need urgent camera buying advice from DSLR users, esp. Canon owners

[clynt]

Hi everyone,
I need help on 2 issues:

1) Do I deserve a DSLR?
I’ve already read through many articles and forum posts on the topic of P&S vs DSLR so I know the pros and cons of both. Instead I’d like your advice/opinions on whether the type of photography I do justifies my desire for a DSLR.

I've never owned or used a DSLR before. I’ve used a Canon Powershot A80 for the past 5 years. It served me well and the only reason I’m getting a new camera is because I lost it a couple of months ago

I am a student on a tight budget, so if I get a DSLR I won’t be buying additional lenses anytime soon. I’ve used various modes like landscape, night and sports and have a basic understanding of shutter speed, but haven’t ventured into fully manual, although I’m willing to try.

The types of photos I take are:
- night scenes (city skylines, buildings lit up at night)
- nature macro esp. flowers
- travel photography (buildings, architecture, cities from high rise viewpoints)
- nature landscapes (mountains, rivers, clouds)
- occasionally animals
- people at parties/functions

I normally don’t do any post processing of photos. My photos are for personal use, like posting online or for use as PC wallpaper. When I print photos it’s usually photo album size (3R/4R).

Photography is only a hobby for me, but I'm still particular about taking clear, beautiful pictures. I’m always trying to get the perfect shot and usually end up with a dozen photos of the same thing.

So, does all this justify getting a DSLR?

2) Canon 400D or 450D
I am trying to decide between the Canon 400D/XTi and 450D/XSi. From what I’ve read the only major differences between the two that matter to me are liveview, an image stabilizing kit lens, battery life and camera weight. The price difference between the two models in my country is approx. USD190. Is it worth paying more for the newer model?

Also I’ve seen many complaints about the AF on the 450D. How serious is this problem and do all 450Ds have it? Is this a valid reason not to buy the 450D?

If you need additional info to advise me please ask.

I’d really appreciate all the advice/help you can offer

[byjamesderuvoDHQ]

Absolutely, it does. When you reach the point in your photo journey where you'd like to grow and experiment, then it's time to get a camera system that grows with you. That's the beauty of cameras like the Canon XT, XTi or the XSi. They can be used on full auto, but also have full manual, shutter priority and aperture priority modes. So, you can venture out into experimenting with various features as you're comfortable doing so.

DSLRs also give you better options. Point and shoots are for snapshots. Flashes that are only good for about 9 feet, shutter lag, and small CCD chips which have been stuffed with enough megapixels that noise becomes an issue in low light.

Fine for a shutterbug, but for someone who takes the sort of pictures you do, definitely you're ready for the next level. As for any so-called autofocus complaints with the 450D/XSi, I haven't had that problem. I really enjoy the XSi. Great camera that takes solid pictures.

But remember this. You're looking at a system here, not just a camera body. Bodies will come and go, but your lenses will move from body to body. And since you can still get the XT or the XTi, I would save money there and invest the rest of the money on a good zoom lens that will serve you well. Then, when prices drop next year on the XSi, you can consider selling that older body on eBay and upgrade to the XSi.

Good luck.