Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi First Impressions Review

Model Design / Appearance
The design of the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi, like the older XTi, is rather attractive. There are some architectural changes to the back button controls, which seem to crowd the back space a bit. Overall, though, the look of the SLR is still tempting for a point-and-shooter who wants to upgrade to a more serious camera. Like the older model, the XSi is offered in both silver and black.

 

Size / Portability
One of the complaints of the previous XTi model was its construction, which sacrificed durability. The XSi is about the same size and weight, measuring 5.1 x 2.4 x 3.8 inches. It weighs a little more than a pound at 16.8 ounces. The XSi is still lightweight, constructed of a stainless steel and polycarbonate with embedded glass fiber, but adds tighter seals. The SLR is portable enough to carry around for travel in a backpack or large purse. 

 

Handling
The Canon XSi improves handling to a degree when compared to the former XTi. The updated rubber grip and thumb rest now have added texture so users can grab hold of the camera for extended shooting while resisting hand fatigue. The larger LCD, however, now lines the edge of the camera and lends itself to catching fingerprints. While we applaud the upgraded grip and optional vertical grip, little room on the back left of the camera makes it a bit difficult to shoot with both hands.

Control Button / Dial Positioning / Size
The button controls are more akin to the Canon D40 than the XTi.  To accommodate the larger 3-inch screen, controls are shifted to the top of the LCD and to the right control panel, so most buttons control multiple functions. This causes the back to look a bit more crowded. 

 

Like the older model, the main mode dial on the top of the camera that controls PASM and Scene modes still does not rotate a full 360 degrees like the dials on most cameras. The mode dial rotates a limited 270 degrees. It’s not a huge issue, but it does require the shooter to spend a little more effort switching between shooting modes.

Canon has a history of simple-to-use menu systems when compared to elaborate, sometimes confusing menus of other manufacturers. Instead of listing all the functions under one menu as older Canon SLRs did, the Canon XTi has six colored tabbed sections. 

The updated menu system on the XTi exemplifies Canon’s strategy to target this SLR to point-and-shooters. The new graphic user interface caters to an entry-level user with larger font and personalized color schemes for the background: black text on white background, light blue text on dark blue background, white text on black background, and black on light brown background. The background/text customization really isn’t necessary, but we suppose it’s a nice option for those who like personalizing their electronics.

 

 

 

 

The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi certainly has the automatic functions and point-and-shoot features first-time SLR users can appreciate. The easy menu system, large LCD, and Live View are extremely helpful for beginners. The camera also successfully incorporates more advanced features so users can grow with the camera. 

 

There are a few distractions that might hinder the emerging photographer, namely the back button design. The button controls are a bit crowded on the back. In general, though, this portable SLR can be used right out of the box and kept around for years once the photographer becomes more advanced.

 

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