Photographer and author, LaNola Stone, shares with us thoughts on being behind the lens while photographing children with this celebration of mothers of all kinds.
Canon has released information on a new entry level DSLR, the Canon
EOS
Digital Rebel XSi, also known as the
EOS 450D. They have increased the pixel count from 10MP in the
Rebel XTi to 12.2MP in the XSi, increased the LCD
size from 2.5" to 3" and added a Live View mode. The AF system has
been
improved, the continuous drive speed
increased to 3.5 fps, and there's now a 45-JPEG-image buffer.
Unlike any previous Canon DSLR, the XSi uses SD/SDHC memory cards with
no
provision for the use of CF cards.
As expected, Canon has not added in-body image stabilization, which is
now
being used by Sony, Pentax and
Olympus. Canon is still staying with image stabilization built into
their
lenses and the XSi will be offered
as a kit with the EF-S 18-55/3.5-5.6 IS lens
The Rebel XSi is available for pre-order from amazon.com in the
following options:
Canon ‘Beefs Up’ the New Rebel With Optically Image
Stabilized Lens Kit and
‘Pro’ Features
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., January 23, 2008 – Canon
U.S.A., Inc.’s
EOS Rebel series of digital single lens reflex cameras – the
cameras that defined and
refined what it means to be an “entry level” digital SLR
– have now
redefined the gateway prowess and “pro-ness” of the DSLR
category with the
introduction of the line’s new leader, the 12.2-megapixel EOS
Rebel XSi camera.
Incorporating a number of high-end functions and technology found in
Canon’s
professional SLR models, the EOS Rebel XSi camera boasts an improved
autofocus sensor,
enhanced 14-bit A/D conversion, an advanced Live View function, and
the proprietary DIGIC
III image processor. When paired with any of the more than 60
compatible Canon EF and EF-S
lenses, including optically image stabilized EF-S lenses like the
EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS
– now included in the EOS Rebel XSi kit – or the new
EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS,
the EOS Rebel XSi DSLR delivers images that will delight and inspire
family and friends at
an entry level price tag.
“This new EOS Rebel XSi camera is the answer for those who
have been waiting to
make the leap from digital point-and-shoot to digital SLR or from an
older SLR to the
latest generation of advanced technology, while still including the
creative controls
their old camera afforded them,” states Yuichi Ishizuka, senior
vice president and
general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.
Luxury Feel and Function
At first glance, one notices the Rebel XSi’s large, 3-inch LCD
monitor, enhanced
from the 2.5-inch screen on the Digital Rebel XTi model. The larger
230,000 pixel screen
makes it easier for users to review images and scroll through the
Rebel XSi camera’s
menus. The larger-sized display provides the ability to use a larger
font size for menu
text, making it easier than ever to read settings and options. The new
screen also
features a broadened color gamut, seven brightness settings for easy
viewing under a
variety of shooting conditions and a wide viewing perspective in all
directions.
The EOS Rebel XSi camera features a substantial yet streamlined
profile, with curved
edges, contoured surfaces, conveniently placed controls and
comfortably constructed rubber
grip and thumb rest that all contribute to fatigue-reducing hand
fit. The camera body is
constructed of a rugged yet lightweight combination of stainless steel
and polycarbonate
embedded with glass fiber. The chassis exterior is enrobed in a
durable ABS and
Polycarbonate resin and offered in a choice of silver or black
finishes.
Improved Image Quality
At the heart of the new EOS Rebel XSi is its newly designed 12.2
megapixel APS-C size
Canon CMOS sensor. This new sensor employs large microlenses over each
pixel to reduce
noise and enhance sensitivity up to ISO 1600, which is ideal for
high-quality images in
low light. The APS-C size sensor retains a 1.6x focal length
conversion factor compared to
full-frame digital image sensors or 35mm film format cameras.
Another image quality enhancement is the upgrade of the
Analog-to-Digital (A/D)
conversion process to a 14-bit A/D processor. The inclusion of the
14-bit A/D process
means the Rebel XSi camera records up to 16,384 colors per channel and
allows the camera
to produce images with finer and more accurate gradations of tones and
colors. This is
ideal for shooting outdoors where subtle hue changes in sky, water or
foliage can really
add to an image.
The Canon EOS Rebel XSi DSLR also incorporates the optional
Highlight Tone Priority and
High-ISO Noise Reduction functions first introduced in 2007 with the
EOS-1D Mark III
Professional Digital SLR and now available for the first time in an
entry level Canon
digital SLR camera. Additionally, the new camera is equipped with
Canon’s Auto
Lighting Optimizer technology, which corrects image brightness and
contrast automatically.
Introduced last year in the EOS 40D camera, this valuable optional
feature now works in
all exposure modes and utilizes Face Detection technology to prevent
underexposure with
backlit faces
DIGIC III Image Processor
If the 12.2-megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor is the heart of the
camera, then
Canon’s DIGIC III processor is the brain. The latest generation
of Canon's
proprietary image processing engine, DIGIC III technology ensures that
the fine details
and natural colors of the images are optimally recorded. The DIGIC III
processor also
manages the camera’s efficient energy consumption and high-speed
signal processing
performance. The EOS Rebel XSi is the first model in the Rebel series
to incorporate DIGIC
III.
Enhanced Live View
Introduced in 2007 on the EOS-1D Mark III DSLR, this function makes
its debut in an
entry level Canon DSLR with the EOS Rebel XSi camera. Live View allows
users to frame
shots through the LCD screen rather than the viewfinder. Going beyond
the manual focus and
phase-detection AF capabilities of earlier EOS models with Live View,
the EOS Rebel XSi
camera adds a new “Live Mode” contrast-detection AF function
that allows the
camera to focus automatically during Live View without lowering the
reflex mirror.
Improved Autofocus and Framing Rate
The EOS Rebel XSi Digital SLR utilizes a precise nine-point
Autofocus (AF) system
featuring a newly developed AF sensor that improves the camera’s
subject detection
capabilities compared to earlier models. The new Rebel XSi DSLR
provides a cross-type AF
measurement at the center that’s effective with all EF and EF-S
lenses, while
providing enhanced precision with lenses having maximum apertures of
f/2.8 or faster. The
cross-type AF measurement reads a wider variety of subject matter than
conventional
single-axis AF sensors and thus increases the new camera’s
ability to autofocus
quickly and accurately. The EOS Rebel XSi is also the fastest firing
Rebel model to date,
capable of continuously capturing 3.5 frames per second for bursts of
up to 45 images in
large/fine JPEG mode and 6 frames in RAW mode. The faster frame rates
and finer focusing
capabilities of the Rebel XSi together with its impressive image burst
rate will help
photo enthusiasts preserve family milestones or capture split second
sports action at just
the right moment.
EOS Integrated Cleaning System
The new Rebel XSi DSLR utilizes Canon’s EOS Integrated
Cleaning system, first
introduced on the EOS Rebel XTi camera. The camera's Self-Cleaning
Sensor Unit shakes dust
particles off of the low-pass filter in front of the sensor. The dust
is then trapped by
an adhesive along the base, preventing it from causing further
nuisance. Cleaning is
engaged each time the camera is powered up or shut down or manually
through the
"clean now" function.
The second part of the cleaning system involves post processing
with a compatible
personal computer and the supplied Digital Photo Professional
software. Here the camera
maps any spots that may remain on the sensor, saving it as Dust Delete
Data and
subsequently subtracting dust spots from the final image during post
processing. A third
option includes a manual sensor cleaning function which raises the
mirror and allows users
to clean dust that may have stuck to the low-pass filter.
Back to the Basics
In keeping with its EOS system heritage, the new Canon EOS Rebel
XSi camera is equipped
with a host of useful creative controls, including shutter speeds
ranging from 1/4000 sec.
to 30 sec. plus Bulb, a choice of four metering patterns including 4%
spot metering
(another first for the Rebel series), a wide range of exposure modes
from fully automatic
to fully manual, depth of field preview, mirror lock and much
more. The new camera is
fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses, as well as
EX-series Speedlites, an
optional Battery Grip, and remote control and viewfinder
accessories.
A departure from previous EOS Digital Rebel models, which
accommodated CF type memory
cards, the new EOS Rebel XSi camera utilizes SD and SDHC memory cards
including those with
capacities higher than 2GB, making it the perfect upgrade for users
already equipped with
SD cards from point-and-shoot model cameras. Additionally, the EOS
Rebel XSi camera
utilizes Canon's new high-capacity LP-E5 lithium ion battery pack,
which provides 50%
more exposures per charge than earlier models with virtually no
increase in size or
weight.
In the Box
Expected to ship in April 2008, the Canon Rebel XSi camera is
available in body-only
configuration which includes a rechargeable battery pack and charger,
USB and video
cables, a neckstrap, an EOS Solutions Disk CD, and a 1-year Canon
U.S.A., Inc. limited
warranty. The new camera will also be available in a lens kit version
which includes
everything in the body-only kit plus the EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom
lens. The two
versions carry estimated retail prices of $799.99 and $899.99,
respectively, available for pre-order from
amazon.com.
I haven't decided if I will get this camera or not. I'm a film user and I typically sell off my digi SLRs from non use, but I still like to have a good digi camera for use once in a while. 12 megapixels would certainly give better results in detail then what I'd get off film. And the 450D's highlight control would keep it from being overexposed. But lack of CF card use (I have 3 cards) certainly puts a damper on me going for this camera. I may just wait for the 5D replacement. I know the Rebel line well, as I briefly had the 300D, then the 350D for longer, then briefly the 400D.
Wow.... this make buying my next body harder. I have 2 20d bodies, and I have avoided the rebels because I am concerned that they feel to plasticy, but my wait for the 5d to drop has been long wait. Maybe the crop factor isn't so bad after all. Does this mean a 50d isn't far behind?
Sweet! 12 megapixels for 799. This will force Nikon to soon bring the prices to a more competitive level for their 12 megapixel camera offerings. And Canon will beat that price and so on, and so on....
Thanks Canon!
this camera is not junk. View some of my pictures www.stevesteinhardt.com All taken with the lowly rebel XT. If you all think the camera matters you are wrong. I use the 40D now but will sell that for the Xsi, their are new digital models that come out every year. the 40D will be replaced by the 50D, then the 60D and so forth. The new rbel Xsi has all the specs and tools you need to create amazing high quality professional imagery.
12.2 is great for me as I do lots of super telephoto photography, hence the 1.6 crop work just fine for me. For this reason I am presently using a 30D and Rebel XTi. Some photogs think they can crop the FF image by 1.6 and get the same results as the APSc crop (not so)
As far as I can see Canon put the 1.3 sensor into the 1D Mk3 for high ISO noise reduction; I think the 1D Mk3 would be much better off with the 1.6 sensor for telephoto work, especially for bird photography when you need all the focal length you can get.
I currently own the original Digital Rebel. I am not upgrading to the XSi. I want more ISO not more pixels. My dream camera is the Nikon D3, but it is too expensive.
I just sold my D80 and eagerly awaiting to switch back to canon. I was originally going to get the 40D but the XSI just welded its ugly head. The main thing i want is live preview (it demonstrates this video review). I also do a lot of studio stuff where i can hook up the camera to comp or laptop and it would be amazing if i could frame things on my 17" laptop screen or even my tablet. The XSI has pretty damn close to everything i wanted to upgrade to from the D80. The main thing is the FPS is still stuck at 3fps, but thats about the same as the D80, so i don't really lose anything.
Bill White ...How can you say it's junk ...There is nothing in your portfolio that couldn't have been taken with a plain old XT. So why pay more for less... I've started out as a professional 35 years ago in the Film world and I was a die-hard NIKON man. But now I have Canon and yes I use the Rebel's. There is nothing I can't shoot with one... nothing. But I learned way back when I was in Art School all you need is a $5.00 box camera to take wonderful pics.
So don't be so prejudiced. Maybe think outside the box a little.
When we retired all of our Canon film cameras we bought our first Rebel XT and it worked well with no complications. When we returned to the dealership for our next camera we were pleased with the upgrades on the XTi and that has worked well again. We are anxiously awaiting the delivery of the XSi and the larger LCD. Last year we shot 300 weddings without a single glitch using the Rebels.
Maybe I'm crazy, but with the way technology continues to change at such a rapid pace, I'm much more inclined to purchase the Rebel models as they come out and spend my money on better glass and lighting equipment. They certainly aren't junk, and who cares if they aren't built like a tank and will last forever? By the time they wear out, they're obsolete anyway!
I was able to pick up the eos digital rebel xsi from J&R. http://www.jr.com/JRProductPage.process?Product=4216778
This is my first SLR so my frame of reference is only within the scope of this model, but so far so good. I'm basically learning as i'm going along, but I love it.
Abbey
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