I'm pretty new with SLR, take picture more potraits & kids while running & jumping. Would you recomended Canon D50 OR Rebel Xsi/ 450D ?

Good points to consider by both James and Lister. James you surprised me with a minor error on the XSi, its a 12 Megapixel camera where the XTi was 10.

I agree with James, especially if your budget is tight, the 450D/XSi is a terrific bargain considering the image quality it produces. If you spend less on the body (we are talking just these 2 cameras) and invest the difference in better lenses you will have better quality photos in the end. Simple and straightforward, the XSi with a quality lens like the 70-200 f2.8 zoom will produce better images than the 50D using the 18-200 or 75-300.

Here is one analogy I think helps describe the scenario.

I don't know how much you know about audio amplifiers and speakers, but most people understand the most important part of a sound system is the speakers, they control (or limit) the accuracy and loudness at the various sound frequencies, and the spatial or stereo effects. Unless you are using the very best speakers chances are you will not notice the difference between amplifiers, except for the cheapies that don't have enough power to drive the speakers.

In photography the lens is like the speakers, its the primary controller of what image gets onto the film or sensor chip. When people talk about communication and what TV shows a person decides to watch you may have heard the phrase "garbage-in garbage-out". A 15 Megapixel photo of fuzz and/or blah color looks no better than a 10-12 Megapixel photo of the same fuzz and/or blah color.


Cindy, here are a couple questions to ask yourself..

Think about how long you might want to keep the camera, the 50D will last much longer due to it's build quality and longer life shutter which is also twice as fast.

How fast are the kids? Do you expect the camera focusing to be able to always lock on their location when they are quickly approaching you? or running away from you? I have the 50D and it cannot always keep up with my 5-yr old daughter. The 50D is much faster, but the 450D/XSi may get enough photos in focus to satisfy you if you are willing to live with the fact that a lot of them wont turn out as desired. It's digital, take a lot of shots and just delete the ones you don't want.

Do you want to take photos in low light without a flash? The 50D has a big advantage here, better high-ISO performance.

Final comment: I think you will be happy with either camera, just get one and start playing!