 Canon EOS Rebel XSi 12.2 Megapixel 198 of 205 people found this review helpful.
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
Review ID: 10000000007338768  Thank you for voting. If your vote meets our guidelines, it will be posted within 24 hours. You cannot vote on the helpfulness of a review you wrote. Your request cannot be processed at this time. Please try again later.  The canon XSI, my dream Camera! 152 of 154 people found this review helpful.
I was hesitant to purchase this camera because of the price, but I had previously owned a Canon SLR years ago and I wanted to continue to take pictures above and beyond the standard point and shoot. With this in mind I ventured and purchased the new Rebel XSI, but not before doing my research.
I have not been disappointed, this camera does everything promised and more. It will allow me to experiment with new tecniques while still allowing me to take automatic preset shots when pressed for time. This is not a camera for those who could care less about f stops, depth of field, etc. There are plenty of mid-range cameras for just plain pictures, but if you want to have an adventure with photography you will not be disappointed with this camera and its multiple features. The 28-55mm lens with Image Stabilizer is a must have for versatility from wide angle to close-ups. The XSI has pre-set settings for portraits, night shots, landscapes, closeups, and sports shooting. If your not into sports you should see the results of the continuous shot of a child running to you or the barn pictures you can take without stopping the car.
I reviewed other cameras, but they did not come close to the promises and reviews of the XSI. The Canon lives up to it's promises. This camera will last for many, many years and will allow me to fulfill a dream of taking a picture of what I see and having it come out that way, or changing the mood, lighting and content of what I see, to a picture of what I feel.
I will be able to add many lenses and other gadgets to this camera that will put my old SLR to shame. The remote control trigger will alow me to be in family portraits without running real fast to get back in front of the camera and getting a blurry shot because the camera was still shaking. I am able to take shots with less light and have them turn out with a wonderful glow instead of a dark barely discernable image.
The XSi and gear will not fit in a jean pocket and dampness could do much more damage than a slim point and shoot, and it would have to be protected at the beach or in the field. This is a trade off I was willing to take and you might, as well, to achieve pictures that you only see in magazines.
There is a lot to learn about the XSi, but Canon has done a great job of simplifying the instruction book, and the foldout cheat sheet will have you taking great shots in no time. Canon offers an extended warranty and it is well worth the $50 per year for five years. If nothing goes wrong you still get a yearly professional cleaning each year from a Canon service center.
I have had my XSI for one month now and I get excited more as each day goes by. and I have no doubt that you too will love it. because of the reasons I bought the camera, which I have explained, I have nothing negative to say about it.
"Buy it, you'll love it!"
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