Deciding on a Canon entry level digital SLR camera is a choice that deserves some careful study. There are several cameras in that category, and buying the newest and most glitzy model is not the right choice for every photographer. Discover which features and components are important to you.
It's time to move up a level in photography from a point and shoot model to a digital SLR. There are a few important things to know about the newest and most power-packed model,
the Canon Rebel T2i vs the Canon Rebel XS, the time-tested basic model, before making your final decision.
Before taking on this comparison, consider the basic difference between a compact, or point and shoot digital camera and a digital SLR camera. Compact cameras are a totally different breed of camera, and if you have not owned anything else, there is going to be a major "aha" moment when you start taking pictures with your new supercharged digital SLR picture maker.
That's right, a digital SLR will seem like it is a race car vs an old Chevy. Both will get you to your destination, but the race car will get you there with a lot more energy and style.
Point and shoot cameras have much smaller image sensors, usually resulting in lower quality pictures. You may never have noticed this until you compare the old with the new.
The second thing you will notice is the responsiveness of the digital SLR vs the compact models. When you press the shutter button, the camera takes the pictures. There is no waiting time, no shutter lag. It is a great feeling, and it feels great to take a picture of your child playing soccer and get the picture you thought you were taking rather than an empty field or a blur that you think is your kid.
But which model is for you? Is it the newer model
Canon Rebel T2i or the Rebel XS?
The reason for mentioning image quality and responsiveness before taking on this comparison is that both Rebel models will give you the same differences from the point and shoot. Keep that in mind as you consider which Rebel you want to purchase.
Do the newest bells and whistles excite you? Or is getting a quality picture at a budget price what you want?
Obviously, the T2i will have all the newest technology in terms of features and settings. The XS is a basic model, but it also has all the control you will need to take amazing photos.
A couple of things that you will probably already have experienced on your old compact that are not on a Canon XS are the LCD Live View and video. If these are important capabilities, you will want to go with the Rebel T2i.
However, if you can get by with using a view finder to compose your picture, and video is not that important, the Canon Rebel XS will work fine. In fact, if an occasional video is all you take, keep the digital compact for that task.
Here's the surprise, though. In spite of the age and blandness of the Canon Rebel XS, it was still the number one selling digital SLR at Amazon at the beginning of December. Shocked? It's true.
