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