eos Digital slr Camera

Technical Details

-12.2-megapixel CMOS sensor captures enough detail for poster-size, photo-quality prints
-Large 3.0-inch LCD display; includes Canon's EF-S 18-55mm, f3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens
-DIGIC III image processor provides fast, accurate image processing; improved Autofocus and framing rate
-EOS Integrated Cleaning system, plus Dust Delete Data Detection in included software
-Stores images on SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
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 "Downside and Upside" 2010-09-07
By M. Hauser (Grove, Oklahoma)
The first two paragraphs are me trying to convince you NOT to get this camera. Whereas the last two paragraphs attempt the opposite.

don't get it
This is the first camera I have ever bought. I got it back in October of '09 and it has been wonderful. I still plan on using it for years to come. The buying process of an SLR is a tough one. You really need to research them, see what they can do, see what your needs are, and analyze whether it would be a good fit before buying one. Getting an SLR is an expensive decision. They can cost anywhere from 500 to 5,000 dollars (and you'll still need to factor in what lens' you'll want to buy). But I'm sure you already know all of this. What you need to know is whether the XSi will be a good match for your needs.

In short, my answer would be no, for just about everyone that's reading this right now. When I bought mine, video recording was still a feature found on the higher end SLRs and it wasn't all that great of an experience. Now SLRs are used to make absolutely stunning works of art using video features. And the XSi doesn't do that. It's a great camera, and I have no regrets in getting mine when I did, because I have been able to capture some amazing memories since then that I wouldn't have been able to if I had waited. I would advise that you spend the extra couple hundred dollars and get one that can make some movies. ISO is also a factor. On more modern cameras in this class you'll see ISO going up to 6400, whereas this one only reaches 1600.


do get it
This camera is a great choice for someone who has just discovered their passion for photography. Getting an SLR after you have had a point-and-shoot for years is like going from driving a bike around, to being able to drive a car. And this camera would be an excellent first car. It has many of the luxuries of other higher end cars yet it is still affordable when compared to what else is out there. If you get this camera you will be very pleased with it for the next five years. And keep in mind, it's not so much the camera body that makes great pictures, it's the lens. So if you start to feel limited by the camera, just get a new lens.

Since this camera is affordable (compared to other cameras out there) you have room to go and spend a little more on lens from the start. The XSi is a wonderful starting point that will hopefully allow you to expand you photography in all kinds of ways you never considered. So if you're looking for a camera that will give you a good base that you can work up from, with a good value, I'd recommend this camera. The nicer more expensive cameras out there are great, but they still lack things that they should have in their featured features, such as stereo audio recording, more control over video recording settings, and auto-focus during video recording.



Either way, just remember, getting a camera is an extremely personal thing. It should fit your needs for now, as well as five years from now. Cause I doubt you'll want to get a new SLR in just a year.


 "First SLR, lots of classes and play" 2010-09-06
By Randy (Nodak)
This is my first SLR purchase. I have now owned for two years and I couldn't be happier with my purchase (except maybe the new version :D). I love this camera! The way it is set-up it is very easy to get used to. I have taken this thing EVERYWHERE. Hiking, boating, all but under water and it has held up GREAT! I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a good entry-level SLR like I was. As for lenses, I have purchased both Canon and off-brand and I am just as happy with the much cheaper off-brand. I see no HUGE difference between Canon, Sigma, or Quantaray. Save the money if you are doing it for fun like me... it really doesn't matter.

While it is definitely not TOP of the line I would say it does its job well. I have won several photo competitions against people with much more expensive cameras and equipment.


 "Just What I Needed" 2010-09-04
By SaidG
This was my re-introduction to the world of photography. This camera has done 120,000miles with me as I have taken it everywhere i have been. I love it, it works.


 "Beginner's DSLR" 2010-08-23
By Arit Ghosh (lincoln,NE)
It really is a beginner's DLSR, mainly because the features reflect the basic DSLRs such as ISO speed and white balance, spot metering etc. but still is under par when compared to the EOS 50Ds for example. But is complete value for money if you are looking to get started in photography, which I believe is more about taking and framing a picture with good composition skills. Once that has been accomplished you can aim for better equipment. But all said, it IS a DSLR.. when you want to take that awesome shot, you can always get your awesome lenses which is such a huge segment in DSLR photography. So I would definitely recommend the EOS 450D to anyone starting out with some amateur photography. Go for it!

P.S. +ves - Lighter, good display, ease of use, cost
-ves - ISO speed max - 1600, not a higher end DSLR


 "Great for beginners." 2010-08-22
By BuyBuyBuy!
I'm happy with the camera, I purchased the body only so I could get a nicer lens. I also added a battery grip to the camera because the body is a little small to hold when you have a large lens on it. I also put on a hand strap to help prevent hand shaking, which also helps out a lot with the strain of holding this heavy camera. It has been an easy to use camera, I purchased a DVD about the Rebel XSi just so I could learn what all of the buttons do faster than it takes to read the manual. I found it to be extremely useful, since this is my first DSLR. I've had the camera for over a year now, and am happy with it, but it doesn't come with any extras. All of those little extras add up quickly, and this can be an expensive hobby! I purchased an eye piece extender, which is great. I think it should have come standard with the camera. The only complaint I have is that the LCD screen does not work the same way a point and shoot does. I was unable to take any photos in focus. Once I stated using the viewfinder I had much better success. I had gotten really spoiled using the LCD screen on my point and shoot, so it took a little time to get used to the viewfinder again.


Read more 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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