Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera—A Review

2010-01-25T09:02:00.000-08:00

Whether you are an amateur or a professional photographer, you deserve Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera --a camera that has a beautiful look, easy functionality and all the features that satisfy your photographic needs.

For stunning photography with point and shoot ease, look no further than Canon’s EOS Rebel XSi. It brings staggering technological innovation to the masses. Canon Digital Rebel XSi is an improvement over its predecessor Rebel XTi, which was no different from its earlier versions. Canon Digital Rebel XSi scores over its counterparts in performance and image quality in several ways.
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Technical Details

12.2-megapixel CMOS sensor captures enough detail for poster-size, photo-quality prints
Large 3.0-inch LCD display; includes Canon's EF-S 18-55mm, f3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens
DIGIC III image processor provides fast, accurate image processing; improved Autofocus and framing rate
EOS Integrated Cleaning system, plus Dust Delete Data Detection in included software
Stores images on SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
See more technical details

Features

Operational ease

Nearly all the buttons of the camera are located under the right hand side so it is easy to operate them with the right hand. Each button, moreover, is differently designed which allows the hand to feel it without actually looking for it.
‘My Menu’ function
XSi’s ‘My Menu’ is its biggest asset. It allows you to build up a list of frequently used settings.
Auto Optimization feature
Its Auto Optimization feature facilitates shooting in tricky lighting environment by brightening the darker areas of a scene without affecting the tonal details.
Speed
The camera beats its competitors in its shooting speed. It takes around 0.2 seconds from power to photo. It is the fastest shooting DSLR camera as it can snap 3.4 frames per second.
With its superb colour accuracy and dynamic range, the XSi delivers best quality noise free, highly detailed, edge-to-edge sharp photos.
12.2-megapixel APS-C Size CMOS sensor

Superior lens

Its 18-55 mm lens is much superior to some of Canon’s earlier cameras.
14-bit A/D converter
The camera is fitted with a 14-bit A/D converter, which creates pictures in smooth and detailed tones while changing from light to dark colours such as shooting the sky at sun set. It captures high quality raw images.
Live View feature
Its Live View Function allows you to view your subjects through a 3.o inch LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) monitor. You can easily magnify any part of the scene 5 or even 10 times for obtaining a precise focus.
XSi camera is equipped with a high precision 9-point Auto Focus sensor system. The Auto Focus system uses a number of focus modes including the Quick mode that can take photos even in dim light.
Auto Focus system
Automatic Focus feature is used for face recognition. This technology is used to focus on a particular face in a large group when a person is at a distance or when he moves into a frame. The camera remains focussed on the person even if he moves.
Integrated cleaning system
Professional photographers often need to work in dusty environment and have to change the lenses. The cleaning system integrated with the camera saves lots of time by cleaning the dust on the sensor surface by using ultrasonic vibration. The self cleaning system works automatically whenever the camera is switched on or off. There is a collar near the sensor that collects the dust so released.
Flip side
Since no camera is perfect, XSi has its own drawbacks.
The metering falters occasionally. It can become jumpy and gives unpredictable results.
It does not perform well under intensely bright lights.
The speed of the Contrast to detect the AF-Automatic Focus used for face recognition is slow.
It is slightly costlier than other cameras in this genre, but its assets compensate the high price.
Cheap Canon digital rebel xsi 12.2 mp digital slr camera Review

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Here are some of the pictures take with Canon Digital Rebel XSi

Excerpts from reviews of Canon Digital Rebel XSi in Amazon-with Pros and Cons

The EOS 450D feels like a mature product, it is capable of superb results (even if it's actually now good enough to reveal the limitations of the cheaper EF-S lenses) and it has a feature set that offers an excellent balance between beginner-friendly ease of use and the manual control / customization demanded by those wanting something a little more serious.

Pros

Superb resolution, good per-pixel sharpness (especially in raw files)
Good tonal response and dynamic range
Trademark Canon CMOS noise free images, remain detailed even at high sensitivities
Optional high ISO NR removes all chroma noise
Viewfinder bigger and brighter than predecessors
New features (live view, spot metering, MyMenu, Highlight Tone Priority, 14-bit raw) lift it above the typical 'entry level' and move closer to 40D territory
Improved continuous shooting, 3.5 fps and better buffering
Feels very fast and responsive in use
Good battery life
Compact, sharp stabilized kit lens (though it can't match the sensor's superb resolving capabilities) ISO indication in viewfinder (finally!)
Lots of external controls including new ISO button give instant access to commonly changed functions
Contrast-detect focus in live view (though see cons, below)
Bright, clear 3.0-inch screen and clear, logical menu system

Cons

Average automatic white balance performance, still very poor under incandescent light
Limited exposure compensation range (+/- 2.0 EV)
Contrast detect AF so slow it's useless for most types of photography
Metering has tendency to overexpose in very bright, contrasty conditions
Default JPEG output may be a little 'over processed' for some tastes (raw far more flexible)
Flash must be up for AF assist lamp (although AF is good even in low light)
Automatic AF point selection unpredictable (use center AF, it's safer)
Occasional total focus failures (in our case only 5 or 6 shots in almost 2000)
New Auto Lighting Optimizer doesn't really seem to do anything
No mass storage USB support
A little pricey

Detail (D-SLR) Rating (out of 10)

Build quality 8.0
Ergonomics & handling 8.0
Features 8.5
Image quality 9.0
Performance (speed) 8.5
Value 8.5
Highly Recommended
For more details and reviews of the camera, visit Canon Digital Rebel XSi
Best Value
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Some articles on digital cameras

1.Digital Cameras: Buying Made Simple
By David Elrich, DigitalTrends.com

With so many choices, there's one made just for you

You've decided to buy a digital camera - or upgrade to a newer, more powerful one. You're not alone.

According to industry experts, close to 30 million digital cameras will be bought this year. And these hefty figures don't include the millions of camera-phone owners who take zillions of snapshots every day. Although camera phones are fun and everyone loves sending images instantly to friends, if you want decent snapshots (4x6 or larger), a digital camera is the only way to go. And with prices dropping nearly every day, it's time to take the plunge.

The Basics

There are two basic types of digital cameras: point-and-shoot and digital single-lens reflex. Point-and-shoot digital cameras make up the vast majority of models sold (over 90 percent). The reason is simple: In a single gadget you have everything you need to take good photos. Just aim, zoom in on your subject, press the shutter and the camera does all the work.

More sophisticated D-SLRs have interchangeable lenses that let you unleash your inner Annie Leibovitz: They offer higher quality, faster response time and more flexibility. They also are a lot heavier and cost much more. No matter which way you go, there are basics that hold true for all cameras. Learning them will help you make the right decision.

The Megapixel Wars Continue

When you're researching different cameras, manufacturers will state the maximum file (or picture) size you can take. In the case of a 6 megapixel camera, it's 2816 horizontal pixels x 2112 vertical pixels, with 7MP it's 3072 x 2304 and so on. Simply multiply the numbers and you get the effective resolution of the imaging device. We suggest you avoid anything less than 6 or 7MP at this point unless you're looking for an inexpensive camera for the kids.

Pros have access to 21-megapixel imagers in very expensive D-SLRs. You don't have to go this route or spend that much money for great everyday photos, but 6MP should be your minimum. If you plan on making very large prints, such as 13x19s, or you think you might experiment with imaging software, consider 8 or more megapixels. There are no hard-and-fast rules, since so much depends on your final end use.

Look Inside the Lens

Lens quality and zoom power are the next choices camera buyers must confront. Choose only models with optical zoom lenses rather than fixed-focus models. Optical zooms let you take a variety of shots - close-ups, portraits, landscapes, and telephoto images. It's really the only way to go. The most inexpensive cameras - below $75 - typically have a single focal length and use electronic circuitry to digitally zoom into a subject. When this happens, photo quality actually degrades and you'll see the difference when you make larger prints. For emails and small prints, this is not much of an issue. But if you're even thinking of making 8x10s, stick to the optical zoom.

Camera makers offer a wide variety of optical zoom ratios on point-and-shoot models - up to 18x - but 3x is the most widely available. A 3x zoom typically equals 35-105mm in 35mm photography terms, the standard zoom found on most point-and-shoot film cameras. If your camera is just for casual events, 3x is fine. However, if you consider yourself a nature photographer or love taking tons of photos on vacations, a more powerful optical zoom should be on your shopping list.

The D-SLR Explosion

The vast majority of digital cameras do not have interchangeable lenses nor do they let you view subjects directly through the lens. Digital single-lens reflex models are targeted to people who have an investment in 35mm lenses whether they're Canon, Nikon, Olympus...you name it. They're also for those who are serious about taking good photographs. We love them but they are expensive ($499 and up). If this price doesn't intimidate you, by all means check out models in this fast-growing category.

Pretty Monitors

When you pick up a digital camera, you can't miss a large screen on the back. The LCD screen is one of the finest benefits of digital cameras. It's used as a larger viewfinder to frame your subject in much same way you used your film camera. However, once you've taken the shot you can review it on the screen to see if it came out properly.

LCD screens are measured diagonally, and 2.5 inches is a common size. We prefer even larger ones, up to 3 inches. If your eyesight is a bit challenged, definitely look for a larger LCD. Screens are measured in pixels, just like image size. Again, the more pixels, the better the image you'll see on screen.

Go Manual

Most people really don't care how their cameras work- they just want good pictures. Digicam manufacturers know this well and all digital cameras offer point-and-shoot operation, usually called "auto." All you do is set your camera to "auto," frame your subject and the camera makes all the adjustments for focus, aperture opening, shutter speed, and white balance. It's as simple as that.

Almost as easy are "scene" modes. Usually found on a dial or an onscreen menu, you simply set it to the type of shot you're taking. If you want to take a portrait of the wife and kids, move to the "portrait" icon and the camera will automatically bring your family into focus and blur the background. If you want to take a shot of a son or daughter playing soccer, move the dial to "high-speed shutter" or "sports," and you'll stop the action. There are a wide variety of settings available, depending on the company.

The coolest new scene setting is "face detection" and you'll see this on many newer models. In this mode, the camera focuses on people's faces and sets the proper exposure for great portraits. Some can focus on 10 or more faces at a time. This is a terrific real-world feature.

Mega Movies

Digital cameras can be used as mini-camcorders, although the quality is a shadow of what you can record on a $250 mini-DV model. Still, it's fun to take a brief clip on vacation or a family reunion. If video seems like a strong option for you, look for 640 x 480 pixel quality at 30 frames per second. Some cameras even offer high-def quality levels that take 1280 x 760 pixel videos.

Important Buying Tips

Once you've zeroed in on several cameras, it's very important to actually hold them in your hands. Ergonomics are critical, since the idea of a tiny digicam may seem great in theory. But if the buttons are difficult to find or press, the camera won't be used as much as it should be.

Also make sure you get a complete camera kit, which typically includes the camera body, strap, starter memory card, battery/recharger, USB cable as well as PC drivers and editing software on a CD ROM. Then it's time to charge the battery and get out there and take photographs.

Buying Check List

Your new digital camera should have these key features:

At least a 6MP imaging device for a D-SLR
At least a 7MP imager for a point-and-shoot
Optical zoom of 3x, not just a digital zoom
The highest quality optics
A large LCD screen; the more pixels, the better the quality
The widest range for aperture (f/stops), shutter speed and ISO
An AF Illuminator or AF Assist mode for best flash shots in dim light
A variety of "scene" modes for more convenient shooting in a variety of situations
Make sure you do your own ergonomic hands-on test.

2.Digital SLR camera buying guide

So what is a digital SLR, anyway?

The term digital SLR is short for digital single lens reflex, so named because these types of cameras use a mirror positioned behind the camera lens to direct light toward the viewfinder when you're composing a photo. When you release the shutter, the mirror swings quickly out of the way, letting light from the lens travel straight to the sensor and momentarily blacking out the viewfinder. The viewfinder in an SLR incorporates a prism--usually a pentaprism--that flips the incoming image around so that you can see it right side up and bounces it onto the focusing screen where you see it.

The SLR design allows one camera to accommodate a very wide range of lens focal lengths, and that's the biggest reason that SLRs dominate serious photography. The explanation? With a non-SLR camera, you have to match the angle of view of the "taking" lens with that of the "viewing" lens. That's easy with a fixed lens or a short-range zoom, but it requires increasingly complex and expensive viewfinder mechanisms as you try to cover a wider range of focal lengths. With an SLR, you avoid this problem because the taking and viewing lens are one and the same.

Most dSLR models beyond entry-level models incorporate a Live View mode, which allows the photographer to use the LCD to compose shots the same way they can with a snapshot camera. The most basic implementations generally lock up the mirror, with the prism diverting the image to a small sensor that feeds through to the LCD rather than to the capture sensor. This does tend to hurt performance, however. Early versions required that you focus manually when in Live View mode, but current models use contrast autofocus.

Types of digital SLRs

Interchangeable-lens full system digital SLR
Nikon D300

These are what most people mean when they say "digital SLR," and they are the primary focus of this buying guide. As the name implies, the capability to remove one lens and replace it with another--to go from, say, ultra-wide-angle to supertelephoto--is what sets these cameras apart.
Examples: Almost all of the digital SLRs available today are of this type. Here you'll find reviews of the entry-level, prosumer, and professional models that we like best.

Fixed-lens digital SLR
Olympus E-20N

The lenses on these cameras can't be removed, which limits their versatility. The best known of these models use a semitransparent, nonmoving mirror to bounce some light to the viewfinder while letting most through to the sensor, which means you can use their LCDs for composing.

Examples: Olympus E-20N

SLR-like or SLR-style

Canon PowerShot S5 IS
These are standard digicams that use an electronic viewfinder (EVF)--just a small LCD--in place of an SLR's pentaprism or a point-and-shoot's optical finder. They can't truly be considered SLRs because they have no mirror, and we've yet to see an EVF that approaches the image quality of a decent pentaprism viewfinder. Most cameras of the type have extremely long zoom lenses and cameras are sometimes referred to as ZLRs or megazooms.
Examples: Megazoom

Interchangeable lens cameras
Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1

Also referred to as Hybrid cameras, these are models which use the same technology as point-and-shoots, but incorporate an interchangeable lens mount. The first "standard" to emerge in this market is the Olympus/Panasonic Micro Four Thirds joint technology venture. Like SLR-style cameras, they use an EVF, since they lack a mirror for an optical through-the-lens view.

Examples: Panasonic Lumix DMC-G1

3.Top 10 Tips for Buying the Right Camera
Brought to you by Sony

You're ready to buy a camera. You've got your money in hand and you're ready to start shopping. Before going off to purchase the most gleaming model you can afford, prepare yourself with the following essential buying tips.

Know yourself and why you need a camera. Consider your capabilities and interest in photography, and how a digital camera fits into your lifestyle. Different models are better suited for different situations. See if you might fit into one of the three photographer-types listed below:

Novice User: Are you new to the world of digital photography? Many low-cost point-and-shoot digital cameras include a range of standard features that are simple to learn and operate, making them an ideal choice for the beginning or casual photographer.

Intermediate Photographer: If you take a wider array of photographs -- from quick snapshots to vacation photos to sporting events -- you'll need a versatile, full-featured camera that can handle a range of zoom scenarios, photo subjects, lighting conditions, and so on.

Serious Amateur: Are you an experienced photographer that is prepared to pay a higher price for the features, flexibility, and control available only with a DSLR (digital single lens reflex) camera with interchangeable lenses?

Determine your ideal camera type. Make sure you understand the relative strengths and limitations of point-and-shoot and DSLR cameras, and which is best suited for the photos you want to take. Although there are areas where the lines between point-and-shoots and DSLRs are blurring, the two classes of camera still have their own distinctive features that make them well-suited for different situations. Which camera is best for you can be as simple as needing the image quality of a DSLR or the convenience of a point-and-shoot, or it can be a more involved decision based on your experience level, the type of photos you take, and your desire to use manual settings.

Here are some quick features of each camera type to help you decide.
Get a feel for the camera. Hold the camera and take a few photos with it. You'll get more enjoyment from a camera and use it more often if it fits comfortably in your hand and the controls are easy to use.

Look beyond the megapixels. For high-quality photos, consider the size and type of the camera's image sensor.

Check out the zoom and focus features. Higher power zoom lets you get closer to the action, and optical zoom is more important than digital zoom because it doesn't reduce image quality. Auto focus features also are important, but a camera with manual focus features can give you greater flexibility.

Help reduce the risks of blurry photos. Image stabilization is important for helping to reduce shaking and blurriness. Electronic image stabilization is a good start, while optical image stabilization is even better.

Low-light capabilities matter. How well your camera performs in low light matters as much as how well it takes photos in bright sunlight. Cameras that have high ISO sensitivity (ISO ratings 800 or higher) will be better able to capture properly exposed images with reduced blur in dimly lit situations.

Consider advanced features. Think about what additional technology features you want in your camera -- such as face detection or in-camera retouching -- to help you achieve better results and enhance your overall photography experience.

Accessorize in style. Know what accessories you would like to use and what other devices you want to connect to your camera, such as an HDTV to view your photos, in order to make sure it has the right inputs and outputs.

Be sure to comparison shop. Before deciding on a specific model, look at the models above and below it. Sometimes you can get amazing features for only a small price difference.

4.10 Efficiency Tips for Digital Photographers
Dave Johnson

For some people, "efficiency" brings to mind a hotel room with a kitchenette. When other folks hear the word, they think about ways to work faster and smarter. I suppose I fall into the second category.
Not long ago I wrote about a few ways to be a more efficient photographer, and I concluded by asking you to send me your tips for shooting, organizing, editing, and sharing photos faster or more efficiently. Many of you responded; this week, here are the top ten suggestions.

1. Don't Procrastinate
Delete obviously bad shots before you download them to my computer. In the past, I promised myself I would weed out the good from the bad while sifting through folder after folder of photos on my laptop, but by then the job is very daunting. These days, I make myself stop and delete unwanted pictures from my camera, and I am much happier with the scope of my photo library.--Patricia Moorhead, Ontario, Canada

2. Choose Your Best Shot
When uploading photos to Flickr, be sure to upload your best shot last, since that's the one that will be at the top of the page. And remember that uploading a bunch of photo to Flickr all at once is okay, but it'll be a waste because no one will generally see all but the very last few that you upload. It's better to upload a few at a time, spaced out over the course of a week.--Susan Monroe, Louisville, Kentucky

3. Don't Share Memory Cards
If you share a camera with someone else in your home, each person should have their own memory card. That way, instead of having to sort through dozens of photos that aren't yours just to find the pictures you recently shot, swap out the card and you'll never have to waste time that way again. Memory cards are so cheap even your kids can own their own.--Matt Boulerice, Orlando, Florida

4. Don't Overtax Photoshop
I've found that when using Photoshop, it's best to only open a few images at a time. Opening many large digital images at once will slow Photoshop down, sometimes to the point that everything slows to a crawl.--Matt Boulerice, Orlando, Florida

5. Make a Simple Tripod
I may have read this here, but it bears repeating. You can make an incredible tripod (monopod?) for free, and it's small enough that you can always carry it with you. All you need is a quarter-inch bolt, some string long enough to reach the ground, and a small weight for the bottom. Screw the contraption into your camera, stand on the bottom to keep it taught, and most camera shake is eliminated. Alternately, you can use a retractable key chain instead of a string--that works great too!--Tom Schmidt, Manheim, Pennsylvania

6. Resize Before Sharing
Don't share your photos at their full size. Whether you upload your photos to Flickr, Photobucket, or even Facebook, larger file sizes mean long load times for you and your viewers. Your high-speed Internet connection might be able to handle 8-megapixel photos in a flash, but Grandma might still be on dialup. Use a program to shrink them down to screen size or smaller.--Emily, Clearwater Beach, Florida

7. Make Smaller Copies
After I download my full-size photos from the camera, I immediately use software to reduce all the images to a smaller file size, and I move the originals into a folder named "Originals." This way, I already have the images in a smaller size that I can e-mail to friends or upload to photo sites, but I still have the originals for printing or editing.--Kyle R Paschall, McGregor, Texas

8. Back Up Your Photos
It is really important to back up your photos often. All you need is an external hard drive and a free program like Sync Back.--Ezra Kennedy, Virginia City, Nevada

9. Make Duplicate Backups
Before I delete the photos from my camera's memory card, I download them both to my computer and to an external hard drive. I organize all photos by date, and every new year I make two sets of CD backups of that year's photos. I keep a complete set at work. This way if some disaster strikes my home, I still have a complete set of my photos. And this system works: A few years ago, I was wiped out by Hurricane Andrew, but I didn't lose a single photo. Many people don't realize how important their photos are until they lose them. --Lester, Glendale, California

10. Shoot Faster
If you are disappointed by how long it takes your camera to take a photo, try holding the shutter halfway down and hold this position until the perfect shot comes along. There will be less of a delay before the shutter actually opens. This is a great if you are photographing kids or animals that never stop moving. Beware, though, that this step locks the focus, so if your subject is moving towards or away from you, you might need to let go of the shutter and then press it down halfway again occasionally.--Cassy Simon, Lonsdale, Minnesota

5.Be a More Efficient Digital Photographer
• Dave Johnson
Maybe you love working with images on your PC--but if so, you're probably an exception rather than the rule. Most people I know would rather be taking pictures than fiddling with them in an image editor.
This week I've got a few tips for working faster and more efficiently with your digital photos, so you can get away from the monitor and spend more time snapping pictures.

Use a Memory Card Reader
The first accessory I recommend after buying a digital camera is a memory card reader--assuming your computer doesn't already have one built in. Rather than using the USB connection cable that came with your camera, pop out the memory card and insert it in the card reader. You will avoid running down your camera batteries while transferring your photos to the PC, and you can insert another memory card into your camera and go take more pictures while the first card is busy.

Make Your PC Photoshop Friendly
You don't need a top of the line, quad-core computer with gobs of memory to edit your photos (though it certainly doesn't hurt). Even an older computer can run a program like Adobe Photoshop Elements just fine. Just be sure to prepare your computer. Defragment your hard disks regularly; once a month is a good interval. To do that, open My Computer and right-click your hard drive. Choose Properties, select the Tools tab, and run Defrag.

There are a few things you can do in Photoshop Elements, as well. Choose Edit, Preferences, General from the menu and click Performance. If you have 2GB or more of memory, allocate at least 1GB to Photoshop. Also, if you have a second internal hard drive, designate it as your primary scratch drive, so Photoshop won't try to store temporary editing information on the same drive that Windows is using for system operations.

Tag and Organize
If you spend more time digging around folders on your hard drive looking for photos than you do editing or sharing them, it's long past time for you to tag (or keyword) them. Try a free photo organizer like Microsoft Windows Live Photo Gallery.

Rotate as You Go
If you've been collecting digital photos for more than a short while, you probably have a lot of images that are turned sideways, usually because the camera was rotated to the vertical "portrait" position. Many cameras automatically correct this problem, but if yours doesn't, use the Rotate button in Windows' photo viewer to fix your photos as you review them on the PC.

Many folks are reluctant to do this, thinking it reduces the image's quality, but that's usually not the case. As long as you're rotating a picture in a standard resolution (such as from a digital camera), the rotation is "lossless"--it doesn't affect photo quality at all. If you try to rotate a nonstandard image (such as one you've already cropped to an unusual size), you can have some minor image compression when the rotated photo is resaved.

Upload in Batches
I recently watched my mom upload photos to Yahoo's online photo sharing site, Flickr--one image at a time.

There's no need to waste your time like that. Most photo sharing sites make it easy to upload photos in batches these days. Flickr, for example, has the superb Flickr Uploadr, which makes sending images to the Web site as easy as drag and drop. And Windows Live Photo Gallery lets you select images directly from your PC's photo collection and post them in bulk to sites like Flickr or Windows Live Spaces.