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Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi 450D

The Rebel XSi (also know as the 450D) is the newest in the family of Digital Rebels. The XSi is a big leap from the previous Rebel cameras and makes it difficult not to consider entering the DSLR world at such a reasonably priced full-featured camera. The new XSi has increased from a 10 to 12.2 megapixel sensor with the new DIGIC III image processor. The XSi also has a huge 3.0" LCD screen. The XSi features the Live View Function which allows the LCD to be used as the viewfinder. Like the other Rebels is extremely lightweight and compact. The new XSi body has been redesigned with a new ergonomic look. The tradeoff of the lighter body is that it is made of plastic and consequently less sturdy compared to the magnesium alloy body of the 20D/30D/40D. The user interface is also more complicated and less intuitive than the dial and joystick controls on the 20D/30D/40D because you have to use the LCD a lot more. The image quality has been compared by several reviews and tests and is almost indistinguishable from the 40D. For hundreds of dollars less, user-interface and plastic may be worth the savings.  After holding the camera, I felt like it was a bit too small and designed for more feminine hands. At the same time, when I'm carrying a camera around my neck with a heavy lens, I sometimes wish I had a smaller lighter camera body. In the end though, I decided to go with the 20D because user interface is critical to me and I liked the more solid feel of the 20D/30D/40D. One major drawback to the XSi that I see is the removal of the status LCD on the top of the camera. For anyone who has used a 20D/30D/40D, you know that this is not a good thing. If you've never used an SLR before though, it might not make a huge difference to you. Make sure you weigh what is more important to you when choosing between the two levels of cameras. And also take into account that you may end up having to sell the Rebel if and when you decide to upgrade.

Another update to the Rebel series is the lens that is included in the kit. The 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens has been upgraded include IS (Image Stabilization). This is a very helpful feature in low-light or action shot situations.

Features

  • High-performance digital SLR with 12.2 Megapixel CMOS Sensor and DiGiC III Image Processor
  • EOS Integrated Cleaning System
  • 3.5 fps Continuous shooting burst up to 53 full-resolution JPEGs and 6 RAW images
  • High-speed, wide-area 9-point Auto Focus with superimposed focusing points
  • Single large, bright 3.0" LCD monitor with 160 degree viewing angles (horizontal and vertical)
  • Live View Function, with two types of AF
  • Compatible with compact SD and SDHC memory cards
  • Spot metering, external flash settings on the camera's menu and a new higher-magnification viewfinder
  • Compatible with EF and EF-S Lenses and most EOS system accessories including EX-series Speedlites and a dedicated battery grip

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