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Suggestions for Canon Rebel upgrade?
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Jan 14, 2012 11:07:17   #
LindaChaplin Loc: South Dakota
 
Hi Everyone. The Ugly Hedgehog has become part of my morning ritual...I've learned so much. Today I would like to ask for suggestions for upgrading my "entry level" DSLR, a Canon Rebel XS. I'd like to stay with Canon, as I've purchased a couple good lenses along the way. I would characterize myself as an enthusiastic amateur, but can't afford to go to the professional models. What do you Canon enthusiasts suggest would be a good model to look for? Thanks for the suggestions. Linda Chaplin

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Jan 14, 2012 11:14:53   #
notnoBuddha
 
My very general suggestion is to decide what options you actually want in your next camera. You can narrow your choices rather quickly by suggestions here, on line shopping guides or by talking to a trusted advisor. I use the Canon T2i which has more than I need now but have no idea if it would fill your needs. One caution is on model numbers when shopping- they have several versions of the same model and often the only way to tell is by the model number is by adding a "i" or some slight lettering, but the camera features can vary greatly.

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Jan 14, 2012 11:41:02   #
Jay Pat Loc: Round Rock, Texas, USA
 
Ask yourself, "why upgrade?"
What are you missing that an upgrade will fix?
Are you replacing the current camera or buying a second camera? Your old camera my not be worth much (I don't know).
What will new camera do, your old one will not do?
Will the difference be worth money spent?

Look at the current new models so "you" determine which to buy.


By the way, I like the smell of a new camera!!!......
Pat

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Jan 14, 2012 16:42:14   #
LindaChaplin Loc: South Dakota
 
Hi. Good thoughts...I enjoy my Rebel, but am thinking that as I get "better," maybe a camera with more bells and whistles would be a good investment. I probably don't really use all the bells and whistles I have though so I'll continue to "think" about another purchase. Thanks for the good advice. Linda

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Jan 14, 2012 17:03:07   #
RocketScientist Loc: Littleton, Colorado
 
The next step up from the Rebel series would be the 40D, 50D etc... The D series is a little bigger body and the switches are placed differently. They tend to have a few more features. I think the 30D is the next model up from the XS

Go to dpreview.com and hit up the side by side comparison. It shows the differences between what you have and what you are thinking about. They do maintain their data on cameras that are out of production. That should help you make an informed decision.

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Jan 15, 2012 05:59:57   #
russelray Loc: La Mesa CA
 
LindaChaplin wrote:
Hi Everyone. The Ugly Hedgehog has become part of my morning ritual...I've learned so much. Today I would like to ask for suggestions for upgrading my "entry level" DSLR, a Canon Rebel XS. I'd like to stay with Canon, as I've purchased a couple good lenses along the way. I would characterize myself as an enthusiastic amateur, but can't afford to go to the professional models. What do you Canon enthusiasts suggest would be a good model to look for? Thanks for the suggestions. Linda Chaplin
Hi Everyone. The Ugly Hedgehog has become part of ... (show quote)

There's nothing wrong with your XS unless you want to do video, too.

If I were you, I'd invest in the best lenses and the best software. I have a Rebel XSi and a 550D (T2i). I only bought the 550D (imported it from London before the T2i was available here) to do the occasional video of trains.

I'm migrating upwards to the best lenses I can afford, and I use Corel Paintshop Pro X4, Corel Photo-Paint X5, CorelDRAW X5, and Adobe Lightroom for digital editing.

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Jan 15, 2012 08:51:12   #
sirlensalot Loc: Arizona
 
I had a similar situation last year wanting to upgrade my digital rebel.
I picked up a very well maintained 40D for a bit less than $400.
It was a practical choice for me. The rebel remains the back up.

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Jan 15, 2012 09:02:03   #
BigBear Loc: Northern CT
 
My wife has an older Rebel which takes fantastic pics with the right lens. I have a 50D with a few good lenses and her Rebel with my lenses have the same quality shots.

Bottom line ..... It's about the lenses.


Bear

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Jan 15, 2012 09:17:43   #
dave4179 Loc: AIKEN, SC
 
Hi, I just upgraded from a Canon Rebel XT to the Canon 7D. I love the 7D, it is great camera. Compare it with other Canon camera and you will find that it is an excellent camera.

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Jan 15, 2012 09:25:24   #
sirlensalot Loc: Arizona
 
Not in total disagreement with bigbear, but the evolution of dslr's certainly has made it easier with better autofocus as one example. For me it made sense to upgrade. I think there is a point using the most modern version software on an older model camera or computer becomes impractical. I think the same rationale can be applied to lenses. Especially in the area of IS. My 300D also takes good photos, but it can't keep up with my 40D. I am not so this is a better or worse issue, it just filled a need for me at the time. No doubt in a year or two, that will change.lol

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Jan 15, 2012 09:33:25   #
bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY
 
I spoke to a very helpful Canon rep at the photo show, I have a T1is, gave me the list of items the T3is had that I did not, not enough for me to upgrade, mostly in the video end, I suggest you call Canon and find out what you get if you upgrade and if it's worth it to you. Now I could use the articulated screen on the T3is. Bob.

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Jan 15, 2012 09:40:58   #
iresq Loc: Annapolis MD
 
All good thoughts so far, but you asked about upgrade. What is your budget? The newer cameras offer things like video, articulated screens, beyer low light performance, etc. T3i is all about the bells and whistles at a moderate price.

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Jan 15, 2012 09:52:21   #
sirlensalot Loc: Arizona
 
Also, you can call canon to see if they have any refurbished models. Very helpful folks. Sometimes you can get a very good deal.

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Jan 15, 2012 10:20:06   #
murphy2049 Loc: Oriskany, NY
 
Hi, I am upgrading to the Rebel T2i from the last film Rebel-I also can use my "old" canon lenses-DPreview and Pop Photo gave it top honors- it is 18 megapixels and has a self cleaning system for the sensor-I don't think the Rebel XS has this system- and yes the quality of the lens counts very much when you get to bigger sensors and more pixels.

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Jan 15, 2012 10:34:42   #
JimH Loc: Western South Jersey, USA
 
While I agree with the general tone that 1) GLASS makes more of a difference than BODY, there are some features to the next level up of Canon DSLRs that you may find helpful.

The 30/40/50D line has been discontinued for a while, but you can still find many 'new in box' 50Ds if you look carefully. Ebay with PayPal is a perfectly safe way to buy.

The 60D is the newest model in that line.

The 7D is a step up again, and is considered more 'pro-sumer' of a camera.

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