Canon Rebel XSi tips and tricks

Mariusz · « **on:** 13 Jul 2008, 01:25 am »

I bought this camera. It feels good in my hand, it's also compact.
I did not get much help before.....so maybe now you can share , how to get the most out of this inexpensive camera.

Thanks
Mariusz

BRILEY804 · « **Reply #1 on:** 13 Jul 2008, 01:59 am »

Here is a tip : Start by reading the manual and learn what each function does before moving on to the next one.

SET Man · « **Reply #2 on:** 13 Jul 2008, 02:00 am »

Hey!

Well, congratulation on you new DSLR.

My tips for your new camera? Go out, take some pictures and enjoy

Take care,
Buddy

Mariusz · « **Reply #3 on:** 13 Jul 2008, 03:03 am »

Quote from: BRILEY804 on 13 Jul 2008, 01:59 am

Here is a tip : Start by reading the manual and learn what each function does before moving on to the next one.

Wow thanks
I was not aware it comes with the manuals.
Great tip.
Do you have more usefull tips. I already bought the memory card, inserted the battery, set the time and date......what else........oh yea... I forgot about about wide neck strap...I will do it tomorrow.

Thanks so much wizard

Mariusz · « **Reply #4 on:** 13 Jul 2008, 03:13 am »

Quote from: SET Man on 13 Jul 2008, 02:00 am

Hey!

Well, congratulation on you new DSLR.

My tips for your new camera? Go out, take some pictures and enjoy

Take care,
Buddy

Thanks, I sure will do that. I use to be really into graphics and have thousands invested in photoshop plug-ins. I also was into vintage collectibles but got tired. It is all coming back now.....can not wait to snap some pics .........however need some recommendations on OK wide and powerfull zoom lens.

Thanks

SET Man · « **Reply #5 on:** 13 Jul 2008, 04:04 am »

Quote from: Mariusz on 13 Jul 2008, 03:13 am

Thanks, I sure will do that. I use to be really into graphics and have thousands invested in photoshop plug-ins. I also was into vintage collectibles but got tired. It is all coming back now.....can not wait to snap some pics .........however need some recommendations on OK wide and powerfull zoom lens.

Thanks

Hey!

Yeah, I was in vintage cams too... nothing expensive though. Actually I still have a few, but I don'thave time to use them

As for lenses. I'm not familiar with Canon system. But they have very extensive lens system.

I assumed that you have the kit lens now right? So, how much wider do you want? For very wide angle you will likely have to buy digital only APS-C zoom. For longer zoom there are many to choose from. Also, Canon make the "L" series which are faster but bigger and cost more.

My current DSLR system with a range of 16-200mm or 24-300mm with 1.5x factor. One zoom is ACS-C digital only zoom 16-80mm (24-120mm in 35mm) f3.5-4.45 this is very useful range for me and the other is an old 80-200mm f2.8 zoom. These two zoom seem to cover all my need.

So, hard to say. You have to see which one fit your need best before you buy it

And I'm sure other Canon users here could give you some recommendation better than me

BTW... I guess you bought this camera just in time for your Rave get together later this month

Take care,
Buddy

BRILEY804 · « **Reply #6 on:** 13 Jul 2008, 09:19 am »

Canon lenses that you might want to look at would be :

Canon EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM

Mariusz · « **Reply #7 on:** 14 Jul 2008, 04:18 pm »

Quote from: BRILEY804 on 13 Jul 2008, 09:19 am

Canon lenses that you might want to look at would be :

Canon EF-S 17-55 f/2.8 IS USM

Canon EF 17-40mm f/4L USM

Canon EF 70-200mm f/4L USM

Thanks . Very good recom. 17 55 might fit the bill. I would also like 70 200 for close ups. However one lens for now. Which one is the most universal for low lighting cond and nice close ups????
Lens that came with the camera is 18 55

Thanks

Andrikos · « **Reply #8 on:** 14 Jul 2008, 04:52 pm »

For low lighting you need the excellent and very inexpensive (~$300) EF 50mm f/1.4.

By "close-ups" do you mean Macro? If so, try the MP-E 65mm f/2.8. It is a specialized macro lens.
If by "close-ups" you mean a portrait lens, the above EF 50mm f/1.4 is an awesome lens (extremely sharp) but with the equivalent of 80mm, it's not a close-up lens.

My tip for you would be to only use the manual mode by taking of hundreds of pictures and learning about ISO (use lowest possible) while playing with the Aperture and Shutter Speed.

Good luck.

Mariusz · « **Reply #9 on:** 14 Jul 2008, 05:40 pm »

Thanks.
I meant telephoto lens that would be the most universal for weddings - events and close ups - like 105 or 200. With 200 I would need good flush and am looking for one too. I might consider used........anyone got a lens and or flush that does not get to much usage???

Thanks

PeteG · « **Reply #10 on:** 14 Jul 2008, 06:13 pm »

Two very inexpensive lenses that work great with the 450D.
Canon 50mm f/1.8
Canon 55-250mm .

Also go over your user-interface "Menu Settings".

My XSi w/Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 macro.

Mariusz · « **Reply #11 on:** 14 Jul 2008, 06:41 pm »

I really like the 55 250 - especialy price.
I could also use 55mm.

Thanks Pete

TONEPUB · « **Reply #12 on:** 14 Jul 2008, 09:46 pm »

Don't ever drop it....

The Rebels are awesome in terms of the camera inside, but
they really scrimped on the case. It hits the ground once and
it's toast!

Mariusz · « **Reply #13 on:** 14 Jul 2008, 10:48 pm »

Quote from: TONEPUB on 14 Jul 2008, 09:46 pm

Don't ever drop it....

The Rebels are awesome in terms of the camera inside, but
they really scrimped on the case. It hits the ground once and
it's toast!

That is what I heard and read - and that is why I bought 4year replacement plan that includes - cleaning/parts/labor/accidental damage.

It is amazing what you can get for under 1K with basic lens included these days. I though about buying Sony or Nikon, however after reading negative customer reports about Sony camera and quality and features comparison between similar Nikon - it was no brainer to go with Canon.
Picture quality is very good.Getting around layout and settings takes a little practice but it is pretty straight forward. Build in flush is very limiting but OK for quick everyday use.
Live LCD preview slow things up a bit but I have no use for it other then checking the pictures afterwards. Lens with kit is good choice to make the camera useful and fun out of the box.
For my needs this camera is more then enough. With another lens or two and adequate flash it should fullfill my shutter adventures.

dhrab · « **Reply #14 on:** 14 Jul 2008, 11:26 pm »

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Mariusz · « **Reply #15 on:** 15 Jul 2008, 12:51 am »

Dhrab - great tips. I really like diffuser and BA. Nice shots too. My price range is $500 for telephoto lens - IS is a plus.
Thanks a lot - useful tips

Mariusz · « **Reply #16 on:** 15 Jul 2008, 10:46 pm »

Thanks everyone for your help.

(on my lunch break I visited photo store - Adorama)

My latest Canon accessories purchased:
*Ultrasonic 28-135mm lens with AF and IS. Got it at nice discount.
*inexpensive Tiffen filter kit - digital ultra clear, circular polarizer, warming 812 & enhancing filters.
*Puffer - flush diffuser.
*lens hood

Any experience or something that I should know about this lens???

Thanks

PeteG · « **Reply #17 on:** 22 Jul 2008, 01:24 am »

Quote from: TONEPUB on 14 Jul 2008, 09:46 pm

Don't ever drop it....

The Rebels are awesome in terms of the camera inside, but
they really scrimped on the case. It hits the ground once and
it's toast!

The XSi is a little tougher than I thought.
http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/read.asp?forum=1031&message=28690775

Mariusz · « **Reply #18 on:** 22 Jul 2008, 02:24 am »

Very interesting story Pete.
One lucky (or not) guy with the wonderful story to tell.
Canon CSI detailed pics were the proof of the horrific event.
Nice and thanks for the link.

Mariusz

PeteG · « **Reply #19 on:** 23 Jul 2008, 12:14 am »

Popular Photography’s five camera shootout, nice reviews.

PopPhoto Shootout