Photography: Cannon Rebel Xsi 2009 Model

There are many, many choices facing an intermediate level, non-professional, self financed, more than a snapshot photographer these days.

My goal was to find a highly rated camera body + a minimum of 2 lenses , for under $1,000.

I gravitated to my trusted camera manufacturer, Nikon. I have used, as have family, Nikon since the 70's. Always quality glass lenses and durable camera bodies, so I started there.
I went down to our local camera stores:  Idaho Camera , Best Buy  and Wal-Mart to hold cameras, look through viewfinders... just a plain "kick the tires" trip...

One thing became very apparent.. Not all bodies are the same size and weight!
My hands could not easily hold the Nikon bodies - they were too large! I held the D40 and 60 which were the same basic size , the D 80 was way too big.  This is not to say I couldn't hold it, it was a strain to click a photo and safely hold the body with a lens, without hand strain. I was not so sure, nor was the camera shop assistant, that the Nikon's body was tailored for my hand size. This was not a woman's camera or designed for someone who wants a sure grip,  lightweight camera! I was severely disappointed! All that power, in too big a package!

On to the Olympus line.
I have owned a few point and shoot backup cameras and like the clarity and colors produced by the Olympus D-340, 360 lines of fixed lens snapshot cameras... However,I knew I wanted to make the jump to macro photography and didn't see many reviews that favored their lens choices.

Next up was Cannon.
As I investigated macro, telephoto and wide angle lenses, Cannon was often mentioned. I had never used a Cannon, but knew a few Cannon exclusive folks that raved about them.
As I held the line of camera bodies I encountered, it became more and more evident that Cannon was making the Xsi and the T1i bodies with woman's hands in mind! The power of the Nikon in a smaller body!

The Xsi has all the standard features expected on a mid level digital SLR in a smaller format body, Costco online had the body + kit lens set-up for $699 (5/2009) :

Dimensions and Weight
Dimensions	Approx. 5.1 x 3.8 x 2.4 in.  /  128.8 x 97.5 x 61.9mm  (WxHxD)
Weight	Approx. 16.8 oz.  /   475g (body only)

The kit lens included were:
EF-S 55-250mm f/4.0-5.6 IS

and the 
EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
They are lenses that are light weight with plastic lens vs glass, but I will wear these out and buy better ones once I save up enough for them. With them being included in the kit along with an extra memory card, its a deal!
I did purchase the following lens :
EF 100mm f/2.8 Macro USM ...
I LOVE this lens ! It is whisper quiet, takes excellent, detailed images! It is a glass lens and a little heavier, but I use a tripod, monopod, fence or rail for macro shots, usually. So the few extra ounces will be fine.

All in all, I am very happy  with the quality of images produced with these lenses and would highly recommend this set-up to any beginner to intermediate camera user !
The image above the post was taken with the XSi on a somewhat cloudy, HOT day in San Louis Obispo, CA in June/2009.






To purchase from Amazon,click the text below : ) Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black)