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Canon Digital Rebel XSI SLR Camera Kit

Canon XSi

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Key Features of the Canon XSi :

New Features in Canon Digital Rebel XSi (Compared to XTi)

  • 12 megapixel CMOS sensor.
  • Uses SD/SDHC Card. This is a change from previous models which use Compact Flash Cards.
  • Larger viewfinder, provides a better and comfortable view while composing pictures.
  • "Live View" mode, which displays a live view of the shot on the large 3" LCD before the shutter is pressed.
  • Spot Metering, allows the photographer to take high contrast shots while in manual mode.
  • Multi-shot self timer mode, allows multiple shots in a row without pressing the shutter button again, useful in group shots.
  • Large 3" LCD which is also used for displaying camera settings.
  • Auto-lighting optimizer function which corrects photo contrast and brightness after the shot is taken.
  • High ISO Noise reduction.
  • Improved 9 Point AF System.
  • Revised User interface with 4 different schemes available.
  • ISO settings now displayed in the viewfinder.
  • New battery grip.
     
 Canon redefines the "pro-ness" of the DSLR category with the introduction of the new 12.2-megapixel EOS Rebel XSi camera. Incorporating a number of high-end functions and technology found in Canon's professional SLR models, the EOS Rebel XSi camera boasts an improved autofocus sensor, enhanced 14-bit A/D conversion, an advanced Live View function, and the proprietary DIGIC III image processor. When paired with any of the more than 60 compatible Canon EF and EF-S lenses, including optically image stabilized EF-S lenses like the EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, the EOS Rebel XSi DSLR delivers images that will delight and inspire family and friends at an entry level price tag.

Canon EOS Rebel XSi Highlights

Luxury feel and function At first glance, one notices the Rebel XSi's large, 3-inch LCD monitor, enhanced from the 2.5-inch screen on the Digital Rebel XTi model. The larger 230,000 pixel screen makes it easier for users to review images and scroll through the Rebel XSi camera's menus. The larger-sized display provides the ability to use a larger font size for menu text, making it easier than ever to read settings and options. The new screen also features a broadened color gamut, seven brightness settings for easy viewing under a variety of shooting conditions and a wide viewing perspective in all directions.

The EOS Rebel XSi camera features a substantial yet streamlined profile, with curved edges, contoured surfaces, conveniently placed controls and comfortably constructed rubber grip and thumb rest that all contribute to fatigue-reducing hand fit. The camera body is constructed of a rugged yet lightweight combination of stainless steel and polycarbonate embedded with glass fiber. The chassis exterior is enrobed in a durable ABS and Polycarbonate resin and offered in a choice of silver or black finishes.

Improved image quality At the heart of the new EOS Rebel XSi is its newly designed 12.2-megapixel APS-C size Canon CMOS sensor. This new sensor employs large microlenses over each pixel to reduce noise and enhance sensitivity up to ISO 1600, which is ideal for high-quality images in low light. The APS-C size sensor retains a 1.6x focal length conversion factor compared to full-frame digital image sensors or 35mm film format cameras.

Another image quality enhancement is the upgrade of the Analog-to-Digital (A/D) conversion process to a 14-bit A/D processor. The inclusion of the 14-bit A/D process means the Rebel XSi camera records up to 16,384 colors per channel and allows the camera to produce images with finer and more accurate gradations of tones and colors. This is ideal for shooting outdoors where subtle hue changes in sky, water or foliage can really add to an image.

The Canon EOS Rebel XSi DSLR also incorporates the optional Highlight Tone Priority and High-ISO Noise Reduction functions first introduced in 2007 with the EOS-1D Mark III Professional Digital SLR and now available for the first time in an entry level Canon digital SLR camera. Additionally, the new camera is equipped with Canon's Auto Lighting Optimizer technology, which corrects image brightness and contrast automatically. Introduced last year in the EOS 40D camera, this valuable optional feature now works in all exposure modes and utilizes Face Detection technology to prevent underexposure with backlit faces.

DIGIC III image processor If the 12.2-megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor is the heart of the camera, then Canon's DIGIC III processor is the brain. The latest generation of Canon's proprietary image processing engine, DIGIC III technology ensures that the fine details and natural colors of the images are optimally recorded. The DIGIC III processor also manages the camera's efficient energy consumption and high-speed signal processing performance. The EOS Rebel XSi is the first model in the Rebel series to incorporate DIGIC III.

Enhanced Live View Introduced in 2007 on the EOS-1D Mark III DSLR, this function makes its debut in an entry level Canon DSLR with the EOS Rebel XSi camera. Live View allows users to frame shots through the LCD screen rather than the viewfinder. Going beyond the manual focus and phase-detection AF capabilities of earlier EOS models with Live View, the EOS Rebel XSi camera adds a new "Live Mode" contrast-detection AF function that allows the camera to focus automatically during Live View without lowering the reflex mirror.

Improved Autofocus and framing rate The EOS Rebel XSi Digital SLR utilizes a precise nine-point Autofocus (AF) system featuring a newly-developed AF sensor that improves the camera's subject detection capabilities compared to earlier models. The new Rebel XSi DSLR provides a cross-type AF measurement at the center that's effective with all EF and EF-S lenses, while providing enhanced precision with lenses having maximum apertures of f/2.8 or faster. The cross-type AF measurement reads a wider variety of subject matter than conventional single-axis AF sensors and thus increases the new camera's ability to autofocus quickly and accurately. The EOS Rebel XSi is also the fastest firing Rebel model to date, capable of continuously capturing 3.5 frames per second for bursts of up to 45 images in large/fine JPEG mode and 6 frames in RAW mode. The faster frame rates and finer focusing capabilities of the Rebel XSi together with its impressive image burst rate will help photo enthusiasts preserve family milestones or capture split-second sports action at just the right moment.

EOS Integrated Cleaning system The new Rebel XSi DSLR utilizes Canon's EOS Integrated Cleaning system, first introduced on the EOS Rebel XTi camera. The camera's Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit shakes dust particles off of the low-pass filter in front of the sensor. The dust is then trapped by an adhesive along the base, preventing it from causing further nuisance. Cleaning is engaged each time the camera is powered up or shut down or manually through the "clean now" function.

The second part of the cleaning system involves post-processing with a compatible personal computer and the supplied Digital Photo Professional software. Here the camera maps any spots that may remain on the sensor, saving it as Dust Delete Data and subsequently subtracting dust spots from the final image during post processing. A third option includes a manual sensor cleaning function which raises the mirror and allows users to clean dust that may have stuck to the low-pass filter.

Back to the Basics In keeping with its EOS system heritage, the new Canon EOS Rebel XSi camera is equipped with a host of useful creative controls, including shutter speeds ranging from 1/4000 sec. to 30 sec. plus Bulb, a choice of four metering patterns including 4-percent spot metering (another first for the Rebel series), a wide range of exposure modes from fully automatic to fully manual, depth of field preview, mirror lock and much more. The new camera is fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses, as well as EX-series Speedlites, an optional Battery Grip, and remote control and viewfinder accessories.

A departure from previous EOS Digital Rebel models, which accommodated CF type memory cards, the new EOS Rebel XSi camera utilizes SD and SDHC memory cards including those with capacities higher than 2GB, making it the perfect upgrade for users already equipped with SD cards from point-and-shoot model cameras. Additionally, the EOS Rebel XSi camera utilizes Canon's new high-capacity LP-E5 lithium ion battery pack, which provides 50 percent more exposures per charge than earlier models with virtually no increase in size or weight.

What's in the Box

Canon Rebel XSi camera, rechargeable battery pack and charger, USB and video cables, a neckstrap, an EOS Solutions Disk CD, and a 1-year Canon U.S.A., Inc. limited warranty



Canon XSi Photo Samples

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These are actual photos taken with Canon XSi.
Photos courtesy of Flickr and belong to respective users. To view a larger image click on thumbnail.

Compare Canon XSi with similar cameras
Name: Canon Digital Rebel XTi Nikon D40X Canon XSi Canon Rebel XS
Megapixels: 10.1 10.0 12.2 10.1
Sensor Type: CMOS CCD CMOS CMOS
LCD Screen: 2.5 " 2.5 " 3.0" 2.5 "
ISO: 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 Auto, 100 - 1600 (plus 3200 with boost) 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
White balance Settings: 6 positions & manual preset 6 positions, plus manual preset 6 positions & manual preset 6 positions & manual preset
Max shutter: 1/4000 sec 1/4000 sec 1/4000 sec 1/4000 sec
Min shutter: 30 sec + Bulb 30 sec + Bulb 30 sec + Bulb 30 sec + Bulb
Focal length multiplier: 1.6 1.5 1.6 1.6
Viewfinder: TTL TTL Optical (95% coverage) Optical
Image stabilizer: No No No No
Weight (with batteries): 556 g (19.6 oz) 522 g (18.4 oz) 0.0 502 g (17.7 oz)
Lowest Price: $579.99 $609.95 $699.95 $656.42
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Canon XSi User Reviews

Avg. Rating
4.5
Out of 5
 This item is reviewed by 125 people so far.
Click here for complete reviews.

5
Out of 5
good midlevel digital camera
- Reviewd on: 2008-09-05 By: M. khoee
much better than the model it has replaced.2nd curtain flash is an advanced feature.live view can't be beat.
5
Out of 5
From Point and Shoot to SLR
- Reviewd on: 2008-09-04 By: Thomas N. Gilmore
I just received my Canon Rebel XSI after graduating from two Canon point and shoot models. It is quite a step for someone who likes to take radom family shots without any fussing with camera settings. I was impressed after reading the other reviews on this camera as it does allow a fully automatic option similar to the simplier line of cameras.

After experimenting with this camera for a couple of days, I have taken the leap and tried to manual shots using various settings. So far, it seems to be an easy camera to use in both manual and full auto settings.

I purchased the semi hard case to protect it while it is hanging from the neck strap which comes with the camera. I am now considering the purchase of a macro lens to take closeups of my new grand daughter. The kit lens that come with the camera does have the flexibility of zooming and image stabilization which would not be allowed with the new micro lens. I feel that after I get more used to the manual camera settings and how best to utilize them without a lot of hesitation, I will purchase the macro lens.

So far I can say after only two days of owning and playing around with this camera, I am very pleased with my decision. I almost purchased the XTI model and now am glad I spent only about $100 more to upgrade to the XSI as it has SD memory card, image stabilization and is 12 megapixal along with the 3" LCD display.

5
Out of 5
Awesome!
- Reviewd on: 2008-09-03 By: Sean Randall
Great camera for the beginner!! Probably good for the experienced - but I wouldn't know. It takes great pictures.
2
Out of 5
Still deliberating
- Reviewd on: 2008-09-03 By: P. Barton
So I would probably be giving it a 5 star review but unfortunately, right out of the box, I could not use any creative modes and change ISO, WB, or anything else. The camera would only work in auto modes and it wouldn't allow me to reset because when in creative modes (Aperture, Tv, Adep, Program, etc) I was not able to get the menu to show up when pushing menu button....It would only take a shot in creative modes if I switched to Manual focus and then I couldn't change anything but fstop or aperture...It was very frustrating to be on vacation and to not be able to use the camera beyond the basic point and shoot auto modes...I called Canon and they said that it needs to be serviced. I decided not to send it to Canon where they'd fix the existing camera and send it back in a week or two and to just have Amazon send me a new one since I JUST got this camera a week ago! I want it perfectly new and functional out of the box!
If I can get one that works right I'm sure I'd be giving it 5 stars...so when I get my replacement in I'll hopefully leave a better review!
4
Out of 5
Don't buy the body.....
- Reviewd on: 2008-09-03 By: J. CHEN
Buy the kit with EF-S 18-55mm IS lens instead. The new 18-55mm IS lens is a gem and the kit only costs $60 more. This lens is much improved from the last generation and is even optically better than the Canon 17-85mm IS lens that costs many times more. Even if you decide that the kit lens is not for you, you can resell it for much more than $60.
So why only four stars? Well, It seems that the latest Canon digital SLRs have a little bit of problem with dead pixels. Mine developed one after a few hundred of shots. Given that there are 12 million pixels, one dead pixel is very hard to see unless you really zoom it in. I mean this is like locating one red-head person from the Tokyo population. Nonetheless, it is annoying when you know that there is a dead pixel. Fortunately, Canon's manual sensor cleaning function also has a firmware program to detect and mask the deal pixels with information copied from an adjacent pixel. You just have to turn the camera into the manual sensor cleaning mode for enough time (30-60 seconds) for the program to checkout the whole pixel map. It fixed my dead pixel problem like a charm. That is why, only one star is taken away.