Camera Labs

I thought that the xt would be sufficient for my needs and that I would'nt need the extra megapixels and larger viewing screen offered by the xti, but then I read on another post about how valued the "live view" was to the individual. What is "live view" and why is it so important.

It means you can view what the lens is seeing on the LCD screen on the back of the camera, so there's no need to look through the viewfinder.

Hi Realtor1,

A warm welcome to the CameraLabs forums.

Live View is effectively what compact cameras do to make up for having no viewfinder. DSLR users generally prefer a viewfinder but Live View can be useful as well except, possibly, in bright sunlight. Check out Gordon's EOS 40D Astro-photography video demonstration for a more specialised use.

Another significant use of Live View is to overcome the limitations of DSLR viewfinders when trying to judge Depth of Field with wide aperture lenses. Check out Live view versus the cheating DSLR viewfinder for a demonstration of this.

Bob.

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OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.

I thought all digital cameras did this? At least my compact digital kodak does, and it was very cheap compared to the xt, why wouldn't this be a standard feature on the xt?

have a look at the demo on that link. i thought the same when i first heard about it because my point and shoot digital cam has a screen you can see the photo before you take it but with live view you can..just do more! i dont know how to explain it, iv only seen it on the demo but youl see if you watch it.

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Canon EOS 30D+18-55mm and 10-22mm. not forgetting my beloved canon a1+28mm,50mm, 28-200mm and 70-205mm lenses and array of filters

It's a fact! Hot rumour has it that the successor to the XTi (expected early next year) will have Live View but nothing is officially announced yet. If you want Live View at the moment the cheapest Canon DSLR to offer it is the 40D.

Bob.

_________________
OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.

Opps, Does it show I have no idea what im talkin about? I thought the 30d was the xt and the 40d was the xti, my bad. So now im really confused about what to purchase. The research continues......
thanks for all you help!

Canon sells these cameras with different names for the European and American markets.

The Canon 350D is sold in the American market as the Canon Rebel XT.

The Canon 400D is sold in the American market as the Canon Rebel XTi.

With Canon, a smaller number means a better product, so the 1D is better than the 40D, which in turn is better than the 400D. Thus, the 400D is the entry level, the 40D is mid-range and the 1D is the professional model. See Gordon's reviews and videos on both the 40D and 400D. Much information to be found there.

If you're a beginner, the 400D will probably be a good way to start.

You can use a DSLR without the need for live view, because the viewfinder is much better than on a compact. Using the viewfinder is the traditional way.

Welcome and don't be afraid to ask questions.

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Nikon D90 + MB-D80 + SB-600 + AF-S VR 18-200mm f/3.5-5.6 + AF-S 35mm f/1.8 + AF 85mm f/1.8 | My photos on Flickr.

True enough between product lines but the 40D is better than the 30D insofar as the 40D is the successor to the 30D, which succeeded the 20D which succeeded the 10D.

Bob.

_________________
OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.

Canon should be coming out with a new 400D called the 450D sometime in the first quarter of 2008, if you want to wait.

You should see many of the benefits already in the nearly released 40D incorporated to some degree.

The 40D is a different animal to the 400D or 450D but the features will be similar, which ever ones are included and to what degree.

It may be worth waiting so you can take advantage of the cut price given to a 400D when the 450D comes out.

If you want a general purpose lens, for the body option only then why not put it towards the Canon EF 28-135mm f3.5-5.6 IS USM.

See links:

http://tinyurl.com/53qhq

Or the:

Canon EF 24-105mm f/4 L IS USM
http://tinyurl.com/aktrr
http://tinyurl.com/2hbbko