NEW Canon Rebel XSi Announced!

[Grimace]

http://www.blogsmithmedia.com/www.engadget.com/media/2008/01/canon-rebel-xsi.jpg

XSi announced! Not bad, but a bit pricey!

12.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS (1.6x focal conversion)
3-inch live view LCD (up from the XTi's non-live-view 2.5-inch)
DIGIC III image processor
9-point AF, 3.5fps shot rate (up to 45 images in JPEG, 6 in RAW)
The usual ultrasonic sensor cleaning
SD / SDHC media (note: no CF card slot)
Ships April, $799 and $899 for body-only / included EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens, respectively

[David G.]

I'm still content with my 350D.:) I didn't even bother to spend the extra few bucks to get the 400D.

[Grimace]

One REALLY BIG difference is lack of Compact Flash card support. I guess Canon is moving toward SD cards in the non-pro bodies.

[walangij]

Anyone else notice how dirt cheap SD cards are these days as compared to the fluctuating pricing of CF cards lately? I guess since most cameras take SD, new future DSLR users upgrading from a P&S won't have to spend money on new cards.

The big question is whether the viewfinder is still the same. Looks like a nice upgrade though, still love my XT and waiting on a 5D successor.

[wheezy]

So I was just looking at the Canon website showing a friend a few different lenses when I saw this Starred on the site and I was mad at myself for not staying on top of the new releases, I was like 'When did this come out!'

Come to find out it was tonight. :) I'm not mad at myself anymore.

No CF is kinda strange, but if it's fast enough why not? SD is pretty much it outside Pro Cameras.

[iBookG4user]

Looks like the grip is a lot better. But my next camera upgrade will be to a 5D or the successor, so for now I'm content with my EOS 400D.

[Schnebar]

I am going to get it but too bad it does not come out until April. I have to get through most of the semester of photography with my moms camera.

[scotthayes]

Looks like the grip is a lot better. But my next camera upgrade will be to a 5D or the successor, so for now I'm content with my EOS 400D.

Same here, love my 400d the 450d grip looks a little better, but since I got a battery grip (BG-E3) for my 400d, it feels so much nicer to use.

[Airforce]

looks like everyone is following Olympus' on Live View :cool:

[Abstract]

Well Olympus only got Live View right once, and it was on one of their earliest models with this feature. Since then, every implementation hasn't been as useful. ;)

Olympus really should produce a camera with Live View as a main feature, one which used their old method (splitting the light). Yes, it means that the viewfinder is a bit dark, but if real Live View (ie: point and shoot style) is your thing, then Olympus has the camera for you.

[miloblithe]

The new kit lens seems like a bigger deal than the new camera. Definitely a host of small improvements. I'm not planning to replace my 400D for many years, so no surprise that I don't feel any urges. Looks like the ergonomics are improved, both in the grip and the viewfinder. Wish they'd stuck with 10 MP and CF cards. All the other slight improvements would be nice to have too.

[martinmartin]

I have an Xti and I'm pretty sure it underexposes most pictures by 1/3 - 1.

I have read that this is intentional, 'it's better to underexpose than overexpose,' blah blah, but Automatic doesn't look very good unless the lighting is perfect. I have to manually set the other modes to overexpose...

I'm hoping the Xsi fixes this.

Maybe this feature will help : Auto Optimization : http://www.usa.canon.com/consumer/controller?act=ModelInfoAct&fcategoryid=139&modelid=16303#ModelFeaturesAct

[srf4real]

Wow at 12 megapixels and 3.5 fps that's not a bad deal for a starter level dSLR. I wonder how the features will actually translate image wise.

[miloblithe]

Wow at 12 megapixels and 3.5 fps that's not a bad deal for a starter level dSLR. I wonder how the features will actually translate image wise.

Keep in mind though that Canon's strategy seems to be to introduce a new Rebel and have the previous model still in production with a price drop. So they'll have the XTi and XSi on sale at the same time.

[Grimace]

The XT is looking like a fabulous option -- hopefully the price will drop below $350. Great backup body for important shoots!

[Shaduu]

It's a nice looking dSLR, I must say, but the lack of CF support is a pretty big deal for me. I don't want to buy a whole load of SD cards to match my current CF collection; that just doesn't make sense.

I'll stick with my planned 30D purchase.

[hooly]

Also a nice summary of features here: http://www.dpreview.com/news/0801/08012415canoneos450dchanges.asp

The lack of spot metering on the 400D was one of the main reasons I went with Nikon, good to see they have fixed that, looks like a nice piece of kit :)

[ChrisA]

It's a nice looking dSLR, I must say, but the lack of CF support is a pretty big deal for me. I don't want to buy a whole load of SD cards to match my current CF collection; that just doesn't make sense.

I'll stick with my planned 30D purchase.

I hear people saying "I've got $400 invested in CF cards" yes but you could replace them today for $80.

Buying a few new SD cards adds only 5% to the price of the camera. Most people who can afford $900 for a camera can afford the extra $50 for memory.

[Cave Man]

Wow at 12 megapixels and 3.5 fps that's not a bad deal for a starter level dSLR. I wonder how the features will actually translate image wise.

The most significant improvement, IMO, is the 14-bit images. RAW images are going to be in the neighborhood of 15 mb. Better start buying 4 gig or 8 gig storage.

[zioxide]

I'm getting one.. just don't know when. Maybe this summer.

[Westside guy]

This looks like a nice camera. I do wish Canon, Nikon, and the others would stop with the pointless megapixel increases though. I'd rather see the sensor resolutions stay the same with superior noise handling.

[miloblithe]

This looks like a nice camera. I do wish Canon, Nikon, and the others would stop with the pointless megapixel increases though. I'd rather see the sensor resolutions stay the same with superior noise handling.

Yeah, I'd rather have 10MP and 3200 ISO over 12MP and 1200 ISO any day.

But these cameras have to compete in a market that doesn't fully understand these things.

[Grimace]

Yeah. It should be noted that the new 40D and 1D mkIII have a lower MP count. Pixel size (relative to sensor size) just isn't a sexy selling point.

I WANT GIGAPIXELS!!! :D

[Shaduu]

I hear people saying "I've got $400 invested in CF cards" yes but you could replace them today for $80.

Buying a few new SD cards adds only 5% to the price of the camera. Most people who can afford $900 for a camera can afford the extra $50 for memory.

It's not that, it's more I can't be bothered. :D

I just like CF cards too.

[wheezy]

Yeah. It should be noted that the new 40D and 1D mkIII have a lower MP count. Pixel size (relative to sensor size) just isn't a sexy selling point.

I WANT GIGAPIXELS!!! :D

Ask and ye shall recieve (http://www.gigapxl.org/)

[DaveP]

The press release also seems to indicate that the EF-S 55-250mm IS is available in the States now. I know a number of people were starting to give up hope that it would happen

[Grimace]

Ask and ye shall recieve (http://www.gigapxl.org/)

As long as it has Live View, i'll take it!

[wheezy]

As long as it has Live View, i'll take it!

Of course it does, just stand up and look above the camera and you can see the Live View of what you're about to take a picture of.

[Butthead]

As long as it has Live View, i'll take it!

Under the 'more is merrier' dogma - Live View and/of Tera(Patrick)Pixels :p

Once again, Canon has added many of the XXD series features, but left out the XXD killer (kind of like the iBook/MacBook scenario, don't want to step on the sales/higher profit margins of the 'pro' line) feature of ISO high gain mode of ISO3200, which has zero technical reason not to include since the 10D. I could do without some of the other new features, if they would just match Pentax or Nikon and put out a decent ISO6400 high gain mode (we can only wish for this in an updated 5D, but all bets are on boring 'live view' and increase to 16MP sensor----I'm sure most D3 owners are not going to miss the 21MP from the FF Canon, and will gladly take the trade off of very small gains in actual detail resolution, for the marked increase from Canon's pokey slow ISO3200 to 6.4, 12.8 & 25.6k in the D3. This all the while the PnS market is going crazy with insanely higher MP counts, coupled with massive noise levels in nearly worthless ISO 6400 or higher.

We note though, that the new larger Fuji Super CCD 2/3in sensor in the bridge cam is nice, and trickle down feature of wider dynamic range tech from the S5 Pro into their top of the line PnS compact F100d.

[job]

Couldn't you just offset not having high ISO (above ISO 1600) by using some fast glass? Why shoot at 5.6 and 1600 when you could shoot at ISO 400/800 at f1.4, f1.8, f2, or even stretching it, f2.8?

[Martin C]

Couldn't you just offset not having high ISO (above ISO 1600) by using some fast glass? Why shoot at 5.6 and 1600 when you could shoot at ISO 400/800 at f1.4, f1.8, f2, or even stretching it, f2.8?
Faster glass is more expensive than some can afford after purchasing a new body; with the exception of the thrifty fifty.

[walangij]

I read that the viewfinder is new, larger and improved, not a prism, still mirrors but a significant upgrade from the previous cameras.

Larger viewfinder, live view, better grip, SD cards, spot meter, I should seriously buy this for my dad (and let him use my lenses) if I was a good son lol.

[miloblithe]

Couldn't you just offset not having high ISO (above ISO 1600) by using some fast glass? Why shoot at 5.6 and 1600 when you could shoot at ISO 400/800 at f1.4, f1.8, f2, or even stretching it, f2.8?

Many reasons. You may want some depth of field for one. But the fact is that many applications, such as church lighting ISO 1600 and f/2.8 is barely if even enough light. There are plenty of things darker than a church too.

[Scarlet Fever]

looks nice, but i'm still lusting after a 40D :D

[seenew]

where's my new 5(4? 3?)D?

:(

[juanster]

I hope this brings down the prices on the. Xt I've been wanting one for a long time now

[Abstract]

This really is the upgrade. The 300D was a crippled 350D that worked well with a hack. The 350D was a good camera. The 400D upgrade was very very minor, and very disappointing, really. Now we have the 450D, which seems like a great upgrade for anyone who had a 350D. Better viewfinder (in terms of coverage and size.....it still uses a mirror :o ), and spot metering, which is VERY old technology but was purposely excluded from the 3xxD and 4xxD lines in the past. Also, the body is larger, and the grip is slightly thicker, which will make it feel less cheap-o.

[miloblithe]

This really is the upgrade. The 300D was a crippled 350D that worked well with a hack. The 350D was a good camera. The 400D upgrade was very very minor, and very disappointing, really. Now we have the 450D, which seems like a great upgrade for anyone who had a 350D. Better viewfinder (in terms of coverage and size.....it still uses a mirror :o ), and spot metering, which is VERY old technology but was purposely excluded from the 3xxD and 4xxD lines in the past. Also, the body is larger, and the grip is slightly thicker, which will make it feel less cheap-o.

Why is this upgrade so much bigger than the 350 -> 400 upgrade and why was that upgrade disappointing? They both feature the not terribly important megapixel boost, better AF, slightly improved ergonomics, and a few custom features, menu improvements, etc. The 400 added the cleaning system and I'd argue that the jump from 1.8" LCD to 2.5" is significant, whereas 2.5 to 3 is minor. The 450 adds spot metering and a better viewfinder (OK, much better than cleaning system) and live view.

[Abstract]

Bigger screen is a bit meaningless, actually.

I'd consider this a much bigger upgrade because with the change in the size of the body and hand-grip, along with the size of the viewfinder, using that camera is going to be like using an entirely different camera. If you pick up a 350D and 400D, they almost feel the same. Look through the viewfinder of a 400D, and you still see the small, dark view you got on the 350D.

Add a sharp, good quality kit lens (according to several lens tests), and add image stabilization to it, and you have yourself an entirely different camera and lens combo.

I never used to recommend the 300D, 350D, or 400D, and used to say that the Canon 20D, 30D, and now 40D were the lowest Canon models I would actually consider buying, but now things have probably changed. I'll have to wait to either handle one, or read some reviews first, though.

The upgrade to the 400D gave it more MP, a dust reduction system that didn't work, and a larger LCD.

[miloblithe]

I agree the kit lens sounds like it's greatly improved. That's a huge difference.

The LCD isn't exactly meaningless. It's useful for reviewing images and making sure you got what you wanted, which is easier and more accurate on a bigger screen. I'm also not sure that the dust reduction system doesn't work. I'm sure it's hardly foolproof, but certainly a big improvement over nothing (in an insufficient survey, I've never seen any dust on my 400D's sensor, while my Nikon friends have had obvious dust problems).

I'm not arguing that this isn't a bigger upgrade, mind you. It definitely is.

[Westside guy]

... and spot metering, which is VERY old technology but was purposely excluded from the 3xxD and 4xxD lines in the past.

Wait a minute - you guys didn't have spot metering? Even my D70 has that. I use that mode more often than any other (well, meaning "more than matrix metering"; I never use center-weighted because that's just evil).

[miloblithe]

Wait a minute - you guys didn't have spot metering? Even my D70 has that. I use that mode more often than any other (well, meaning "more than matrix metering"; I never use center-weighted because that's just evil).

Definitely one of the complaints about the Rebels. They do have partial metering though, which is 9% at center, whereas spot on the new Rebel is 4%, also only at center (the Nikons can do spot at any focus point right?

[Westside guy]

Definitely one of the complaints about the Rebels. They do have partial metering though, which is 9% at center, whereas spot on the new Rebel is 4%, also only at center (the Nikons can do spot at any focus point right?

I can't speak for all the lower-end Nikons - but my D70 can do spot metering on any of the focus points (what few it has).

I had to look that up, actually, since I tend to "focus and reframe" in spot mode - force of habit from the old days, I guess.

[Martin C]

Bigger screen is a bit meaningless, actually.
Yes, and seeing as the screen has the same number of pixels as the 400D LCD, it's not that great.

[Lord Blackadder]

I was interested in this since I just bought a 350D a few months back...as I see it, the low cost of the 350D still makes it a really attractive option over a 400/450D if you're on a budget...More money for lenses. :)

Faster glass is more expensive than some can afford after purchasing a new body; with the exception of the thrifty fifty.

It would be nice to have ISO 3200, because "fast glass" gets expensive quick.

By the way, "thrify fifty" is the third name I've heard for the 50mm f1.8 today. surfing in other forums today I've seen it referred to as the "plastic fantastic" and "light fifty", a reference to the Barret M82 (http://world.guns.ru/sniper/sn02-e.htm) rifle. :D

People are fond of this little lens. I love mine.