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Introduction
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01.Physical Tour
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02.Performance Expectations
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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.Comments
Canon EOS Rebel XSi
Previous: Page 2
Performance ExpectationsNext: Page 4
Design / LayoutUPDATE: Our full review of the XSi is now available here.
The XSi has an eye-level pentamirror viewfinder with 95 percent coverage and a magnification of 0.87x, like the consumer Canon 40D camera. The XSi viewfinder displays AF points, shutter speed, aperture, exposure on a traditional scale view, ISO, and a frame counter. The viewfinder displays the 9-point AF points as a diamond, each as a small cross and highlighted red when selected. The AF points through the viewfinder look like extremely tiny red dots – sometimes too small to view focus points when shooting light-colored subjects. In those cases, users are better off using the LCD Live View to focus. LCD
The Canon XSi features a 3-inch LCD, up from the 2.5-inch screen on the XTi. Monitor resolution remains the same at a standard 230,000 pixels. It’s a toss up between whether or not the larger LCD is a good thing or bad. The bigger screen helps with viewing, especially for those who have to squint to view pictures on the screen. The downside is the LCD causes a redistribution of buttons that might confuse longtime Canon users.
The LCD displays autofocus points similar to the diamond-shaped 9-point AF design through the viewfinder. Instead of crosses, though, each AF point is rendered as a box shape that is easier to view. The LCD displays shooting information, including exposure, ISO, shooting mode, white balance, shot mode (drive or single), focus type, file format, and battery indicator.The Canon XSi has a built-in flash that pops up during automatic and program modes. It takes about 3 seconds to recharge the built-in flash. Users do have some manual control with flash exposure compensation of 1/3 or 1/2 increments up to 2 full EV stops either way. Some customers in this consumer SLR bracket might decide to upgrade to an optional external flash. In those cases, the E-TTL-compatible XSi is compatible with all Canon EX Speedlite flashes.
Customers will appreciate the upgraded lens bundled with the Canon XSi kit. Whereas the previous XTi had a non-image stabilized lens, the XSi comes with an EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens. It has the same mount and focal length as the previous model, but the added lens-shifting stabilization will help reduce blurry photos during zoom photography. The lens promises compensation for up to 4 full stops of shake correction. When converted, the lens has a 1.6x focal length conversion factor when compared to traditional 35mm format. The EF-mount on the XSi is also compatible with Canon’s EF and EF-S lenses - a choice of 60 of them - including the new EF-S 55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS lens Canon announced with the XSi. Shop for the Canon XSi
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