Value (6.5)
At around $830 for the kit with lens (or about $780 for the body only), the XSi is not the cheapest digital SLR out there. The Sony Alpha A200 (which we haven't tested yet) is cheaper, at around $600, and the Nikon D60 is similarly priced. So the XSi is not a unique deal; it's just another entry in an increasingly crowded part of the market. But the XSi does provide decent value for money; it has more resolution than the A200 and produces overall better quality images than the Nikon D60. So, although it is not the cheapest SLR on the market, it provides decent value for money for those who don't mind spending a bit more than the minimum.
Comparisons
Nikon D60 – The D60 and the XSi exist in pretty much the same spot in the market, and have a similar range of features: they cost about the same, shoot at the same resolution, and offer a similar approach to providing a step-up for point-and-shoot users. The Canon had a slight edge on image quality; images captured by the XSi have better color and resolution than the Nikon, but the D60 has lower noise in images. At the end of the day, the decider between the two may be the lenses; if you already have a big pile of Canon lenses, the XSi would be a good pick, while Nikon devotees will be able to keep their existing Nikon lenses with the D60.
Canon XTi - Although the XSi is replacing it, the XTi still seems to be available at many stores for a decent price; around $600 for the camera and kit lens. But it might be a false economy; as well as having better resolution, the XSi has better image quality and adds a number of useful features, such as live view and optical image stabilization on the kit lens.
Nikon D300 – It is perhaps a bit unfair to compare the XSi with a camera that's twice as expensive, but it does outline what you get when you pay more for a professional camera. The $1,700 D300 is just better all around; it shoots faster, has better color and lower noise than the XSi, and has a lot more controls for the serious shooter, including dual control dials that make shooting in fully Manual mode very easy. But it's also much larger, much heavier, and much more likely to scare the heck out of a novice user with the sheer number of dials and buttons on the case.
Canon 40D - The $900 40D is a step up from the XSi, and it's aimed at a different type of user; the semi-pro shooter who takes the process of shooting their photos seriously. It shoots at a lower resolution than the XSi, but it's a much more robust camera that will stand up to rougher treatment. The XSi has inherited a number of features from its more straight-laced cousin, though; the focusing system is the same, and the image quality isn't much different.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – Those who are graduating from a point-and-shoot camera to an SLR will feel at home with the XSi: you can put it into Auto mode and use it as a point-and-shoot, or use one of the Manual modes and take control of the photo taking process.
Budget Consumers – The XSi is not the cheapest SLR out there, so those who want to save money may want to look elsewhere, such as the Sony Alpha A200. But the XSi does provide a good value for the money.
Gadget Freaks – Those who like their cameras shiny and button-covered may be disappointed by the XSi. The design is generally understated. However, the 3-inch LCD screen does boast some of the gadget sex appeal alpha gadget freaks crave.
Manual Control Freaks – The XSi has a decent selection of manual controls, but using some of them is a bit awkward. Those who are serious about their manual controls will prefer the dual control dial approach of more professional cameras, such as the Nikon D300.
Pros/ Serious Hobbyists – In a pinch, a pro might settle for the XSi as a cheap back-up SLR; it has decent performance, most of the controls they need, and can use the same lenses as their more expensive Canon cameras. But it's not aimed at them, and a pro or serious shooter will sneer at fully automatic modes, snort in disgust at the light touch manual focus, and laugh at the live view.
