For stunning photography with point and shoot ease, look no further than Canons EOS Rebel XSi. The EOS Rebel XSi brings staggering technological innovation to the masses. It features Canons EOS Integrated Cleaning System, Live View Function, a powerful DIGIC III Image Processor, plus a new 12.2-megapixel CMOS sensor and is available in a kit with the new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens with Optical Image Stabilizer. The EOS Rebel XSis refined, ergonomic design includes a new 3.0-inch LCD monitor, compatibility with SD and SDHC memory cards and new accessories that enhance every aspect of the photographic experience.New Canon 12.2-megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC III image processor Canon's CMOS (complementary metal oxide semiconductor) sensor captures images with exceptional clarity and tonal range, and offers the most pixels in its class. It offers many of the same new technologies to maximize each pixel's light gathering efficiency that were first seen with the professional EOS-1D Mark III model. It's an APS-C size sensor (22.2 x 14.8mm), and there's an effective 1.6x increase in the lenss marked focal length when attached. Canons DIGIC III Image Processor dramatically enhances image quality and speeds up all camera operations for intuitive operation. It works in concert with the EOS Rebel XSis sensor to achieve unprecedented levels of performance in all lighting situations. ....read more
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5 out of 5



{ 13 comments… read them below or add one }
did not buy
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
I checked this camera out in the store first and found that the image was really bad when i tried to focus. I too had problems with auto focus and the picture quality in the view finder was bad and it was noisy when i tried to focus up close and it jumped around when i aimed it across the aisle. I did not like what I saw in the store and now that I read these reviews i know that it wan’t just because it was a display camera. My picture quality is much nicer on my old camera which I shall keep since I have not had any problems with it which is a kodak. I am by no means an expert photographer, but I am not a amateur either somewhere intermediate i would like to think. So maybe someday I will upgrade my camera till then I will not be buying this camera.
Bad Image Quality
Rating:1 out of 5 stars
For a long time I refrained from writing this review, believing that probably I was to blame for the subpar image quality (out of focus) pictures I was getting. But my conclusion is that it was not me. It was the camera.
I had such a great experience with the Canon S2IS that I was ready to move up to my first DSLR camera, and what better than the same brand. I enthusiastically ordered the Xsi with the supplied kit lens. I soon realized that no matter which focus setting I used, many pictures, both indoor and outdoor, were slightly out of focus, and slightly underexposed. I took side-by-side pictures together with my S2IS, and was shocked to see that the older, 5 MP camera took pictures much, much better than the Xsi.
I wrote to Canon customer service, and they blamed it on the “kit” lens. They suggested I buy a lens with a wider aperture (which was about $1,000, so I thought, “You’re kidding”). I did not buy the lens, but I did buy an external flash ($350), and the image quality was just the same. I was so disgusted with the situation that I basically stopped using the camera, and continued using the old one instead.
After some time, I really gave up on the camera and decided to return it, together with the flash. Fortunately, Amazon has fantastic customer sevice, and everything worked out without a problem.
In conclusion, my camera definitely had focus problems. These focus problems caused the pictures to be improperly exposed, and the flash strength to be slightly inexact, all contributing to bad image quality. For me, my Xsi’s 12 MP sensor and all its other features were worthless if the image quality was lower than that of my 5 MP camera. I am now hesitant to buy another Canon camera, afraid of a repeat of this.
One star for the camera, and five stars for Amazon’s customer service.
Great pictures but disappointed in the live view mode
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I use my camera for taking pictures of our one year old mostly. It is a great camera for small children because it can take a picture so fast you don’t miss out on a good smile. I am disappionted in the live view mode. It is very hard to use and you can not use it in the auto modes. They don’t tell you that up front. If you want to take pictures mostly with your LCD screen in live mode this is not the camera for you. If you enjoy using the view finder this is a great camera for the price.
Perfect First DSLR
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I purchased this camera for my fiancee because she has always liked taking pictures of flowers and plants. I read many reviews before I decided on this camera, and I must say that I think I made the right choice. The camera takes the best close up shots I’ve ever seen, even compared to other DSLRs that I’ve had experience with. For the first time user, the full auto mode is perfect to use until you get time to read the manual and understand how to use the more advanced functions. The biggest problems posted by other users seemed to be the noise the camera makes and the weight of the camera. I haven’t noticed a problem with either. If you are thinking about trying out a DSLR for the first time, I strongly recommend this camera.
By far the best dslr
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Great CAmera !! EAsier to use than the T1…Love it…got it for my bro…he loves it
i REALLY LIKE THIS BACK UP CAMERA!
Rating:4 out of 5 stars
I LIKE MY NIKON D 90 THE BEST BUT I HAVE ONLY THE 18-105 MM AND A 100-500 MM LENS. I AM 76 YEARS OLD AND HANDI-CAPPED AND DON’T GET TO WALK TOO MUCH SO I FIND THE CANNON XSI HANDI TO GRAB WHEN WE HEAD OUT THE DOOR. SOMEDAY, IF I LIVE LONG ENOUGH I WOULD LIKE A 105 MM MICRO LENS. THIS CAMERA, THE CANNON W/55-250MM LENS IS GREAT FOR QUICK SHOTS OF WILD TURKEY AND DEER WHICH ARE IN ABUNDANCE HERE DOWNEAST MAINE.I ALSO DO A LOT OF SHOOTING OF THE MAINE COASTLINE WHICH IS SOME 3500 MILES LONG. THE CANNON IS A GREAT STARTING CAMERA FOR PEOPLE WHO ARE SWITCHING FROM POINT AND SHOOT CAMERAS. GOOD LUCK IN YOUR QUEST FOR GREAT PICTURES.
BOB FROM DOWNEAST. [...]
Love my Rebel xsi!
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This is my first digital SLR. Long time ago I had a regular SLR and a strong photography hobby. For the past 10 years I have used various digital point and shoot cameras. Loved digital photography, computer editing, no wasted film, etc, but was not really inspired. I sure am NOW! My camera came (as of this writing) two days ago. I love everything about it. I have small hands and it is easy to hold this camera. Heavier by far than what I have been used to, but I ADORE it. A VIEW FINDER! Goodbye little screens I can’t see in daylight. Hello nose smudges on the screen (lol.)
Canon Digital Rebel XSi
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
Having owned two Canon Rebels previously (SLR and DSLR) I find the XSi to follow in their footsteps quite nicely. Familiarity with an proven model helps when evaluating a newer version and I find the XSi to be just as versatile and easy to use with great results as my other Canons. I am very pleased with this latest addition.
best bang for the buck IMHO
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
IMHO this is probably the best bang-for-the-buck consumer grade DSLR. Some folks complain about the image quality, but there are plenty of articles on the Internet telling you why looking at a digital photo at 100% zoom is not a sensible thing to do.
Compare to XS, this one gives you 2M more pixels, 2 more AF points, and an insignificantly faster drive speed (3.5fps vs 3). If you don’t think of these as important, then you should go with an XS to save about $100.
T1i is more expensive, and for the extra $200, it gives you 3M more pixels, 3 higher ISO settings, video capture feature, but an even-more-insignificantly slower drive speed. If you have the money, go for it. but for me, I intend to use a DSLR as a DSLR for normal light-condition photo-shooting, so 3 more higher ISO settings and video capture feature don’t mean nothing at all. 3M more pixels may be good, but 12MP is more than enough for me because I usually look at pictures on my monitor and rarely print them (even more rare to make large prints), so they will always be scaled down.
Excellent camera
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
This is my first DSLR and I am extremely happy with my purchase. I did a lot of research and had narrowed it down to the Rebel xsi and the Sony A330. I ultimately went with the Rebel because its shooting speed (fps), my comfort level with Canon cameras (my point and shoot was a Canon), and because of Canon’s excellent reputation.
What I like most about this camera is how easy it is to operate in manual mode. Being able to adjust the auto-focus selection manually is awesome. A nice bonus is the large LCD screen (larger than the Rebel xs). It was important to me have a quality live view and this does not disappoint…although I thought I would utilize this function more, but actually prefer to use the viewfinder (mainly for the auto-focus points that are only visible in the viewfinder).
I cannot say enough positive things about the Rebel xsi.
Canon Rebel Xsi a camera for the serious enthusiast who knows how to shoot
Rating:5 out of 5 stars
I have owned the Canon Rebel Xsi now for almost two and half years. This has been by far one of the best camera’s I have ever owned. This review is for those who are serious about shooting and will use the camera on a near-daily basis.
I got started in photography by taking a required art class in college at the University of Mobile. Since I cannot draw, paint, or sculpt , the logical choice for me was photography. While taking the photography 101 class I used my room mates Canon film camera that is over thirty years old. Oh, and I got an “A+” in the class. Yeah who cares right, yes I know I am just saying.
While shopping for my next serious camera I decided to go with Canon for several reason’s. There are more professional photographer’s who use CANON camera’s than any other brand combined. I was first trained and taught on a CANON film camera. CANON offer’s more lens to choose from than any other brand. You can use any kind of CANON lens you so desire. The best part is that the sensor buried deep inside of the camera is NOT a full-frame sensor. Unless you are a photographer shooting for an ad agency that puts up billboard signs you will most likely never need a full-frame sensor. It gets even better. Because the Xsi is not a full-frame sensor you are getting a .6 of a zoom in. This means that you are getting at least an extra half times zoom free just for buying a 1.6 size sensor!
Initially, I bought the Xsi because of the price and features offered. I am not going go into every feature, just what was and still is important to me. I really liked the huge 3 inch display on the back of the camera. The display in terms of color quality really is just that good. I initally bought the camera so I could see my settings on manual on the display screen. However I have recently been shooting so many concerts and events that happen at night that it is easier to just look through the viewfinder.
I have small fingers and I like how all of the buttons are on the right side of the body on the back of the camera. Keep in mind the back of the camera is where you will see most if not all of your buttons and functions. All of the buttons are easy to find in the dark and become second-nature should you invest the time to find the appropriate button and learn how to adjust settings on-the-fly. Ideally as a photographer you should be able to adjust all of your settings in the dark (school plays, concerts, firework displays)
Most of the professional series camera’s have CF cards that hold all of the shots on the camera. I really like how the Xsi uses SD cards. I have found unless you are shooting high-speed photography (airshow, sports, etc.) a class 2 (known as classII) SD cards will always get the job done. However, if you shoot weddings, basketball games, soccer, hockey, concerts, airshows, etc.; you will most likely want to spring a little extra money for the Class III SD cards. Is it worth the money? In a word if you shoot all the time, yes by all means. I have taken my SD cards swimming in the ocean by accident and even forgot to remove said SD card from my shorts before drying a load of clothes! SD cards can take a beating and still perform flawlessly.
I have really become enamored with the menu button switch on the back of the camera. With this button I can select the file quality, AEB, Flash exposure, picture style, format cards, custom settings, etc.
The AEB stands for Automatic Exposure Bracketing. If you are in love with HDR photography , you can hit the AEB button, tell the camera how far apart you would like to set the exposure(s), and press the shutter once for 3 different shots taken without having to do any of the work. In other words, you press the shutter and 3 different shots are taken for you.
If you are still reading my review the file quality is there in case you need it. Serious photographers shoot in RAW and use Lightroom or photoshop to convert the images over to JPEG for saving to a PC and printing at a lab. The advantage with RAW is that RAW gives you way more control over the shot you took. In other words, let’s say you took a shot and the flash did not go off. You can used RAW to pull more information about that image to bring out the natural lighting and color all in this same shot!
What’s nice about this feature is if you need to dump tons of photo’s onto someone’s PC you do not need to convert the files!
White Balance is your ability to set the true color in any environment. Very few churches look the same on the inside. Likewise there are places that have crazy color’s. An example are children’s rooms, rooms that are completely covered with wood paneling, places where it is very dark, brightly colored rooms in orange, pink, purple and of course red. Whith white balance I can use a sheet of typing paper, lally cap, or a white balance card. All I have to do is press the “WB” button take my white balance photo and we are done.
P stands for program. So, you do not want to shoot in auto because auto is for idiots right? Use P for professional.
Tv stands for time value. If you are shooting with a flash indoors at a wedding birthday party, etc use Tv at a setting of 1/125 of a second. If you are shooting in very low light you would use 1/13th of a second.
Aperture Priority is for the experts. No need to explain.
M for manual use for concert studio photography. This is also for those who are hard-core shooters.
The Xsi can be remotely fired with a remote for group shots (with yourself in it). The remote is $30 and is not a bad investment. You can use a small 5-6 foot cord to prevent shutter shake if your camera is placed on a tripod. The Xsi also has a several settings for a timer with a flashing light on the front to indicate time left before flash goes off. The mount for a tripod on this camera is just outstanding I have never had any issues with it.
ISO button can be slightly hard to reach but, I have found you will never need to see where it is located. It will almost always be bright enough for you to see. The ISO button has saved my behind so many times it is not even funny. ISO button is always of great importance when selecting a camera.
OK have you ever noticed how some of the pop-up flash(es) out there are really weak? Well with the Xsi you can dial up or down just how much power (light) the flash puts out. If you are shooting a wedding or some other high-profile event, the external flash can be controlled through your lens and your camera. This feature is called E-TTL II. It stands for electronic Through The Lens Light meter! Your sensor tells the flash when to go off how bright, flash duration, etc. In fact you can simply use the flash and forget that it’s there; it simply works automatically. I have found with CANON flash systems however I like to set my flash exposure at 1 F stop greater than zero.
Now for the review of the 18-55mm AF IS lens. People who tells me this lens is a piece of garbage have no clue as to what garbage is. I am not sure what the fascination with zoom lens is. I mean it is totally ridiculous. If I am shooting a ballet or a wedding I can expect a minimum of 4 or 5 people to ask me how well a 70-200mm lens works. If I am shooting an airshow and I am using a 100-400mm lens I can expect at least 10 or more people to ask how well the lens works. It’s kind of annoying to have people distract you while you are shooting.
Getting back to the 18-55mm lens this is the lens to use for architecture, night scenes, fireworks, family photo’s, landscape, vacations, etc. Just because there is very little zoom does not mean this lens sucks. It is great for which it is intended. If you wish to have greater zoom simply buy a lens that has greater zoom built in. A 17-85 IS AF lens is a great example and it is relatively cheaper than say a 24-105mm lens.
In a word will buying this camera make you a better photographer no! No camera out there can do that for you! Is this a great entry level camera to use? Heck Yeah! I did not mention the Live View function for good reason, it sucks. Live view is a useless feature that is useless on nearly every camera out there. While your friends are setting up their shots with their fancy ‘lil purse pocket camera’s you are long done with the shot.
The only thing I do not like about this camera is the body is made of plastic and it does not have movie mode. But, the newer CANON camera’s are equipped with this feature.
If you would like to see high-quality shots please visit my [...] site at [...]
Believe it or not the rules of photography have not changed, they have become even more important than ever before.
Should i buy Canon Digital Rebel Xsi ,i’m kinda confused.Is it worth to buy ?
Canon Digital Rebel Xsi´s last blog ..Prices
This Canon digital camera is enticing with its stylish design and its powerful features. The 12.2 mega pixel camera speaks the extreme resolution capabilities of this camera and I wish that; zooming, charging and memory features would to be too good too. Thanks for your views !