The Canon Digital Rebel XSi is an update to last year's XTi that ups the resolution to 12.2 megapixels and adds a handful of other new features, including a bigger 3-inch screen, an improved autofocus system, and optical image stabilization in the kit lens. It's also the first Digital Rebel to feature the now commonplace Live View mode, which provides a point-and-shoot-esque live view of the subject on the LCD screen before shooting. But none of these updates are earth-shattering, and the XSi proves to be an evolution rather than a revolution. And it faces stiff competition from a bevy of new SLRs such as the Nikon D60 and the Olympus E-420. However, it is still a strong competitior, and the updates Canon has made under the hood seem to be paying off: image quality is improved over the XTi, with great color and plenty of detail. The XSi costs $780 for the body only and $830 with the 35-70mm kit lens.
Section
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The Good
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The Bad
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Testing/Performance
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Great color and resolution in images
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Significant noise
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Components
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Big, bright 3-inch LCD screen with wide viewing angle
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Poor manual focus and Manual mode
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Design/Layout
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Comfortable to hold and good control placement
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Manual mode is awkward to use
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Modes
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Great full auto mode, plus manual modes
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No variable speed for burst mode
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Control Options
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Decent live view mode for point-and-shoot users
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Autofocus is slow and noisy with kit lens
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Image Parameters
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Can save both RAW and JPEG files
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No separate control for resolution and quality
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Connectivity/Extras
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Supports SD and SDHC cards
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Low resolution video output only
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Value
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Not the cheapest SLR available
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Decent value for money
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