[bigtwinky]

If you are looking at used cameras, try and find a used 40D

The 40D was the upper model for the XSI at the time. It's a great great camera. There is a net difference between the Rebel / entry level cameras and the pro sumer line (40D, 50D, ...). Nicer ISO, better build... and most importantly (for me) the ergonomics of the body is way better. Its heftier, but it feels nice.

So yeah, if you are looking used, go for a 40D. I wouldn't go to a 30D or 20D though...40D or 50D for sure over the XSI anyday.

 

[bigtwinky]

I just checked my loca craigslist and an XSI seems to run on average $450 body only. A 40D seems to run on average $500.
Definately look into the 40D

 

[Evn_Gee]

k thanks. would you recommend it for sports photography?

 

[altitude604]

i've got an XSi, while i do love it and have done a lot of different kinds of shooting with it; there are a few things that it lacks.

the 40D (or even the 50D for a little bit more money) would be better choice off-the-bat than an XSi as you get better performance for pretty close to the same price.

edit: for sports shooting i'd DEFINITELY recommend the 40D/50D or the 7D for the better AF system.

 

[bigtwinky]

40D over XSI, yes. It shoots 6.5 fps or so, vs the 3.5 of the XSI. Better built, slightly better ISO. So yes, it is better.

Sports photography is one of the most expensive photography styles. Games, wether they be kid's games or pro games, are often at night. So you are stuck with lower lights. You need a shutter of 1/320 at LEAST to freeze action in most sports. Low ISO and need for a high shutter means you need a high performing camera. And considering that you can't really be right up there to shoot the game, you need long lenses to get in close. Long lenses that open wide to allow for a faster shutter are expensive. The 70-200 f/2.8 IS MkII is $2200. A 400mm f/2.8 is like $7500.

 

[JeffieLove]

Ok thanks guys. I might just go for the xsi and then 7D later

I'm just curious - you asked everyone what you should do and just about everyone told you something along the lines of 7d or 40d... But you're saying you're just going to get the XSi? Did we all waste our time?

 

[Evn_Gee]

Oh no! i am planning to get the 7D i just wanted to know if i should get the xsi for practice and save up 4 the 7D because i cant afford it right now. Sorry if i offended anyone

 

[Novux]

Don't settle for an XSi. Get a 40D used, like bigtwinky mentioned, or a T2i. Cheap (relatively), and the ISO performance is night and day compared to the X-models.

Pun intended.