Photography Notebook: My Camera Choices

I've been taking digital photos since 1998, and I've enjoyed expanding my knowledge, experience, and equipment since then.

In August 2008, I bought a digital SLR camera, the Canon Rebel XSi (this camera is also called the Canon 450D). A year later, I also purchased a newer version of the Rebel, the Canon EOS Rebel T1i: 15.1 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera with 3-Inch LCD, in order to have some more capabilities and a second camera body. I'm happy with the performance aspects of this camera and lenses. There is much to learn, and it is enjoyable to go about town and take photos trying things out. I'll update my tests and use of this camera in my Photography Notebook.

Why a DSLR camera?

I had a point and shoot camera (Canon A640) for a while, and I was very happy with it. However, I considered what my next step might be in photography. I admired the extraordinary excellence of photos on flickr taken with DSLR cameras. I considered these benefits of a DSLR camera:

• Advanced optics and sensor sizes in DSLR cameras have shown to produce superior images.
• The DSLR camera body and removable lenses allow for adding/swapping lenses as needed.

Why the Rebel XSi?

The Rebel XSi caught my attention because of these specific features:

• Its image sensor size is large: 14.8 mm x 22.2 mm.
• It has automatic sensor cleaning to help me avoid having to open the camera to clean it.
• The Live View capability builds on my experience using live view in my point-and-shoot camera.
• It uses SD cards that build on my existing supplies.
• The Canon EF and EF-S lenses are widely available, and this helps me feel confident I can find new and used lenses to fit my needs.

Having used the Rebel XSi for a while, I have come to appreciate:

• The large sensor size allows me to create quality images.
• The menus and controls are similar to my previous Canon camera.
• The LCD size 4.5 cm x 6 cm is easy to view, and the controls are easy to operate.
• The battery pack is lightweight, yet it lasts a long time.

Example photos with my cameras

To give an idea of my background and cameras, here are photos I've taken with my various cameras.