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I Made My DSLR Down Payment

Canon EOS Rebel XS

Someone once told me that buying a DSLR was just making a down payment on an expensive hobby. Last week at Penn Camera in Tysons Corner I made my down payment.

I stopped in just to look for a book on Elements 6 and was assisted by the store’s manager, Ramona Stern. During our conversation I told Ramona about my Canon Powershot S5, how happy I was with it and my interest in possibly upgrading to DSLR at a future date. Somehow, thirty minutes later I was walking out the door with a new Canon EOS Rebel XS. I’m not sure if Ramona is that great a salesperson or if I was just set to make an impetuous decision. The fact that it was $100 off helped too.

So far I’m happy with the XS. I must admit I did not do much research before this purchase but Ramona’s recommendation seems to have been spot on. Being a Canon, the controls are extremely similar to the S5’s which cuts down the learning curve somewhat. The EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS Kit lens does not provide the range of the S5 but thats the nature of DSLR (and hence the down payment statement). The lens does have built-in image stablization and auto focus, both of which are a welcome function for someone like me.

Day one with the XS

My immediate observation was the response time. The XS provides 3 frames per second burst modes and a .1 second power up. It also can do auto bracketing that once I figure out how to configure will be a standard part of my use.

Since I’m new to DSLR I cannot give a good review of the camera other than to say the transition from a Canon P&S is easier if you stick with a Canon DSLR. I did find a great review by Jeff Keller. By the way, if you’re searching the web for the EOS Rebel XS know that its designation in Europe is the 1000D and in Japan as the KISS F.

Today I carry both the S5 and XS on my outtings. Its hard to beat the S5’s super macro mode so it will be with me until I add a good macro lens to the XS.

If you’re looking to upgrade from a point and shoot, I can recommend the XS. In his review, Jeff Keller makes a good point that the XSi has a few better features and only costs $70 more so be sure and check out both models. Once you make your decision, visit Ramona at Penn Camera but don’t be surprised if you have to wait a bit…she’s usually very busy. Tell her I said hi!

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