Canon EOS Rebel T1i

	Canon Rebel XS Comparison Summary
The Rebel XS is the least expensive Canon's SLR, and if you're not concerned about video, it is a very attractive alternative to the T1i. It has fewer megapixels, a less impressive LCD and a much narrower ISO range. However, you'll save at least $300, and the XS outscored the T1i in every still image lab test we run except burst speed. It's sharper, has better color, dynamic range and noise levels. Unless you desperately need the video mode, or the enhanced ISO range, we recommend saving money and picking up the XS.
	Video Features	Page 16 of 21	Nikon D5000 Comparison

	Comparison Specifications
	Canon Rebel T1i	Canon Rebel XS
Price	$899.99 (w/ 18-55mm IS lens)	$599.99 (with 18-55mm lens)
Dimensions	5.1 x 3.9 x 3.1 in/129.1 x 98.9 x 77.9mm 16.9 oz/ 480g	4.96 x 3.8 x 2.4 in./126.1 x 97.5 x 61.9mm 15.9 oz./ 450g
Resolution	15.1-megapixels	10.1-megapixels
Processor	DIGIC 4	DIGIC III
Sensor size/type	22.3mm x 14.9mm (APS-C size)	22.2mm x 14.8mm
Kit Lens	18-55mm IS	18-55mm IS lens
Viewfinder	Eye-level pentamirror, 95% field of view, 0.87x magnification	95% field of view, 0.81x magnification
LCD	920,000-dot, 3 inch LCD	230,000 pixel, 2.5 inch LCD
Live View	Autofocus (One-Shot AF): Live mode, Face Detection Live mode, Quick mode; Manual focus (5x or 10x manually)	Manual focus Autofocus: (Quick mode, Live mode)
Shutter Speed	1/4000 sec. to 30 sec., bulb	1/4000 sec. to 30 sec., bulb
Burst Speed	Max. 3.4 shots/sec.	Approx 3 shots per second
Autofocus	9 AF points (center AF point is cross-type)	TTL secondary image-registration, phase detection, 7 points
Exposure Compensation	±2 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments	±3 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments
Noise Reduction	High ISO (three levels), Long Exposure	High ISO (one level), Long Exposure
ISO range	ISO 100-3200 (12,800 extended) in 1 stop increments	ISO 100-1600 in 1/3 or 1/2 EV
Flash	Retractable, auto pop-up, E-TTL II flash	Retractable, auto pop-up flash
Media Format	Still: JPEG, RAW, RAW+JPEG Video: MOV	JPEG, RAW
Movie Mode	Yes	No
Media Type	SD, SDHC (class 6 or faster required for video)	SD, SDHC
Connections	USB, Video out, mini-HDMI out	USB, Video out
Other Hardware	No	No

Performance
On every test we ran, bar shot to shot speed and movie performance, the XS outperformed the T1. The most significant differences lay in resolution, noise, white balance, long exposure and dynamic range. Even the burst rate difference was minimal, only 1/3 of a shot per second. When it comes down to performance, the only factor in the T1i's favor is its movie mode, which even then has a saddening lack of manual control.

Components
Apart from one or two components, the T1i and XS are only marginally different. The T1i has a higher megapixel count, a higher-resolution screen, and more autofocus points. The LCD on the T1i is a major point in its favor, as the higher resolution makes reviewing images much easier and sharper. It also has a sensor just below the viewfinder which turns off the LCD when you hold the camera to your eye, which both saves battery life and your eyes from receiving the full glare of the screen.

Handling
The XS and T1i handle almost identically. The T1i is a fraction larger and heavier, and feels a bit more well balanced and solid than the XS, but it's a very minor difference. The buttons are laid out almost identically; you could switch between the two and barely notice the change.

Controls
While the T1i has a wider ISO range, the XS has a more exposure compensation flexibility. The XS also only has one level of high ISO noise reduction, where the T1i has three. The T1i has slightly enhanced controls, but not by a huge margin. It's a matter of asking if these few controls are enough to justify the price and performance difference.

	ISO Examples
	Canon Rebel T1i	Canon Rebel XS
ISO 100
	Canon Rebel T1i	Canon Rebel XS
ISO 200
	Canon Rebel T1i	Canon Rebel XS
ISO 400
	Canon Rebel T1i	Canon Rebel XS
ISO 800
	Canon Rebel T1i	Canon Rebel XS
ISO 1600
	Canon Rebel T1i	Canon Rebel XS
ISO 3200
	Canon Rebel T1i	Canon Rebel XS
ISO 6400
	Canon Rebel T1i	Canon Rebel XS
ISO 12800

NOTE: The images above are not used in our testing or scoring, but are included here to show real-world examples of the differences between cameras at the various ISO settings.

NOTE: We updated our testing and scoring procedures in January 2009. For comparison purposes, we re-tested several cameras we'd reviewed in 2008, producing the scores shown in the chart above for the Canon Rebel XS and Nikon D90. However, the scores in the original reviews for these re-tested cameras remain unchanged, for consistency's sake.