Canon EOS Rebel XSi

Canon's EOS Rebel XSi ($699 list, body only) is the fourth model in Canon's Digital Rebel class, a series that sparked the prosumer D-SLR revolution. In snatching the Editors' Choice crown from the EOS Digital Rebel XTi, the XSi continues Canon's tradition of adding substantial new features and improving on the previous model to keep pace with the competition. The XSi has a 12.2-megapixel resolution, up from 10MP in the XTi and double the pixel count of the original Rebel. Among its new features are an image-stabilized kit lens, a larger LCD display, Live View, a revamped control scheme/button layout, SD/SDHC-card compatibility, and longer battery life.

As the higher-end version of two recently launched Digital Rebels, the XSi has a less-expensive sibling, the 10MP XS. The EOS Rebel XS offers Live View, SD card compatibility and a larger battery pack, but has some downgrades—even from the XTi—such as a seven-point autofocus system. The XTi and XSi's have nine-point autofocus systems, whereas the competing Nikon D60 has only a three-point system.

Gone is the silver trim of previous Rebels. The XSi is all black, and attractive as such—though it's also available in all silver. The frame is mostly hard plastic but feels sturdy: The XSi is solid and easy enough to hold steady when framing a picture. It measures 3.8 by 5.1 by 2.4 inches (HWD) without lens, weighs 475g (just over a pound), and is similar in size to the Nikon D60, though both are smaller and lighter than the Sony Alpha DSLR-A350. Still, like any SLR, the Rebel XSi is a substantial and somewhat bulky camera. It will feel all the more conspicuous if you're trading up from an ultracompact, or if you lug extra lenses with you. The XSi is compatible with more than 60 Canon lenses in the EF and EF-S series, as well as some other brands of lenses if you have the proper adapters. You'll want to invest in a decent bag to hold both the camera and a few extra lenses.



Price as Tested: $799.99 List
Type: Compact
Megapixels: 12.2 MP
Maximum Resolution: 4272 x 2848 pixels
Included Memory: Media Card
Media Format: Secure Digital
Battery Type Supported: Lithium Ion, Rechargeable
Included Batteries: Yes
Interface: USB 2.0
Video Record and Playback: No
35-mm Equivalent (Wide): 28.8
35-mm Equivalent (Telephoto): 88