Canon Digital Rebel XT or Canon Powershot S2 IS?

Question

I'm trying to decide which of the two to get. I was interested in an SLR camera, but I read a review somewhere that said that the Powershot was almost as good as the Rebel, and it's cheaper.

Answer 1

They both have their strong points and disadvantages.

Rebel XT is faster, lower noise, takes great pics, can be more flexible (with a collection of lenses) and has a clearer optical viewfinder. It has more ergonomic controls for adjusting zoom, focus, shutter and aperture. But it is more expensive (especially with a collection of lenses), has no Image Stabilization (unless you have even more expensive lenses) and no video, no live histogram, and it can be inconvenient to carry around the collection of lenses and make the lens changes.

The S2IS has an integrated long zoom range, Image Stabilization, is much less expensive for the same range, takes very good pics, takes video clips and has live histogram to predict correct exposure. And having everything in one package is much more convenient, especially for vacation travel. But performance is slower, there is more noise at low light/high ISO, has less convenient controls for adjustments, and the Electronic Viewfinder is smaller and less clear. You cannot switch lenses, but wide angle, close up, and telephoto add-on lenses are available.

So you have to evaluate the tradeoffs.

If you lean more to the S2 IS, you should also check out the Canon S3 IS and the Sony H5 and H2. These 2006 models have a little better performance and are still under $400. If you like the lens ring controls of the Rebel, take a look at the Panasonic FZ30 that operates more like an SLR, but is fixed lens like the S2 IS.

Good Luck

Answer 2

It all depends on what the camera will be used for. I looked at a couple of the Powershot cameras before I bought my Pentax dSLR camera, an *ist DL. I got my camera for just under $400 with an 18-55mm lens.
The reason I decided against the Powershot, was the same reason I turned down all the other point & shoot cameras I looked at. The shutter lag was too great for the photos I was intending on taking.
I take alot of action photos indoors. Flash photography is not allowed at these events and therefore my camera needed to be able to make the best of the light available while still reacting quickly enough to get clear shots of constantly moving subjects (gymnasts). I tested the Powershot inside the store by taking pictures of people walking through the aisles. I'd find a reference point like the end of a shelf and snap the shutter when the person passed that point. While the Powershot did respond quicker than most of the P&S cameras, there was still a noticeable delay. Doing the same thing with the *ist in Drive Mode (continuously snaps pictures until the shutter button is released) I was able to catch every step of the person. I've been using it for 3 months now and have caught some amazing moments that most people didn't even notice. I'd never go back to a point and shoot camera now. I'm spoiled.
I have nothing bad to say about the Rebel at all. I was going to buy one of those had I not run across the deal I got on my *ist.
If quick action or low light isn't a factor in your photography, then you might be happy with the Powershot. Try one out in a store and see what happens. Most people who just take family photos or vacation photos would never need the power of an SLR, so it's all dependant on your needs. However, if you've already been thinking SLR, then you obviously have found flaws in P&S cameras that made you unhappy... while the Powershot is possibly the best P&S camera out, it's will not as quick and customizable as an SLR. Choose which type of camera you need, then the choice should be apparent.

Answer 3

If you can afford a DSLR ... the Rebel .. then get it! As previously said, you can't really compare the two. The PS S2 (I have the S3) is not really a point and shoot ... but it's not a DSLR, either! On full auto mode, the photo's are unsatisfactory, on program mode with tweaks on the settings it's great .. but it's still not a DSLR!

I haven't compared specs between those two, but usually a DSLR has a larger senser, which means less noise and clearer pictures, besides all the other advantages of DSLR technology.

I bought the S3 because I could not afford a DSLR and lenses for telephoto shooting (which is the bulk of what I do), but I am still saving for the DSLR. So, bottom line, IF you CAN afford it, then go for it, it's a camera that will grow with your needs.

Answer 4

SLRs have a lot of benefits for the more serious photographer...interchangeable lenses, generally speaking a better sensor, through the lens viewing in the viewfinder, lots of accessories, etc.

But if you are just interested in basic photography, and don't have any desire to go further, the Powershot may be for you!

Answer 5

Canon Digital Rebel XT will be good for taking pictures.

Answer 6

You can't compare SLR and point-n-shoot camera. Point-n-shoot camera is for non-skill photographers, and they have lot of limitation in controlling the output of the pictures. If you are not into photography, S2 IS is best for you. But if you need more creativity in photography then SLR is for you.

Answer 7

The Rebel XT is a much better camera and the sensor will allow bigger prints. Anything you can do with the G9, you can do with the XT and do it better as well. The megapixels of the XT cannot be compared with the megapixels of the G9, as the sensors are of physically different sizes. The Rebel XT is far, far better than the G9 and should be your choice.

Answer 8

I would go with the s2
go to yahoo shopping
you can find some good prices for the s2