Canon Digital Rebel XSI 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Silver) by Canon
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Digital camera reviews of Canon Digital Rebel XSI 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Silver)
Digital camera Review: A great introductory DSLR camera
Summary: 5 Stars
Like most people these days, I have been using digital point and shoot cameras for years, and have greatly enjoyed taking pictures with them with reckless abandon. Soon enough, however, you start appreciating the intrinsic limitations of point and shoot cameras, even the best ones on the market: no matter how sophisticated the camera, shooting objects will never be as sharp as when you saw them with your naked eye, the colors are not exactly what you saw, and unless you have the perfect lighting conditions all of those problems only get exacerbated. Sometimes post-production in Photoshop or a similar program can improve things to a great extent, but even this can only take you so far. For most everyday shooting this still might not be the problem, but if you want to get a bit more sophisticated with your pictures you need to take the plunge and buy a truly qualitatively different camera: a digital SLR. These cameras used to be an almost exclusive domain of professional photographers, but with the improvements in technology and the increased marketplace competition they have become accessible to regular consumers.
There are many manufacturers of DSLRs out there, with seemingly more and more entering that space every day. However, there are two well-established brands that still more or less dominate over all the others: Canon and Nikon. If you are an amateur photographer who is just starting out in the DSLR world, chances are you'll do more than fine with any one of those brands. One of the main reasons I decided to go with Canon is that it seems that for about the same price you get more megapixels. I like to play with images in Photoshop, and more pixels in general give you more stuff to play with. 12 megapixels of this camera are more than sufficient for most of my creative needs.
The first thing that you'll notice with any DSLR camera is its relative size as compared to dainty point and shoots. You can never carry DSLR around as an afterthought. When you take one around you make a conscious decision to take pictures, and furthermore you will be conspicuous when taking them. These might be some of the considerations to think about when deciding on a switch from point and shoots.
In addition to size, you will also notice a very solid feel of this camera. It is not made out of cheap materials, and every part of it has been thoughtfully designed for durability. You shouldn't casually toss this camera around, but it is comforting to know that it can probably withstand most everyday small bumps if they come its way.
This camera has many features and settings, and all of this might be overwhelming to a first-time SLR user. In addition to automatic settings that are now also a familiar feature of most point and shoot cameras, there are multiple "creative" settings that include various levels of manual control, including a completely manual operation. When you first start shooting I would recommend using these "creative" settings to experiment and play with. However, if you are still unsure of what you are doing and there is shot that you absolutely have to take then the automatic settings would be much more appropriate. One of the annoying features of this camera is that it doesn't allow you to preview your shots on the screen while in one of the automatic modes. The so-called "Live View" can only be used in one of the manual modes. When shooting in automatic mode, you will have to use the viewfinder. This in itself may motivate you to learn more about photography and the manual shooting.
The picture quality of the photographs that I have taken has been spectacular. You will notice a clear difference from the point-and-shoot photograph from the very first shots that you take, and so will all of your friends. Just prepare yourself for becoming the "designated photographer." :) The only problem that I've had is that in low light photographs have pretty noticeable orange glow. I've been able to avoid this only when fiddling with shooting controls in one of the manual modes.
Another amazing feature of this camera is the speed with which it takes pictures. At 3.5 frames per second, you will be able to capture some pretty amazing shots if you go into the continuous shooting mode. I've been able to capture electric sparks on the Van Der Graaf generator and some really neat sports action photos.
This is the last of the Canon Rebel DSLRs that does not allow you to shoot video. Unless you really care about high-definition video this may not be that much of a problem. I for one don't find myself filming videos all that often, and when I do a stand-alone video camera is more than sufficient for all of my needs.
Overall I have been extremely satisfied with this camera over the last two years that I've had it. Most manufacturers (Canon included) keep coming with bigger and better models almost every year, but unless you really need some of the latest top-of-the line features you will be more than well served with this camera. I for one don't feel like I have even scratched the surface of what this camera has to offer.
Digital camera Review: Gives me the ultimate experience
Summary: 5 Stars
Photography is a personal hubby.This version of cannon SLR allows me to enjoy the ultimate experience of photographyDigital camera Review: Excellent introduction camera
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this camera about 3 months ago and I am extremely happy with my purchase. I own a point and shoot camera as well (Sony W280) and got sick of the blurring and noise that you get at higher ISOs. So I decided to go with a DSLR. Not knowing what to purchase I just went with the two largest brands, Nikon and Canon and looked at the features and ended up going with the Rebel XSI due to the price at the time (it was on sale). Honestly though, this camera is amazing, being able to do high motion and low light shots with a high ISO without having the image look like you sprayed it with red dust confetti is awesome. I've recommended this to several of my friends who are going to get one as soon as they have the money to spend.
If you're considering a DSLR, I would seriously consider the XSI. I also recommend it for people just going into DSLR photography. It truly is an awesome unit.
The biggest issue I have with it though is the transferring of pictures through the given USB cord. I went on a safari with friends and took about 1300 pictures and while the pictures were gorgeous, just getting them onto my macbook via USB was a pain. Apparently it goes through all of the pictures on the camera then connects itself as a device on the machine. My tip... use an external SD card reader. However, for small amounts of pictures, the USB transfer is fine.
Digital camera Review: Wonderful camera
Summary: 5 Stars
I had this camera for over a year and a half before I bought a Canon 7D. I loved it then and still love it. I reluctantly gave it to a son so that it would continue to get full use and bring joy. The only reason I upgraded was:
-- Better high ISO image quality
-- Better AF tracking for birds in flight, one of my primary shooting targets
I'm glad I did. The 7D is a great camera but the body only is $1600. Unless those things truly matter to you (there are other differences too), the XSi is terrific.
I won't repeat the detailed comments in other reviews but will comment on some other comments:
-- Construction, weight, feel - the 7D is definitely heavier but the XSi felt fine in my hands. One of my primary lenses is the 100-400mm L which weighs 3lbs. I find talk of an unbalanced feel (with any lens) somewhat nonsense at least for my hands. For carrying around, hiking, birding, I wish the 7D was lighter like the XSi.
I was too conservative at shooting only at 400 ISO and below. Pushing higher to 800 is ok when needed.
Purchased the XSi plus some lenses/accessories at Amazon. Have been very happy with them.
Digital camera Review: A Great DSLR Going Strong After 2 Years
Summary: 5 Stars
I bought this when it first came out in 2008 prior to a trip to Disney. It replaced an original Digital Rebel (6.3 MP) which was also a great camera (which I passed down ?up to my Dad). Getting this camera has taken my photography to a whole new level - it is a great camera. It is easy to use and takes sharp pictures. The user interface is well done and will be second nature to anyone with experience with a Canon (even point and shoots). The easiest thing to do is to use it in "full auto" mode for a while but don't get complacent and keep it there for the life of the camera - try turning that dial and repeating shots so you can learn all that this wonderful unit is capable of. At the price point this is really too good to pass up.
If you are considering this camera vs. the point and shoot variety, I have found the main two advantages of DSLR to be the lack of delay in shutter release and of course the clarity of the pictures with the larger lenses. The first issue is often of paramount importance in taking pictures of kids and pets - they never stay still for long! With regards to picture quality, it is interesting that manufacturers "push" the megapixels so much on the point and shoots. PLEASE don't make the mistake of thinking that 12 MP on a point and shoot will come anywhere near the pictures from this camera (provided a good lens is attached). There really is no comparison. I have several point and shoot cameras (which I have also reviewed) and though they trump the DSLR for portability (or ability to immerse in water for the D10) there is no comparison for picture quality.
I have recently upgraded lenses with the addition of two "L" lenses (which work great with the XSI) and may upgrade to the new Rebel T2i in the future for both improved sensitivity (ISO 6400 on that camera, 1600 max on this one) and the ability to record HD video, which this camera does not have. That said, this camera has served me very well and will continue to do so. As another reviewer pointed out, the battery life on this one is terrific - I bought a second battery but have only rarely used it (though I rotate them, of course).
In summary, this is a terrific camera which I would highly recommend to anyone considering "making the jump" to DSLR.