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More…Updated 12/23/08: The 12.2-megapixel Canon Digital Rebel XSi, which targets entry-level digital SLR shooters, has all the features that novices expect--as well as an alluring array of advanced options that will appeal to more seasoned photographers. Priced at $800 (with kit lens, price as of 12/10/08), this camera offers a lot of versatility.
Canon EOS Rebel XSi
Pricing
$469.95 - $699.80 From 16 Vendors Get Best Prices »
- Spec Navigator
- Digital Format
- Display
- Exposure
- General
- Image Processor
- Included Hardware
- Included Software
- Lens
- Shutter
- Storage
- LCD Screen
- Exposure Controls
- Dimensions
- Power
- Flash
- Lens Features
- Connectivity
- Other Features
- Warranty
- Tags
Image Processor
| Number of image sensor pixels | 12.2 megapixels |
| Image sensor | CCD |
| Maximum horizontal image resolution | 4272 |
| Maximum vertical image resolution | 2848 |
| Image sensor quantity | 1 |
| Image format |
|
| White balance | 0 |
Lens
| Accessory Lens | 0 |
| Lens Model | EF-S 18055mm f/3.5-5.6 IS |
| Telephoto Aperture Maximum | 5.6 mm |
| Wide-Angle Aperture Maximum | 3.5 mm |
Exposure Controls
| Maximum shutter speed | 4000 |
| Minimum shutter speed | 30 |
| Bulb setting | 0 |
| ISO equivalencies |
|
| Exposure settings | 0 |
| Exposure compensation range | 0 |
| Number of scene modes | 6 |
Lens Features
| Camera body only | 0 |
| Optical zoom | 3 X |
| Minimum focal length | 18 |
| Maximum focal length | 55 |
| Lens mount | Interchangeable |
| Focus features | Yes |
PCWorld Rating, September 14, 2009
2 User Reviews Add your own »
$469.95 - $699.80
From 16 Vendors
Get Best Prices »
- Lab Tested
- How We Test SLR Cameras »
Pros
Easy to navigate basic features
Many pro-quality features
Cons
Complicated options may confound newbies
Bottom Line
The Rebel Xsi provides a strong range of capabilities, but it may cost more money than entry-level buyers want to spend
Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi Digital SLR Camera
EOS Rebel XSi Review, by Kathleen Cullen, PC World June 17, 2008
When purchased as part of a kit, this model comes with an 18mm-to-55mm IS lens (f/3.5 to 5.6), which provides image stabilization and a respectable 35mm focal length range of 29mm to 88mm. The camera can handle up to 3.5 frames per second in burst mode.
The Digital Rebel XSi has a solid feel, with a textured grip that makes it easy to hold one-handed. A roomy 3-inch live-view LCD sits on the back of the camera, but it isn't a high-resolution LCD as some higher-end digital SLRs have. On top of the camera is a dial that offers the usual portrait, sports, landscape, and macro modes, along with aperture priority, shutter priority, or manual operation. All essential exposure settings display clearly on the bright LCD, and are also visible through the viewfinder; this arrangement allows you to compose and shoot easily, whichever way you prefer.
The Digital Rebel's live-view mode allows you to compose shots on screen and employs the sensor for both image preview and capture duties, so what you see on the screen is what the camera is actually recording. This setup has its benefits, but given the display's limitation of 30 frames per second, the performance of Canon's live view is slower in comparison to the Sony A350's flashy tilt screen, which works in real time (thanks to the inclusion of a second sensor for rendering the live preview). Canon's live view mode lets you zoom in on your image as you're composing it; you also can check on the focus in specific areas, a feature I appreciated when out in the field.
Essential camera settings are quick and easy to change, but I found accessing some of the more advanced options daunting. Though many features await you in the Custom Functions menus, they require some drilling to get to. The good news is that Canon has incorporated the useful My Menu feature from the EOS 40D, which lets you group and save your frequently used settings. If you prefer a little extra insurance, shoot with bracketing enabled, either for white balance or for exposure.
Another feature on the mode dial, A-Dep, is particularly useful when you're taking pictures of small groups. A-Dep assesses the scene in three spots and adjusts the depth of field so that your subjects are all in focus. Advanced shooters will appreciate that the Rebel has spot metering and highlight tone priority in its arsenal; the latter lets you retain a bit more detail in highlights, though you lose ISO 100 when you do so. A noise-reduction mode helps control noise at high ISOs.
I found the Digital Rebel XSi's Picture Styles genuinely effective; Landscape, for example, greens up foliage. Other in-camera adjustment parameters include saturation, contrast, sharpness, and monochrome adjustments that allow you to customize the look of black-and-white images.
In tests, pictures were sharp (the XSi did very well among our current field of cameras in this area) and well exposed (another area where this model came out ahead). Images showed very little noise in shadows and minimal artifacting along high-contrast edges.
The Canon Digital Rebel XSi stands out as a versatile digital SLR that is easily navigable on the surface but also offers powerful options, some that you may never even get to. Once you get the hang of the basics, this camera has the depth to take things further.
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PCWorld Lab Results
- Rating Breakdown
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89
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75
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86
- See Complete Lab Results »
Performance Comparison with Similar SLR Cameras
89
90
92
83
Performance
| Battery Life (minutes) | 273.5 |
| Image Quality Score | Very Good |
| Image Quality, Color | 57.9 |
| Image Quality, Color--Adjusted | 57.2 |
| Image Quality, Color--Auto | 58.5 |
| Image Quality, Distortion | 71.2 |
| Image Quality, Distortion--Noise | 71 |
| Image Quality, Distortion--Noise Reduction | 74.7 |
| Image Quality, Distortion--Sharp Interpolation | 70.4 |
| Image Quality, Exposure | 58.3 |
| Image Quality, Exposure--Flash | 63.9 |
| Image Quality, Exposure--Normal | 56 |
| Image Quality, Overall | 57.6 |
| Image Quality, Sharpness | 55.6 |
| Number of Batteries | 1 |
| Number of Shots | 500 |
User Reviews
Review Now! Already own it? Tell us What You Think
User Reviews From Around the Web
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Reviewed by: soxfans
Strengths: Image quality, fast response, light weight, 12 megapixels
Weaknesses: Hand grip still too small; too many steps to get into some functions
Overall: I bought this camera after comparing its sensor and other features with those of the models before and after it. The 12.3 megapixel sensor is almost perfect for taking low noise images, just like the XTi before it. I do not need video function on a DSLR, therefore T1i with its larger sensor is not for me. The Xsi is much lighter and smaller that 40D and 50D, making it easier to carry and hold in hand for long use. It has most of the features that photo enthusiasts need, such as depth of field and exposure bracketing. Live view works well, and the 3" screen is bright. The battery life is quite long as well. Mine is still full after 430 shots. This camera has the resolution that the kit lens often cannot match, so it makes sense to buy a body and then some good lens. Cons: The hand grip is longer than in XTi, but still not as comfortable in hand as with a D40/D60. Some functions, such as deleting an image, takes too many steps (3 pushes involving 3 different buttons). Custom white balance also takes a few steps. I'd prefer the one-step custom WB in SD880 IS (using a programmable button). However these are just minor things.
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Reviewed by: hlchai
Strengths: fast shutter release; easy to use, yet many features to for experimentation
Weaknesses: would prefer to have the mode wheel
Overall: I have a few digital point and shoot, but none is fast enough to capture the priceless baby moments with my first kid. With another kid coming, we're sure not to miss any more. Easy enough for a novice, yet has enough features for more serious amateurs. Perfect combination for me.
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