UPDATE: Our full review of the XSi is now available here.
Connectivity
Software
The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi includes an EOS Solution Disk CD in the bundle. The CD features Digital Photo Professional software, which is a post-capture program to remove dust traces from the image. The Dust Delete Data software tool is supposed to be used jointly with Canon’s EOS Integrated Cleaning System, an internal self-cleaning sensor mechanism to reduce dust and spotty pictures.
Jacks, Ports, Plugs
The XSi Digital Rebel has ports for USB connection and AV output so users can link the camera to a computer, printer, or display such as televisions and computer monitors. The video output is a standard composite connection; the XSi bucks the trend of offering high definition video output we are seeing on compact cameras.
Direct Print Options
The Canon XSi supports PictBridge-compatible printers so users can directly print from the camera without the use of a middle-man computer.
 Battery
Canon updated the battery pack with a new LP-E5 lithium-ion battery, different from previous Rebels. Canon claims that the new battery will take 50 percent more shots per charge when compared to earlier models in the series. The battery shoots a reported 600 shots without flash and 500 shots with flash at normal shooting temperature. The problem - it isn’t compatible with other Rebels, so users upgrading from the XTi to the XSi won’t be able to keep using their old batteries.
For further battery life, the XSi is compatible with a new optional BG-E5 battery grip that accepts AA batteries. The battery grip accessory, dedicated for extended shooting and vertical handling, retails for $220 and is sold separately.
Memory
 To the surprise of many consumers, Canon elected to include a SD/SDHC memory slot on the Digital Rebel XSi, in lieu of the traditional CF slot on SLRs. While other SLR manufacturers sometimes give the option to record to both mediums, Canon nixed the CF compatibility that was available on the Rebel XTi . What that means is point-and-shooters won’t have to buy an additional memory card, but existing Canon SLR shooters will have to make the switch and shell out a few extra bucks. The Canon XSi is compatible with SD cards with up to 2 GB of storage capacity, and larger SDHC cards.
Other Features
EOS Integrated Cleaning System – First introduced on the XTi, the XSi implements the EOS Integrated Cleaning System. The SLR uses a vibrating self-cleaning sensor that shakes dust off the low-pass filter and traps the particles on an adhesive. Every time the user turns the camera on or off, cleaning is activated. Users can also engage the function by manually selecting “Clean Now.” The dust reduction system can also be combined with traditional manual cleaning of lifting the mirror or through post-capture software included in the kit. (Refer to the Software section for more information.)
Highlight Tone Priority – This Custom Function mode is borrowed from the Canon EOS-1D Mark III Professional series and 40D model. Highlight Tone Priority is dedicated to exploiting dynamic range in highlights, known as the middle gray, and to render as many tones from an image as possible.
Auto Lighting Optimizer – Accessed through the Custom Function menu, the Auto Lighting Optimizer is pulled from the Canon 40D series. It automatically adjusts contrast and brightness for built-in underexposure correction, for scenes such as backlit faces. This feature is now accessible on all exposure modes on the XSi, previously not available on the XTi.
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