I am looking into buying my first digital SLR camera and I have narrowed it down to the 40D or XSI. I just can't decide which one. Canon is offering a spectacular rebate right now that ends January 17. I have found the Rebel XSI with the 18-55mm lens and the 55-250mm lens for $789.95, an awesome deal. I have also found the 40D with the 28-135mm lens for $979.95. Each has their pros and cons, and I just want someone's opinion about which camera would be the best bet for me. I am currently taking photography classes and I really want to get serious about it. This camera has to last me awhile too. Thanks in advance for your help!

Go with the 40 D

Can you tell me why I should choose that over the XSI?

Because Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten.

the quality is way better on the 40d Magnesium body vs plastic(xsi) and the fps number alone should seal the deal <BR> <BR>the xsi is 3.5 frames per sec <BR>and the 40d is 6.5 fps

if you don't care about the quality and still want the 40d specs you can buy the Japan version which is the same specs but a plastic body <BR> <BR>here's a link were you can get the 40d body only(japan version) for $319 <BR> <BR><a href="http://www.86photovideo.com" target="_blank">http://www.86photovideo.com</a>

I would have to go with the 40. Ive had mine for a couple months and the quality, and fps is amazing. I took some pics of the guys I ride with and blown the size up to 18x24 and they were just as clear at that size as I looked at them on my computer screen.

I have a Rebel XT, chosen for the low entry $. <BR> <BR>The kit lenses have improved somewhat since mine. My 18-55 is mediocre. Especially now that I have added a 70-200F4L and see what good glass can do. Check lens reviews at places like bhphotovideo.com etc. Better off saving for a high quality lens than getting a screaming deal on one or two low end versions, IMO. <BR> <BR>I could have bit the bullet and gone for the 40D to get faster burst rate, more durable construction, higher ISO, etc etc. Now I'm spreading the upgrades out, lenses first, which isn't a totally bad thing. I still have lots of fun and get great shots with this setup. Depends on your needs and goals. I am barely a hobbyist, shooting family stuff with the kids, vacations, and watersports. If you want this to be a serious hobby and not worry about upgrading the body for some years, I'm voting 40D also.

RE/if you don't care about the quality and still want the 40d specs you can buy the Japan version which is the same specs but a plastic body <BR> <BR>here's a link were you can get the 40d body only(japan version) for $319 <BR> <BR>AG, have you bought from 86thStreet? They dont disclose anywhere that I can see, that this is a Japanese model. Unbelievable price. Trust them? <BR> <BR>Always check your reseller ratings!

The 40D is the better camera.

Coldlake...I have not bought any thing form 86th street but I did call them and they will tell you it's the japan version <BR> <BR>I agree be careful who you buy from and make sure you use your credit card and not debit so you can always dispute the charges. <BR> <BR>1 way photo is also selling the japan version for $319 <BR> <BR><a href="http://www.1wayphoto.com/products.asp?product_id=13317&amp;dept_id=10264&am p;show=accessories" target="_blank">http://www.1wayphoto.com/products.asp?product_id=13317&amp;dept_id=10264&am p;show=accessories</a>

If you buy online by from bandh

I'm worried that the 40D might just be too advanced for me. This is my first SLR. I love shooting photos of my family and niece and I also love to take pictures of wakeboarding too. My only concern about the 40D is if I should spend that much money on my first SLR or if I should start with an XSI.

Wakechic, <BR> <BR>Don't worry about that. It won't be a problem. <BR> <BR>Overall they work the same but the 40D will perform better.

40D will be heavier and larger, but not harder to use. The Rebels are so light, they seem a bit fragile for a SLR, but again - I am keeping mine for now! I think the decision is how much of a hobbyist you will be. You can be happy with either, it's hard to take the long range view from the get go. <BR> <BR>Another B&amp;H fan here, I don't buy anywhere else online.

As far as a hobbyist goes, I can take 200 pictures at the lake on a single weekend, with a point and shoot. My other question is, I know a lot of the quality of pictures also has to do with the lens, so would it be smarter for me to get the XSI so I can invest more in lenses? As you can tell I am a very indecisive person <IMG SRC="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/happy.gif" ALT=":-)" BORDER=0>

tip #1. the fundamentals of picture-taking are the same. go w/ the 40d. <BR> <BR>tip #2. stick with <a href="http://www.bhphotovideo.com" target=_top>b&amp;h</a>. <BR> <BR>(Message edited by dakid on January 08, 2009)

One more vote for B&amp;H or Costco. <BR> <BR>Wakechic, <BR>You can buy more glass down the road.

How many people need to say buy the 40D before you make a decision. <BR> <BR>Not to be a jerk here but you are asking for advice and the overwhelming answer is the 40 D. <BR> <BR>It IS a better camera and it wont be any harder to learn to use than the XSI. <BR> <BR>If you find that a DSLR isn't for you as far as being easy to use, it will hold it's value a little more than the XSI will. <BR> <BR>Buy it now, thank all of us later!

I just bought the 40d with the 28-135 lens from b&amp;h and it is unbelievable. Go with the 40d it is $960 now and includes an almost $400 dollar lens.

My decision has been made, I'm going with the 40D!! Thank you all for your advice about the cameras and sorry for asking basically the same question three times. I'm looking forward to getting it!

Good choice, you mentioned pros and cons above - the only con of the 40D over any Rebel is the price. <BR> <BR>I wouldn't worry about the 40D features being too advanced, the rebel won't take better pictures in auto modes because it doesn't have some of the advanced features of the 40D quite the contrary you'll get better shots with the 40 because of it's better AF in any mode you're using.

40D....no question. Toy camera's are still toy camera's even with $2000 glass. Not that you can't take great shots with an XSI or whatever, it is just that it is soooooooooooooo much more enjoyable to use quality gear. <BR> <BR> That being said...I would seriously consider the Nikon D300. Mainly for the reason that it has a better autofocus system. I know it is $500 or so more but you should at least give it a serious look. Not that the 40D is a slouch for autofocus, but the 51 autofocus points will definitely help out with dynamically moving objects (think wake boarders). <BR> <BR> Also, I would skip the kit lens. If $$ is an issue, get the 18-200IS until you can save up for the good stuff. The 18-200 IS is a great single lens solution to start with. <BR> <BR>Anyways, enjoy your purchase. <BR> <BR>Later <BR> <BR>Bakes

I struggled for months and finely went with the 40D from B&amp;H, love it!! It's still more Camera then I can use but it's pushing me to advance my skills.

Thanks for the advice Blake. However, my main reason to stick with Canon is because my sister owns the Rebel XSI. She already has a couple of lenses for it as well which means we can swap out our lenses if we so desire. I hear great things about Nikon, but for me, it just wouldn't make sense. <BR> <BR>Randy, did you get the 28-135mm lens? Do you like it? Right now, my sister has the 18-55 and 55-250, so in a sense we would have 3 different lenses between the two of us.

I did get the 28-135mm and use it most of the time and works well for me as a walk around lens &amp; It's enough lens to shoot wake from the boat or chase. I also have the 55-250 you mentioned and works pretty well for a cheaper lens, I'm saving up for the 70-200 2.8 that I hope to have by summer <img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/clipart/happy.gif" border=0> I think you will be very happy with the 40D.

I was in the same boat a month ago and went with the 40D with the 18-200 lens. Great camera and the FPS are going to be a huge bonus for lake pictures this summer. My buddy just got the 50D and isn't that impressed for the extra money he spent. When I bought the 40D I read this comparison (<a href="http://www.komar.org/faq/camera/canon-40d-versus-rebel-xsi-450d/" target="_blank">http://www.komar.org/faq/camera/canon-40d-versus-rebel-xsi-450d/</a>) and still ended up with the 40D thanks to microsoft's 30% cash back on ebay in November ($200 off).

Please or please buy from one of those sellers listed above. I could really use a good "I got screwed" thread. <BR> <BR><a href="http://www.resellerratings.com/store/1_Way_Photo" target="_blank">http://www.resellerratings.com/store/1_Way_Photo</a> <BR> <BR><a href="http://www.resellerratings.com/store/86th_Street_Photo_Video" target="_blank">http://www.resellerratings.com/store/86th_Street_Photo_Video</a>

Makes sense to stick with a common system. <BR> <BR>Regarding lenses, I would still get the 18-200IS. Even if it is a little more $$$. The convenience and range is great and you will get less dust in on your sensor since you won't be taking the lens off. <BR> <BR>Make sure you post your shots <BR> <BR>Later <BR> <BR>Bakes

Here are a couple pics that I have shot with a 40D. The first picture is the only one that I photo shopped and it was only a tweak on the color. <BR> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/87667/658262.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/87667/658263.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/87667/658264.jpg" alt="Upload"> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/87667/658265.jpg" alt="Upload">

Those are great pictures Hunter. What lens do you primarily use?

The 28-135 IS that came with it. Its a great all around lens especially to shoot from the boat. I would suggest picking up a few polarized and uv filters for the lake thou. You can see the detail especially with the water droplets and spray from the board but great color detail with the last photo.

<blockquote><hr size=0><!-quote-!><font size=1><b>quote:</b></font><p>I would suggest picking up a few polarized and uv filters for the lake thou.<!-/quote-!><hr size=0></blockquote> <BR> <BR>It's a good idea to have a filter on all your glass for protection but I've never been a fan of the Polarized filter.

walt, have you messed w/ a circular polarizer?

Wakechic here is another duck shot taken with the 40D with the 55-250mm lens that your sister has. Gives you a look at both lenses, I think Hunter was shooting with the 28-135. <BR> <BR><img src="http://www.wakeworld.com/MB/Discus/messages/87667/658300.jpg" alt="Upload">

Seeing all these pictures is making me really excited to get my camera! I am anxious to try the polarized filter at the lake. Thanks to everyone for all their advice and help, I really appreciate it.

Joe, <BR>I have one for my 70-200 and can't stand it.

I think for landscape work off a tripod a CP might be beneficial at times but for handheld work they can screw your shot up if you're not paying attention. I have one but rarely use it.

Can someone give me a crash course in polarized vs uv filters vs no filter and what they do for pictures? If you had to buy one, which is better.

<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photographic_filter" target="_blank">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photographic_filter</a>

Has anyone heard of <a href="http://www.digicombos.com?" target="_blank">www.digicombos.com?</a> I found the 40D on their website with the 28-135mm lens for $925. I found their website from <a href="http://www.dpreview.com" target="_blank">www.dpreview.com</a>. I know that dpreview is a legit website, so I figured if they were recommending this other one it would be legit too.