Canon Digital Rebel XSi / 450D 12.2MP Digital SLR Camera

24 April 2008

Canon Digital Rebel XSi / 450D 12.2MP Digital SLR Camera

Posted by Jaco under: Canon; Digital Cameras; Digital SLRs; Reviews .

Canon Digital Rebel XSi / 450D Digital SLR Camera

Canon Digital Rebel XSi / 450D 12.2MP Digital SLR Camera

The Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2MP Digital SLR Camera, a.k.a. the EOS 450D a.k.a. the Kiss x2 SLR Camera is the latest in Canon’s range of entry level Digital SLR Cameras. As this is quite a competitive range, Canon has packed this camera full of features which translates into a formidable value for money package. Note: also see our review of the XSi’s successor, the Canon Digital Rebel T1i DSLR.

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It is therefore not surprising to find some of Canon’s leading edge technology in this consumer SLR range, such as the Canon Self-Cleaning System and the 12.2 million pixel APS-C sensor. Combine this with features like Live View and a decent ISO range from 100 to 1600 and one has to accept that this model will make an impact on a market segment in which Canon has a broad share already. This broad share was established as a result of Canon’s winning recipe for this range - appealing features at a decent price.

Click Here To Compare Prices for the Rebel XSi from Different Suppliers

With Canon’s proprietary DIGIC III image processor at the heart of the XSi, it can shoot at a decent 3.5 frames per second for up to 53 consecutive shots, which, given the size of the images, is very high for this class of camera. The Autofocus on the Rebel XSi has also been improved. The faster 9 point Autofocus system can operate in either the classic phase change AF or the new contrast based AF which enables the camera to take a shot in Live View without flipping down it’s mirror and therefore without the accompanied sound. Both AF focus modes can be used across the range of Canon’s superb collection of lenses. The XSi offers a variety of focus modes, including One-Shot AF, AI Focus AF, AI Servo AF and Manual. Taking into account the almost instant startup time and reduced shutter lag, the Rebel XSi proves to be quite a speedy camera for its segment.

Canon Digital Rebel XSi / 450D Sample Photo

The Digital Rebel XSi can be purchased with our without the EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS kit lens. This EF-S lens, that can only be used on cameras with the special EF-S mounts, is similar to the older Rebel kit lens, but now includes Image Stabilization in order to keep up with the competition. Image Stabilization is becoming more and more of a standard offer on other brands and in some cases is offered in the camera body instead of the lens. Whichever way its implemented, Image stabilization is an important feature that can save many shots taken in low light conditions. Combining the Image Stabilization with the ISO, ranging from 100 to 1600, the XSi offers great images at lower light conditions. In conditions with very low light, the very efficient E-TTL II flash metering system uses a 35 zone evaluative metering system to produce the right amount of lighting and correct White Balance for the scene. The 35 zone evaluative metering system effectively analyzes the scene in detail to ensure the correct exposure.

Click Here To See More Reviews Of The Rebel XSi

The included Integrated Cleaning System features a Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit that uses ultrasonic vibrations to shake off dust particles from the low pass filter in front of the sensor. Accompanying this, a built in software system detect dust on the image and saves the location of the dust particle together with the image file, for easy removal in post processing digital imaging software.

The body of the Rebel XSi is light and small, which makes this camera practical alternative to point and shoot cameras for some users. However, for users with bigger hands and longer fingers it may feel a bit small in the hand and they may feel more comfortable with the Canon EOS 40D DSLR or Canon EOS 50D DSLR, but at a cost.

To prevent blown highlights, the Rebel XSi also offers the Highlight Tone Priority feature. First found on the 1D Mark III , this feature is a real savior in scenes with high contrast like the classic wedding photo with a dark suit and white dress. However, it should be noted that shadow noise will be slightly more prominent in an HTP image.

Canon Digital Rebel XSi / 450D 12.2MP Digital SLR Camera

The most obvious difference between the Rebel XSi and it’s predecessors is the 3 inch screen with Live View mode. The size of this brilliant screen pushed some of the buttons around at the back of the camera.

The Canon Digital Rebel XSi is marketed towards the consumer who is upgrading from his point and shoot camera and is looking for improved image quality and creative flexibility. With its high resolution and very handy features like the larger and 30% brighter LCD screen it is bound to meet the requirements of its target market. Add features like Canon’s Picture Style Technology which enables the user to change characteristics like saturation, sharpness, contrast and color of saved pictures and the creative opportunities for its user become limitless. Although the XSi has many ‘auto’ features that will make it easy for an inexperienced photographer to take good shots, it also supports the creative modes e.g. Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority and Manual Mode. This enables the user to gradually up skill himself from the Auto modes (Basic Zone) to the Creative Zone modes at his own pace. Canon definitely hit the spot with the Digital Rebel XSi and it offers great value at a very reasonable price - currently sold at approximately $575. Click here for the latest prices.

Digital Rebel XSi Features:

DIGIC III Image Processor with 14-bit conversion
12.2-megapixel CMOS sensor
3.5 fps continuous shooting, up to 53 full-resolution JPEGs or 6 RAW images
3.0-inch LCD monitor, with 170° wide viewing angle
LCD Live View composition function
9-point Auto Focus system
Retractable, auto pop-up flash
Compatible with SD and SDHC memory cards
Dust Delete Data Detection
6 Picture Style settings
4 Focusing Modes: One-Shot AF, AI Servo AF, AI Focus AF, Manual focusing (MF)
35-zone evaluative and Spot metering system
Integrated EOS Cleaning System
Highlight Tone Priority mode
Compatible with over 60 EF/EF-S Lenses
E-TTL II autoflash with EX Series Speedlites
Canon EOS Digital Solution Software (Version 17.0)
Exposure Control Systems: Program AE (Full Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night Portrait, Flash Off, Program), shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, depth-of-field AE, manual exposure, E-TTL II autoflash
ISO Speed Range - Basic Zone modes: ISO 100-800 set automatically, Creative Zone modes: ISO 100-1600 (in 1-stop increments), Auto
Shutter Speeds: 1/4000 sec. to 1/60 sec., X-sync at 1/200 sec.
LP-E5 Battery Pack, LC E5 charger
PictBridge printer compatible
Weighs approx. 16.8 oz./ 475g (body only)