Digital Background – Digital Photography

By Wayne Rasku

Canon has some really great igital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras. In fact there are two excellent Canon EOS Digital Rebel cameras to choose from. They are the Canon Rebel 450D XSi and the Canon Rebel 500D T1i.

Usually, they are referred to as Rebel XSi and Rebel T1i, OR Rebel 450D and Rebel 500D. The lower number – 450D – is the older of the two cameras, meaning it was released before the 500D. Canon came up with a numbering system for their Rebel line of cameras which began in 2003 with the Rebel 300D. Each successive camera has been named with the addition of 50 to the name.

OK, so what makes these DSLRs good gifts? Here are a few reasons to consider:

• Great image quality. This line of cameras has always been rated at the top of the entry level category for image quality. The quality is nearly as good as the much more expensive models.
• Inexpensive price. These are not Point-and-Shoot cameras, so you must expect to pay more than you would for compact digital cameras. However, prices have dropped way down below the $1000 price tag of the original Rebels.
• DSLR capabilities. What more can be said. Every budding photographer dreams of the day he or she will be able to switch camera lenses to get the perfect picture. Photographers are like golfers when it comes to gear – the newest gear will improve their “game”.

Which of the two Canon EOS Digital Rebel cameras you choose is really dependent on only a couple of things.First is price – there is approximately $150 difference between the two cameras. The T1i is the more expensive model because of two very important considerations. HD Video and Creative Auto.

Second is HD Video and Creative Auto. No, this is not a typo. The two features that make the Rebel T1i cost more than the XSi are the reasons for buying the T1i rather than the XSi. If that does not make sense, consider this. Almost all point and shoot digital cameras have video capability, and they have an LCD screen with a preview of the photo that is about to be taken. Not all DSLRs have these two features. In fact the Rebel XSi does not, but the T1i does have them. Actually, Creative Auto is a lot more technologically sophisticated than a live view on the LCD screen, but suffice it to say that the photographer you are thinking of will really appreciate it.

Hopefully, this brief overview of Canon EOS Digital Rebel cameras will be of help in your decision. There is much more detail at http://www.digital-photographic-resources.com.