thinking about the Rebel XSi

I’m thinking about buying the Canon Rebel XSi but wanted to ask a few questions first. What did you all think of the camera? How long have you had it? Do you regret buying it? Other than wanting a higher pixel rate, why would you want to buy something better than this camera?

Why would you want to buy something better than this camera?

You don't say in your post what your main photogrpahy focus is ... what your experience level might be, etc. As for the XSi .... It is a very nice beginner / hobbyist level camera. I don't give mega pixel counts much thought anyway so that doesn't factor into my equation.

The higher end pro and pro/sumer camera bodies have many advantages that you may or may not need or want. Things like a better build quality to the actual body itself, full frame versus crop sensor (5D, 5DII and 1DS models are full frmae) .... if you shoot sports or wildlife the "frames per second" that the camera shutter will shoot may be something that a person wants / needs (the 7D 40D, 50D, 60D and the 1D models all shoot a high frames per second)

The XSi is a crop type camera (1.6 crop) which will allow you to use both EF and EF-S Canon lenses the 5D and 1D bodies will only allow use of the EF lenses.

Some people feel that the "X" model cameras do not have enough substance to them ... that they feel small in their hands, etc.

The hobbyist / beginner camera bodies typically do not have as good an ability for image noise control .... most start to show significant noise at iso settings above 400 and higher.

The upper end Canon cameras have dual sensors in them which will allow the potential for better images, if the person pressing the shutter button has the skill level capabilities.

This is a few things that come to might as I quickly write this response. Bottom line is that there have been and will continue to be many excellent images taken with cameras such as the XSi.

Will using a Canon 5dII or a 1D MarkIV or 1DS MarkIII make a person a better photographer? Nope not a chance!

I truly like my Rebel xsi, I am a beginner photographer and am thinking about taking classes to better educate myself, I love to take pic's of my Grandbabies, and also Birds, flowers and a sortment of animals. I just found Photography Talk. I am loving it!! Here are the Sap sucker woodpeckers , I saw in the back yard, tell me what U think, I can take constructive critism!!!

Geraldine,
Your images are better than some that I took when first starting out. You will want to strive for images that are sharper as you gain skills. Each of these is a bit blurry, maybe not the camera's fault as you might have been moving?

I prefer to use a single focus point when photographing small birds. Many times several focus points will not be exactly on the bird, causing a portion of the photo, not the bird to be in focus and the bird to be out of focus (OOF). Try to hit the bird's leading eye as the main point of focus as well.

Learn to put your elbows in against your body to create a good shooting posture and better brace your camera. Of course a tripod or even a monopod will help gain a "steadier" image, but I realize that is not always possible.

Your bird is a Red-headed Woodpecker and not a sapsucker. I'm looking forward to seeing more of your photos and watching your improvement.

Avoid dslr Camera Shake

Here's a Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Thank you for your reply, I thought if u could elaborate on a few more pic's that would be great!!

Agreed. Quite often, the decision comes down to money. I have an older XT and an XSi, both of which have produced winning photos. I do handle them with care but shoot in both the States and Canada on a regular basis and have no trouble with them. I added battery holder and grip to my XSi and it now weighs as much as the pro models and that can be a worry for those with smaller hands or less strength.
These photos with the XSi using the kit lens and the 70-300mmIS.