Using a Rebel in the UK

[denimknight]

Hi all,

New to the forum and looking for some help.

I currently use a bridge camera and am looking to move up to a DSLR, want to give astro photography a try.

I'm on a bit of budget so I'm going a second hand camera.  I have the choice between:

Rebel T1i

EOS 500D

Rebel T2i

EOS 550D

I know that the T1i and 500D are the same camera just named differently (same with the T2i and 550D), but was wondering if the Rebel versions will work ok over here in the UK or if I'll need to get some kind of adapter.

Also price wise, there is £30 between the T1i and T2i, is there enough of a difference between these two cameras to pay the extra £30 or will I not really notice the difference?

Hope you can help.

Thanks

Alex

[ebiggs1]

Probably the biggest myth in cameraworld is the sensor. Folks think they know more about sensors than anything else in a camera but actually they know less.  More MP is always better.  Right?  No not necessarily.   More current supporting electronics is worth more.  Very much more!

A quick glance at the two manuals (my son's kids have both models) shows the T2i has;

Better color depth 22.1 bits vs 21.7 bits.
Supports 24p.
Low light performance. The T2i has a slight edge (0.2 f-stops) in low-noise, high-ISO performance.
Significantly higher resolution screen.
External mic jack.
Higher frame rate movies 1080p @ 30fps vs 1080p @ 20fps.
18 MP vs 15 mp better image quality. 
Slightly longer battery life.

Almost always it is best to go with the most current technology you can.

[Mr_Fusion]

First, both these cameras use the same processor, so the quality of the images should be pretty similar. (DIGAC 4) I doubt you would really notice the difference between the 15MP and 18MP, even with extreme cropping. If you want to get your feet wet, they aren't bad bodies to start with, IF they are inexpensive enough. I do agree that they are dated and you might be better off spending a little more on a T3 or even a T5.

The EF-S 18-55 is not a bad lens, but, is a base model. (A good base model, mind you) It is somewhat limited though. As long as you realize you are getting a base lens and can live with its limitations, you'll do OK. It would make a decent walking around lens. I would not recommend it for night photography though. For that I would suggest a fast prime (f 2.8 or lower) such as a Canon f1.8 50mm STM. It's inexpensive, covers a lot of sky, is lightweight, and a good lens for the price. 

Just remember, these are entry level bodies and lenses. They are a good place to start but at some time you will want to move up. 

[ebiggs1]

"... the quality of the images should be pretty similar."

You are probably right (every litle helps, however) but there again you limit yourself to just one aspect of the camera comparison.