Lots of options, little knowledge

[tylerrobb]

Well it looks like I'm leaning towards purchasing the XTi because of its handling of noise at high ISO and it's advantage in low-light situations... I do have one concern before I do actually get it though, should I be worried about the lack of EF-S lenses (AF mount) for this camera?

The only ones that are available are the 10-22, 17-55, 17-85, 60 from what I've seen and this worries me... With the Nikons you can stick any old fitting lens onto the body and it will work just fine. Am I mistaken that you can only put EF-S lenses on the XTi's body or are you able to use the older EF lenses as well?

Thanks again for all the replies and suggestions, they are greatly appreciated! I'm so addicted to this site, I check it soooo many times during the day :)

[Wes]

Originally Posted by trobb09

Well it looks like I'm leaning towards purchasing the XTi because of its handling of noise at high ISO and it's advantage in low-light situations...

Not all things Canon rock at high ISO, nor do all things Nikon stink at the same. Given your choices the Nikon D40x is actually a better camera in low light. Don't believe it? Popular Photography had this to say about the D40x compared to the XTi..... "The Nikon D40x produces Image Quality a bit higher than Canon's mighty lightweight, notably in better noise control throughout the ISO range, and it has an ISO 3200 setting, which the XTi lacks."

For the whole story follow this link: http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/3896...ikon-d40x.html

[gsdpic]

Originally Posted by trobb09

The only ones that are available are the 10-22, 17-55, 17-85, 60 from what I've seen and this worries me... With the Nikons you can stick any old fitting lens onto the body and it will work just fine. Am I mistaken that you can only put EF-S lenses on the XTi's body or are you able to use the older EF lenses as well?

Yes, you are mistaken. Any canon EF lens will work on the XTi (The canon website explicitly states that.....I don't have any direct experience with the XTi but have used EF lenses on my 20d). The effective focal length will be multiplied by 1.6x (just like on the EF-S lenses) but the lenses will work just fine.

[L Stegall]

Yes, you can use non-EF-S lenses with the XTi, but you can't use those on a full-frame body. So, if you ever move to a 5D (or whatever is out at that time), the EF-S lenses won't translate over to it.

[amadjuster]

Since you have a lot of experience with the XT, I would think the XTi would be the perfect fit. I'm not sure about the high noise stuff because it is nothing compared to what we had to endure with film. Plus, there is always Noise Ninja! I really think the high noise problem is more for low light portrait and wedding folks and not us everyday shooters, but that's just my opinion. Whatever you decide on, stay with it so you can keep using the glass you are going to buy. There are lots of bias here but it all boils down to what you like and know. Get the XTi and never look back.

[Comanche]

Hey, Tyler - welcome to the mad mad mad mad world of digital photography.

So far, you've gotten some good advice here. As most have said, comparing Canon and Nikon always brings out the brand fans, but that's okay.

Part of your quandary is that you don't have enough money. Well, join the crowd. Photography is not for the light of wallet, but you also own a tool with which you can make money. Think about ways you can make a buck or two with your new camera, then put that money away for the next lens or body or tripod or ballhead or filter or flash you just gotta have. You might see if the local weekly newspaper could use a freelancer, or maybe you go work as an assistant for a professional, or maybe shoot some of your high school sports and sell the prints.

You mentioned shooting fireworks, and there is some good advice from Howard. Another source is this article on The-Digital-Picture.com.

Oh yeah - we expect to see some of your shots when you get back from New York. Have fun.