Canon’s popular XTi model has officially been replaced. Shipping this April, the Canon XSi is the new Rebel. The Canon Digital Rebel XSi looks like a very formidable upgrade to the XTi, which most regarded as a meager upgrade from the XT. Live view seems to be the thing of the moment, and while it doesn’t appeal to me; I can see its usefulness. All together, if the specifications match up to the real life experience then Canon may have a winner at this price point. Nikon will have to come out strong on the D90 to compete with the XSi.
The specs look VERY impressive.
- 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
- Ships April, $799 and $899 for body-only / included EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens, respectively.
If you are looking for the best lens that $500 can buy you, look no further. Canon’s 70-200 F/4L USM lens puts the legendary L-series lens quality into a shockingly affordable package that covers a desirable range for most every type of shooter, whether a beginner or a pro. While it is significantly more expensive then the telephoto lenses that a chain store clerk will pitch to the new Digital SLR user, the quality difference is night and day. The 70-200 L focuses internally and faster then any lens in its class. The images are brilliant, very colorful and a compliment to any digital body.
Canon doesn’t skimp (like it does with its consumer-series lenses) on the extras with its L series. Included in the package is a lens hood (hard to manage the lens cap, but very high quality with suede-like lining and a cloth/leather bottomed carrying case for the lens its self. The attention to detail in building the package is one of the reasons that the L series really shines. It is well built and a bit on the hefty side, but certainly manageable and hand-holdable in almost every situation.
I paired the lens with both the Canon Digital Rebel XT and the XTi models, and the results were across the board excellent. The image quality, focusing speed and build are excellent. If you are on the fence regarding whether to spend the extra amount over, say, the 75-300 USM lens by Canon, I cannot recommend enough the 70-200 F/4L.
Those looking to shoot lower light or in less-then-desirable conditions may also want to consider the 70-200 F/2.8 or the 70-200 F/4 IS (image stabilized) versions.
The Canon Digital Rebel XTi is the 10MP big brother of the Canon Digital Rebel XT. The XTi, also known as the 400d in foreign circles, was is one of the only recent digital slr cameras without any real direct competetion from the other major manufactuer, Nikon. The D40x was introduced long after the XTi and the D80 is in a class above, so the low price niche is slanted in Canon’s direction.
The plastic body is a drawback for some professionals and the abnormally small grip may appeal to some, and repeal others. The fact of the matter is that for under $500 on sale, the Canon XTi can’t be beat for price. I ended up upgrading to a professional body but my time with the XTi was enjoyable and the image quality was similar to that of cameras that cost $2000+. When coupled with a strong lens, the XTi has the potential to create phenomenal images.
Similar to my complaint regarding the ergonomics of the XT, the XTi’s small size and “lacking” grip present a problem for people with large hands. Again, the BG-E3 battery grip is a fine solution to this problem but it is something to consider, especially if you don’t particularly want to purchase a battery grip.
If you have your eye on the XTi and can’t afford the D80 or 30d, give it a good, long look! Its a great camera at a greater price. With the money saved over similar models, the difference can be put towards a larger investment into Canon’s excellent lens system.
The Canon Digital Rebel XT was Canon’s answer to the low-price digital SLR void that plauged the genre since the original Digital Rebel was introduced. With a current street price of about $400 for the body, there isn’t a cheaper digital SLR from the big 2 (that is, Nikon and Canon) on the market. Don’t let the low price fool you though, the XT is an excellent body and you are buying into Canon’s full range of lenses and accessories. No matter which camp you pull for (Nikon or Canon) ther e is no denying that the XT is a really solid choice. Nikon’s D40 is also a strong contender but loses any autofocus ability with older lenses. With Canon, thats not a problem. You have access to their excellent range of lenses, old and new.
The image quality is also excellent. Megapixels aren’t everything but the 8mp sensor in the XT is excellent, even compared to Canon’s newer offerings like the XTi. The shots are clean, even up to 1600ISO. Noise is managable in most situations. Obviously, you’re going to get better shots out of the equivalent “pro” model in Canon’s lineup, the 20d, but the XT can produce great results with the right person behind the eyepiece.
The LCD on the XT, in contrast to its big brother (the XTi), is quite small. At 1.8 inches, it is good enough for a basic overview of the shot but not sufficient for reviewing or showing other people a photo. For some of its competition (Nikon’s D70), it is on par but against the XTi and the D40, it is quite small.
The one complaint that many have is that the body is quite small. This might be a good fit for people with small hands who need a lighter body, but for people with big hands, the grip is not totally natural. With Canon’s optional BG-E3 battery grip, the camera is a much more manageable size and much more comfortable in my opinion. Again, its a small quip to have with an excellent camera at a ridiculously low price.
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