played around with a bunch of DSLRs at local circuit city

[Aharami]

The XSi is the camera I want. It really felt good in my hands. Much better than the XTi. Also liked it better than the D60/D40. The 40D felt too big and bulky for me. The Oly E-420 felt so small, and hated holding it. Liked the D80 better, but it's more expensive and older than the XSi. The XSi also felt more solid and better made than the XTi, by far.

So I definitely want to get the XSi ... sometime in the future. Just hard to justify nearly a grand on a camera when Im trying to save up for a house.

Does Canon offer it's double rebates on bodies also, or just lenses only?

Oh and why cant canon call it 400D/450D here? The numerical monikers sound much better than XTi/XSi IMO. /rhetorical question

 

[tfinch2]

I played around with the XSi at Fry's yesterday. You must have small hands because I was getting hand cramps holding it for like 30 seconds.

 

[Aharami]

yea my hands aren't too big. out of the ones they had on display, XSi felt the best. They didnt have any of the Pentax or Sony out, so I dont know if those would feel better or not

 

[andylawcc]

Originally posted by: tfinch2
I played around with the XSi at Fry's yesterday. You must have small hands because I was getting hand cramps holding it for like 30 seconds.

You think: Xsi is too small
Aharami thinks: Xsi is just right and Oly E420 is too small
I think: I have E410 and think it is just right

i have small hands

Originally posted by: Aharami
yea my hands aren't too big. out of the ones they had on display, XSi felt the best. They didnt have any of the Pentax or Sony out, so I dont know if those would feel better or not

Sony is hefty... I must say it's somewhere between the Canon 40D and 450D, BUT, it felt right in my hands.

 

[Zenmervolt]

Originally posted by: Aharami
yea my hands aren't too big. out of the ones they had on display, XSi felt the best. They didnt have any of the Pentax or Sony out, so I dont know if those would feel better or not

If you like the XSi and it handles well for you, then that's the one to get.

 

[jpeyton]

Originally posted by: Aharami
yea my hands aren't too big. out of the ones they had on display, XSi felt the best. They didnt have any of the Pentax or Sony out, so I dont know if those would feel better or not

That's surprising; all my Circuit City's have at least three of the Sony Alphas on display (A200, A300, A700).

I tried the XSi too; still a little too small for my hands. Ended up getting a D60 as a backup body.

 

[AndrewR]

I haven't seen the XSi yet, but I picked up the Nikon D40. It felt like a little girl's toy. Seriously, how does anyone shoot with a grip that small? I know I like larger cameras (A700 currently), but the grip on the D40 reminded me of the Sony F717 prosumer I used to have. That camera had a smallish grip, but the lens was very large and easy to grip (and since the body rotated, I tended to use the lens to hold it anyway). The D40 with a kit lens would be very uncomfortable for me.

 

[randomlinh]

Originally posted by: jpeyton

Originally posted by: Aharami
yea my hands aren't too big. out of the ones they had on display, XSi felt the best. They didnt have any of the Pentax or Sony out, so I dont know if those would feel better or not

That's surprising; all my Circuit City's have at least three of the Sony Alphas on display (A200, A300, A700).

I tried the XSi too; still a little too small for my hands. Ended up getting a D60 as a backup body.

wait, don't you have a D300? Why would you be looking at an XSi as a backup body?

As for the Rebel X** line, the grips just need more width like the lower end nikons, and it'd be tons better. I found when the XSi felt most comfortable, I had my index finger out of line for the shutter... if that makes any sense. I'm tempted to shoot for an XS as a secondary "small camera" since the DP1 is a disappointment. I probably shouldn't have sold my 40mm pentax M pancake lens, heh.

 

[jpeyton]

Originally posted by: AndrewR
I haven't seen the XSi yet, but I picked up the Nikon D40.

This animated GIF illustrates the differences. The XTi and XSi grip are the same size, but the new grip material is easier to hold. The D60 grip (which is the same as the D40/D40x grip) is a lot wider, which is why I found it comfortable for a compact DSLR.

It felt like a little girl's toy.

:roll: Different strokes for different folks.

Seriously, how does anyone shoot with a grip that small?

Tens of millions of people have taken some of the most amazing photos on the planet with compact DSLRs like the Canon XT/XTi/XSi and Nikon D40/D40x/D60. Somehow, their hands 'manage'.

Then again, not everyone can palm a basketball either.

 

[Aharami]

Originally posted by: randomlinh

Originally posted by: jpeyton

Originally posted by: Aharami
yea my hands aren't too big. out of the ones they had on display, XSi felt the best. They didnt have any of the Pentax or Sony out, so I dont know if those would feel better or not

That's surprising; all my Circuit City's have at least three of the Sony Alphas on display (A200, A300, A700).

I tried the XSi too; still a little too small for my hands. Ended up getting a D60 as a backup body.

wait, don't you have a D300? Why would you be looking at an XSi as a backup body?

I was scratching my head about that too. Unless he has some Canon lenses he can use with the XSi...

As for the Rebel X** line, the grips just need more width like the lower end nikons, and it'd be tons better. I found when the XSi felt most comfortable, I had my index finger out of line for the shutter... if that makes any sense. I'm tempted to shoot for an XS as a secondary "small camera" since the DP1 is a disappointment. I probably shouldn't have sold my 40mm pentax M pancake lens, heh.

Yea the grip could've been a little deeper, but it was a pretty big improvement over the XTi, IMO. The Nikon D80 felt perfect in my hands. Im still waiting right now...and I might end up waiting till the D90 comes out. Who knows, maybe I'll end up going with Nikon.

 

[jpeyton]

Originally posted by: Aharami

Originally posted by: randomlinh
wait, don't you have a D300? Why would you be looking at an XSi as a backup body?

I was scratching my head about that too. Unless he has some Canon lenses he can use with the XSi...

The XSi would have opened up another used lens market for me. And I have this 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS just sitting here waiting for a body so I can test it out. I sold my 40D and XT a month back, but now I wish I had at least one of them around.

I have enough AF-S/HSM lenses that I don't miss the missing focus motor on the D60. Even the lowly D40 has surprising performance.

 

[ElFenix]

Originally posted by: Aharami

Yea the grip could've been a little deeper, but it was a pretty big improvement over the XTi, IMO. The Nikon D80 felt perfect in my hands. Im still waiting right now...and I might end up waiting till the D90 comes out. Who knows, maybe I'll end up going with Nikon.

i don't like either the A200 or the D80 grips. they're not tall enough for me to put my pinky around the lower part of the grip, and they're not short enough that i can comfortably put it under the camera like with the D40 and rebels.

that's just me though.

 

[randomlinh]

Originally posted by: Aharami
Yea the grip could've been a little deeper, but it was a pretty big improvement over the XTi, IMO. The Nikon D80 felt perfect in my hands. Im still waiting right now...and I might end up waiting till the D90 comes out. Who knows, maybe I'll end up going with Nikon.

Agreed, I loved the D80 grip and viewfinder. I nearly went for it... but I couldn't pass up the 20D. And honestly, at this level of camera... I need to work on my skill more before playing body upgrade. The only gripe as I've stated, it's really difficult to carry around everywhere. I really want a G9 w/ an APS-C sensor.. fixed 40mm equivalent... I'd be happy with that.

Originally posted by: jpeyton
The XSi would have opened up another used lens market for me. And I have this 70-200mm f/2.8 L IS just sitting here waiting for a body so I can test it out.

well, I have a 20D, just send the lens this way....

 

[foghorn67]

I seriously don't understand people that think the D Reb's are going to hurt their delicate hands. Gee whiz. No SLR body type has given me issues.
I think the only thing that might give someone issues is that Leica esque Panasonic, because the grip is non existent.
I've seen big guys carry around D Reb's all day, and I've seen little 90lb asian photogs lug around 1D series cameras with no issues.

 

[teatime0315]

I just played around with the XSI a bit today... and I must admit, it feels a lot better than the XTi. But i still think that the D80's Grip feels a lot better

 

[AndrewR]

Originally posted by: jpeyton

Originally posted by: AndrewR
I haven't seen the XSi yet, but I picked up the Nikon D40.

This animated GIF illustrates the differences. The XTi and XSi grip are the same size, but the new grip material is easier to hold. The D60 grip (which is the same as the D40/D40x grip) is a lot wider, which is why I found it comfortable for a compact DSLR.

It felt like a little girl's toy.

:roll: Different strokes for different folks.

Seriously, how does anyone shoot with a grip that small?

Tens of millions of people have taken some of the most amazing photos on the planet with compact DSLRs like the Canon XT/XTi/XSi and Nikon D40/D40x/D60. Somehow, their hands 'manage'.

Then again, not everyone can palm a basketball either.

You're letting your P&N posting drift into this forum.

The strange thing to me is that I actually have small hands -- far from being able to palm a basketball. I am obviously aware that people have taken great photos with compact DSLRs -- fuzzybabybunny is one such person in this very forum. Maybe it's all on tripods!

Maybe it's from using large handguns over the years that made me get used to larger grips like my A700 or even the 20-40D series from Canon (or Nikon's D80) -- I've been shooting firearms longer than cameras. I also started in DSLRs with a large camera, the Maxxum 7D, but I don't think that did it.

I suppose it proves the advice that you have to pick and handle these cameras to know what suits you best. Hey, it would be nice if I could get used to a small camera because I just found out that my A700 barely fits the photo backpack I bought a few months ago! My A100 was a good fit, but the extra bulk makes it a tight squeeze now.

It's all in good fun. Don't take it personally -- leave that to politics.

 

[Muse]

Originally posted by: Aharami
The XSi is the camera I want. It really felt good in my hands. Much better than the XTi. Also liked it better than the D60/D40. The 40D felt too big and bulky for me. The Oly E-420 felt so small, and hated holding it. Liked the D80 better, but it's more expensive and older than the XSi.

My hands are rather large (10" span). I haven't visited a camera store yet. I'm surprised at all the talk about comfort ergonomics in this thread WRT DSLRs. I guess it's important, though.

Originally posted by: foghorn67
I seriously don't understand people that think the D Reb's are going to hurt their delicate hands. Gee whiz. No SLR body type has given me issues.
I think the only thing that might give someone issues is that Leica esque Panasonic, because the grip is non existent.
I've seen big guys carry around D Reb's all day, and I've seen little 90lb asian photogs lug around 1D series cameras with no issues.

That's what I was thinking. I have a 3+ year old Samsung V3 digicam (3.2 megapixel, and 3x optical zoom, uses SD card) and it's pretty OK for most usage, but for family gatherings it's the pits with it's 7+ second recycle and very unpredictable delay that sometimes seems like 2-3 seconds! For action like that (parties, receptions, anything that changes quickly) I figure I really need a fast recycle camera, preferably that can take 2 or more shots/second.

The best thing about the Samsung V3 I have is that it uses 2 AA's, and with really good NiMH's I have all the battery power I need just with 2 pairs. I've never run out of juice with that.

A relative had an XTi a month ago at an event, and that got me looking.

Originally posted by: Aharami
The XSi also felt more solid and better made than the XTi, by far.

Is the XSi really that significantly better built than the XTi?

 

[Aharami]

Originally posted by: Muse
Is the XSi really that significantly better built than the XTi?

I'm a DSLR newb and the XSi seemed a lot better to me than the XTi. The viewfinder seemed nicer, the bigger LCD (although same resolution as XTi) seemed better, the fit and finish seemed much better (plastics used just seemed better quality), and the camera was easier to hold than the XTi.

but you really have to see for yourself. IIRC there are some pretty good deals going on the XTi right now. Then again, there's also the new baby Canon - the Rebel XS

 

[Muse]

Originally posted by: Aharami

Originally posted by: Muse
Is the XSi really that significantly better built than the XTi?

I'm a DSLR newb and the XSi seemed a lot better to me than the XTi. The viewfinder seemed nicer, the bigger LCD (although same resolution as XTi) seemed better, the fit and finish seemed much better (plastics used just seemed better quality), and the camera was easier to hold than the XTi.

but you really have to see for yourself. IIRC there are some pretty good deals going on the XTi right now. Then again, there's also the new baby Canon - the Rebel XS

Can the Rebel XS be found yet? Does it have a better viewfinder than the XTi? The viewfinder on it is a knock, according to Imaging Resource:

"Viewfinder is smaller than the competition, and its pentamirror is not as bright as the pentaprism in the 30D"

 

[ElFenix]

XS viewfinder is a smidgen larger than XTi finder, but not by enough that it'd be noticeable.

 

[AndrewR]

Originally posted by: Muse

Originally posted by: Aharami
The XSi is the camera I want. It really felt good in my hands. Much better than the XTi. Also liked it better than the D60/D40. The 40D felt too big and bulky for me. The Oly E-420 felt so small, and hated holding it. Liked the D80 better, but it's more expensive and older than the XSi.

My hands are rather large (10" span). I haven't visited a camera store yet. I'm surprised at all the talk about comfort ergonomics in this thread WRT DSLRs. I guess it's important, though.

It's not just important -- it's critical. For people with larger hands, I'd say it's especially so because the compact DSLRs really are compact, and if you intend on shooting for extended periods of time (parties, weddings, visiting a zoo, etc.), you'll be holding the camera for awhile. Visit a local Best Buy or Circuit City and try out the various cameras. The larger DSLRs tend to have more features, but most of the smaller ones are quite capable regardless. If you don't like holding your camera, however, none of the features will matter!

 

[Muse]

Originally posted by: AndrewR

Originally posted by: Muse

Originally posted by: Aharami
The XSi is the camera I want. It really felt good in my hands. Much better than the XTi. Also liked it better than the D60/D40. The 40D felt too big and bulky for me. The Oly E-420 felt so small, and hated holding it. Liked the D80 better, but it's more expensive and older than the XSi.

My hands are rather large (10" span). I haven't visited a camera store yet. I'm surprised at all the talk about comfort ergonomics in this thread WRT DSLRs. I guess it's important, though.

It's not just important -- it's critical. For people with larger hands, I'd say it's especially so because the compact DSLRs really are compact, and if you intend on shooting for extended periods of time (parties, weddings, visiting a zoo, etc.), you'll be holding the camera for awhile. Visit a local Best Buy or Circuit City and try out the various cameras. The larger DSLRs tend to have more features, but most of the smaller ones are quite capable regardless. If you don't like holding your camera, however, none of the features will matter!

Mmm. My hands are big, big enough where size L gloves are usually not large enough for me. But my fingers aren't thick. Well, I'll visit CC or BB soon and find out what I can. What should I be looking for. I haven't had an SLR since my old Nikon F was swiped out of my apartment decades ago!

My Samsung V3, it never occurred to me that it was too small for my hands. I can actually put it in a pocket, although it's not small for a compact digicam by today's standards. In terms of volume (not shape) I'd say it's about 1.3 x the volume of a tennis ball.