Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black) Review

I purchased this product as a present for myself for Christmas including the 18-55 IS kit lens. I have owned numerous P&S cameras - Casio, Canon, Nikon, etc, but decided it was finally time to upgrade to a DSLR - and at a great price. I have taken about 500 pictures so far - with flash, with manual controls, in auto mode, pretty much everything already.

The Camera body - very solid build. I had read some reviews which were critical of the use of plastic over metal but I really think that the plastic is great. I'm sure a drop would damage it in some way, but the plastic feels very sturdy and has no flex in the body at all. Every compartment opens and closes tight and with some resistance, which gives a very stable feeling. The buttons all feel great to press. The shutter feels very sturdy and has great feedback when you press it. The camera body is a good size for me. I am taller than average but not giant and my hands are pretty good sized and even the smaller body on this camera (compared to the 40,50d, etc) feels fine. My only complaint is sometimes tiredness which I get in my right pinky finger from the grip on the camera. I'm sure in the coming weeks I'll work this out as I experiment with new ways of holding the camera most comfortably. Overall, the camera body is sturdy and feels very well made.

Features - Wide spread. I am coming from a Canon G9 which already has a pretty full feature set, but the ultimate manual controls on XSi just lets me feel much more connected to this camera. The Auto mode seems to work fine. I'm not experienced with any bigger or fancier DSLR's, so this mode seems fine to me - autofocus, flash and everything. Manual mode allows for the ultimate control of pretty much everything. I love taking nighttime, long exposure shots and the XSi allows for up to 30seconds of exposure or a BULB function. The results are great out of the box, though I'm sure with post processing some of the graininess that results can be cleared up.

Specs - The images are crystal clear with the kit lens compared to my G9. Even though they are both 12MP, the XSi at a 100% crop is so much clearer. I now don't worry about zooming in as far as I can - knowing I will be able to crop out a larger, closer image in the future if I want to. The built in flash is sufficient and has a pretty quick refresh time. I also have a Canon 220Ex which is a bit more powerful (not much though) but does have a much quicker refresh time. In burst mode on the XSi I can shoot twice as long and 1.5x as quick with the 220Ex which could really come in useful. I would invest in an external flash unit but for everyday shooting the built in one is fine. The autofocus is quick in my experience so far and is pretty accurate. It is much quciker than the G9, even in low light. Low light does slow it down a bit, but not bad at all.

Kit Lens (18-55) - As I have said this is my first DSLR so I don't have much knowledge of lenses, but this one is pretty GOOD, not great. The zoom is pretty basic - less than my G9 but wider angle to begin with, which I find more useful. I will eventually invest in a probably-Canon longer range zoom but for now, this is fine to be begin on. It is a quick lens and the Image Stabilizer seems to help (haven;t tried many moving situations yet) so I can't report completely on that. I do miss the focus distances on the manual focus ring (infinity to close, etc) so it is sometimes confusing to see what distance I am focusing at. Overall, a good lens and definitely worth the kit price if you are just starting out.

Battery - The battery is great. I have taken almost 600 shots on the first full charge still, many of which have been flash, and the battery is only down one notch. Obviously this will go down with time, but it seems great.

Complaints:
1. Body size is good but takes some getting used to. not really a complaint, but just saying it will take a while to find a completely comfortable grip.
2. Live view sucks. I love shooting through the eye piece, but in just using live view even for fun, it is bewildering and slow and bad. If you have a tripod it will be fine, but otherwise, do not buy this camera if you MUST have live view. I wanted the XSi because it did have live view, but I now realize I much prefer using the eyepiece. It is nice to know live view is there if I need it, but I cannot really see myself using it more than 1-2% of the time.
3. Battery door almost impossible to open. I don't know why - it could just be mine but I'm thinking it is the way it is designed. I have to use a pencil tip or a butter knife in additon to my finger to slide it open and out.
4. Lack of movie mode - I know, I know - its an SLR. But I have seen that Ashton Kutcher ad for Nikon with their HD movie mode, and I have to say that would be pretty cool to have on here. I have a feeling on the 500D or whatever the new Rebel is, Canon will install that. But I wish this one had it.

Overall - Great beginners camera and even for a moderately experienced user. Only drawbacks are minor ones and for this price point, cannot really even be considered. I've wanted the Rebel since the 300D came out, and I now finally have one and I am in love. Get more detail about Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black).

Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black) Top Quality

This camera is fantastic. We recently took a trip to the San Diego Zoo, The San Diego Wild Animal Park and a three day trip to Disneyland and California Adventure with four of our five grown chuldren and three of our seven grandchildren and can't recall a more memorable trip. We captured over 1600 photos while on the trip thanks to this wonderful camera.Get more detail about Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black).

Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black) This instant

This was my first purchase from Amazon, and I was absolutly stunned. They had the best price, amazingly fast shipping and they sent me an actual Canon lens with the camera. I took the big leap from a Fujifilm FinePix S700 (7.1 megapixels) to this new Canon EOS. My yearbook teacher allowed me to use the XTi for a little bit and I was amazed at the quality, rugedness, and the speed of the camera. I wanted to get something that I knew wouldn't be completly outdated once I get into college as I plan on being a photographer. This camera operates so much better in low-light situations than my last one that words can not even describe it. There is practicall no noise even at ISO settings as high as 1600. The software that was included is amazing, I can not get enough of the EOS utility. I might be doing a shoot for one of my teachers for christmas cards and I plan on bringing a laptop with me so that we can all see the pictures right away. I have rather large hands so a bigger camera was welcomed with wide-open arms. The IS on the lens is amazing, if switched off I could tell an imediate difference in the quality of the photograph. I was so excited to be able to have a camera with 'bulb' in its settings, this setting is extremely useful for astro-photography or very low-light situations, as it allows the shutter to stay open as long as the shutter button is held down. If you do not have a remot control yet, I wouldn't advise using it as any shake at all will be apparent in the resulting image, so use a speed like 30", that should do what you need it to. F-Stops vary greatly which is always welcome in my back, my Fuji had F5.6-16.8 while this one has f5.6-38 in manual mode. The flash also rises high which helps a lot in distance as well as using the flash while taking macro pictures. I would recommend this camera to absolutly ANYONE who is looking for a pro-camera. Get more detail about Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black).

Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black) Immediately

I bought this digital camera to jump to professional pictures, after years of having several point and shoot portables cameras.
The difference is astonishing!!!. The quality, the detail, the color, the way the pictures look printed have made me realize I wasn't wrong about the change. Of course this device is bigger, heavier, less portable than my old ones, but the results obtained make me forget about these facts.
I highly recommend it!!!Get more detail about Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black).

Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black) Best Quality

After countless hours of research and comparisons, I finally decided to purchase the Canon Xsi. I've only had it a month, but in that time I've taken over 3000 photos and am very pleased with the results. Against the Canon S5 IS point and shoot that I had previously, this camera wins hands down. I agree that the kit lens isn't the best lens in the universe, but it is a great starter lens. Also sometimes in low light situations the camera's AF does focus on something other than the subject, but using manual focus fixes the problem. I just recently purchased a converter and attached a spotting scope to the camera, making the scope into a 1000-4000mm lens. The camera handled it beautifully and with the bulb function and a tripod and remote switch, I have gotten some excellent moon photos. Overall this is a great camera for those considering a first Dslr, and it is quite a step up in photo quality from even the high-zoom point and shoots.Get more detail about Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black).

Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black) Get it now!

This is the most amazing camera I have ever used. Extremely user friendly. I had never used anything but a point and shoot camera before, but after reading a few directions, I was taking great pictures right away. The preset modes are great for newbies, but the camera has all of the adjustable settings you could want to be able to take great photos on your own. I highly recommmend this camera and I am 100% satisfied with it. Get more detail about Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black).

Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black) Buy Now

I fell in love with this camera before I even saw it.
Until this moment, the best DSLR for it's price

Pros:

-Real 12.2MP Quality (You need to make sure you've got IS lenses or a fast shutter speed, and that you are focused correctly, in order to get 12.2MP JPEGs)

-In my experience with Canon, for professional-looking pictures, you've come to the right place.

-Long Lasting Battery. It took me five days for mine to run out (I was taking, on average, 5 pics per hour).

-Embedded Dust Removal Software

-Strong Flash

-Fastest Shutter speed available, 1/4000 sec.

-Low Noise (I haven't seen any noise yet)

Cons:

-No video. But, who needs video? I'll get myself a JVC GY-HD for that.

I can't think of any more.Get more detail about Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black).

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There are plenty of reviews on the net. Just my 2 cents.
1. Stock battery is great - just came from Xmas party - more than 1000 RAW shots. 1/3 of them - w/flash. Battery is still alive!
2. Live view - not necessary, but great feature. Try to shoot something 2" from the floor or 2' above you. Love it!
3. It is lightweight. Your neck and back will thank you!

If you think about Nikon D60 - come to the store and compare them. D60 has better viewfinder, but overall I like XSi more, but it's up to you.

You'll not regret.Get more detail about Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black).

Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black) Decide Now

I am an amateur Photographer, and find this camera very useful and FUN!! I love it!Get more detail about Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black).

Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black) Right now

We are partial to Canon's anyways - but my husband and I bought this as a mutual Christmas gift and we are in Heaven! It's truly perfect!
Worth every dollar & more! My 2 year old, is pictured to death! ha haGet more detail about Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black).

Lowest Price Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black)

I am new to SLR photography and I recognize that this is not considered a true "professional" dSLR but I don't think you can get much closer to one for under $1000.

Why isn't this considered a true professional dSLR? Well one big reason is the sensor size. It has what is called a APS-C sized sensor, while the professional ones have a full frame sensor like the 5D (check out the 5D Mark II, I've read great things about it). Another I think is the buffer size in the camera might not be as large so it won't take as many shots in burst mode before needing to stop to save as the professional ones. But other than that, you will basically get all of the important functions that make dSLR cameras so great.

First of all, don't get sucked into the megapixel wars. There are several point-and-shoot digital cameras that advertise higher megapixels than 12.2 that might cost less. What people often don't realize is that picture quality has little to do with the megapixels and more to do with the sensor and image processor. The megapixel number is simply the resolution of the image. A crappy image recorded in a very high resolution is just as crappy. Point and shoot cameras have smaller sensor sizes than dSLR cameras. Especially the compact cameras, that's why even when I was using P&S cameras I never bought a compact camera. They are more popular simply because they "look" sleeker and more stylish. The picture quality is obviously lower than that of a regular non-compact P&S camera AND they cost more, so there's really no real reason to buy them other than for the looks and the convenience. Although I've been able to carry my Canon Powershot A580 in my pocket without a problem...

This camera takes amazing photos, even with the kit lens, which I highly recommend if you're on a budget BTW. My mother has a friend that is the wife of a pro-photographer. So when I was in the market for a dSLR, my mother referred me to talk with her. Her first suggestion is to not get the kit lens but instead spend more for the 17-85mm ef-s lens. Well, I'm glad I didn't take her advice and went with the kit lens because I just read a review of the lens where the pro-photographer writing the review specifically compared it to that very lens and have said that the cheap kit lens is actually a bit better than the more expensive 17-85mm lens in terms of chromatic aberration problems which is where high contrast areas show a weird color outline due to the lens not focusing all the color wavelengths correctly. Although my main reason for going with the kit lens was financial, and was because of all of the positive reviews I've read about it. But it still turned out very well.

So don't let some pro's or semi-pro's discourage you from getting the kit. They're not wrong though, the kit lenses that came with Canon dSLR's in the past have been pretty bad, it's this specific kit lens that is the exception so be confident in buying it. You can always keep using this while you save up your money for better lenses later. A good addition to it would be the 55-250mm ef-s lens. I recommend that over the 75-300mm lens for several reasons. I've read worse reviews for the 75-300mm lens in terms of image quality, and because with the 55-250mm, you don't have a gap in focal lengths. Along with the 18-55mm kit lens, you basically have an uninterrupted range of 18-250mm.

One area where the quality of the sensor really shows is in low light shots with high ISO speeds. I haven't had the need to use any high ISO numbers yet, so I can't say personally, but from what I've read from many professionals who have reviews this camera, that even at the highest ISO setting of 1600, there isn't too much noise. Which is a very good thing.

One complaint I've read a lot about the previous compact dSLR's such as the XTi is the size and shape of the grip not being comfortable. Some say the grip on the right side was too close to the lens and caused their fingers to feel cramped against the lens. Well, let me tell you that isn't a problem with the XSi. I know they redesigned it for this very reason, and from my experience, it doesn't feel very cramped at all. The camera is indeed very light weight and compact compared to the more professional dSLR's so it's a great camera to bring with you on vacations or long hikes or whatever. I find all of the controls to be easy to reach and the settings are real easy to change on the fly.

The menu system is great too, it comes with a very useful feature called "My Menu" where you can actually pick any 6 functions you feel you will use the most and put them into this one menu and you can arrange it any way you want. Then you can make it the default menu so instead of it going to the last menu you were looking at when you hit the menu button, it goes straight to this customized menu of yours. It's a great feature and makes accessing special functions like mirror lock up, AEB, flash exposure compensation, etc. etc. very fast and easy.

I would highly recommend anyone looking to buy a sub $1000 dSLR camera to buy this camera with the kit lens. So far the only thing I found that I think needs to be added is interchangeable focus screens. I would have liked to have grid lines in my view finder to make composition faster and less of a guessing game when trying to apply little rules like the rule of thirds or keeping the horizon line straight.

I highly recommend reading Ben Long's The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi/450D Companion if you buy this camera. It will "show you the ropes" so you can use this camera to its maximum potential. Bryan Peterson's Understanding Exposure is a very good book to understand the proper use of shutter speed, ISO, and aperture. And when you open the package, within the manual and other cards and what-not, there is a blank white card. Don't discard this, keep it in your camera case, it's a simple tool to use for custom white balance. Read about it in the manual or book if you don't know what that is. It's an essential tool if you plan on taking any photos indoors without a flash.

Now stop reading these reviews and buy one of these cameras already, you won't be disappointed.Get more detail about Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black).

Low Price Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black)

I've had this XSi for about 2 weeks and I just keep getting better and better with it. I've learned, with some of the excellent tutorials out there, how to work this camera beyond point and shoot. I spend a lot of time in either TV or AV mode doing long lens shots and night time shots. I've posted a couple of pics I took today (12/26/08) of Hummelstown Pa. using the kit lens and the results were stunning. Just look near the end of the customer pics

I've been using the kit lens and borrowed my daughters Canon 70-300 USM IS lens and couldn't be more pleased.

I just ordered the Canon Speedlite 580EX II, Shoe Mount Flash - Basic Outfit with 4 NiMH Batteries, Charger, Flashpoint Flash Diffuser as well as the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS USM Telephoto Zoom Lens for Canon SLR Cameras but this is probably overkill for me for the time being but in time I know I'll be glad I did as I plan to shoot loads of pics of very larger remote control scale model airplanes during precision competition so speed and focal length will be a priority for me.

I also just purchased a great tripod/monopod combo (Sunpak-PlatinumPlus 72" Tripod/Monopod) from another site that easily holds this camera and my daughters 70-300 lens comboGet more detail about Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black).