Canon EOS Rebel XSi

Discontinued
Reviewed
December 2009
Canon EOS Digital Rebel Xsi

Pros
  • Image quality
  • 3-inch LCD screen
  • Image-stabilized lens
  • Speed
Cons
  • Noisy mirror and lens
  • Slow Live View mode
  • Low-resolution LCD
  • Options may confuse beginners

The 12.2-megapixel Canon Rebel digital SLR camera is recommended in reviews as a top entry-level SLR camera, with excellent image quality plus good basic features. The 3-inch LCD screen can be used to preview a shot before you take it (many older digital SLRs can't do this). A sensor-cleaner is built in, and the kit lens is image-stabilized so you can get sharp pictures more often without a tripod. A spot meter on the Canon Rebel XSi improves backlit exposures, and nine autofocus points plus 3.5 frames-per-second shooting make tracking action easy. Canon also includes capable software with the camera. If you want to shoot HD video, reviews recommend stepping up to the Canon EOS Rebel T1i (*Est. $545 with kit lens).

We found the best comparison tests of the Canon EOS Rebel XSi at PopPhoto.com, What Digital Camera and PC World magazines. All four photography publications compare digital SLR cameras based on both objective lab tests and subjective evaluations of image quality. PopPhoto.com provides the best combination of detail, testing and comparison with the most relevant cameras. Jeff Keller at DCResource.com provides an even more thorough review of all aspects of the Canon XSi.

Where To Buy
Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera (Black Body Only)

 (779 reviews)
41 Used & new from $230.00

In Stock.

 
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Our Sources

1. PopPhoto.com

This roundup review of five midpriced digital SLR cameras gives the Canon EOS Rebel XSi the Editor's Choice award, based on objective lab tests. According to reviewer Dan Richards, it's the Canon's superb image quality that gives it the edge.

Review: DSLR Shootout: Five Top Cameras Compared, Dan Richards, July 10, 2008

2. What Digital Camera

This detailed review gives the Canon Rebel XSi (known in the U.K. as the Canon EOS 450D) an overall score of 89 percent. Editors recommend it over similarly priced cameras as an excellent entry-level SLR camera.

Review: Canon EOS 450D Review, Matt Golowczynski, June 12, 2008

3. PC World

Based on thorough performance tests, the Canon Rebel XSi shares top ranking with the Sony Alpha 300 but provides better image quality. The main drawback is that it may have too many options for novices.

Review: Canon EOS Rebel XSi, Kathleen Cullen, Dec. 23, 2008

4. PopPhoto.com

Among entry-level digital SLR cameras, the Canon Rebel XSi earns the Editors' Choice award here. Editors praise its dual-mode live view, bright 3-inch LCD screen and overall ergonomics.

Review: Editor's Choice 2008: Advanced D-SLRs, Russell Hart and Jonathan Barkey, June 16, 2008

5. DCResource.com

This detailed review of the Canon Rebel XSi digital SLR camera notes several improvements, including a more powerful battery and better image-stabilized kit lens, but it is skeptical about the value of live view because it takes so long to focus.

Review: DCRP Review: Canon EOS Rebel XSi, Jeff Keller, Jan. 24, 2009

6. Amazon.com

Amazon.com is one of the best places to find user reviews of the Canon Rebel XSi digital SLR camera. More than 700 owners contribute to a near-perfect average rating.

Review: Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera, Contributors to Amazon.com

Digital SLR Cameras Runners Up:

Canon EOS Rebel T2i *Est. $700 with kit lens

12 picks including: PopPhoto.com…

Canon EOS 7D *Est. $1,350 body only

11 picks including: Amazon.com, PopPhoto.com…

Canon EOS Rebel T3i *Est. $700 with kit lens

9 picks including: Amazon.com, DCResource.com…

Canon EOS 60D *Est. $900 body only

8 picks including: Amazon.com, PopPhoto.com…

Sony A55 *Est. $800 with kit lens

7 picks including: Amazon.com, TechRadar.com…

Pentax K-5 *Est. $1,200 body only

6 picks including: Amazon.com…

Nikon D3X *Est. $8,000 body only

5 picks including: Amazon.com, PopPhoto.com…

Canon EOS Rebel T1i *Est. $545 with kit lens

5 picks including: PopPhoto.com…

Pentax K-r *Est. $630 with kit lens

5 picks including: Amazon.com, DCResource.com…

Canon EOS-1D Mark IV *Est. $4,600 body only

5 picks including: Amazon.com, ePhotoZine…

Sony A580L *Est. $850 with kit lens

5 picks including: Amazon.com, TechRadar.com…

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