Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera (Black Body Only)

This review is hard for me to write. This camera is a great camera, and everyone who has credentials says that it takes great pictures--almost as good as more expensive cameras. This may be true for some, but it has proven to be problematic for me. My gripe is with the sharpness of the images I get. When I take a picture with this camera in anything but perfect conditions (e.g., outside on a sunny day with the sun at my back), I see blur in the image long before I see pixels. My wife has an ancient Canon SD200 (3.2 MPixel) camera, and in all situations (except "perfect"), in an A-B comparison of the two images (one from her camera and one from the XSi), the SD200 images are usually sharper. I can zoom in on the pixels in the two images, and at the zoom level at which I see pixels in the SD200 image, I see blur in the XSi image. I know, I know, "apples and oranges". The SD200 lens is an f8 (or something) 8mm and this one is an f3.5 18mm. But what do I know? I know which image is sharper, and it is the SD200. The really frustrating thing for me is that the images on the SD200 in low light are better, too. Of course, the image stabilization of the 18-55 lens helps a bit, and the XSi will "win" sometimes because of this (the SD200 does not have IS). But, again, the A-B comparison is revealing: the SD200 wins most of the time. Forget about low-light close-ups with this camera. Use a small-sensor camera for that! You can get a LOT closer with those tiny, stopped-down lenses! They say, on the Internets, that there is a possibility of the focusing hardware being slightly off and in need of "calibration"--that would explain my troubles. But I have tried f22 tests, tripod tests, and manual focus (intentionally putting the image slightly out of focus in each direction). I have also tried RAW capture and playing with the sharpness in the Canon-supplied software. I just cannot get truly sharp images with this camera. I suspect that there may be something wrong with the specific instance of the Canon XSi that I own. Maybe my camera was manufactured on a Friday afternoon before a 3-day weekend, and that my wifes SD200 is one of those incredible convergences of a happy day with happy workers making a perfect instance of a good camera. I just purchased a Canon 7D to replace this camera. Ill let you know how this 18.1 MPixel "Image Monster" compares to the SD200. :-) And look for my XSi on EBay soon.

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Im barely an amateur photographer, so Im not going to get technical because I cant. I own a film SLR, but havent used it in about 5 years--ever since "quality" digital point-and-shoots flooded the market. I left the film and all of the manual tinkering behind for the ease of use. Now having this camera for a few days, Im sorry I did that. My latest P&S is a Canon S3 IS, which has a nice zoom and takes good pics. It may never be used again. The first thing I immediately noticed is the depth of field that the XSi produced. I forgot how good an SLR could be. Upload the pics to your computer and the clarity and color of the photos are just unbelievable. Night or indoor shooting is equally amazing. I never got good results when I disabled the flash on my P&S cameras, but I am shocked at how well the photos turn out in a low-light situation when not using the flash on this one. The camera and lens does feel a bit cheap with all of the plastic. But, I plan on taking care of it, so Im ok with that. The battery seems to have a lot of juice in it for hundreds of pics before recharging (2 hour charge). I dont see myself using the "live view" function too much. It doesnt really work like a P&S like it may seem. There is no memory card in the kit, which is fine with me since the cards included in most cameras are very low capacity and essentially useless. I love this camera and wish I wouldve jumped on a DSLR sooner. Then again, maybe it was well worth the wait... Edit: October 31, 2008 Still loving this camera in every way after about 3000 pics. Image quality still impresses me and battery life is also very good. Extremely satisfied.

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Cons: For those of you new to photography, an 18-55mm zoom does not have a very long zoom. I almost immediately bought a zoom up to 300mm because I like to zoom :) It also does not have a very low f number, which means its not the greatest in low light, although there is the built in flash. It also means the depth of field does not blur the background very much (it seems more obvious when you zoom in). Almost all of the time it doesnt go lower than f/5.6 :( Does not have full time manual focus (which means it autofocuses and you can adjust the focus manually whenever you want.) It took me a while to realize I had to switch the thing to Manual Focus (MF) to control the focus! Otherwise it changes the focus automatically back again when you click the shutter. If my finger is hovering over the shutter constantly, then the bottom right corner digs into the palm of my hand, leaving a pretty big mark! It may just be me... Pros: The lens has Image Stabilization (IS)! This helps it in lower light because you can have the shutter speed lower and still have sharp pictures. Semi-manual settings, so you can adjust the shutter speed and the aperture with automatically compensate for example. Very nice 3 inch LCD screen. The overall impression of the body is nicely designed. Zoom moves easily, but doesnt slide around due to gravity. Very nice camera body. Decent lens to get a beginner started. Good value.

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This was the third DSLR I purchased, the other two being Nikon D60s. (returned both of those and bought the Rebel, which I should have done in the FIRST PLACE). I wanted to get back in to SLR/35 MM equivelant cameras from POS ones I used for many years now. Compared to the Nikon D60, this camera is well worth the extra money. I have used the Xsi for three months now and my daughter has also used for school. I have taken sporting shots, animals, family, scenery etc..and except for the auto settings to be sometimes inconsistent, the picture quality overall is fantastic. I take most of my pictures on full resolution and crop to my liking later and the Xsi allows for some really nice cropping results because of the 12.2 MP it offers. The Nikon is only 10.2 MP but that was not a deciding factor. The extra MP are a bonus, but you will see no difference in prints between 10 and 12 MP in reality. Battery Life has been excellent and since I like to take action shots, I have used this camera at several sporting events this year. Most of the bad pictures, (yes, there are some from time to time) are likely as a result of the user, me. Once I got to understand the settings a little better, my action shots got better. If you want a DSLR and do not want to spend much more than $1,000 for a body, and two lenses, this basic kit plus the EF 55-250 MM lens, this is a great camera. I still have a few POS cameras that take equally good pictures, so wont recommend on picture quality basis alone. If you want a camera that takes great pictures, and do not really want the DSLR for its SLR capabilities, save your money and get a POS. The Rebel is not really portable, and unlike a POS, you cannot fit in a pocket or conceal if you need to. It is a DSLR for more serious photography. I do recommend this camera, but please do not consider as a replacement to your POS, but rather a companion to it. I still enjoy my Panasonic TZ5 POS camera, but really like the Rebel XSi and would recommend over any other entry level DSLR camera. Spend the extra for this (or Rebel Ti) if you are also looking at the Nikon D40 or D60. Also, it IS made of basically plastic, as are the other cameras on the market of this grouping. It does not feel particularly clumsy, but I did purchase a Delkin rubber skin and it works wonderfully!

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A very popular review here suggested that the 40D was a better deal. Im here to say I ignored his suggestion and am glad I did. Ive only had the XSi for a week, so havent taken more than 100 real shots yet, but Im really pleased. First off, the XSi is $200 cheaper than the 40D (at the moment, it varies greatly) and 2/3rds the weight, both of which I appreciate. Ive never used the 40D so my comments below are about the XSi and the improvements over the Xti. Pros: * Bigger screen is great for viewing your results and checking the settings. * Seeing the ISO in the viewfinder is wonderful! In the past Id messed up shots because Id left it set wrong, but no longer. * The viewfinder seems brighter and easier to view (havent used in low light yet). * New Auto ISO makes getting quick shots in changing light easier, though Ill manually set it for shots when I had time to check all my settings. * Digital noise seems to be slightly reduced than the Xti. * Battery life is *excellent*. Ive only charged it once so far. * Even though the Live View focusing is a little funky, it works pretty well. I can definitely see using it for night shots when the viewfinder is too dark (or maybe it wont be anymore?). Nice touch that you can display a 3x3 grid on the screen for composition. For auto-focusing, I prefer the Quick Focus mode, which blanks out the Live View while youre holding down the * button and the focusing is happening, but its definitely usable. The other auto-focus mode (Live Mode) takes so long that I wont use it. Manual focusing is made much easier since theyve added the ability to zoom in 10x in Live View, which is *wonderful*. Id missed that feature when I moved up from my Panasonic FZ30, which had it. * I like having the new spot metering for night shots. * I *really* like the new "My Menu" where you can select your favorite 6 menu options and they show up first, which means less digging through menus. Cons: * Highlight Tone Priority feature eliminates the ISO 100 option, which means you can get a little more digital noise. And you can still get blown out highlights. Maybe Im not using it right or expecting too much? * Buttons on the back of the camera are more recessed than the Xti, making it less-obvious when youre trying to hit the right one w/o looking. Its also *really* crowded back there! Tough having fat fingers! Neither pro nor con: * RAW files are much bigger than in the Xti, many around 14MB, which means you get fewer shots per memory card (135 RAWs on a 2GB card, vs 197 on the same sized card in my Xti). I expected a little increase from the increased resolution, but didnt count on the increase in the A/D bits from 12 to 14 to increase things too. This also makes file transfers and loading into image editing software slower, and I think Ill need a bigger hard drive soon! * When reviewing photos, you can hit the Disp button to see more shot details. Hit it once to just add that the storage format and picture count, which I *dont* think is worth its own step. Hit the Disp button again to see the brightness histogram. Hit it once more to see the luminescence histogram plus 3 small histograms for Red, Green and Blue. Personally I dont have use for this last mode (or the second), so wish there was a Custom Function to disable them. * High ISO noise reduction - another feature Ive turned off in Custom Functions. Better to do advanced noise reduction on the computer. Plus is slows down the continuous shooting mode to about 1.5 shots per second! Ugh. All in all the XSi is a really nice pro-sumer camera that lets you get down and dirty with details when you want but can also rip off quick shots w/o thinking about every little setting.

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I should preface that I have been exposed to point-and-shoots my entire life, so I am a very fresh amateur when it comes to SLRs. I have found it incredibly beneficial to educate myself before my purchase of the XSi about what SLR cameras are, how they function on a basic level, precisely how they differ from point-and-shoots, and what I can expect to achieve from my new camera. People who do not at least touch on these topics before their submersion into the world of SLRs will find the acclimation much more difficult, if not intolerable (as some very mislaid one-star reviews illustrate). My XSi has helped me reach untapped creative potential that I hadnt deeply considered before. I am an artist, a painter, and my primary reasons for getting an XSi teeter between photographing my paintings for my personal records and for sale on the Internet as well as for my introduction into the realm of artistic, fine art photography. In my first few weeks of use, I can say unequivocally, and rather giddily, that the XSi achieves my hopes and quite a bit more. My first reason for upgrading to the XSi, and to an SLR in general, is image quality. I simply wasnt content with the grain, blur, and poor coloring that most point-and-shoots afford. Aside from using my camera for normal, everyday portrait, indoor, and vacation shots, I also wish to use it professionally, to photograph my artwork and to take artistic photographs. Clarity and integrity of the image are enormously welcomed with the former, average tasks and absolutely essential in the latter, more artistically focused ones. The XSi allows me to achieve crispness, faithfulness with colors, and -- THANK GOODNESS -- far less, or absolutely no, grain in my images when shooting indoors. I am as happy as a bird with a French fry. I have to urge that practice makes perfect for an SLR beginner. There are a plethora of settings, terminology, and camera hardware that require education to comprehend and perfect. I am new, I am learning, and I am enjoying the process of unlocking the powers of my XSi camera. I imagine it will be some time before I can consider myself rather well informed about what the camera can achieve, but even out of the box and into my amateur arms, the camera takes spectacular photographs! As extremely complex machines go, this camera is insanely easy to navigate and control. The buttons on the camera itself are perfectly placed, and the menus on the large LCD screen are just as easy to maneuver. I am thoroughly impressed with the ease of use. I have zero complaints. One would do well to browse the web for information about the features and functions of the Canon XSi before the camera even arrives. I spent a few hours reading and watching some very helpful videos on sites like YouTube to familiarize myself with the capabilities of the camera before the box arrived at my door. I can tell you without doubt that the information I learned before I laid eyes on my camera helped tremendously. I knew what buttons to push as soon as I had my hands on it! More specifically, I have no complaints about any elements that came with the camera. The kit lens is superb - and that truly may be the only lens you ever need. I did purchase the f1.8 II 50mm Canon lens at the same time I purchased the camera on Amazon, simply because I was so impressed with the customer photographs that had been uploaded as examples. The clarity achieved with the XSi kit lens is stellar, but I think the 50mm lens is a beautiful accessory to treat yourself to... it takes unique images that can only be achieve with that particular lens. I also purchased an extra Canon battery so that I never have any camera downtime spent charging. The extra battery was a pricey $50 more, but I have already enjoyed the ease of having two batteries a great deal since owning my camera... well worth the money. I also purchased cheap filters to fit the kit lens of the XSi and I have already noticed higher color saturation in certain instances when using a polarizing filter. Its great fun to experiment! Out of doors and indoors, the XSi performs masterfully. In low light and in high light, the XSi performs masterfully. I am a student with very little discretionary funding, so I had reservations about spending so much on a camera. I havent looked back since getting my silver XSi, and theres simply no hint of buyers remorse here. Put plainly: you get what you pay for here and I wager even a bit more. I am in passionate love. Buy her. Now.

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As a parent of two rapidly growing children, I was getting frustrated with my point and shoot cameras slow shutter lag; causing me to miss those never-to-be-seen-again picture moments. So I decided to get myself an entry level DSLR. After talking with friends, researching the internet and a recent Consumers Report review of DSLRs, I decided that the XSi was just the camera to get me started. I have been truly amazed at the quality of the pictures I have been taking using its automatic settings. Fast Shutter Speed and Continuous shooting almost guarantees I will never miss memorable moments again. Battery life is really impressive as Ive taken hundreds of pictures on one charge. Even though I am still experimenting with all the automatic and manual settings, the included manual really helps in explaining all the settings and how to use them. For a novice like myself, the information provided is clear and easy to understand. The included lens features Auto-Focus and Image Stabilization and is pretty decent for a starter lens. Interchangeable lenses make these DSLRs very versatile in any shooting condition. Now my review is not as detailed as others have posted here because Im nowhere near a skilled photographer, but I hope to help others who are thinking about getting into DSLR picture taking like I have. I am really enjoying this cameras features and abilities. Its very easy to use on its basic automatic settings and even more fun playing with its manual ones. If your looking for the perfect camera to start off, please give this one a chance. You wont find a better starter kit than whats being offered at this price range.

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I purchased the Canon Rebel XSi about a month ago after much deliberation about when to buy and which Rebel model to select. I decided on a Canon for two reasons. I own a 35mm Rebel Xs SLR (familiar) and Canon lenses. The lens is what really makes an SLR shine and there are a vast assortment of canon EF and EF-S lenses available. I particularly like the EF L series lenses which I plan to buy used as my budget allows. The XSi model allows me to take advantage of these lenses without going to a full frame DSLR or the more expensive APC D series cameras. At the time that I purchased I had four Rebel choices: Rebel XS, XSi, T1i or T2i. I was tempted toward the T2i but cautioned toward the XS or XSi models. The T1 and T2 cameras offer video at high def but neither can auto focus while recording video so until that improves it will not suite me. Ultimately I decided against these because of price and cost of ownership. These cameras are impressive but in order to edit the HD video you will need a computer that can handle the format and also be able to render HD video without taking up half a day. I already own a Standard Def Canon FS-10 camcorder that I have owned for about a year and have yet to fully exploit it. I ruled out the XS based on resolution, metering and the LCD screen all of which are much better in the XSi. The XSi is a superb camera and with an L lens is awesome. I have the kit lens but have borrowed some higher quality EF L series lenses and the difference the lens makes is astounding. Ultimately if you must spend money buy a solid camera like the XSi and spend the bulk of your money on the lens. Happy with my XSi.

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I am an amateur photographer and have been shooting with various point & shoot digitals as well as the old 35mm SLRs (several Canons were in the two above categories). This is my first dSLR and wasnt sure exactly what to expect. The camera feels good (I have small hands, Ive seen some complaints about the feel of the camera, so thought Id mention it in case it makes a difference). It took very good photos right out of the box, but now that I am learning how to access all the options it can take quite breathtaking photos. I was extremely happy to learn my old SLR lenses would fit on this camera so I have a wide range of options for shooting, from macro to telephoto. (Good thing too, because quality lenses are expensive.) The lens in the kit was not overwhelmingly impressive but it does very well with macro (I also screwed on a 10X magnification glass on it) but Im sure for the beginner it would work in many different situations and more than good enough to use while saving up for better lenses. This camera handled action photos well. I have several small children who are always moving and Ive gotten some very interesting shots of them in motion. Also when doing a portrait, the bokeh on this camera is very nice. Its very simple to download the images into either one of my computers (desktop or laptop). I havent played with their software too much so I really cannot comment on that yet. I am very happy they included a program for their RAW images, though. I skipped over reading the entire manual and instead refer to Ben Longs The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi/450D Companion . I also really like that on timer mode you can take up to 10 pictures instead of just one, which is great for family shots ... you get 10 chances to get one where everyones got their eyes open. lol The life on the battery that came with it is long lived. I also splurged for a couple of extra batteries so Im not in a situation where Ill miss some great shots because my battery died. (This kit also came with a battery charger.) HIGHLY recommend this camera, I just love it.

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This is an excellent digital SLR oveall, and (almost) everything positive that others have written about it is correct in my opinion. The controls are intuitive, and after a little practice you can use them without having to take your eye off the viewfinder - the ISO control, the exposure compensation, the viewfinder is familiar to any Canon SLR user, etc... The grip is comfortable, and provides good grip. The LCD panel is bright, and displays all relevant information in a readable, usable manner. The mode dial allows you to switch on the camera with a gentle flick to the wheel, and the camera itself switches on almost instantaneously. The battery, when fully charged, can take almost a thousand shots before requiring a recharge. Even when using the flash, I was able to take more than a hundred shots before the indicator dipped to the low marker. Since this camera can accept both regular and EF-S lenses, there is a white marker on the body for aligning the EF-S lenses when mounting them on the body, and a red marker for the regular lenses. Nice! The negatives, in my opinion: - Flash photography results, especially indoors, and with the built-in flash, are not too good. You will have to experiment a lot to get acceptably good results. This may be an issue with most cameras when using the built-in flash, and you may need to go in for an external flash. So this is not necessarily a negative against the Canon XSi, but more an issue with most cameras I think. - The tripod socket at the bottom has the cameras serial number next to it. So, after screwing and un-screwing the tripod head a few times to the camera body, you are very likely to end up scratching off the serial number completely. Also, you will need to swivel the tripod head to open the battery cover. This is also bad for the serial number sticker. This may not matter much, unless you need to get the camera repaired. Bummer. In any case, this is not optimal design. - If you switch on the "Long Exposure Noise Reduction" custom setting on, it can take 5, 10 seconds or longer before you are able to take another photo. So be aware of that. This depends on the length of the exposure itself. For 30 second exposures, this post-processing can take almost as long. - The exposure compensation indicator still does not go beyond showing 2 f-stops in either direction. This is supposed to be on account of a patent issue, but it still reduces usability somewhat. On the whole, an excellent camera, but not without its flaws.

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