Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens - Black
by Canon
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Digital Cameras Photo Reviews of Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens - Black
Customer Review: New and Improved!
Summary: 5 Stars
Canon can finally provide a fluid experience for photographers of all levels and experience with its new and improved Xsi. After last year's Rebel Xti, which didn't improve much from its predecessor, the Canon EOS Rebel Xsi is upgraded with better body design, performance, and image quality. After 20 years of EOS investments, the Xsi successfully proves Canon's technological capability in expanding its market for both professionals and amateurs. Finally, with its news specs, the Xsi is a product of great value at an affordable price.
First off, the new XSi has a new inspired design: either a solid black or a less attractive two-tone silver and black. Slightly larger than the Xti, it has a smooth plastic body with a better grip. Most of th buttons lie under the right hand, in which each feels different so that they are easy to recognize without looking. Moreover, the Xsi does not require a two-handed operation. In addition to the grip, the 3-inch LCD is larger and 50% brighter with a redesigned control layout. A grid-line and live histogram help with shot composition and exposure. Available for the first time on the Canon DSLR market, the Live View mode also helps the photographer to shoot from different angles.
Easy operation is a definite guarantee with the new Xsi. The new focus capabilities are astounding with two new auto focus features available. In addition, the new menu is more personal, which can build a go-to list of your frequently accessed settings. You can play with the ISO sensitivity or your Live View settings for example.
Let's not forget to mention the product's enhanced image quality. The 12 megapixel delivers better resolution. Like the Xti, the 9-point user selectable autofocus system is still better than the Nikon D60's 3 point focus. The XSi also includes the very cool High Light Tone Priority, which provides better tonal detail in various settings. In regards to exposure modes, the Auto Lighting Optimizer adjusts contrast and brightness. The Xsi also has the usual easy to control shutter speeds, exposure, white balance, metering, and six pre-set modes, which all deliver superior color accuracy, dynamic range, sharpness/ menial grain, and reduced noise.
In addition to the great image quality, the other specs are helpful too but no different from the Xti. The CMOS for example, a signature spec of Canon products, amplifies each pixel site and contributes to longer battery life. The EOS Integrated Cleaning system is also another unique spec, which reduces, repels, and removes dust.
All in all, the Xsi, is certainly an improved product, surpassing and different from the features of other DSLRs. It is versatile, easy-to-use, and reasonably priced.
Customer Review: Great Camera! Reviewed with kit lens.
Summary: 5 Stars
For my own non-professional use, I believe this camera will be all I will ever need for still pictures. My own opinion in this review may be for anyone who may wonder if they want to take the plunge for
an SLR type camera. I have point & shoot cameras, and have always been impressed with the quality of Digital Single Lens Reflex Camera pictures and finally got an XSi.
After reading professional reviews and comparison to other cameras, this one in my opinion carries it's own weight in overall quality and function. This type of camera is aimed at photography only, not like
a point and shoot which takes movie clips.
There is something worth mentioning.....when you buy the XSi, it comes with some features disabled or turned off by default. You must Read The Instructions and set it to your own preferences to get the most out of the camera! (I think Canon should have done better at clarifying this) Many reviewers say that Canon's pictures are a little "soft" in detail. I've seen side by side comparisons to other brand's pics. But what is overlooked is the fact that in the XSi, the default picture style menu setting is set in an average color/contrast/sharpness position when bought. (In mine it was) They can all be increased (in the creative zone) for even more clarity if you choose. You must go within the menu to set them. But it can still be used like fully automatic point and shoot camera with the preset general factory settings.
Also, I found that a camera's picture quality isn't limited to the camera's built-in software only. There are many 3rd party photo software programs that act as a further artistic rendering extension to what a camera can do. Google's own free Picasa2 photo software is an example. These programs aren't just for touch-up of photos anymore. You can further enhance pictures the way you like them.
This camera is designed to function a certain way by the way it was made. One shouldn't expect it to do photography work outside it's design, like meeting unrealistic lightning fast live view shooting conditions underwater, when in fact the live view's design/focusing speed is more intended as a convenience when shooting away from the eyepiece or on a tripod. Live view on an SLR must first flip up a mirror to expose a lens image to the sensor.
Live view is a new additional function to the this series of camera....it is not a less performing downgrade from any previous SLR version. It is a relativity new technology feature on SLR type cameras.
Customer Review: Worth every penny
Summary: 5 Stars
I have had a Canon A620 for about 2 years before this. It was an awesome P&S, but it died after going through a whole lot of pain and agony that I put it through (sandy beaches, construction sites, oily garages). I decided to upgrade to a DSLR this time around and had been researching them for about 3-4 months. I was set on buying a D60 for a while and then the Rebel XS came out so I started comparing features and then saw that for a little bit more, I could get the XS which would have Live View, AEB and some other cool stuff. But at that point, the Xsi was only about 30 bucks away, so I dropped the cash and I must say I AM VERY HAPPY with my purchase. Nothing to really say about Amazon, their shipping was ridiculous as usual (came in exactly 2 days after I ordered - wish other places would mean 2-day when they say 2 day shipping). The camera itself is a dream to use. The Live View makes a big difference if you are sitting it on a tree stump or a tripod and composing with a little bit more stability. The camera feels solid in your hands and the lenses take a beating (actually hit the kit lens against a door once when turning around). The grips on the kit lens seem like plastic yet somehow feel rubbery - but in the end, my fingers love em and I haven't had any problems with prolonged contact while trying to get focus/zoom juuust right.
The rubber grips on the Xsi aren't exactly cushion-y, but the texture on the grips makes the camera body feel more secure in your hands (definitely worth the extra 30 or so bucks). You also get the proximity sensor for the LCD (turns it off if its close to your face) and the extra 2 MP (more cropping!).
That said, the camera strap leaves you wanting for something better. It looks nice, but its a little small if you are a big guy and its not padded at all so it feels a little tough on your neck - so factor in some extra spending money for a good strap and/or a good bag.
If you are buying this as a first time DSLR user, its a good investment (you can of course settle for something less... no problem with that, but you might as well drop the money for the best in this price range of DSLRs). Be prepared to get a LOT of bad pictures in your first couple of weeks with a DSLR as you get used to judging your shots on the review LCD after your take em, but after you do... the extra speed and better quality lenses are completely worth it.
P.S. Don't underestimate that wide angle kit lens - you get some amazing shots, especially when you are dealing with landscapes.
Customer Review: The search is over
Summary: 5 Stars
Started my hunt for a dSLR only because I lost my Sony F707 P&S camera. I considered upgrading to a dSLR as I hoped to improve image quality over my other Sony and Nikon P&S cameras. I had many lenses from my film SLRs including several for my Canon 650.
Many web sites later I was left with the idea that there are a lot of highly recommended cameras on the market. Was also overwhelmed with reports on features and menus with less emphasis on image quality.
After experimenting with the T1i, and testing Sony's A500, A350, A230 & Nikon's D5000 and D90, went with the Canon XSi. Most all web reviews gave this the best image quality rating. Based on the same reviews I had some concerns about indoor photo white balance.
Am still early in my journey with the XSi but VERY happy with it. The color saturation, contrast and dynamic range are spectacular. The photos, even on the sharpest in-camera settings, do not look "digital." I've only slightly bumped sharpness and saturation and am finding very satisfactory jpegs. Will try RAW soon but am happy I don't need a lot of time for post processing.
Menus seem easier than the other cameras I tried. Can get to most any setting with just a few keys. Can quickly get to custom settings as well. Doesn't have video but I barely used this on my previous cameras that had the feature. Anyway, I have a separate video cam for this.
Once I focused on image quality, the decision came easily and I've found a great camera well within my budget.
Update from 6 months:
Have had the pleasure of working with this camera now for around 6 months. Still finding the camera relatively easy to use but have to remember how to get to different features when in a hurry. Have added a remote control, excellent for being included in the photo. Have added a Tokina 11-16 zoom and found even better color saturation, clarity and drama with the wider angle.
Found that standard settings tend to overexpose outdoor photos when in bright high contrast situations. Stopping down the AEB auto exposure by ~ 1 to 2 stops in these situations brings back a good balance with excellent results. Easy to do.
Am more and more pleased with the ease of navigating the features on this camera. I'm finding I'm experimenting more. The great news is most of this can be done with great results at the camera and without need to sit at the computer.
Will most likely add some additional lenses (2.8) as the camera is worthy.
Customer Review: Great Entry Level Camera???
Summary: 5 Stars
I keep reading how this is a great entry level camera for the DSLR world.. But what about those of us who just want the DSLR photo quality with out going over a grand? I happen to fall into that category more so then the entry level one.. I admit I have purchased another lens for this camera and I have some filters and a tripod.. BUT in my point and shoot defense, it is just to get even a better shot...
I have lived in a point and shoot world for about 8 years now.. I have always had great luck with Canon point and shoots so when I finally got to the point of desiring better quality photos then what my point and shoot could offer me. I ended up looking at the DSLR's. I wanted something to where I could set up the camera to do it's thing while I focused on whatever subject. I liked my preset settings on my point and shoot. And I wanted to keep them on next camera. I really wasn't and I am still not interested in aperture focal points or any of that other stuff. I wanted awesome pictures that I could share with family of mostly my dogs and vacation photos..
And this camera provides it.. I am not or cannot sit here and write up a review telling you its strengths and weaknesses because honestly I don't see the weaknesses. For me I see awesome photo quality with the ability to do a whole lot more.. I do not foresee myself purchasing a new camera for a good 5 to 6 years.. I am hoping for more like 10 but we shall see.. Which is a lot better then the point and shoots which I was averaging about one every other year. Not because they would break but because photo quality would improve so much that I would end up moving to the next camera. This camera fits my needs as a weekend photographer and constant scrapbooker. And has photo quality that is close to actual 35mm.
It is a little too big for theme parks so I will always have some type of point and shoot.. Let me explain a little to big.. It is not huge by any means but when you are walking around a theme park you do not want to have a 600 dollar camera around your neck.. This camera does not fit into a pocket like most point and shoots therefore making it to me a bit of a burden to carry. Personally for myself I would rather just have the pocket point and shoot. You can also hold on to a point and shoot on a roller coaster a lot better then this camera.
I LOVE this camera. And the photos it has taken.. I have had a few of them blown up and they are now framed and on my walls..