Canon EOS Rebel XSi Digital Camera Review

Canon EOS Rebel XSi

Digital Camera Review

3.7 The Canon Digital Rebel XSi is an update to last year's XTi that ups the resolution to 12.2 megapixels and adds 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 Live View mode, which provides a point-and-shoot-esque live view of the subject on the LCD screen before shooting. 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. For more on the $830 XSi, read the full review.that follows.
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Conclusion
The XSi is more of an evolution than a revolution; the new features it adds over previous Digital Rebels are useful (and generally well executed), but none of them add that much to the experience of using the camera. The live view makes point-and-shooters feel more at home, but focusing in that mode is a pain, as the camera has to flip the mirror back up to meter. The increase in resolution is also nice, but 10 to 12 megapixels is not a huge leap. And the optical image stabilization on the kit lens is definitely a good addition, but there are plenty of other SLRs that offer similar features. So, nothing in the XSi screams out for XTi users to upgrade.

But little changes aren't a problem if the original package was good, and the XTi was a great camera. So the XSi is a great camera as well; it is easy to use and shoots great photos. It may not be a mold-breaking revolution, but it's a good upgrade to the XTi and a great camera in its own right.


Likes
- Big, bright 3-inch LCD screen
- Great on-screen menus
- Very good image quality
- Lightweight and easy to hold
- Live view works well
- Image stabilization in the kit lens
Dislikes
- Autofocus is slow with the kit lens
- Manual controls are a little awkward
- Focusing in live view adds to the shooting time
- Camera body feels fragile
Overall Impressions Page 11 of 13 Sample Photos Canon Digital Rebel XSi Digital Camera Review Navigation    
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