The Canon Digital Rebel XSi

By Bram P

In 2008 Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, has introduced a predecessor of  Canon Digital Rebel XT, that is Canon Digital Rebel XSi or EOS 450D. Canon Digital Rebel series is a premium Canon’s entry level digital Single Lens Reflex (SLR) camera. Canon Digital Rebel XSi is a camera for stunning photography with point-and-shoot ease and brings staggering technological innovation to the masses.

Key features

Though similar in concept to the Digital Rebel XTi, the Digital Rebel XSi has a higher pixel count sensor (12 Mega pixel vs. 10 Mega pixel) and a larger and brighter LCD display (3″ vs. 2.5″) and a longer lasting battery.

Here are the lists of improvements over earlier models:

• ‘Live Mode’ contrast-detection AF function capability that allows the camera to focus automatically during Live View without lowering the reflex mirror.

• Highlight Tone Priority and High-ISO Noise Reduction, which is first introduced in 2007 with the EOS-1D Mark III Professional Digital SLR.

• 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.

• High-performance digital SLR with 12.2 Mega pixel CMOS Sensor and DiGiC III Image Processor, which allows 14-bit analog-to-digital image processing, as well as capture of 14-bit RAW files. This promises smoother, more flexible tone curves.

• An Auto Optimization capability, available in all shooting modes, including P, Tv, Av, and Manual, can lighten dark areas in your image while ensuring that bright areas maintain full detail.

• The Canon Digital Rebel XSi is available in black or silver body colors and entry-level digital SLR photographers have never had it so good.

• The advanced Canon EOS Integrated Cleaning System removes dust from the sensor using ultrasonic vibrations and a special collar around the sensor collects dust loosened by the cleaning system This self cleaning mode works automatically when the camera is powered on or off – or it can be manually activated.

• The Digital Rebel XSi utilizes Canon’s new high-capacity 1080 mAh LP-E5 lithium ion battery pack, which provides 50% more exposures per charge than earlier models.

• The Canon Digital Rebel XSi is the first Digital Rebel to use Secure Digital High Capacity (SDHC) memory cards for image storage rather than Compact Flash (CF) cards, which have the advantage of being smaller and having a more robust connector using sliding contacts rather than pins (which can bend or break).

In the box

• The Canon Digital Rebel XSi Kit comes with the following items in the box:

• Canon Digital Rebel XSi digital SLR camera body

• EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens

• Body cap

• Lens caps (front and back)

• Neck strap

• Eye cup

• LP-E5 battery pack and charger

• Video cable

• USB cable

• Software CD

• Instruction manuals and registration information

Pros

• 3.0-inch LCD with a wide viewing angle for better image sharing and focus check

• Zoom in five or ten times with Live View

• Live View mode offers a choice between phase-detect and contrast-detect modes

• Excellent 12.2 mega pixel sensor with impressively low noise and superb detail

• IR detection turns off LCD to reduce glare and battery drain

• Print/Share button enables quick and easy printing and image transfer

• Auto white balance handles most situations very well

• Print quality is excellent, making sharp 16×20-inch prints

• Integrated status display conveys a lot of information

• Fast image transfer eliminates the need for a card reader

• Compatible with all Canon lenses in the EF and EF-S lineup.

Cons

• In Live View Quick AF mode, camera does not tell you which AF points are in focus

• Flash coverage is uneven, falling off in the corners

• Indoor white balance is a quite orange

• Battery capacity is reduced with significant use of Live View mode, the larger screen, and dust off system

• ISO range is not as broad as higher-end offerings

• AF-assist adjustment and Flash Exposure compensation are buried in the Flash Settings menu.

Benchmark test

(source: reviews.cnet.com)

• Shooting speed (in seconds)

(Shorter bars indicate better performance)

• Typical continuous-shooting speed (in frames per second)

(Longer bars indicate better performance)

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