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: First SLR camera ever owned, beginner.
Summary: 5 Stars
What can I say, except that this camera is the best thing that's ever happened to me, next to my dear wife that is.
I came from point-n-shoot cameras, owned alot of them; mostly Sony and some were even half the price of this SLR. I've always had two major problems with point-n-shoot cameras. First, I always had to take 2-3 pictures for something to come out decent. It seemed that even if shooting in the same modes the color definition was always different in each picture taken. Second, it was a real challenge for me to capture objects in motion, most came out blurry; again I had to shoot 4,5+ times to get one acceptable result.
On the contrary, I decided to spend 900 bux and get this camera. It simply refuses to break pictures. I've taken pictures from busses out the window while in motion, i've taken pictures at fast moving objects, and it just refuses to break focus. I'm extremely surprised at how well it behaves, even in auto mode. It all feels like a dream.
The next thing i tried is the macro mode function at the Botanical Garden; and you can see some sample photos - the blue flower is one of the best :) I took about 5 pictures of each flower, because that's how I used to do it in the past. I shouldn't have. Each picture came out clear and sharp, however, keeping in mind that the kit lens is not really a macro lens, while shooting the really small flowers, there was some blurr, which is totally understandable. Some things are just too small to capture the details with the kit lens, not the camera's fault.
Another nice feature is the ability to update the firmware yourself, which we all know improves stability, adds new functionality, and, if there are any, corrects any software bugs.
The build quality is really solid too. It feels as solid as a rock, but not as heavy :)
Lastly, the battery. I haven't drained the battery but I have taken about 230 pictures, about 30 of those were at night with the flash. By the end of the day, I was still running with a full battery. So while I can't say exactly how many shots u can get on a full charge, I can confirm that the battery does not get exhausted easily.
Overall, if you have the money to spend and new to SLR's I would definately recommend this camera. Sure it's a bit expensive, but SDHC memory cards are cheap these days.
Customer Review: What a great camera!
Summary: 5 Stars
The XSi is a significant step forward for Canon, and brings features to the upper end of the consumer market that were previously only seen in much more expensive professional equipment.
The most important reasons I like this camera are:
1. The kit lens (EF-S 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 IS) is very good for the price. It is as sharp as lenses costing $700 to $1,000 and has only minimally greater barrel distortion and no vignetting to speak of. There is a little bit more chromatic aberration than with more expensive lenses, but again it completely acceptable, especially for the price. The autofocus and image stabilization work reliably and quickly. For aficionados of professional grade lenses, the build will seem light, but a light and small lens is also easier to carry around. Overall, a big improvement over earlier Canon kit lenses.
2. The 12.2 megapixel sensor provides more than enough resolution. Even 8"x12" enlargements are highly satisfactory. We can look forward to the day when consumer-priced 35mm SLRs will have 30 megapixel full size sensors. At that point, the 35mm format will be maxed out in terms of resolution, as the lenses will not be able to keep up. In the meantime, this is as good as it gets. To give you an idea how good, on a shot of a 25 story building, every brick was clearly visible.
3. The camera is fast enough for essentially all non-professional use. With natural lighting (no flash) it shoots 3.5 frames per second, perfect for capturing kids or sports action.
4. Another great feature of the XSi is that it has all the manual controllability that advanced photographers want, but also has automatic modes that even a complete beginner can easily use. The performance of the preset automatic modes is surprisingly good under a wide range of conditions.
Having only had the XSi for a few weeks, I cannot yet say anything about the reliability of this new model. What I can report is that in more than 30 years of photography, I have found Canon products, both SLR and point and shoot, to be by far the most reliable. The Nikon, Olympus, and Pentax cameras I once owned have long since fallen by the wayside, but every Canon I have ever had, all the way back to a 1978 35 mm AT-1 SLR, is still going strong.
Customer Review: Simple?
Summary: 5 Stars
I have been using this camera for a few months.
First of all, I'm not a professional. I am a hobby photographer and I enjoy photography really much.
This is my second DSLR. My first one was an olympus E-410 (which I really don't like), and GOD I love you for this thing.
The first time I held the camera in my hands it felt like it was made for me. I have small hands and this thing is so adorable. It's light (no pressure on the neck/shoulders), easy to use, FAST to use (when changing setting and stuff) and its a steal for the price.
12.2 megapixel is alot, and probably more than I'll ever need. But I got this thing to 'grow' with. I want to get better and better everyday I press the shutter. And I know this lil friend will give me the chance because it has the capacity.
I don't want to talk about the boring details about this magic black box. Guess you're reading this review cause you are considering getting one, right? And maybe you're also interested in the XSi's bigger brothers, the 500D and 550D. Right?
I don't see any difference between the camera's.
Same body, same feel, just the video-thing what makes them different. If I didn't have an iPod with a video recording setting, I would have gone for the later version(s). But hey that me, and I only bought this dslr for photography. Not for video.
But, If you're interested in buying a 1000D and can't decide, I suggest not to pic the 1000D (I don't know what the american name is, rebel xs or something?)
It feels so plastic, so 'novice'-like. If you want a camera that isn't a beginner model and you have a budget, this is definitely your choice.
I bought this dslr with a 50mm f/1.4 lens. And maybe if you have done your homework and researched a bit, you know this lens knock's out all the others. Its cheap for its price, and a perfect match with a 450D.
Really lightweight, superior image quality. The colors and DoF are... I don't even have words to say. :)
Next week I'm getting a Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 lens. The L lens, thats right. :)
And I think, no I know, this will be a perfect match again.
But anyways, photography is not *only* about the gear. As long as you got a bright fantasy and imagination, all doors are open. ;)
Customer Review: A Great DSLR Going Strong After 2 Years
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this when it first came out in 2008 prior to a trip to Disney. It replaced an original Digital Rebel (6.3 MP) which was also a great camera (which I passed down ?up to my Dad). Getting this camera has taken my photography to a whole new level - it is a great camera. It is easy to use and takes sharp pictures. The user interface is well done and will be second nature to anyone with experience with a Canon (even point and shoots). The easiest thing to do is to use it in "full auto" mode for a while but don't get complacent and keep it there for the life of the camera - try turning that dial and repeating shots so you can learn all that this wonderful unit is capable of. At the price point this is really too good to pass up.
If you are considering this camera vs. the point and shoot variety, I have found the main two advantages of DSLR to be the lack of delay in shutter release and of course the clarity of the pictures with the larger lenses. The first issue is often of paramount importance in taking pictures of kids and pets - they never stay still for long! With regards to picture quality, it is interesting that manufacturers "push" the megapixels so much on the point and shoots. PLEASE don't make the mistake of thinking that 12 MP on a point and shoot will come anywhere near the pictures from this camera (provided a good lens is attached). There really is no comparison. I have several point and shoot cameras (which I have also reviewed) and though they trump the DSLR for portability (or ability to immerse in water for the D10) there is no comparison for picture quality.
I have recently upgraded lenses with the addition of two "L" lenses (which work great with the XSI) and may upgrade to the new Rebel T2i in the future for both improved sensitivity (ISO 6400 on that camera, 1600 max on this one) and the ability to record HD video, which this camera does not have. That said, this camera has served me very well and will continue to do so. As another reviewer pointed out, the battery life on this one is terrific - I bought a second battery but have only rarely used it (though I rotate them, of course).
In summary, this is a terrific camera which I would highly recommend to anyone considering "making the jump" to DSLR.
Customer Review: Canon never disappoints me
Summary: 5 Stars
I am an amateur photographer and have been shooting with various point & shoot digitals as well as the old 35mm SLRs (several Canons were in the two above categories). This is my first dSLR and wasn't sure exactly what to expect. The camera feels good (I have small hands, I've seen some complaints about the feel of the camera, so thought I'd mention it in case it makes a difference). It took very good photos right out of the box, but now that I am learning how to access all the options it can take quite breathtaking photos. I was extremely happy to learn my old SLR lenses would fit on this camera so I have a wide range of options for shooting, from macro to telephoto. (Good thing too, because quality lenses are expensive.) The lens in the kit was not overwhelmingly impressive but it does very well with macro (I also screwed on a 10X magnification glass on it) but I'm sure for the beginner it would work in many different situations and more than good enough to use while saving up for better lenses.
This camera handled action photos well. I have several small children who are always moving and I've gotten some very interesting shots of them in motion. Also when doing a portrait, the bokeh on this camera is very nice.
It's very simple to download the images into either one of my computers (desktop or laptop). I haven't played with their software too much so I really cannot comment on that yet. I am very happy they included a program for their RAW images, though.
I skipped over reading the entire manual and instead refer to Ben Long's The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi/450D Companion.
I also really like that on timer mode you can take up to 10 pictures instead of just one, which is great for family shots ... you get 10 chances to get one where everyone's got their eyes open. lol
The life on the battery that came with it is long lived. I also splurged for a couple of extra batteries so I'm not in a situation where I'll miss some great shots because my battery died. (This kit also came with a battery charger.)
HIGHLY recommend this camera, I just love it.