Dell Sale -- Time for an XTi?

[Peter Guy]

I've had a Rebel for several years and really enjoy it. I have NOT housed it but just use it above water for general pics/trip pics/horse shows. I have the "kit lens" (18-56mm), 50mm f1.8, 70-200 f4 L, 80-300 "generic" zoom.

I just received a flyer from Dell that through 1/31/08 I can get a 20% discount on "all cameras" (I think because I bought a computer from Dell this year) which makes the XTi a $503 purchase (with a new kit lens) or $413 (body only).

I'm sorely tempted.

So, please tell me why I should (or should not) upgrade to the XTi from the old Rebel. And if so, get a new kit lens (I think it is "model II" but I have no idea if it is, in fact, any different) or just the body?

And if I do, try to sell the old Rebel, give it away or keep it as a backup (and add to my collection of cameras I no longer touch)?

 

[txdano]

Peter, I have the XTi and love it. The following link describes what is different from it's predecessor. DCRP Review: Canon Digital Rebel XTi

The kit lens seems to get a lot of bad press, I just bought the body myself.

 

[viola123]

$503 with a new kit lens is a nice price, i think you can go for it

 

[PriusDrIVER]

Personally, I would gladly spend $100 to not shop with Dell. I had originally ordered my 20D from them back when it was the hot item, they totally screwed that up and after 3 months I ended up having to refute the charges with AMEX to get it resolved. Its a long story, but I won't be buying or recommending any item that ships from Dell to friends or clients.

Good luck, I'm sure it it goes smoothly Dell is fine...but otherwise enjoy the customer (dis)service.

 

[Peter_C]

At $413 I would take the risk with Dell. That is a steal and a nice upgrade from the camera you are using now. Since you can afford the camera I say go for it! The old camera can be sold or donated, or even better give it to a kid that would use it with a kit lens.

 

[Blackwood]

Looks like a good deal. The XTi is a nice camera. I recently upgraded my XT to the EOS40D, which shares the same sensor (albeit with different microlenses), image processor, etc..

Even if you had no lenses, I'd suggest you stay away from the kit lens, but given your collection it seems irrelevant. $413 is the winner in my book.

 

[txdano]

For what it's worth, I do business with Dell on almost a monthly basis, and have never had a problem with any orders. (knocking on wood)

 

[Peter Guy]

Thanks everyone. I've read rumors that Canon will announce the 450D on 24 Jan. So I'm going to wait to see if the new version is released. The online rumor mill had enough specs to make me willing to wait and if the new version is as rumored, it will be a BIT upgrade from my original Rebel.