Canon EOS Rebel XSi Body only 12.2 Megapixel

The last Canon Rebel we reviewed was the XTi back in 2006. Now we have a brand new Rebel XSi and it's a beauty. The list of improvements over earlier models is impressive and include a 12.2-megapixel image sensor, Live View capability, 3.5 fps continuous shooting, the EOS Integrated Cleaning System, 3.0" LCD, the DIGIC III Image Processor and a longer lasting battery. The Rebel XSi is available in black or silver body colors and entry-level dSRL photographers have never had it so good.

Canon’s CMOS sensor on the XSi offers the most pixels of any camera in its price range. And the XSi incorporates many new technologies first seen in the professional EOS-1D Mark III model. For example, the analog to digital signal conversion uses a 14-bit color space. What does this mean to you? The 14-bit conversion means you'll see smoother transitions from light to dark colors and RAW images of the highest quality that can be processed with Canon’s Digital Photo Professional software.

To maximize performance between the capture and recording stages of digital photography, the EOS Rebel XSi uses the latest-generation DIGIC III Image Processor. The electronics system has been totally redesigned, giving the camera greater speed and image quality. With 3.5 fps continuous shooting, up to 53 full-resolution JPEGs (or 6 RAW) images in a burst, reduced shutter lag and nearly instantaneous startup time the XSi is one speedy entry-level dSLR. Digital noise is significantly reduced in shadow areas, and color reproduction is superior. An Auto Optimization capability, available in all shooting modes, including P, Tv, Av, and Manual, can lighten dark areas in your image while ensuring that bright areas maintain full detail.

A bright (30% brighter than the XTi) 3" LCD monitor with 230,000 pixels and a viewing angle of 170° graces the back of the XSi. Live View is available and you can magnify any part of the scene 5x or 10x for precise focus. You can even use 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.

While in Live View mode, the 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. The Rebel XSi has a precision 9-point wide area AF sensor for fast, accurate focus even in low lighting environments. It offers a variety of focus modes, including One-Shot AF, AI Focus AF, AI Servo AF and Manual.

Digital Rebel XSi Features:

* 12.2-megapixel CMOS sensor

* DIGIC III Image Processor with 14-bit conversion

* 3.5 fps continuous shooting, up to 53 full-resolution JPEGs or 6 RAW images

* 3.0-inch LCD monitor, with 170° wide viewing angle

* LCD Live View composition function

* 9-point Auto Focus system

* 4 Focusing Modes: One-Shot AF, AI Servo AF, AI Focus AF, Manual focusing (MF)

* Compatible with SD and SDHC memory cards

* 35-zone evaluative and Spot metering system

* Integrated EOS Cleaning System

* Dust Delete Data Detection

* 6 Picture Style settings

I am sure that the New Canon Rebel is a fine camera. My problem with it is after purchasing one thru Ebay I have not been able to use it properly. The seller navy_snipe did not send the manuals and software for computer installation that his auction advertised. This purchase has been a nightmare for me trying to get a what I have paid for. Navy_snipe has acknowledged that he did not send the advertised merchandise and has stated to Paypal that buyer should just download from a 3rd party website. Ebay has offered no help and continues to ignore the problem. Paypal, an associated company with Ebay, is investigating an obvious abuse of the Ebay system. Meanwhile I still can't use a product over 1 month after having paid for this product. If Ebay and or Paypal cannot police their system especially with people who have had a history of this type of complaint, will ultimately loose the confidence of their clients. I know that I will NOT be purchasing anyother items on the Ebay system until changes are made in their system for purchaser protection as Ebay and Paypal have advertised. If you should have questions regarding this auction item and buyer and or seller history you are welcomed to email me at my email address gmherb2b@eatel.net. I am sure that this "review will not make it into the system but if it should do so, LET THE BUYER BEWARE.

I am a nature photographer and recently chose to upgrade from 35mm to digital. The Canon XSI was a fantastic choice. The quality of both the camera, and the images it captures are excellent. I do believe the 3-year warranty is a rip-off. The camera has a self-cleaning sensor so expensive manual cleaning is not necessary. The extra battery is also not worth an extra $80. They tell you that the camera comes with a 30-45 minute battery, what they don't tell you is that no one shoots for 30 minutes continuously. My battery lasted for over two weeks and over 300 photos before I charged it.

Overall, the Canon XSI is an excellent choice, and only purchase the extended warranty and extra battery if you can really afford it.

Oh, my goodness!!! What a product! I have used the Canon 350D for about 2 years now and was perfectly satisfied with the quality of the photos. I recently started getting into stock photography and weddings and wanted something with a little more pixels. Wow! Did I get that or what! I recently did a beach shoot with the girl doing contemporary dance on the sand. The Canon 450D stopped the action in Action mode and made the world stand still all the while holding clarity and color. Even though there was a bright setting sun, none of the photos had flare even without a hood. I am so-o-o-o satisfied with this product.

Horrible customer service!!! I'll never use this seller again! They took my order and charged my card. When I got my order, it was missing the flash. After many efforts to contact PYXIS( the phone never connected for several attempts), I was told the flash was on back order. They knew this when they accepted my order, but never informed me. On one occasion ( I have a slew of e-mails and voicemails form different people who didn't even understand the issue!), I spoke with a guy who ID'd himself a Peter. He said the flash would ship soon, and he promised expedited delivery, and offered a SDHC Card as a consolation. BS! The flash arrived via cheap UPS service nearly 1 week after shipping, and no SDHC card.

The thing that irritated me most was the fact that they kept harrassing me for a positive feedback via numerous generic e-mails. They even asked for positive feedback even before my initial order arrived! I learned my lesson- better to pay a little more form a reputable local dealer who can keep his word and handle customer inquiries in a respectable manner than to deal with a bunch of unorganized guys whose only interest seems to be to get your money and hound you for positive feedback so they can get more business!

After reading all the rave reviews about this camera I decided to purchased one for myself. Great camera! Great images in both RAW and JPEG. As a matter of fact, JPEG's looks just as great as RAW, after in-camera retooling and adjustments. I've tried all the other cameras to include Nikon's D-40X, D60, Olympus's E-520 and the Fujifilm's S100fs and including Canon's own Rebel XTi and I must say that the XSi is a runaway hit by a mile and a half. Outstanding camera. Highly recommended.

After calling the company to review the item purchased, I specifically had to ask if the $900 packaged deal camera I was purchasing came with the lens that was pictured AND specified on the listing. They let me know that it in fact did NOT come with this lens even though it was pictures and listed, and their explanation was that they 'must have used the incorrect picture'. They did not try to make the deal right and offer the lens with the camera like shown, nor did they offer to give me a deal on adding the camera to the package. They asked if I just wanted to cancel the deal and I agreed. I am still waiting for a refund back on this.

I like the 12.2 MP, the ease of switching lenses, and the numerous photo options available on this camera body. It can easily be used professionally, or by an amateur for basic, point and shoot type photos. Although somewhat technical, it is fairly easy to understand and use.
The memory card is your standard SD card, that can be purchased in most any electronic store including Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Target, BJs, SAMS Club, and Staples.
Batteries are specific to this camera. Along with it's own flash, this camera does have a boot for external flash, as well as remote flash capabilities.

This is not your basic point-and-shoot. If you don't want to take the time to learn about the camera and how it can be used you probably don't want this one.
This camera will take better than average photos as long as you take the time to set it up properly.
I would give this product a rating between GOOD and EXCELLENT.

Awful seller do not use EVER. Theif!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and LIAR.
Never received product and he lied about delivery. I had to file complaint and and claim.

I'm by no means an expert and I've only owned 2 Canon Point and Shoot Cameras. First one I purchased was an A520 and then upgraded to A710 IS. A710 IS is a great little camera that got discontinued. It takes great pictures for a non-DSLR but had quite a bit of flaws. It had very, very, VERY short battery life for one of the major reasons I wanted to bang my forehead against the wall. ( yes, triple "very" for a reason ) It is also extremely pricey for a small camera. Anyway, enough rambling.

I've since longed to upgrade to an DSLR, but reading descriptions and choosing the right camera made my HEAD swirl. Somehow, I was able to decide that the Canon EOS Rebel XSI is the most suitable for me as I only want to upgrade from a Point and Shoot camera, but is never intending to shoot for a Full-On Professional Camera. The idea of having Live View, a way bigger resolution ( yes! 350~400px is big ) than most cameras around this range and better kit lens appealed to me the most.

I've just received it today ( 9-27-2008 ) and by far I am incredibly pleased with this camera! It does certainly take a while to get used to and I had to read the instruction manual a bit but what wonderful pictures I can take with it!! I can't wait 'till I am fully knowledgeable about all the functions after a few weeks to a month's use. I no longer have to worry about my battery running out as well after a bit of use! Which is a HUGE plus for me. I just need to recharge it and not replace it with fresh AA batteries every 15~20 photos.

I don't understand the people who keep complaining about how blurry the pictures are. It just means you haven't tried all its functions long enough! It was like that for me for the first few minutes as I have not studied photography so I really had no idea what the heck I was doing. I do take the time to adjust all the settings before complaining about it though. So try that before giving it up! Try to adjust the exposure settings and try to play around with everything first. Read the manual!

Anyway, if you are looking for an upgrade from your point and shoot camera and want to be twice more adventurous, please consider this camera!

the camera itself is excellent! however the lenses weren't of the same quality. But for the price its and overall good buy.

The best camera on the ebay . Easy to use and very user friendly . Very light-weight camera .

I absolutely love the camera, although I didn't know until after I purchased it that it was refurbished. Having said that I have had no problems with the camera and it looks and runs like new. The lenses that came with it were good, but most of the other things they threw in like the flash, wide lens, tripod, etc. are VERY cheap. The flash didn't even work, the tripod can't even hold the camera up, and the wide angle lens and macro lens don't even fit the camera. But all in all, I think it was a good buy considering the quality of the lenses and the camera. Thanks!

I love this camera, I have had the EOS Canon Rebel 35mm for a long time. I am still very happy with it, but I did not realize how much I would enjoy the digital version. I would buy it all over again and I got a really great deal on e-bay, so that makes it even better. The topping on the cake was that all my lenses that I already had for my old camera fit the new!!!!!! :)

OK I am a a REAL buyer on Ebay... I have 150 Stars - 100% Positive feedback and I am PROUD of my status as a buyer.

FIRST up - I bought my camera from pyxis_camera (seller). These guys are fantastic. They aren't some fly by night seller. I was very impressed with them, their communication, fast shipment and outstanding service! FIVE STAR SELLER! I know a GREAT Seller when I see one!

And if you are going to buy this product, then pyxis_camera (seller) has a fantastic package put together. Under $800 before shipping ... here's the url for their store :

http://stores.ebay.com/pyxis-camera

I highly recommend them!

SECOND - This camera is awesome. Easy to use but very sophisticated. No wonder CANON is advertising this camera on NFL games. It's lightwieght (1 pound) and yet full of powerful features.

I highly recommend getting yourself one of these cameras. They outpower camera I saw 1.5 years ago that cost as much as $2,000.

My pre-teen daugther is the primary user of this camera and she rocks. Don't discount how much kids these days can handle technology. This camera is shaping her world. A hobby for sure! A professional side line? I will bet some of my 401K on her making money with this camera soon.

Also, CANON is offering a free battery and an extended service period of 4 years - all for a scant $100. I JUMPED on it. I wouldn't have known about it if pyxis_camera didn't tell me! At first I thought - oh here we go I spent $800 and now this seller wants more money from me.... WRONG, DUH!!!!! What a great bargain... the battery is worth around $70 bucks itself!

THIRD - Quality Camera!! 12.2 megapixels! Wow! With every pixel being one dot of color (or sharpness) that's a TON! The photos are amazing.

Well, I sound like a commercial but I am very excited about our CANON EOS Rebel XSi 12.2 Megapixel.

Well, time to go and shoot some more! OK, so watch my pre-teen shoot some more - - HEY! It's my turn to use the camera!

Again - buy from http://stores.ebay.com/pyxis-camera

You won't be disappointed.

Well, as I end all my Ebay emails:

Thanks,

THINK2131
150 Stars - 100% Positive feedback and PROUD of it!

It's been 19 days since I've won and paid for my camera and I still haven't gotten it, nor has the seller answered any one of my messages or emails.

I HAVE HAD A LOT OF CAMERAS IN MY LIFE. I STARTED MY PHOTOGRAPHY CAREER WITH A VOIGTLANDER, A LEICKA, AND A MINI SPY CAMERA (NAME UNKNOWN) SLR FILM- ALMOST ALL MY PICTURES AT THAT TIME WERE IN BLACK AND WHITE, WHICH, BECAUSE OF COST, I DEVELOPED MYSELF.
I MOVED INTO COLOR FILM WHEN I RETURNED TO SF FROM THE SERVICE AND STARTING TAKING PICTURES OF THE HAIGHT ASHBURY DISTRICT, GOLDEN GATE PARK, AND THE SIT-INS AT SF STATE. WHAT AN EXCITING TIME TO HAVE A REGULAR JOB, PRINT BLACK AND WHITE, AND BE ABLE TO PAY FOR COLOR PRINTING.
I NEVER REALIZED WHAT "PROFESSIONAL" PHOTOGRAPHY REALLY MEANT UNTIL I STARTED TAKING CLASSES, AND BOUGHT MY FIRST NIKON. GREAT CAMERA.
I BOUGHT MY FIRST CANON 15 YEARS AGO AND MOVED UP THE SCALE TO THE EOS DIGITAL REBEL. THE CANON CAMERA SERIES HAS ALSO PROVEN TO BE REALIABLE AND STURDY. I HAVE NEVER BEEN DISAPPOINTED WITH THE REBEL. PICTURES I HAVE TAKEN OVER THE LAST FEW MONTHS CAN VIEWED ON MY WEBSITE AT MICHAELS-HEALTH.COM.
I UPGRADED TO THE XSi BECAUSE I WANTED TO HAVE AN EVEN GREATER ABILITY TO MANIPULATE THE SIZE AND EXPOSURE OF PICTURES IN ORDER TO PRINT THEM SO THEY COULD BE PUT IN LARGER PROFESSIONAL FRAMES.
THE XSI HANDLES SMOOTHLY, PICTURES ARE RAPID, CLARITY IS SIGNIFICANTLY IMPROVED. MOST OF THE TIME I LIKE TO USE A SINGLE TAMRON 28-300 MM LENSE. HOWEVER, WITH MY XSi I HAVE BEGUN TO ENJOY USING A 28-80MM LENSE FOR MORE MACRO PHOTOGRAPHY... THE SMALL THINGS IN LIFE ARE SOMETIMES THE HARDEST TO SEE, AND APPRECIATE. I WILL BE EXPERIMENTING WITH AN 18-55MM TO IMPROVE SHOT QUALITY, AND TO BRING AN EVEN GREATER DIVERSITY TO MY PORTFOLIO.
I LIKE THE FACT THAT YOU CAN TURN THE FLASH OFF AT THE TURN OF THE WHEEL; THAT I COULD NOT DO ON THE REBEL 300D.
THE SPEED AT WHICH PICTURES IS AMAZING. I LOVE THE LARGE LCD SCREEN.
THE ONLY DRAW BACK ABOUT THE CAMERA IS THAT I HAVE NOT YET FIGURED OUT HOW TO ACTUALLY GET THE PICTURE IN THE LCD SCREEN BEFORE ACTUALLY TAKING IT. I LIKED THE WAY I CAN DO THAT WTIH MY WIFE'S CAMERA- NOT HAVING TO LOOK THROUGH THE VIEW FINDER TO SEE THE PICTURE IN ITS ENTIRETY. I HOPE TO GET USED TO IT OR FIND A WAY AROUND IT.
THE XSi BODY IS LIGHTER THAN THE REBEL 300D... NICE WHEN YOU ARE CARRYING A BAG FULL OF EQUIPMENT OR HOLDING THE CAMERA DOING LOTS OF ACTION PICTURES.
THE SELF CLEANING LENS SENSOR IS A GREAT BONUS. AND I LIKE THE FACT THAT THE SANDISK SD DISK IS SO MUCH SMALLER, AND STILL HOLDS QUITE A FEW PICS.
THE XSi IS COMPACT, LIGHT WEIGHT, AFFORDABLE, AND QUITE PROFESSIONAL. WAY TO GO, CANON!!!

The camera is one of the best I have ever used. I would recommend it to anyone thinking about getting serious about their pictures . But please do not fall for the extras that these compnies include in the bundle . These items are worth nothing at all. If you can get a bundle with the camera , the Canon lens (not the boot leg ones) and a SD card you are doing great .

This camera takes great shots and is easy to use right away. This camera has a fully automatic feature for novices like me, but has all the right manual controls and features for the expert.

The Rebel XSI is currently the best entry level DSLR camera as far as bang for the buck goes. It has the best High ISO performance (Low-light shooting) in it's class and has a ton of features that has percolated down from the high end Canon DSLRs. The 9 point AF system, ability to spot meter as well as live-view (most important for macro shots) makes this an amazing camera. From my extensive research it seems like the XSI is better than the Nikon D60. On the other hand, if you would like to spend less money, then the Nikon D40 would probably be an excellent choice.

All-in-all it is a great camera. I would highly recommend it to anyone who is looking to get into photography. On a side note I must mention that if you believe that spending 300-500$ extra on a DSLR means that it will automatically take better pictures then your point and shoot, then you might want to think again before buying a DSLR. There is no doubt that DSLRs can produce much better images than point and shoot cameras, but only if the photographer understands the basics of photography. If you plan to purely point and shoot and want the camera to do all the work for you then you will be pretty dissapointed with most DSLRs since they are not made specifically for this purpose. If that is what you would prefer, I would highly recommend some of the prosumer Power Zoom cameras such as the Canon Powershot S3 IS and its competing models. Also keep in mind that these cameras are extremely versatile with a 10-14x optical zoom system. On the other hand with DSLRs you will need to invest in atleast 3 zoom ranges (10-20mm, 17,18-55mm and 50-250/400 mm) to have similar reach. If you don't plan on investing in different lenses and would rather have one camera that can deal with everything (Macro shots as well as long range zoom shots) then I would again recommend something like the Powershot S3 IS.

Lastly, I would recommend you to read the following reviews before deciding to buy this camera.

HINT: For those who prefer more saturated looks for their JPEG images, try using the following settings (courtesy Claire Dupois)

"AS far as JPEG settings go, here is what I use : User Setting (the custom you make yourself from scratch by fine tuning any available style ) based on Neutral, Sharpness 5, Contrast +1, Saturation +2, Color Tone at 0 (or +1, depending on my needs).
I do start my own picture style from Faithful or Neutral in order to build from a flatter contrast curve, as to preserve highlights. I recently found out I liked Neutral over Faithful in the XSi, because the former had a slight redder hue, an I personally like more yellow tones (the magenta cast on skin tones being one of the things that made me leave Nikon). To insure that I usually also dial +1 in Color Tone (I still do with my current setting and am satisfied with that)."

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0801/08012403canoneos450d.asp
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2008_reviews/canon_rebel_xsi.html
http://www.dcresource.com/reviews/canon/eos_rebel_xsi-review/

So far this this is a great camera. The flexibility provided with this camera is awesome. Key note (as with all cameras), the lenses will make the difference. With the kit that I purchased, the additional lenses were good, but not of the greatest quality, so I decided to by a true wide angle lens (Canon 10-22mm), and two Image Stabilized Lenses (Canon 17-85mm IS and the Canon 70-300mm IS) so that my pictures could be a little sharper and precise.
Post processing software is very flexible and easy to use which makes the final print results outstanding.

You can't go wrong with purchasing this product. I highly recommend it...

This Canon Rebel XSi is the perfect choice for someone looking to take the first step from a point-and-click digital camera to a Digital Single Lens Reflex camera. The auto features allow you to take spectacular photos with little fuss while you are learning this camera's other excellent features and options. The clear instruction manual and quality construction give you the ability to play around with all of the settings available in this sweet Canon camera. The Canon name does not disappoint here - take the plunge!

I needed a backup camera for my home based business. Since I already had a Rebel XTi and was very please with it's capabilites, I decided to purchase the Rebel XSi. It is easy to use and produces high quality images. I love that you can point and click or use the more advanced features.