Rebel XS or T1i - Best Package to go with?

[tennisbumbishop]

A recap of my story:
I've decided on Canon because I currently have a Canon Elan 7 (which I seldom use anymore...digital cameras are so convenient) with a 50mm 1.8 lens, a 28-90mm 4-5.6 lens, and a 420EX flash.

I will be using it for family gatherings (outside with a lot of light as well as inside with little light), sports (14 year old: volleyball - indoor, some light gyms, some dark gyms; probably 80' max for pics) and 3 year old: don't know yet but currently likes soccer, volleyball, and basketball - indoor and outdoor, all types of light conditions I would guess; probably 200' max for soccer), scenery pics, and everything else (other than professional pics) that you could think off.

Being able to shoot video with my camera is not a concern…I have an HD video camera.

I've put a max of $800 for body, lens, and accessories but going under $700 would even be better. I would like to go with all new items.

I've tried to find as many possible options as I could and here seems to be what I've found:

I've tried to find as many possible options as I could and here seems to be what I've found:

1) XS 10.1 mp with 18-55mm lens (around $499)
2) T1i 15.1 mp body only (about $565) and purchase a lens or go with the 2 lenses I currently have
3) XS 10.1MP Camera with 18-55mm 3.5-5.6 lens and extra 75-300mm III 4-5.6 Zoom Lens (around $600)
4) XS 10.1MP DSLR Camera with 18-55mm 3.5-5.6 lens and extra 55-250mm 4-5.6 Zoom Lens (around $650)
5) T1i 15.1 mp with 18-55mm lens (around $699)
6) T2i (EOS 550D) 18.0 MP Camera with 18-55mm 3.5-5.6 lens ($749.95) - however, not too sure about the website where I found it
7) T1i 15.1MP Camera with extra 75-300mm III 4-5.6 Zoom Lens (around $800) - after checking my finances this one would really be pushing it and I'm not sure how good this long zoom lens is, so I'm not sure if I would be better off going with option 5 and save the $100 to put towards a different long zoom lens in the future

Or have you seen another option with one of these two cameras (Rebel XS or Rebel T1i)?

Also, have you heard of any Black Friday sales on either model?

Thanks for all your help and input.

tennisbumbishop

[Loupey]

I think the XS would suffice for what you describe (except for the indoor volleyball which is a bit taxing on the camera bodies and lenses you listed) so I think option #3 has the most bang for the buck.

Do you plan on printing images? If so, to what size typically? Or mostly to email/post on the web?

Keep in mind that what is going to limit you the most here are the rather slow zooms (small max apertures and slow AF) more so than the differences between those two particular bodies.

[EOSThree]

Here's what I would do:
Rebel XS kit Refurbished Adorama $399
Tamron 70-300 VC Adorama $399
Of course this stretches your budget a bit because it leave out the accessories.

The 18-55 IS is a decent lens, it is capable of good results and will cover the wide side of things, the 70-300 will give you a decent telephoto range. It's a new lens and is getting some really good reviews right now.

Like Loupey said the biggest limitation you'll have here is in the lenses, in this case the body is a lot less important than good lens selection.

[themoleculoman]

If you have a credit limit over $1000...you can do what I am going to do, if/when a deal shows up...

Canon T2i kit w/18-55mm IS lens + 55-250mm IS lens + canon pixma pro 9000 mkII printer for around $1350. There is a printer rebate that is good until January 2011 which gives you a $400 amex card when purchasing the camera and printer (from authorized Canon dealer). You can sell the printer or printer and lens for $200/$350 respectively. Final cost of the Canon t2i kit w/18-55mm lens CAN come out to approximately $600.

[Loupey]

...You can sell the printer or printer and lens for $200/$350 respectively. Final cost of the Canon t2i kit w/18-55mm lens CAN come out to approximately $600.

Provided that the OP has the time and energy to sell the two at those prices. Even after that, it leaves just one mediocre lens and nothing really for the sports requirement.

[Loupey]

I didn't realize that the 55-250mm had IS. For $50 more, I now say go for option #4.

As long as your expectations are reasonable for your budget, I think those two lenses and that body will be a great start.

[OldClicker]

If you have a credit limit over $1000...you can do what I am going to do, if/when a deal shows up...

Canon T2i kit w/18-55mm IS lens + 55-250mm IS lens + canon pixma pro 9000 mkII printer for around $1350. There is a printer rebate that is good until January 2011 which gives you a $400 amex card when purchasing the camera and printer (from authorized Canon dealer). You can sell the printer or printer and lens for $200/$350 respectively. Final cost of the Canon t2i kit w/18-55mm lens CAN come out to approximately $600.

That printer is all over Craigs List for that reason - now under $200 and still not selling. - TF

[tennisbumbishop]

I decided to go with this package:

Canon T2i body
Canon 18-55mm IS f/3.5-5.6 lens
Canon 55-250mm IS f/4-5.6 lens
Tiffen 58mm UV filter (hey, it was only 59 cents for s/h)
Transcend Class 10 8MB memory card
Total price including shipping and handling $879.69

Thanks for everyone's input and advice.

TBB

[laereht]

Hello,

Where did you buy it?

lareht

[Photo-John]

Please check in again and tell us how your new rig works out. And make sure to write reviews for your new camera and lenses. We need your reviews!