Canon 50D vs. Rebel T1i

[Afrodeziak]

So I've messed around with photography for a long time and my original DSLR rebel is not taking me photography where I'd like it to be "ie. 6 megapixel"

Looking to invest a bit further and these are both in my sites. I know that the 50D is on paper a better camera.. Neither are full frame, and the 50D has a higher ISO ability. That's about all I see.

So looking at the two ?

I think a T1i is about $1000 with kit lense and the 50d is $1200 ish with no lense. I honestly don't see a lot of value in kit lenses and they are a dime a dozen so I'd probably get the rebel with no lense.

So what makes one better than the other ?

Cheers,
Brennan

[89coupe]

Here ya go.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_eos50d%2Ccanon_eos500d&show=all

[quazimoto]

I'd buy the 50D for the simple reason it has a lot more solid build quality. You'll notice the basic entry level cameras feel like plastic toys.

[Afrodeziak]

Thank you for the comparison. I actually don't see much functionality wise that makes it better.

50D can't do video (although I realize that's not the point of a high-end dslr.

it does have a higher allowance for shutter speed 1/8000 which is damn fast.

uses compact flash over sd... different batteries.

So yea I guess I'm still in the dark :(

[bcylau]

auto focus and metering are the biggest things. you will definately notice the improvements in auto focus from rebel to 50d

[Go4Long]

not to familiar with the Canon product line...but unless I'm wrong(which does happen fairly often) the 50D is going to handle high ISO a LOT better.

[quazimoto]

Yes it will handle higher ISO's alot better. ISO 1600 is quite usable on the 50D. The lower model cameras I've always found suffer a lot beyond ISO 800.

The build quality of a camera is equally as important to the functionality if not more important. You'd be surprised how easy it is do damage the entry level REBEL cameras.

[soupey]

its mainly a build quality difference, and the advantage of having a sync port, and a few lil tidbits of features on the 50D. although the kit lens is all over the place, it was one of the sharpest lenses i ever used with my xsi.

I wouldnt say the 50D's iso sensitivity is "better" than the t1i just because it can go up to some ridiculously high ISO's that you likely wont touch much, although you'll have the option to use a high iso if you need to, but the sensor size, resolution, and performance should be quite similar.

your viewfinder will also be brighter with the pentaprism that the 50D offers.

50D has the display on the top as well...if you're used to that from another camera.

also, 50D blows the continuous shooting rate of the T1i bigtime, one huge advantage of the body...if you need it.

and as you already know, you will lose the video function (although not true 1080p, still does 720p fine) on the T1i.

that's all i can think of off the top of my head....i was considering moving up to the 50D for better iso performance, turned out a 5D classic was a much better buy to get the ISO performance i wanted.

[89coupe]

The 50D also allows you to change focus screens.

Interchangeable (Ef-D: Grid lines, Ef-S {point of Focus), Ef-A standard focusing screen provided

[Mitsu3000gt]

Assuming you have no significant lens investment, if I were you I'd look for a used Nikon D300. Many people will likely be unloading them for the D300s and its a better camera than either listed here in pretty well every way. You can find lightly used ones for the same price as a Canon 50D.

[psycoticclown]

D300 > 50D imo. And like Mitsu3000gt said, once the D300S hits, the D300 will probably come down at least $400 from it's $1600 price point to less than the 50D and comparable to a D90.

[soupey]

Originally posted by 89coupe
The 50D also allows you to change focus screens.

Interchangeable (Ef-D: Grid lines, Ef-S {point of Focus), Ef-A standard focusing screen provided


u can do it on the xsi/t1i as well. it's just not as easy... there are several other screens available online.

[89coupe]

Originally posted by soupey



u can do it on the xsi/t1i as well. it's just not as easy... there are several other screens available online.

The 50D has actual settings on the camera to adjust for the different screens, the Rebels do not.

[C4S]

Originally posted by psycoticclown
D300 > 50D imo. And like Mitsu3000gt said, once the D300S hits, the D300 will probably come down at least $400 from it's $1600 price point to less than the 50D and comparable to a D90.

I think the other way around ..

D300s is $2100, so compare to D300, $500 more, for movie. (which most D300 users not really care)

I dont see D300 price will go down to $1200. ( $900 more for D300s with movie? )

Most D300 users are not going to get D300S, but D60, D70, or D200 users may be.

^_^

Anyway, 50D is a great camera for ~ $1200, I agree D300 is slightly better, however, not really 30% better!

(Surprise, 50D hand grip is actually bigger then D300! )

[psycoticclown]

^^Thing is used prices for lightly used D300's is the same as a new 50D now, when the D300s comes out, used D300 may go down.

[Mitsu3000gt]

^^^ Thats right, and even now they are about the same price as a 50D used. Always some for sale on Nikonians (Canadian section).

Also I would certainly argue that even new, it's well worth the price difference even now if you can afford it. Better build/weather sealing, better autofocus, better flash system, wireless flash control, 8fps with the grip, better high ISO performance, better exposure compensation range, better viewfinder, better "pro" lenses in the key ranges (if you get there down the road), etc. the list goes on. I should add though that neither camera is going to hold you back, but if it makes sense at the time I would suggest buying the best available in the price range.

[Ben]

Assuming these are the only two bodies you will consider, The bigger size and mag body of the 50D alone is why I would go for it.

Cant STAND that plastic toy feel as mentioned above.

[redevil]

Thought I would post this here as well.

Best Buy has the T1i with 18-55 IS and EF-S 55-250 IS kit for $1149.99. I haven't seen it any lower, it is usually $1249.99.
Is this a good deal?

[Mitsu3000gt]

Originally posted by redevil
Thought I would post this here as well.

Best Buy has the T1i with 18-55 IS and EF-S 55-250 IS kit for $1149.99. I haven't seen it any lower, it is usually $1249.99.
Is this a good deal?

Seems like it based on The Camera Store's current pricing. For that money though you can get a Nikon D90 & kit lens ($1168), which is unquestionably a better camera than the T1i. You miss out on the zoom but thats only a cheap $200 lens anyways (from either brand).

[psycoticclown]

Originally posted by Mitsu3000gt


Seems like it based on The Camera Store's current pricing. For that money though you can get a Nikon D90 & kit lens ($1168), which is unquestionably a better camera than the T1i. You miss out on the zoom but thats only a cheap $200 lens anyways (from either brand).

:werd:

[dragonone]

the better deal is that NCIX has the t1i kit for 849.99 plus 6.99 shipping

fuck i just had a frnd buy the t1i body for me from tcs last week for 939. oh well