Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens - Black 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 - Black
Digital camera Review: *****Not to Shabby******
Summary: 5 Stars
I thought the quality of the Xti and Xsi wouldn't differ much in image quality but the Xsi does have a slight improvement. Previously when I owned the Xti, I was happy and satisfied with it, but today when I recieved my Xsi, I was just amaze at how it gives me a totally new feel. The grip is better and the screen is pretty big. The ISO button is in a awkard spot but nonetheless it is a fine camera. Recommended.
Amazon also did a great job at sending this item to me with the 1 day service.
Digital camera Review: ..
Summary: 5 Stars
For an entry-level camera this has given me far more than entry-level results. This is the only DSLR I could afford, and for the money I payed for it I was very pleased. Even with the 18-55 (which has crapped the bed) I was able to get great results even though I had to manual focus the whole time because the lens sucked! Check out my pictures at ([...]) All the pictures on there were taken with the XSi with the 18-55 kit, with the exception of like three pictures that were taken with a crappy fujifilm point and shoot. The camera itself is great. It may not have great build quality, but as long as your not thrashing it around it will hold up... The most important thing about this lens you need to know is KEEP IT CLEAN..don't take off the lens and leave the mirrors exposed..that was my biggest mistake!Digital camera Review: .dll file missing!
Summary: 4 Stars
I bought this Canon because I've had a small one for years and love the ZoomBrowser software that comes with it. AND it took great photos. This is a great camera, and as a nearly total novice, it took me awhile to figure out how to use it, but now I'm satisfied with the quality. However, I installed the software with the discs provided,excitedly connected the camera to my computer to download and found that the software did not include a required .dll file. I have to say I was pretty proud of mysself that I went online, found the file on a free download site and got it all going. BUT WHY DID I HAVE TO DO THIS??? Also, I wish the website had a way to inform a buyer off additional items I would need to operate the camera. I did not have the correct memory card and living out in the middle of nowhere, I spent another week ordering and waiting for the memory card to arrive. OH, well - live and learn!Digital camera Review: A Great Camera Overall
Summary: 4 Stars
This camera is really great!
UPDATE: I've had mine for 3 months and I've taken more than 3000 pictures. I still like it a lot. Amazing.
It's easy to use, the LCD screen is big and clear, it's quite light, and the packaged kit lens (18-55 IS) is good. It's not a top lens, but it delivers sharp photos across the zoom range. Default settings will give you great shots out of the box.
The 9-point auto focus is good most of times, but I found myself using the central point most often, even more so when using larger apertures (when right focusing matters most).
For under $700, this is the best DSLR you can find.
* Pros and Cons *
Pros:
- An easy to use, quick camera.
- Intuitive menus.
- 12 mega pixels.
- Great pictures, sharp, good tones.
- Small and light weight for a DSLR.
- Live view mode to almost mimic point and shoot feel-it's slow though.
- 3.5 shots per second-could be more.
- Sharp kit lens for the price.
Cons:
- Somewhat expensive compared to the Canon 40D (much lighter though).
- ISO limited to 1600.
- Relatively low fps.
- Exposure compensation range limited.
- Does not have video.
* The competition *
The closest competitor is certainly the Canon 40D, which is a bigger, more professional camera. It has more options, higher iso, remote flash, higher shots per second rate, fewer pixels but a definitely tougher feel.
I went for the rebel Xsi because I found the 40D too hefty.
Still, if you really want a professional camera you should look at the Canon 40D.
If you have a bigger budget, you should also look at Nikon, I really recommend the Nikon D300, it's a really impressive camera.
* Lenses *
Canon has LOTS of lenses.
If you're tight on budget, you should get the 50mm 1.8, a great lens for portrait. It's a very sharp lens. You'll enjoy the 1.8 wide aperture that allows blurred backgrounds and sharp , all of this for under $100.
It's also a good start to get used to shoot with primes (lenses with a fixed focal length).
The 18-55mm kit lens is often paired with the Canon 55-250mm IS lens to give you an almost 14x zoom (13.9), this Canon 55-250 is a very good telephoto lens if your budget is under $300.
If you don't want to change lenses, Canon just released the 18-200 IS and it comes highly recommended so far.
The Sigma 18-200 OS is good too. It's cheaper and it's been in the field for longer.
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.