Canon EOS Rebel XSi Digital Camera Review

Canon EOS Rebel XSi

Digital Camera Review

Feb 01, 2008 - By Karen M. Cheung
3.7 Entering an increasingly crowded market for consumer digital SLRs comes the entry-level Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi, which premieres at PMA 2008 in Las Vegas. The XSi is the third in Canon’s budget DSLR series. Like previous Rebels, this camera is marketed toward the photo enthusiast who might turn in his or her point-and-shoot for a consumer DSLR. Canon promises the XSi is its best Rebel yet, borrowing features from its flagship professional line, including faster processing, improved autofocus, Live View, and an expanded spot metering, in addition to higher resolution, larger LCD screen, and updated menu system. The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi has a MSRP of $899.99 for the kit with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5 – f/5.6 IS zoom lens, or $799.99 for the body alone when it ships in April 2008. UPDATE: Our full review of the XSi is now available here.
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Canon EOS Rebel XSi

UPDATE: Our full review of the XSi is now available here.
Likes
-Live View added as the first on any Rebel
-Includes image stabilized lens with the kit
-Fast burst of 3.5 fps
-Now includes Spot metering
-Larger 3-inch LCD screen
-Sturdier body when compared to XTi
-Improved grip with textured rubber for easier handling
Dislikes
-Tiny AF points through viewfinder
-Redistribution of back button layout
-No CompactFlash memory support
-Price isn’t as competitive as other PMA 2008 DSLRs
 
 
Conclusion
The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi joins a successful line of Rebels that rank as the manufacturer’s top seller. This 12.2-megapixel entry-level DSLR is the third in the series. The XSi incorporates features borrowed from its flagship professional cameras, mixed with functions targeted for its PowerShot customers to cater to the point-and-shooter upgrading to an SLR for the first time. With its added features of Live View, Spot metering, improved autofocus, and faster burst shooting, combined with an image-stabilized kit lens, the Digital Rebel XSi is sure to do well in the market. It still faces competition from Nikon, Sony, and Pentax, all of which undercut the XSi’s near-$900 kit price. Despite that, we anticipate Canon’s brand recognition and history of the Digital Rebel will make the XSi a favorite among entry-level DSLR consumers.
Overall Impressions Page 11 of 11
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