I am looking at the Sony A350 & Canon Rebel XS for my next SLR. Which shoots better in low lite/sports situations. My daughter plays basketball.

I am interested in a low cost unit that will let me take photos during low light basketball games/track & field events, as well as the occasional concert.

Hi James,
With cameras at this level, honestly, it's more a matter of preference than it is one of them performing better than the other. With these two DSLRs you can buy the body you like, since both are excellent cameras. Where you should be focusing your attention will be on the lens. You'll need something fast to handle low light sports situations.

If you don't need a zoom, getting a lens will be fairly easy. Zooms tend to be slower-acting and aren't ideal in low light, so be prepared to do some research and possibly spend some money if you need a zoom. If you don't, Canon makes a great f2.8/ 50mm lens for about fifty dollars, which is compatible with the Rebel, and is a fantastic quick low-light shooter.

Hey James,
The Sony 350 is a great rig for what you want to do. The most important thing you can do is get what photographers call a "fast lens", which is a lens that has an aperature of f2.8 or better. Some of the best lenses are fixed zoom, like 50mm 2.8, 100mm 2.8, 85mm 1.8, etc. The best zoom lens for almost any purpose is a 70-200mm f2.8. Most pros consider this zoom lens a must have! They perform better in low light. The Sony's "in camera" Image Stabilization is far superior to "in lens" IS, and any lens you buy is going to be IS, so you can save money. Who wants to pay over $600 for a 75-300 IS by Canon or Nikon when you can get the same quality lens by Sony for $200. There is no premium for Sony name, only the impression of a premium product. Check out the question "Stuck between Canon Rebel XSi and Sony A350 " for more info on some of the benefits of the Sony. Canon is a great product, but the real value may be in the Sony. Also, check out some of the lenses by Sigma and Tamron, the make high quality, "fast" lenses at great prices.

Well we'll have to agree to disagree on that, Steve. While I do agree that any serious photographer should have that 70-200 f 2.8, the notion that Sony's chip based IS is better than the lens IS is merely opinion, as far as I am concerned. Unless, of course, you can provide studies to support the claim. The button line is that SONYs Alpha line is a redesigned Minolta. Granted, a damn good one, but that's the legacy.

And if you're telling me you don't pay more for a SONY, I'd like to know where you're buying your electronics.

And you are right about Sigma. They are making lenses right now that are off the hook.