canon rebel xt or xti for beginner?

[photofreak]

i am a beginner NOT a pro in photography and want to buy a digital SLR. for now i want to do it for hobby first because i'm in college and busy with studying. i would mostly use it for nature and portrait. i'm not sure what to get: canon rebel xt or canon rebel xti. the major differences are:price: xti $800 - xt $600mp: xti 10mp - xt 8mpdisplay: xti 2.5" - xt 1.8"xti with self-cleaning sensor unit - xt noand so on...which one should i get?for starting i would use the lens that comes along with which ever camera that i would get.the lenses:xti: Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-22 zoom lens for incredible picture detail; metal lens mount for use with more than 50 Canon EF, EF-S, TS-E and MP-E interchangeable lensesxt: Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 USM zoom lens for incredible picture detail; EF lens mount for use with more than 50 Canon EF and EF-S interchangeable lensesas described on bestbuy websiteshould i buy a new one or used from ebay?

[fantasy]

The differences between the two models are not deal-breakers. Remember, XT owners were perfectly happy with, and taking great photos with their cameras before the XTi appeared on the shelves. The XT is still as capable.The human eye can't see the difference between 10mp and 8mp.http://www.kenrockwell.com/tech/mpmyth.htmhttp://pogue.blogs.nytimes.com/2006/11/21/21pogues-posts-2/The self-cleaning sensor is nice, but the majority of photographers I know have zero problems with dust on the sensor, because we use common sense when changing lenses.Here's a very detail comparison of the two cameras.http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos400d/That being said, here's one thing that can't be denied. The $200 or so in price difference can also bring another lens into your system. And isn't that the main reason we look at SLR and DSLR cameras?Either choice will give you the opportunity to take great photos. I strongly suggest you find a shop that has both and handle them. See how they fit in your hands. Notice the differences in controls or menus.I hope this is helpful.

[messenger]

You have stated the biggest differences between the two and are still considering the less expensive model. Thats good. Both cameras would do well in nature and portraiture. What the biggest deciding factor would be (for me) is what kind of lens I could afford on top of the kit lens it comes with. An image is only going to be as sharp as the lens it was shot with. That being said I would get the XT and spend the extra $200 on a better lens. Now your next question would probably be "whats a better lens". I would suggest a 50mm f/1.8 lens. It doesnt zoom (fixed focal point) so you would have to use your feet to get closer, but the f/1.8 part of it means it takes pics in much lower light, and it can get the background to blur really well in those portrait shots. I have an XTi with a 50mm lens, and if I knew what I know now when I bought the XTi I probably would have bought an XT and got a better lens. http://www.flickr.com/photo_exif.gne?id=1228537162Additional:That kit lens is a good start. It's the same one on both cameras. 18-55mm means you can get those group shots with your friends without having to back up a whole lot. Its not proffesional quality, but how often are you going to enlarge your images over 8x12 prints? Another lens to consider adding is Canon EF 75-300mm f/4-5.6 III Zoom Lens http://www.bestbuy.com/site/olspage.jsp?skuId=2823760&type=product&id=10518069 43002 At 300mm you can zoom in pretty far away, your not going to sit in the bleachers and catch the sweat coming off of the football players heads but you can get alot closer than with your 18-55mm lens.

[photopest]

Get the XTi. Not only is it newer, but it also has a host of updated features, from the DIGIC image processing to the increased resolution (10 megapixels).While the XT is a fine cameras, there's no reason not to get the XTi and have a camera that can take you into the future.If you're shooting nature shots, you need as much resolution as you can get. That also makes a good case for the XTi.One thing that's missing from your consideration is the type of lens you'd start out with. That's an added expense that needs to be factored in. If your budget can't handle the extra cost, you may have to ge the XT for budgetary reasons.

[rvn4fun]

I used a XT for a couple of years and it worked great. 6.3 Meg camera. I bought a 30D 8.2 meg camera two months ago for the same price my relative bought the XTI. Mine came with the EF28-135 f3.5 IS USM lens. Just a thought. Don't get caught up the megabit race. :)
The features of the 30D over the XTI are worth the difference, if nothing else than getting away from the plastic body. That is if you are able to find the prices fairly equal

My only problem with the XT was a broken battery door when it was knocked of of the coffee table.

Charlie

[sandersmr]

I have the Canon Rebel 300D (predecessor to XT) and have been happy with it. That said, I'm sure in another year or so, Canon will have a replacement for the XTi, so it's a matter of whether you can be happy with an "older" camera.

I agree with get a feel for the cameras. I know the XT didn't fit my hand as well as my Rebel.