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Introduction
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01.Physical Tour
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02.Testing / Performance
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03.Components
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04.Design / Layout
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05.Modes
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06.Control Options
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07.Image Parameters
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08.Connectivity / Extras
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09.Overall Impressions
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10.Conclusion
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11.Sample Photos
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12.Specs / Ratings
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13.Comments
Canon EOS Rebel XS
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IntroductionNext: Page 2
Testing / PerformanceThe body of the Canon Rebel XS is almost identical to that of the slightly more expensive Rebel XSi, only differing in the type and location of grips, a smaller LCD screen and one or two minor stylistic changes. Canon has had immense success with the EOS Rebel line, and they obviously have decided not to alter a winning formula.

Front (6.65)
As with most SLR cameras, the lens mount dominates the front of the Rebel XS. It sits on a raised platform about half an inch above most of the body. The platform arches above the lens to form the flash housing, and is marked with the white Canon logo. The raised platform meets the body at a sharp edge along its left side, but on the right it gently curves away. Directly to the right of the lens is the lens release button, and slightly further around the curve is the depth of field preview button. Up the wall of the raised area, between the lens and the flash is the flash control.
The labeling on the front of the camera is minimal; the aforementioned Canon logo under the flash, and the EOS label near the top right corner, written in silver. The Rebel XS logo is in the bottom right in a small recessed patch with the first word written in red, the second in silver.
The other major feature on the front of the XS is the grip on the left side. In a departure from previous models, it’s roughened plastic rather than the usual rubber material. There’s also no infrared receiver, as there is on the XSi. The grip itself is the same size as that of the XSi, which is smaller than many other SLRs. Above the handhold is the always important shutter control, usefully set in a fingertip-shaped clearing, and further up still is the control wheel. Between the grip and the lens mount is a small light, which is used as an indicator for the self-timer, and for Red Eye Reduction.

The XS retains a similar style to its predecessor, the XSi
Back (6.4)
The back of the Rebel XS is the area most noticeably different from that of the XSi. The LCD screen has lost half an inch of real estate, now down to 2.5" (63.5mm) and 230,000 pixels. This has increased the space on the back of the camera, which allows larger buttons with more space between them, as well as larger labels. The other major change from the more expensive XSi is the removal of the rubberized thumb pad from the right side. Also noticeably absent is the detector just beneath the viewfinder used on the XSi to turn off the LCD when you raise the camera to your eye.
The Canon label is directly below the LCD screen, and at the top left of the screen are the large buttons for Menu and Display. Along the right side of the screen are three buttons, all of which have likewise been increased slightly in size, as have the icons describing their function. At the top sits the AV/Exposure Compensation button, then below that is White Balance/Print and finally, right near the bottom corner of the LCD is Playback. Continuing along the bottom of the camera, there is the Delete button. This can be differentiated by touch from the others, as it’s concave with a small nub in the center, rather than convex.
Controlling menus is done by using the 4-way navigation pad, which has a Set button directly in the middle. When shooting, each of the four curved buttons controls a different setting. The top button is metering, the right is auto focus, the bottom is picture style and the left is drive mode and selftimer. All the labels are large and easy to read.
The last two buttons are on the very top right of the body’s back, and sit in a small indentation. The left button locks the Flash Exposure while shooting ,and zooms out in playback, and the right is auto focus point selection while shooting and zoom in during playback.
The viewfinder is prominent above the LCD screen, and has a rubber edge for comfort. The diopter adjustment is to the top right of the viewfinder, and surprisingly easy to turn. This can cause problems, as it may accidentally be moved, making it hard to see through the viewfinder.


The left side has textured black plastic to provide extra grip
The front half of the right side is devoted to textured material and the grip, and the back holds the card slot, which is protected by a solid-feeling latch. The XS can take SD and SDHC cards, a change from the CompactFlash format used by older Canons. The second neck strap loop is situated at the very top of the right side.

The XS grip and memory card slot are the major features of
the rights side
Once again, the XS’s top is almost identical to that of the XSi, barring a few minor aesthetic changes. The mode dial has been changed for a very slightly smaller one without the thin metal ring around its lip, and with a smaller but deeper dimple in the middle. This gives a little more space to reach the ISO button, so it doesn’t feel as cramped as its predecessor. The on/off switch is no longer in a small recessed area, and the lip beyond the ISO button is lower but sharper.
Beyond the ISO button is the Control Dial, which feels slightly flimsy, and then the shutter control.
The middle of the camera holds the flash hot shoe, which is the industry standard ISO 518, but has increased functionality with Canon’s EX-series Speedlites. These external flashes can be fired at automatically controlled, variable levels of brightness with the Rebel XS.

The industry standard hot shoe offers extra functionality
with Canon's EX-series Speedlites
The tripod mount of the Canon Rebel XS is made of metal and lines up with the lens. It has minor indentations on either side to provide grip on the tripod. On the right side of the base is the battery slot cover, which feels a little flimsy. The battery is held in place by a white plastic tab, and can be replaced by a special AC adapter, which is of identical size. Just to the right of the battery latch is a small rubber tab where the AC adapter’s power chord snakes out. On the far left of the camera’s bottom is a small area of grip plastic that continues up the left side of the body.

The battery is located beneath
Shop for the Canon XS
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