Product Description
For photography with point-and-shoot ease, look no further than
Canon's EOS Rebel XSi. The EOS Rebel XSi brings staggering
technological innovation to the masses. It features Canon's EOS
Integrated Cleaning System, Live View Function, a powerful DIGIC III
Image Processor, and a 12.2-megapixel CMOS Sensor with Optical Image
Stabilizer. The EOS Rebel XSi's refined, ergonomic design includes a
3.0" LCD monitor, compatibility with SD and SDHC Memory cards and
accessories that enhance every aspect of the photographic experience.
Image Format - 22.2mm x 14.8mm 3 - 2 Horizontal - Vertical Aspect Ratio
Color Filter System - RGB primary color filter Low-pass Filter -
Located in front of the image sensor, non-removable Recording Format -
Design rule for Camera File System 2.0 Image Format - JPEG, RAW (14-bit
Canon original) RAW+JPEG White Balance Settings - Auto, Daylight,
Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, White Fluorescent Light, Flash, and Custom
Focusing Modes - One-Shot AF, AI Servo AF, AI Focus AF, Manual focusing
(MF) Metering Range - EV 1-20 (with EF50mm f/1.4 USM lens, ISO 100)
Exposure Compensation - Manual 2 stops in 1/3 or 1/2-stop increments
and AEB 2 stops in 1/3 or 1/2-stop increments AE Lock - Automatic when
focus achieved with evaluative metering and One-Shot AF, and Manual by
AE lock button Shutter Type - Electronically controlled and focal-plane
shutter Shutter Speeds - 1/4000 seconds to 1/60 seconds, X-sync at
1/200 seconds, 1/4000 sec. to 30 seconds, bulb Self-timer - 10-seconds,
2-seconds delay or 10-seconds delay plus continuous shooting Brightness
Control - 7 levels provided Body Dimensions - 5.1 x 3.8 x 2.4
(128.8x97.5x61.9mm) Weight - 16.8 ounces (475 grams) body only Lens
Dimension - 2.7 x 2.6 (69x66.2mm) Weight - 6 ounces (190 grams)
Product Details
- Amazon Sales Rank: #4 in Camera & Photo
- Brand: Canon
- Model: XSI Kit
- Released on: 2008-04-14
- Format: CD
- Dimensions: 9.00" h x
14.00" w x
12.00" l,
2.00 pounds
- Display size: 3
- Included Software: Yes
Features
- 12.2-megapixel CMOS sensor captures enough detail for poster-size, photo-quality prints
- Large 3.0-inch LCD display; includes Canon's EF-S 18-55mm, f3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens
- DIGIC III image processor provides fast, accurate image processing; improved Autofocus and framing rate
- EOS Integrated Cleaning system, plus Dust Delete Data Detection in included software
- Stores images on SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
Editorial Reviews
Manufacturer Description
For stunning photography with point and shoot ease, look
no further than Canon’s EOS Rebel XSi. The EOS Rebel XSi brings
staggering technological innovation to the masses. It features Canon’s
EOS Integrated Cleaning System, Live View Function, a powerful DIGIC
III Image Processor, plus a new 12.2-megapixel CMOS sensor and is
available in a kit with the new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens with
Optical Image Stabilizer. The EOS Rebel XSi’s refined, ergonomic design
includes a new 3.0-inch LCD monitor, compatibility with SD and SDHC
memory cards and new accessories that enhance every aspect of the
photographic experience.
Canon EOS Rebel XSi Highlights
New Technology for Outstanding Images
 |
| 12.2-megapixel APS-C Size CMOS sensor |
New Canon 12.2-megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC III image processor
Canon's CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) sensor captures
images with exceptional clarity and tonal range, and offers the most
pixels in its class. It offers many of the same new technologies to
maximize each pixel's light gathering efficiency that were first seen
with the professional EOS-1D Mark III model. It's an APS-C size sensor
(22.2 x 14.8mm), and there's an effective 1.6x increase in the lens’s
marked focal length when attached. Canon’s DIGIC III Image Processor
dramatically enhances image quality and speeds up all camera operations
for intuitive operation. It works in concert with the EOS Rebel XSi’s
sensor to achieve unprecedented levels of performance in all lighting
situations.
14-bit A/D converter With the EOS Rebel
XSi, analog to digital signal conversion is executed by a 14-bit
processor, which generates digital data with incredibly smooth tones.
Formerly a feature only present in top-of-the-line pro digital SLR
cameras, the 14-bit conversion gives incredibly smooth transitions from
light to dark colors, with far less risk of "banding." A sky at sunset
is a perfect example. With this rich 14-bit gradation the EOS Rebel XSi
offers RAW images of the highest quality that can be processed with
Canon’s Digital Photo Professional software. Even JPEG files, which are
always finished at 8-bits per channel, use the full 14-bit conversion
initially to generate the best possible color and tonal detail. Another
huge benefit of the 14-bit conversion is the Highlight Tone Priority
option, which allows critical shooters to increase the level of detail
in bright areas of a scene up to one stop, without affecting overall
exposure.
Auto Optimization The EOS Rebel XSi’s Auto
Optimization is yet another image-quality tool that comes to the rescue
in tricky lighting conditions. It can actually lighten dark areas of a
scene while ensuring that bright areas maintain tonal detail. It's now
available in all shooting modes, including P, Tv, Av, and Manual.
DIGIC III image processor
Developed to maximize performance between the capture and recording
stages of digital photography, the EOS Rebel XSi’s latest-generation
DIGIC III Image Processor works in concert with Canon’s CMOS sensor to
achieve even higher levels of performance. The entire electronic system
is totally redesigned, giving the camera its incredible combination of
speed and image quality. Digital noise is significantly reduced in
shadow areas, and color reproduction is superior.
Speedy, Precise Operation
Excellent performance with 3.5 fps continuous shooting, up to 53 full-resolution JPEGs or 6 RAW images in a burst
The EOS Rebel XSi operates with such effortless speed that operation is
nothing short of intuitive. With instant startup times, speedy
autofocus and minimal shutter lag, the EOS Rebel XSi is one of the
fastest cameras available today. It can shoot up to 3.5 frames per
second, in bursts of 53 JPEGs or 6 RAW files, so you’ll never, ever,
miss a shot.
See the image in large LCD with Live View Function
The EOS Rebel XSi has a huge, bright 3.0-inch TFT LCD monitor with
230,000 pixels and a viewing angle of 170 degrees. It’s perfect for
Live View composition or viewing camera settings like AF, ISO,
Metering, AF Point selection and flash options. And the maximum
brightness of the EOS Rebel XSi LCD monitor is about 30-percent greater
than its predecessor, which is a big benefit when you're using the
camera in bright sunlight.
Live View Function Live
View Function enables you to view your subjects directly on the huge
3.0-inch LCD monitor. It's easy to magnify any part of the scene 5x or
10x for precise manual focus. And now, there are two ways to use
Autofocus along with Live View Function in the EOS Rebel XSi. You can
even choose a grid overlay, perfect for keeping straight lines in your
subject straight in your pictures. In the studio, Live View Function
can be used remotely via a computer through the EOS Rebel XSi’s USB
connection.
Fast 9-point AF system, and two types of AF during Live View Function
The EOS Rebel XSi has a high-precision 9-point wide area AF sensor for
fast, accurate focus even in dim lighting. It has a number of focus
modes, including One-Shot AF, AI Focus AF, AI Servo AF and Manual. In
Live View Function, the EOS Rebel XSi has two AF modes: Quick mode,
which uses the camera's standard 9-point AF system, and Live mode,
which is a contrast-based AF system that reads the sharpness of
subjects right from the imaging sensor, and can be overridden by
pressing the AF mode selection button. A familiar feature in PowerShot
cameras, Live mode AF uses similar technologies to achieve focus, while
Quick mode is more appropriate for capturing action or for shooting in
low light.
Compatible with compact SD and SDHC memory cards
The EOS Rebel XSi is the first EOS Digital SLR camera to use popular SD
and SDHC memory cards only. Compact, inexpensive and available in
increasingly large capacities, SD and SDHC memory cards are a perfect
complement to the EOS Rebel XSi’s compact and lightweight body design.
Advanced Features for Advanced Photography
New
advanced features include spot metering, external flash settings on the
camera’s menu, and a new higher-magnification viewfinder The EOS
Rebel XSi’s 35-zone evaluative metering system with improved white
balance analyzes light based on each zone in the viewing area, enabling
the camera to choose the overall best exposure for the entire scene. It
now features a spot meter, which reads a tiny area (about 4 percent) of
the picture for extremely precise metering. It also provides
Center-weighted average metering and partial metering for accurate
exposure no matter the situation. The EOS Rebel XSi also has an
improved, high magnification viewfinder that provides a larger overall
view, and increased brightness and clarity. And the EOS Rebel XSi has a
Display-Off sensor that automatically turns the LCD monitor off
whenever the camera is at the photographer's eye. All relevant shooting
information, including ISO, is displayed right in the viewfinder so
it’s easy to change settings without moving the camera away from the
eye.
EOS Integrated Cleaning System Photographers who
must change lenses in dusty environments will find the advanced Canon
EOS Integrated Cleaning System a tremendous time saver. Dust that
settles on the sensor surface is removed using ultrasonic vibration.
This Self Cleaning Sensor Unit routine is automatically activated
whenever the camera is powered on or off. (It can also be manually
activated.) A special collar positioned around the sensor collects the
loosened dust. Dust particles can also be automatically removed via
software. By shooting a plain white subject, the photographer can
acquire dust position data that is transmitted along with the image
(whether JPEG or RAW). Canon Digital Photo Professional (DPP) version
3.3 or later software can be used to manually or automatically erase
the dust spots. It's not one feature, it's a built-in system to
minimize the effect of dust in high-resolution digital images.
Self Cleaning Sensor Unit
A key element of minimizing dust is preventing it from clinging to the
front surface of the imaging sensor. To combat against this, the EOS
Rebel XSi features a Canon-designed Self Cleaning Sensor Unit. The
low-pass filter at the front of the sensor shakes off dust
automatically with ultrasonic vibrations, removing dust from the sensor
assembly. The EOS Rebel XSi has a new coating on the front surface of
the low-pass filter, to increase its resistance to dust sticking to the
sensor.
Dust Delete Data Detection Dust that may
still remain on the front of the sensor can also be erased with
software included in Digital Photo Professional (DPP) Version 3.3 or
later software. A simple test shot of a plain, white object can be
taken, using a menu setting. This Dust Delete Data image is analyzed
in-camera, and the location and size of any remaining dust is added to
any subsequent pictures taken. This data is transmitted along with the
image, whether JPEG or RAW, and can be either manually or automatically
erased in Canon’s DPP version 3.3 and later software. This added
software option ensures the cleanest possible image, perfect for
printing or archiving.
Picture Style settings
With the EOS Rebel XSi’s Picture Style technology, photographers can
change the look of their digital photographs. Color, saturation,
sharpness and contrast settings create noticeable variation in the
saved image. Changing a Picture Style setting is almost like a 35mm
film user switching from one type of color film to another. In addition
to six preset Picture Style settings, Canon offers additional
downloadable "Picture Style Files," that can be installed into your
camera for even more imaging options at your fingertips.
Highlight Tone Priority
This vital Custom Function lets photographers get even better detail in
bright highlights, even in contrasty lighting conditions. It’s
beneficial for nearly any type of picture, from mid-day shots on a
safari to portraits in sunlight, where a user may encounter bright
highlight areas where he or she wants to preserve details. Finally,
there’s no impact on the camera’s shooting speed or burst rate when
Highlight Tone Priority is engaged. It takes full advantage of the EOS
Rebel XSi's new 14-bit per channel conversion, meaning there are 16,384
distinct colors from darkest to lightest in each color channel.
Shooting and Sharing Made Easy
Includes EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Image Stabilizer lens
The Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens features the wide-angle
to mid-range zoom flexibility of its non-IS predecessor with the
significant advantage of Canon's true optical, lens-shift image
stabilization system that yields up to a full four stops of image-shake
correction.
Fully compatible with over 60 EF/EF-S Lenses and a wide range of EOS System accessories
EOS Rebel XSi is compatible with all Canon lenses in the EF and EF-S
lineup, ranging from ultra-wide angle to super telephoto lenses. Canon
lenses employ advanced optical expertise and micron-precision
engineering to deliver unprecedented performance in all facets of the
photographic process. Special optical technologies, such as Aspherical,
ultra-low dispersion, or fluorite elements are featured in the
universally acclaimed L Series lenses, and Canon's Optical Image
Stabilizer technology are featured in select lenses to minimize the
effect of camera shake. Through Canon lenses, photographers can truly
maximize the quality and liberating performance of the EOS Rebel XSi.
Flash Photography
The EOS Rebel XSi features the acclaimed E-TTL II flash metering
system. With any of the flashes in the EX Speedlite line, E-TTL II
provides reliable flash output whether shooting fill-in flash pictures
in sunlight, or using flash in total darkness. With E-TTL II, the exact
same 35-zone metering sensor used for measuring ambient light is also
used for flash metering -- giving even finer metering command of the
image area. If you prefer a broader area for flash metering, there's a
menu setting to change to "Average" flash metering, where the entire
35-zone area is measured evenly for flash exposure.
The
Canon Speedlite 430EX is the ideal step-up accessory for powerful flash
shooting with the EOS Rebel XSi. It has excellent flash power (maximum
guide number of 141 ft./43m at ISO 100), and is the perfect way to get
great flash pictures when you can't get right up to the subject. The
430EX is also great for bounce flash, with its tilting and swiveling
flash head. It automatically zooms the flash head to cover lenses
ranging from 16mm up to 105mm or longer with the EOS Rebel XSi. Of
course, it works with the camera to provide full E-TTL II automatic
flash exposure. And the 430EX has a powerful AF-assist beam, which
allows the camera to autofocus even in total darkness on subjects as
far as 32 ft. from the camera.
Included Software
Canon EOS Digital Solution Disk (Version 17.0)
The EOS Rebel XSi comes bundled with an updated Canon EOS Digital
Solution Disk, which features powerful software programs designed to
extend the EOS experience to the computer. These include Canon's
ZoomBrowser EX for Windows (Version 6.1), ImageBrowser for Macintosh OS
X (Version 6.1), Digital Photo Professional (Version 3.3), the totally
new Picture Style Editor (Version 1.0), Canon’s EOS Utility (Version
2.2), RAW Image Task (Version 2.8), PhotoStitch, and PTP TWAIN Driver.
Each application is designed to perfect the captured images and
streamline the digital workflow. ZoomBrowser EX v.6.1 and Digital Photo
Professional v.3.3 for Windows are compatible with the new Windows
Vista operating system.
Digital Photo Professional (Version 3.3)
is an image processing program that enables high-speed RAW image
processing, high-speed previewing for real-time image adjustment and
support for sRGB, Adobe RGB and Wide Gamut RGB color spaces. Because
it’s CMS (Color Management System) compatible, Digital Photo
Professional allows for easy image layout and printing in Adobe RGB in
conjunction with Easy-PhotoPrint and PictBridge printers. It also
features the Dust Delete Data Detection tool for cleaner images.
EOS Utility (Version 2.3) for Macintosh or Windows
handles the connection between the camera and computer, whenever
they’re connected via USB. It allows remote controlled shooting from
the computer, handles downloading of images from the camera to the
computer, and allows seamless linking to either Canon’s
ZoomBrowser/ImageBrowser or Digital Photo Professional software once
images have been copied to the hard drive. Furthermore, it’s used to
upload settings back into a USB-connected camera.
ZoomBrowser EX (Version 6.1) for Windows and ImageBrowser (Version 6.1) for Mac OS X
are the easy, user-friendly options for viewing and editing of JPEG and
even RAW image files. Both allow viewing of numerous types of images
including finished TIFF and BMP files. Both also have a variety of
search options for finding images, allow re-naming of single images or
batches of files, and offer a variety of options for printing without
using a separate image-editing program.
RAW Image Task (Version 2.8) for Windows/Macintosh
This software is an integrated component of ZoomBrowser EX (Windows) or
ImageBrowser (Mac). It allows processing of RAW images from EOS
cameras, including the new EOS Rebel XSi, with a variety of adjustment
possibilities. These options, as well as the overall color, contrast
and "look" of RAW Image Task, closely mimic the characteristics of
Canon’s in-camera JPEG processing.
What's in the Box
Canon Rebel XSi camera, EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Image Stabilizer lens,
rechargeable battery pack and charger, USB and video cables, a
neckstrap, an EOS Solutions Disk CD, and a 1-year Canon U.S.A., Inc.
limited warranty
Customer Reviews
Great camera, one of the best low(er)-end DSLRs on the market
My journey with DSLRs began back in 2003 with the original Digital
Rebel. DSLRs changed my photography for the better like nothing else.
Five years and some 25,000 shots later, it's still going strong. Along
the way I upgraded to the Canon 30D, which is a fantastic camera as
well. When the 40D was announced, I decided to wait until the 50D
sometime in 2009, but wanted a newer backup/second body for my
photography needs. So when the XSi/450D was announced, it sounded like
a perfect fit for my needs.
I got it from Amazon.com three days ago, and have given it a pretty
good workout since then, having shot about 650 shots under a variety of
shooting conditions and with a number of different Canon and
third-party lenses. The following are my impressions.
The build feels very good. The camera feels wonderfully light yet
well built. I'm 6ft tall with average size hands, and the camera feels
good in my hand. The battery grip, to me, defeats the purpose of having
a small, light DSLR, so I opted for a Hakuba/Opteka grip (it's a plate
that screws into the tripod socket that enables you to use the
excellent Canon E1 hand strap with it) and I couldn't be happier. I'm
not a fan of neck straps, so this works well for me (see the uploaded
photo for the configuration).
Most of the menu buttons on the back feel different from the ones
on the original Digital Rebel and the 30D; the XSi buttons feel more
tactile and have a definite "click" to them when you press them. The
exception are the Exposure Lock (*) and AF selector buttons, which have
retained the deeper, softer feel of the older cameras. Just different,
not better or worse, for me.
The LCD is now 3" with 230K pixels. The playback images look great,
and probably because of the higher resolution of the sensor, there's a
very slight delay when you zoom in to 10x while the image loads and
displays properly. People coming from other cameras or brands might not
even notice it--I only did so because of the difference between it and
my two other Canon DSLRs (which have lower resolution sensors). The
viewing angle of the LCD screen (how clearly you can see the screen
from side and up and down) is excellent; you can still see the screen
holding the camera almost straight up for an overhead shot (more on
this later). I'd estimate the viewing angle is about 160-170 degrees
both horizontally and vertically.
The Digital Rebel has a separate status screen above the main LCD
screen, and the 30D had one on top of the camera, so I wasn't sure if I
was going to like the big LCD acting as the status screen and no top
screen. I'm happy to say that this arrangement works well, at least for
me. The back screen makes it really easy to take all the settings at a
glance. The viewfinder is much larger and brighter than that in the
Digital Rebel. A humongously welcome feature for me is the always
displayed ISO value in the viewfinder.
The camera is only 1/2 of the image quality equation, the other
being the lenses being used. Coupled with my favorite lens, the Canon
EF 70-200mm f/4 L telephoto lens, the XSi turns out fantastic images.
The supplied kit lens is very light and compact for being an image
stabilized lens, and turns out good performance. The IS is certainly
very useful.
Two features that used to be missing from the Digital Rebels and
found in the more expensive DSLRs are now featured in the XSi:
spot-metering and flash exposure compensation (these may have been
available in the previous Digital Rebel model, the XTi, as well). The
inclusion of those two features make the camera a much more complete
and compelling photographic tool. The timer function now has a custom
mode, where it'll count down from 10 seconds then take a number of
shots (specified by you) in succession. No more running back and forth
to reset the timer after each shot! There's also the traditional
2-second timer.
Let's talk for a minute about sensor and the ISO values. XSi/450D
has five ISO values you can choose: 100 (best image quality), 200, 400,
800, and 1600. Higher ISO increases the camera sensor's sensitivity to
light, thus you can achieve faster shutter speeeds for a given lighting
condition. However, the trade-off is that the sensor "noise" (think
grain for film photography) increases with higher ISO, so you get a
degraded image quality in return for less blurred photos from hand
shakes (thanks to faster shutter speed). This may come in handy in
situations where flash photography is not permitted, such as a museum
or a concert or theater. HOWEVER, compared to point-and-shoot digital
cameras, the larger sensors of DSLRs, including the XSi, means that
even at ISO 800 and 1600 you get very usable images right out of the
camera. Running the images shot at those ISO settings through any
number of third-party noise reduction software will improve them even
further.
This ties in to another very useful feature of the XSi/450D that
makes life easier for the photographer: The Auto ISO function. By
default, Auto ISO sets the ISO (the sensor sensitivity to light)
between 100 and 800 (by using custom functions, this can be changed to
200-1600). If you are, for example, shooting your kid's indoor
basketball game and you know that you need a shutter speed of at least
1/200 sec to "freeze" the action, then you can set the camera to Tv
(shutter priority mode) and set the value to 1/200, and set the camera
to Auto ISO. Then the camera will match the aperture and the ISO to
achieve proper exposure at that shutter speed. With my other DSLRs,
setting the camera to shutter priority only allowed the camera to
adjust the aperture value; ISO setting had to be adjusted manually.
With the XSi/450D, the ability for the camera to adjust the ISO value
automatically makes it one less thing for you the photographer to worry
about.
I've only tested the Live View function to see how it works, but I
can already see how useful it's going to be in studio and macro
shootings. Just a note, you can't half-press the shutter to autofocus
while in Live View mode. You can either manual focus, or use one of the
two autofocus methods, quick (the mirror flips up, the LCD goes dark
for a short while, and flips down with focus locked) or live (the
camera uses the LCD's contrast detection to achieve the focus--this
method is slower than the quick method), both by pressing the exposure
lock button (*) while in the Live View mode. Using either the RS-60E3
wired remote or RC-1 wireless remote in Live View mode will ONLY
trigger the shutter, and has no bearing on focusing.
Some people seem to be under the impression that the inclusion of
the Live View feature will enable them to use the XSi/450D as they do
point-and-shoot digital cameras, to compose their shots. That is not
the case. You can't really make a functioning use of the Live View
feature unless the camera's securely mounted on a tripod or on a flat
surface. Both Live View focusing modes, while precise, are too slow to
be used for hand-held shooting.
Having said that, there is one use of Live View in hand-held
shooting that I've come to value. When shooting overhead or over an
obstacle, I can, with the same hand holding the camera, trigger the
Live View, compose the scene through the LCD monitor (even if it's out
of focus, it's easy to get the general framing right), disable Live
View, and take the photo normally. With a little practice, this can be
accomplished very quickly. Very handy when you're just holding the
camera overhead and hoping for the best.
The Direct Print button that's been much ridiculed and maligned in
most Canon cameras now double as the white balance menu button. The Set
button in the middle of the four-direction arrow keys can be programmed
for a number of different functions: Change image quality, flash
exposure compensation, LCD monitor on/off (same as Display button, but
can be triggered by the same hand holding the camera), and Menu display
(again, can be triggered by the same hand holding the camera).
There is a dedicated ISO button, which is also very welcome. It can
easily be accessed during shooting with the right thumb, thereby
minimizing the interruption to shooting.
The battery life seems very good. I've shot about 500+ shots on a
single charge and the status monitor is still showing charge at full.
I'm using Transcend 8GB Class 6 SDHC card with it. At ISO 100, the
camera reports it can fit 396 RAW+JPG (highest quality) on it, but in
reality it can probably fit about 420-450 (the camera's always
conservative when estimating). With RAW only, it can fit 507. With
highest quality JPG, it can fit 1,822. Note that as ISO increases, so
do the file sizes and thus you can store less images per card. For
example, on ISO 1600, the same card can only hold 323 images, compared
to 396 at ISO 100.
My only gripe, and this is more about me than the camera, is the
RAW+JPG buffer. I always shoot RAW+JPG, and the buffer will only hold
four images at that speed (this is a limitation that's built into the
camera's memory buffer system, and thus using a fast memory card
doesn't help--see p.64 of the manual). When the buffer's full, you can
take two additional images at about a frame a second, then have to wait
until the buffer empties (finishes writing to the memory card). When
shooting RAW only, it's 6 images. When shooting JPG only, then it's no
problem at more than 50 frames. I've found myself switching the mode
dial to Sports mode when I'm shooting a fast-moving subject and the
buffer simply can't keep up with it. Well, that's why Canon produces
different grades and ranges of DSLRs.
I've uploaded some photos that I shot of the local wildlife. Most
if not all of those were taken with the EF 70-200mm f/4 L lens.
All in all, it's a fantastic camera. Pretty amazing to see how far
the entry-level DSLRs have come in just a few years in terms of
features, interface, ergonomics, and quality. I'm very pleased with my
purchase and intend to have lots of fun shooting pictures with it.
Great camera, amazing battery life, now the perfect price!
I have had the XSi for about 3 months now and I am thouroughly
impressed with it. This is my first DSLR and I was a little wary about
going with a brand-new and untested camera, but I have always like
Canon (I used an ELAN II in High School and I bought a SD600 about 2
years ago to take snapshots of my son). Overall, I have not been
disappointed with the quality of the photos that the XSi produces. The
IS lens works great and I have taken some pretty amazing photos (for me
at least). I do have just a couple of issues, both good and bad, that I
think those who are looking at buying this may want to know.
Battery life -- Great battery life. I should say, AMAZING battery
life. I have taken over 5000 photos and I have only had to charge the
battery twice.
Live View -- LiveView is not for beginners. It is not a replacement
for your Point-and-Shoot. You can't use it in the AUTO mode (Green
Square). This isn't that big of a deal for me, I prefer full manual
myself, but the whole point of this feature, I thought, was to make it
more user friendly for the Point-and-Shoot photographer. My wife can't
use Live View in it's current form (I specifically bought a DSLR with a
live view function so she could still use the camera). So, if Live View
is a big selling point for you, You may want to look at some others (If
it isn't that big of a deal to you, then this is still an amazing
camera -- added 4-23-2008). If you do studio work, though, you can hook
the camera up to your PC and use it as a remote viewer. But it is not a
point-and-shoot camera in Live View. In my earlier review, I said that
it would be nice if Canon fixed some of the Live View issues with a
firmware update, I was mistaken. Live View is a nice feature once you
figure out it is not meant for beginners. Studio and landscape
photographers will find Live View a great tool.
Image Quality -- I have had some great success shooting in a studio
setting as well as some great outdoor shots. In the studio, I used
tungsten "hot" lights with the subjuect against a white background. The
photos turned out great. Skin tones are perfect and there is very
little, if any, chromatic abberation at the edges. It shoots great
outdoor shots as well. We just got into beekeeping and I was able to
get some AMAZING shots of our bees up-close outdoors. The bees looked
dirty and not very interesting from a distance, but the macro photos I
got up close are beautiful and full of wonderfully crisp details. The
lens is a little short, the image quality you get from it is pretty
good considering it only costs $100. I do plan on buying a longer lens
in the near future.
Overall, the camera is solid and feels nice in the hand. It isn't
too heavy, yet still feels sturdy. If you can afford the higher price,
I don't think you will be disappointed. If you can't, the XTi is still
a great camera. And if you can afford to wait a few months for the
price to drop a little (LIKE IT ALREADY HAS!!) I would. I was able to
work a few extra weekends so I could afford to get this, and I can tell
you, I don't mind it a bit, because the quality of photos I am getting
has been totally worth it.
--- Update ---
I was incorrect when I said you couldn't use the 9-Point autofocus
in Live View. You can use the 9-point autofocus while in Live View, but
the mirror flips down and focuses so you can't see what you are trying
to focus on until after the camera has actually gone through the
autofocus process.
--- Update #2 ---
I have now had this camera for almost two months and I am happy to
report that the more I use it, the more I love it. Once you learn the
layout of the camera and you load the MyMenu with the tools you use
most often, the camera becomes an absolute delight to use. I have taken
over 5000 photos with it so far and now I need an extra hard drive to
put them all on.
I was able to rent a Canon EF 24-105 IS L lens and a 580 EX II
Speedlite for my sister's wedding. WOW! What great photos. The camera
interfaced with the flash flawlessly and I am more convinced than ever
that much of the quality of your photos comes from the glass you use
and not as much from the camera itself (I think it is about 65% lens to
35% camera body give or take a few points-- I know there will be those
who disagree, but that is my take on it, and I am sure if I had a 1Ds
MkIII I would think that there wasn't a peice of glass good enough for
my camera).
This is a great beginner dSLR and a great camera all around. I am
very happy with my purchase and I have had no regrets whatsoever about
spending the $900 to buy such a great tool. Amazon now sells it for
$799, you can't go wrong at that price!
Wonderful digital camera!
This camera is impossible to beat at this price. I won't write a
lengthy review, but, you can set this camera in fully automatic mode
and hand it to a "point and shoot" person, and they will obtain
fantastic results. For the amateur photographer, this has all of the
bells and whistles, what I love is I can reset the camera rapidly for
multiple shots of the same scene on very different settings. Married
with a decent photo program on your computer, it is possible to achieve
professional results.
Many reviews say, get this with the stabilization lens.... I
wholeheartedly agree... the extra $100 is a bargain price for this
lens... It is almost (and I do say almost) like having a tripod. I set
the camera for 1/10th second exposures with no support, and obtained
steady pictures with it, slower than this, and the stabilization did
not fully correct for any unsteadiness.
We'd buy it again in a heartbeat, and I wish I could get one for
everyone I know!! Best photos that I have ever taken and a joy to use!
Connecting it to the computer and downloading photos takes a matter of
seconds.
Get the largest SD card you can afford with it... We have a 2GB
card with it, and it fills fairly rapidly. 1GB is far too small for
this camera (primarily because you will take numerous shots with it,
not because the pics take up a great deal of memory), I'm guessing 4GB
would be near perfect (or a couple of 2GB cards, but one 4GB is safer,
the cards are too easy to misplace).
