50d vs T1i

[Just0a0guy]

So I have been lusting after the 50d since December and I can finally afford it and the 18-200mm lens but I am curious if anyone has insight on how it compares to the T1i.
The big selling points for me are on both bodies with the exception of the menu wheel but I am not sure how much the reduced burst speed would effect me as I don't often take strings of shots but then again with film you always try to make each shot count. Video is not important to me but I don't know if i would regret not having it. Has anyone used both of these cameras and can offer insights that might help tip the balance for me. This is my first Dslr purchase as I have held on to film for the past 11 years since starting photography and I was very happy when i got to "upgrade cameras" by borrowing my GF's rebel 2000 and picking up some newer lenses to play with. I have a 28-80mm, 50 1.8 , and the 28-135mm is usm kit lens but the cost of continually developing film is starting to bother me and i have 6 rolls that I just haven't had time to send off. Mostly I shoot city/landscapes and our 2 year old son playing. any way any help deciding would be appreciated. :D

[MT Stringer]

My first digital was a Rebel XT. I wasn't five minutes before I ralized it was too small for my hands. After purchasing a grip it was better, but it wasn't long before I moved to a 30D, then a 30D, then a 40D. I still use the 40D and a 1D MK III for sports.

The fast shutter speed is killer, even if your are just trying to capture a bird in flight or a base runner.

I say get the 50D and don't look back.
Mike

[Wachel]

I haven't used either one but here is my thought and I am just a hack.

I have the XTi. I have used it with the kit 18-55 lens. I wasn't super happy but I wasn't upset either. I purchased a 50mm 1.8 and was MUCH happier and felt my camera was taking better photos.

Well, I took the plunge just last week and bought the "Canon EFS 17-55 2.8 USM IS" which everyone says has "L" glass in it.

I feel like I have a new camera! Seriously! I am just floored with the difference between the kit 18-55 and my new 17-55. So that leads to my suggestion for your intended use.

Get a used 40D or a new Ti1. Take the money saved and buy a NICE lens. My new lens cost more than my camera and it was SO worth it. Now when I ever upgrade my body I will have a killer lens to start with.

Sorry for the long post but I am really impressed and I chose my lens based on feedback from Dgrin. :clap

[lgunnz]

One word and a hypen...micro-adjust

[ziggy53]

One word and a hypen...micro-adjust

Lgunnz, welcome to the Digital Grin. :clap

I know what you are talking about but a new user might not. Please elaborate and explain which has the micro-adjust and why it's important to you.

[Just0a0guy]

One word and a hypen...micro-adjust
I thought the micro-adjust feature was on both cameras. If its not on the T1i that definitely tips my preference a bit more. Just to add to the conversation a bit more the key features that put the 50d and t1i in the top spots for me are high ISO, micro-focus adjust, high res LCD, sensor self cleaning, and canon brand as it allows me to continue using the glass I already have.

advantages of the 50d:
higher use rating on the shutter and mirror
faster burst shooting
more solid build
greater sync speed and shutter speed capabilities
wheel interface
feels great in my hands :lust

T1i
cost
lighter weight
smaller body making it more attractive to my GF as I know she will be using any camera i get almost as much as me
video just in case I ever use it (I fear buyers remorse of not having an upcoming feature even if i don't intend to use it but given that I expect to use the camera for at least 5 years before upgrading again)

Admittedly I have not held the T1i but I have held previous digital rebels and they seem an ok fit in my hands but not nearly as good as the 50d I have shot the 30d and really liked the wheel interface but really the more I use the push button menu the more i will get used to it i am sure. no matter what its going to have alot more menu options then my film camera so there will be a learning curve.

[dlplumer]

50d has a much faster shutter (6.3 fps) :deal

[ziggy53]

I thought the micro-adjust feature was on both cameras. If its not on the T1i that definitely tips my preference a bit more...

I do not see the micro-focus adjustment associated with the T1i. If you do find it, please share the link. I also don't see Highlight Tone Priority associated with the T1i. HTP would be a very important component in my decision.

[AlbertZeroK]

Being a rather large, hairy and otherwise ox type guy, I love the feel of the 50D with the Grip. I couldn't get my hands around the smaller cameras. But I would consider this for my wife who is now taken the grip off my D90 to use that. I would say that the feel of the camera is the most important thing. I love the feel of my 50D, even with my 70-200 on it.

Also realize that the 50D is more of a professional camera and will likely stand up better that the lesser more consumer grade cameras.

[Manfr3d]

My gf has the XTi (aka 500D) and I must say it is a very nice camera. It's very responsive, leight and affordable. I own a 5D II and if I wanted a 2nd smaller more affordable camera it would be the XTi.

[mhrivnak]

My gf has the XTi (aka 500D)
The XTi is the 400D, not 500D, and was introduced almost 3 years ago.

advantages of the 50d:
higher use rating on the shutter and mirror
The following link reveals that the 450D (XSi), 500D (T1i), and 50D all have shutters rated for 100,000 frames. (look about 75% down the page)
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EOS-Rebel-T1i-500D-Digital-SLR-Camera-Review.aspx

I'll second the suggestion for saving money on a body and spending it on nice glass. It really does make a huge difference. I got started with my first DSLR last December and opted for a refurbished XSi at < $500 from Adorama. I skipped the kit lens and went for a couple of nicer primes, and I am very glad that I did.

As one example, you might be happier buying the T1i and putting the extra cash toward a 70-200 L f/4 IS instead of the 18-200. I know the focal range isn't as all-inclusive, but the loss of convenience pays huge dividends with image quality. For that matter, an XSi with 70-200 L f/4 IS would cost about the same as a 50D with 18-200 but almost certainly would produce much better images (if you could live with the loss of focal range).

Any way, there are lots of options to consider. I still have a lot to learn in this field, but I am fairly confident in two principles: 1) Cameras depreciate MUCH faster than lenses. 2) If you focus on getting the best possible quality of image hitting your camera's sensor, you will then be in a much better position to start comparing what different bodies can produce with that quality.

[Manfr3d]

The XTi is the 400D, not 500D, and was introduced almost 3 years ago. I see, well she has the 500D (we don't have those X?i names in Europe)

[ziggy53]

The XTi is the 400D, not 500D, and was introduced almost 3 years ago.


The following link reveals that the 450D (XSi), 500D (T1i), and 50D all have shutters rated for 100,000 frames. (look about 75% down the page)
http://www.the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EOS-Rebel-T1i-500D-Digital-SLR-Camera-Review.aspx

I'll second the suggestion for saving money on a body and spending it on nice glass. It really does make a huge difference. I got started with my first DSLR last December and opted for a refurbished XSi at < $500 from Adorama. I skipped the kit lens and went for a couple of nicer primes, and I am very glad that I did.

As one example, you might be happier buying the T1i and putting the extra cash toward a 70-200 L f/4 IS instead of the 18-200. I know the focal range isn't as all-inclusive, but the loss of convenience pays huge dividends with image quality. For that matter, an XSi with 70-200 L f/4 IS would cost about the same as a 50D with 18-200 but almost certainly would produce much better images (if you could live with the loss of focal range).

Any way, there are lots of options to consider. I still have a lot to learn in this field, but I am fairly confident in two principles: 1) Cameras depreciate MUCH faster than lenses. 2) If you focus on getting the best possible quality of image hitting your camera's sensor, you will then be in a much better position to start comparing what different bodies can produce with that quality.

Mhrivnak, welcome to the Digital Grin. :clap

Thanks for your comments.

... As one example, you might be happier buying the T1i and putting the extra cash toward a 70-200 L f/4 IS instead of the 18-200. ...

I very much agree.

[Manfr3d]

Mhrivnak, welcome to the Digital Grin. :clap

Thanks for your comments.



I very much agree.

The 70-200mm f/4.0 L (IS) fits superbly on the T1i .. very nice combo. :thumb

[Just0a0guy]

Ok well I have decided to get the 50d body only and save for some better glass given that I can try out the glass I have now and learn the camera. Besides the 18-200 kit lens costs almost the same sold separately or in the kit if i chose to go back and get it later on. reasons behind my choices below.

Why I chose the 50D over the T1i:
Micro adjust (I really thought it was in both but could never re-find the reference I saw it in so I am left to believe it is NOT in the T1i)
Highlight Tone Priority
How it feels in my hand (the T1i would have been fine with a battery grip but buying that loses most of the cost advantage)
Faster burst shooting
Higher use rate on the shutter and mirror (I am hoping that I really will keep the camera at least 5 years or more and depending on how much more trigger happy i get not worrying about the cost of film this camera may see a lot more clicks then i expect)
Build quality

I have 3 different video cameras. I can use one of those when I want to video something I really don't need it in my SLR.

Anyway I'll be ordering it next week after I make sure the car repair comes in on budget and keep you posted on how I like it. Thank you all for your inputs.:thumb

[leahe]

You will love the 50D. When I read your post the first thing that came to mind after fps was the build. The 50D has the magnesium alloy body and is a lot tougher than the Rebel. When you start getting better and heavier lenses the 50D will balance out better than the Rebel as well. Now all you have to do is wait...