Original Link: https://www.anandtech.com/show/2520
Canon XSi: 12.2 Megapixels, Image Stabilized Lens, and Double Live View
by Wesley Fink on May 5, 2008 3:00 AM EST- Posted in
- Digital Camera
Canon started the whole consumer Digital SLR market in the Fall of 2003 when it surprised the world with the announcement of the original $899 Digital Rebel (EOS 300D) or $999 for the kit with a 18-55mm lens. That was the first DSLR to crack the $1000 barrier and it sold by the truckload when it started shipping in late 2003. This 6MP masterpiece of cheap silver-painted plastic and a pentamirror is without doubt one of the most important camera introductions in history. It sold in huge numbers, and most consider that first Rebel revolutionary in its impact on the SLR market. It certainly changed the directions in digital photography forever.
Canon Consumer DSLR Overview | ||||
Date Announced | Entry Model | Sensor Resolution | AF Points | LCD Screen |
August 2003 | Digital Rebel EOS 300D / Kiss Digital |
6.3 MP (Megapixel) |
7 | 1.8" |
February 2005 | Digital Rebel XT EOS 350D / Kiss Digital N |
8.0 MP | 7 | 1.8" |
August 2006 | Digital Rebel XTi EOS 400D / Kiss Digital X |
10.1 MP | 9 | 2.5" |
January 2008 | Rebel XSi EOS 450D / Kiss X2 |
12.2 MP | 9 | 3" |
With the introduction of the EOS 450D the Rebel is now in its fourth iteration, and each new Rebel is an event that captures the attention of the photo market. Canon usually has a surprise or two in store with each new Rebel. It has become a tradition. Unlike competing stripped-down entry models, the Rebel series seems to conquer new territory with each new release, and the XSi continues that tradition. In fact in many ways the XSi is a much more exciting new camera than the 40D was when it was introduced just 6 months ago.
The new Canon is the first consumer Canon to feature a 12MP sensor. The Canon 40D, the top prosumer model, has a 10MP sensor. This is almost becoming a Canon tradition as the entry XTi was introduced with Canon's first 10MP sensor. The XSi also pioneers the best implementation of Live View in the entire Canon line, being the first to feature either regular Live View with mirror-flip for focusing, or a new contrast detection focusing that does not require a screen blackout. The XSi is also the first Canon to ship with an economical IS kit lens as standard, and the redesigned 18-55mm IS lens is a much-improved match to the resolution demands of a 12.2MP sensor.
The XSi is known in the rest of the world as the 450D, which should be its rightful name in the US. However, someone in Canon marketing believes US buyers care about the Rebel name, so Canon continues that tradition to this day. Those old ads with Andre Agassi are just that - old ads - and no one cares any more. It's even worse in Asia where they still call the 450D the Kiss.
Canon Prosumer DSLR Overview | ||||
Date Announced | Prosumer Model | Sensor Resolution | AF Points | LCD Screen |
April 2000 | D30 | 3.1 MP (Megapixel) | 3 | 1.8" |
February 2002 | D60 | 6.3 MP | 3 | 1.8" |
February 2003 | 10D | 6.3 MP | 7 | 1.8" |
August 2004 | 20D | 8.2 MP | 9 | 1.8" |
February 2006 | 30D | 8.2 MP | 9 | 2.5" |
August 2007 | 40D | 10.1 MP | 9 | 3" |
It is also interesting to compare the entry Canon DSLRs to the evolution of the prosumer xxD series. Canon has fitted the XSi/450D with their new 12.2MP CMOS sensor, while the more expensive prosumer 40D is using the 10.1MP sensor. This is similar to the last generation XTi at 10.1MP with the 30D at 8.2MP. This will give Canon fans another opportunity to argue that resolution doesn't matter much, but this time around the prosumer Sony A700 and D300 both sport an excellent 12.2MP CMOS sensor with arguably better noise control than the 40D. The competition will make the "resolution doesn't matter" argument a little more difficult in this iteration. There is also the prosumer Pentax K20D with a 14.6MP CMOS sensor that is topping many of the resolution tests.
The new XSi, on the other hand, does compete exceptionally well in the entry DSLR space. The 12.2MP sensor, dual Live View, 9-point autofocus, and 3" LCD make the XSi stand out from the budget SLR crowd. Canon even threw in a Digic III processor with 14-bit A/D conversion for image processing on a par with the 40D. In reality, the XSi needs to be considered the top of the current budget class, and it will compete there with cameras like the Sony A350. The very capable XTi will continue in the Canon line, but it is now positioned as an entry model. The 8MP Canon XT is dropped from the line, making 10MP the new starting point for Canon DSLRs.
XSi compared to XTi
As the top-selling model in the DSLR universe, each new Canon builds on the previous model's footprint and features. This evolutionary approach keeps new Rebels familiar, but Canon also has managed to keep their entry flagship fresh with the latest must-have features and new Canon innovations.
The XSi is more rounded and less angular than the XTi. It is also slightly larger than the XTi to accommodate the larger 3" LCD.
Canon XSi vs. Canon XTi | ||
XSi | XTi | |
Dimensions | 129 x 97.5 x 61.9mm 5.1 x 3.8 x 2.4" |
126.5 x 94.2 x 65mm 5.0 x 3.7 x 2.6" |
Weight | 475g (16.8oz) - Body only 525g (18.5oz) - with Battery |
510g (18oz) - Body Only 556g (19.6oz) |
The XSi is 2.5mm wider and 3.3mm taller than the XTi. However, it is 3.1mm less deep and 35g lighter than the current XTi. The overall impression is the XSi is slightly larger than the XTi, and it is surprisingly light. The rubber grip cover is now more "texturized" with subtle changes to the shutter release depression and angle. The grip is more comfortable to hold for larger hands (still improved by adding the grip), but it is a good fit for smaller hands.
Build quality seems a cut above earlier Rebels and the appearance is definitely classier and more in keeping with the rest of the Canon DSLR line. The XSi has been described as looking like a mini 40D and that is an apt description. The XSi is also the most rugged Digital Rebel ever built with a stainless-steel chassis and a glass-reinforced engineering plastics body.
The XTi ON LED is gone, something that may matter to some users. If you look closely you can see that the shallower XSi is entirely due to the stubbier pentamirror/flash housing, which does not overhang as much as in the XTi.
The XSi adds an ISO button just above the on-off switch. ISO is also now displayed in the viewfinder (finally!).
The biggest changes in the XSi are on the back where the new 3" LCD looks absolutely massive compared to the XTi's 2.5" screen. The 3" screen is the same size and specifications as the Canon 40D screen. It is also the largest screen in its class - the Nikon D60 and Olympus 510/420 are 2.5", while the Sony A350/300/200 and Pentax K200D are 2.7".
The larger screen on the XSi required a complete rearrangement of rear buttons as well. There are no longer buttons on the left and the Menu and Display buttons are now at the top left of the screen.
The right side control buttons and layout are basically the same as the XTi, with the addition of the playback and delete (trash) buttons at the bottom right of the screen. The drive/timer button has been reassigned to a directional pad button and the old button is now assigned to White Balance. In a quick glance at the XSi rear you would think it has been simplified, as it looks as if there are fewer buttons. However, all the buttons and functions are still there; they are just rearranged.
The XSi is the first Canon camera to use SD cards, a break with all previous Digital Rebels that used Compact Flash cards. This is really not a handicap at all since SD cards are now priced about the same as Compact Flash. The latest Class 6 SDHC cards are also very fast, just like the high-speed CF cards. All test shots with the XSi used a 16GB Class 6 SDHC card for image storage. The operation was trouble free and very fast.
XSi introduces a new battery that is incompatible with past models. The electrical contacts are contained in the bump on the battery - presumably to prevent accidental contact and discharge in the camera bag. The new LP-E5 (50g) rechargeable battery weighs about the same as the NB-2LH (46g) which powered the XT and XTi models. However, battery output increases about 50% to 1080 mAh compared to the 720 mAh of the NB-2LH. Battery life was not an issue with the XTi as Canon CMOS sensors are justly famous for low power consumption. The XSi battery life is even better, with plenty of reserve for driving the 3" LCD and Live View.
With the new LP-E5 battery also comes a new battery grip called the BP-E5. Then new BP-E5 works only on the XSi; it is incompatible with the earlier Digital Rebel grip. The earlier BP-E3 will not work on the XSi.
The new BP-E5 requires the battery cover be removed for mounting. The grip has a place to store the battery cover on the grip so it is not lost. Power for the grip is either one or two LP-E5 batteries. The grip also comes with an AA battery holder for six AA-size batteries as an alternate power source. We tested the grip with high-capacity rechargeable AA batteries and they worked fine as a power source.
It is definitely worth mentioning that the grip with two BP-E5 batteries is still extremely light, but the two dedicated batteries pack a wallop with 2160 mAh available. Unlike the Sony proprietary batteries, the new LP-E5 batteries are already available OEM from third party vendors.
An added feature of the BP-E5 is that it does provide some weather sealing, unlike the previous Digital Rebel grip. While Canon does not make a big deal of the feature, the XSi does provide some weather sealing, which is more a prosumer model feature.
XSi Specifications
Here's a complete rundown of the features and specifications of the XSi. We'll cover the highlights on the next few pages.
Canon Rebel XSi (450D) | ||||||||||||
Type | Digital, single-lens reflex, AF/AE camera with built-in flash | |||||||||||
Recording Medium | SD memory card, SDHC memory card | |||||||||||
Image Format | 22.2mm x 14.8mm | |||||||||||
Compatible Lenses | Canon EF lenses (including EF-S lenses) (35mm-equivalent focal length is approx.1.6x the lens focal length) |
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Lens Mount | Canon EF mount | |||||||||||
Image Sensor | ||||||||||||
Type | High-sensitivity, high-resolution, large single-plate CMOS sensor | |||||||||||
Pixels | Effective pixels: Approx. 12.20 megapixels | |||||||||||
Total Pixels | Total pixels: Approx. 12.40 megapixels | |||||||||||
Aspect Ratio | 3:2 (Horizontal: Vertical) | |||||||||||
Color Filter System | RGB primary color filter | |||||||||||
Low-pass Filter | Located in front of the image sensor, non-removable | |||||||||||
Recording System | ||||||||||||
Recording Format | Design rule for Camera File System 2.0 | |||||||||||
Image Format | JPEG, RAW (14-bit Canon original) RAW+JPEG | |||||||||||
File Size | (1) Large/Fine: Approx. 4.3MB (4272 x 2848 pixels) (2) Large/Normal: Approx. 2.2MB (4272 x 2848 pixels) (3) Medium/Fine: Approx. 2.5MB (3088 x 2056 pixels) (4) Medium/Normal: Approx. 1.3MB (3088 x 2056 pixels) (5) Small/Fine: Approx. 1.6MB (2256 x 1504 pixels) (6) Small/Normal: Approx. 0.8MB (2256 x 1504 pixels) (7) RAW: Approx. 15.3 MB (4272 x 2848 pixels) Exact file sizes depend on the subject, ISO speed, Picture Style, etc. |
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White Balance | ||||||||||||
Settings | Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, White Fluorescent Light, Flash, Custom | |||||||||||
Color Temperature Compensation | White balance correction: +/-9 stops in full-stop increments White balance bracketing: +/-3 stops in full-stop increments Blue/amber direction or magenta/green direction possible |
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Viewfinder | ||||||||||||
Type | Eye-level pentamirror | |||||||||||
Coverage | Vertical/Horizontal approx. 95% | |||||||||||
Magnification | Approx. 0.87x (-1m with 50mm lens at infinity) | |||||||||||
Eyepoint | Approx. 19mm (from eyepiece lens center) | |||||||||||
Dioptric Adjustment Correction | -3.0 to +1.0 diopter | |||||||||||
Mirror | Quick-return half mirror (Transmission: reflection ratio of 40:60, no mirror cut-off with EF600mm f/4L IS USM or shorter lenses) | |||||||||||
Viewfinder Information | AF information (AF points, focus confirmation light), exposure information (shutter speed, aperture, AE lock, exposure level, ISO speed, exposure warning), flash information (flash ready, high-speed sync, FE lock, flash exposure compensation), monochrome shooting, white balance correction, maximum burst, SD memory card information | |||||||||||
Depth-of-Field Preview | Enabled with depth-of-field preview button | |||||||||||
Autofocus | ||||||||||||
Type | TTL secondary image-registration, phase detection | |||||||||||
AF Points | 9 AF points | |||||||||||
AF Working Range | EV -0.5-18 (at 73F/23C, ISO 100) | |||||||||||
Focusing Modes | One-Shot AF, AI Servo AF, AI Focus AF, Manual focusing (MF) | |||||||||||
AF Point Selection | Automatic selection, manual selection | |||||||||||
Selected AF Point Display | Superimposed in viewfinder and indicated on LCD monitor | |||||||||||
AF-assist Beam | Small series of flashes fired by built-in flash Effective range: Approx. 4.0m/13.1 ft. at center, approx. 3.5m/11.5 ft. at periphery |
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Exposure Control | ||||||||||||
Metering Modes | 35-zone TTL full-aperture metering:
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Metering Range | EV 1-20 (at 73F/23C with EF50mm f/1.4 USM lens, ISO 100) | |||||||||||
Exposure Control Systems | Program AE (Full Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night Portrait, Flash Off, Program), shutter-priority AE, aperture-priority AE, depth-of-field AE, manual exposure, E-TTL II autoflash | |||||||||||
ISO Speed Range | Basic Zone modes: ISO 100-800 set automatically Creative Zone modes: ISO 100-1600 (in 1-stop increments), Auto |
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Exposure Compensation | Manual: +/-2 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments (can be combined with AEB) AEB: +/-2 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments |
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AE Lock | Automatic: When focus achieved with evaluative metering and One-Shot AF Manual: By AE lock button |
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Shutter | ||||||||||||
Type | Electronically-controlled, focal-plane shutter | |||||||||||
Shutter Speeds | 1/4000 sec. to 1/60 sec., X-sync at 1/200 sec. 1/4000 sec. to 30 sec., bulb (Total shutter speed range. Available range varies by shooting mode.) |
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Shutter Release | Soft-touch electromagnetic release | |||||||||||
Self-timer | 10-sec. or 2-sec. delay or 10-sec. delay plus continuous shooting | |||||||||||
Remote Control | Remote Switch RS-60E3 Remote Controller RC-1/RC-5 |
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Built-in Flash | ||||||||||||
Type | Retractable, auto pop-up flash | |||||||||||
Guide Number | 13/43 (ISO 100, in meters/feet) | |||||||||||
Recycling Time | Approx. 3 sec. | |||||||||||
Flash-ready Indicator | Flash-ready icon lights in viewfinder | |||||||||||
Flash Coverage | 17mm lens angle of view | |||||||||||
Flash Exposure Compensation | +/-2 stops in 1/3- or 1/2-stop increments | |||||||||||
External Flash | E-TTL II autoflash with EX Series Speedlites | |||||||||||
PC Terminal | N/A | |||||||||||
Drive System | ||||||||||||
Continuous Shooting Speed | Max. approx. 3.5 shots/sec. (single shots possible) | |||||||||||
Max. Burst During Continuous Shooting | JPEG (Large/Fine): Approx. 53, RAW: Approx. 6 RAW+JPEG (Large/Fine): Approx. 4 Based on Canon's testing standards with a 2GB SD memory card, ISO 100, and Standard Picture Style Varies depending on the subject, SD memory card brand, image-recording quality, etc. |
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LCD Monitor | ||||||||||||
Type | TFT color liquid-crystal monitor | |||||||||||
Screen Monitor size | 3.0 in. | |||||||||||
Pixels | Approx. 230,000 pixels | |||||||||||
Coverage | Approx. 100% | |||||||||||
Brightness Control | 7 levels provided | |||||||||||
Playback | ||||||||||||
Image Display Format | Single image, Single image + Image-recording quality, shooting information, histogram, 4- or 9-image index, magnified view (approx. 1.5x-10x), rotated image, image jump (by 1/10/100 images, or shooting date) | |||||||||||
Highlight Alert | Provided (Overexposed highlights blink) | |||||||||||
Image Protection and Erase | ||||||||||||
Protection | Single images can be erase-protected or not | |||||||||||
Erase | Single image, check-marked images, or all images in the card can be erased (except protected images) at one time | |||||||||||
Direct Printing from the Camera | Enabled with the Print/Share button | |||||||||||
Compatible Printers | PictBridge-compatible printers | |||||||||||
Power Source | ||||||||||||
Battery | Battery Pack LP-E5 (Quantity 1) AC power can be supplied via AC Adapter Kit ACK-E5 With Battery Grip BG-E5, size-AA batteries can be used |
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Number of Shots |
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Battery Life | The above figures apply with a fully-charged Battery Pack LP-E5 The figures above are based on CIPA (Camera & Imaging Products Association) testing standards |
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Battery Check | Automatic | |||||||||||
Power Saving | Provided. Power turns off after 30 sec., 1, 2, 4, 8, or 15 min. | |||||||||||
Back-up Battery | Built-in secondary battery | |||||||||||
Dimensions and Weight | ||||||||||||
Dimensions (W x H x D) | Approx. 5.1 x 3.8 x 2.4 in./128.8 x 97.5 x 61.9mm | |||||||||||
Weight | Approx. 16.8 oz./ 475g (body only) | |||||||||||
Working Conditions | ||||||||||||
Working Temperature Range | 32-104F/0-40C | |||||||||||
Working Humidity Range | 85% or less |
XSi Features
Some of the more significant improvements to the XSi were taken from the Canon 40D and the Pro Canons. The processing heart of the XSi is the Digic III which is the same chip used in the 40D.
This endows the Canon XSi with a speedy 14-bit Analog-to-Digital converter. Digic III was widely praised when it was first introduced last fall as dual Digic III processors in the $8000 EOS 1Ds Mark III and a single Digic III in the Canon 40D. Now the entry-level XSi has the same processor as these Canon top-line cameras.
The 3" LCD used on the XSi is the largest LCD currently used on an entry-level DSLR. Others are 2.7" and 2.5". This is also the same 230,000 pixel 3" LCD used on the 40D and the 1Ds Mark III. This is not as finely detailed as the higher-resolution 3" LCD used on the Nikon D300 and the Sony A700, but those are $1800 and $1400 cameras compared to $800 for the XSi body alone. The 3" display can even be customized by choosing one of four color schemes.
Our review of the Sony A350 complained about the horrible .74x magnification and "looking down a tunnel" view of the A350. All of the cropped sensor cameras (i.e. most everything but top Pro DSLRs) are challenged in producing large, bright viewfinders compared to 35mm full-frame cameras.
Canon continues to improve viewfinders - even those in their entry XSi camera. Here you can see the improved view of the .87x magnification XSi compared to the .80x magnification of the XTi and XT viewfinders. The original Digital Rebel from 2003 featured a decent .88x viewfinder that was sacrificed to the size shrink of the Digital Rebel XT model. With the XSi the viewfinder of the entry Canon is back to the magnification of the original Digital Rebel. Brightness also appears to be improved with the XSi the brightest finder of the series.
While the .88x is a welcomed improvement, the new 40D prosumer model has an even better viewfinder with a .95x view. Since the 40D and XSi sensors are the same size (22.2x14.8mm), the viewfinder magnifications are directly comparable. However, comparing the XSi viewfinder to its competitors - the Nikon D60, Sony A350/A300, and Olympus E-510/E-420 - shows the Canon XSi to have the best viewfinder in its class.
The 9-point AF module appears similar to the 9-point AF in the Canon 40D. Working range AF specifications are the same EV range of -0.5EV to 18EV. However, the 40D adds an additional diagonal cross-type sensor with greater precision for f2.8 lenses, providing better support for fast Canon L lenses.
The XSi is the first in the Digital Rebel series to feature a Spot Metering option. Every review has complained about this missing feature since the launch of the original Digital Rebel, and Canon has finally listened. The spot meter is 4% of the viewfinder and available only on the center spot. In the picture above showing the viewfinder, the spot metering area is represented by the circle around the center AF spot. This is also visible in the XSi viewfinder.
ISO Speed Display and Auto ISO
Users have also asked Canon to add ISO speed to the viewfinder display. In the XSi that is finally a reality. Auto ISO is also a more useful feature since it now works over a wider range, at least to 800 in our tests and the auto-selected ISO is also displayed in the viewfinder and on the rear LCD dynamically. However, even in total darkness we could not coax Auto ISO to select 1600, and in the brightest of shooting situations the XSi would not auto select ISO 100.
XSi Features (cont'd)
The first Canon 18-55mm lens was introduced with the 6MP Digital Rebel. At the time that lens was heralded as superb quality for a kit lens. The Digital Rebel is now in its fourth generation and resolution is doubled to 12.2MP. What was a great 6MP lens had become a not so wonderful 10MP lens on the XTi and it was time for an update with the move to 12MP.
Canon obliged with several minor changes to the 18-55mm layout and the addition of an aspherical element for one of the lenses. Canon has also developed a new simpler and lower-cost Image Stabilization system that is incorporated in the revised lens. While Optical Image Stabilization is built into lenses and only works with that IS lens it does offer the advantage of showing in the viewfinder, or on the Live View Screen, the true impact of the IS operation.
Mechanical Image Stabilization used by Sony, Pentax, and Olympus works with every lens you mount but you cannot see the effect through the viewfinder. However, recent implementations of Live View by these manufacturers allow the user in some cases to see the true effect of IS on Live View. Those are discussions for another article, but for now Canon, Nikon, and Panasonic have embraced Optical Image Stabilization.
Early testing shows the new 18-55mm IS to be a superb lens with performance comparable to top-line Canon lenses. Including an IS kit lens comes just in time as Sony, Pentax, and Olympus have all adopted mechanical IS built into the body in their entry cameras. Nikon is also offering an optical IS kit lens in their new D60.
Canon claims up to 4 stops of improved hand-holding with the new IS kit lens. We did find we could improve 2 to 3 stops in most situations, but the 4-stop advantage likely requires ideal conditions.
The most remarkable feature of the new IS lens, apart from quality images, is the price. Canon is including the 18-55mm IS for a premium of just $100 over the price of the body. Considering the real advantages of an optical IS lens it is definitely worth choosing the kit with the IS lens as it is $100 that is very well spent for the value received.
PC Remote Control
The prosumer 40D EOS utility software allows the user to remotely control the camera with your computer over a USB connection. This includes the option to record images directly to your hard disk. It was frankly a shock to see this same very Pro-oriented feature available now for the XSi. The utility now works on both the 40D and XSi and allows you to preprogram your PC or Mac for long exposures or for time-lapse photography. You can even focus and preview shots on the monitor in Live View mode.
The EOS Integrated Cleaning System, first introduced on the Canon XTi, has been a feature of every Canon camera introduced since then. The system, which vibrates the sensor to shake off dust, is continued unchanged in the XSi.
Auto Lighting Optimization is a new option on the XSi. This feature was introduced on the 40D. Canon claims the Auto Lighting Optimizer improves dynamic range and it is on by default. Therefore you can see the impact of ALO in our test images.
Those who prefer can turn off ALO in Custom Function 6. A related Custom Function 5 allows the user to enable/disable Highlight Tone Priority. This expands dynamic range from 18% grey to bright highlights. The downside is noise may increase in shadow areas. Both these dynamic range expansion features are brought over from the 40D. They work in PASM or A-DEP modes for JPEGs, but have no effect on images captured in RAW format.
Continuous shooting is up to 3.5FPS, a slight increase from the 3FPS of the XTi despite the 20% increase in sensor resolution and image size. This makes the XSi one of the fastest entry DSLRs available in continuous mode. From the 40D the XSi also adds a 2 second timer mode (with optional mirror lockup) which is convenient for tripod shooting. The self-timer C option in the LCD screen shot above counts down from 10 seconds, but then takes a user selectable one to ten shots in succession to keep you from having to go back to the camera for second or third attempts.
The Rebel XSi is packaged in a big red splashy box for the US market. In Europe, where it is called the 450D, the packaging is a much more subtle Canon grey and black.
In the box you will find the rechargeable battery, charger, USB cable, video cable, Canon neck strap, software CDs, manuals, and warranty card(s). The most common kit with a lens includes the new 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS (optical Image Stabilized) lens.
Two Live View Modes
When Canon first announced the XSi at the PMA show in late January, they created quite a stir with the announcement that Live View would be available in two modes on the XSi. The first mode was what everyone has been including, namely that the mirror is flipped up and you can see the sensor image on the LCD and manually focus. In this mode Auto Focus requires that the mirror be flipped back down, for AF measurement, which is slow and also momentarily blacks out the Live View.
Mode 2 for Canon Live View uses contrast detection for focusing. The image does not blank on the LCD and focus can happen while you are viewing the LCD. These appear to be the same two Live View modes that are implemented on the $1800 Nikon D300. Unfortunately the contrast detection Live View is still painfully slow on the XSi, meaning that neither mode is very useful for sports or fast moving subjects.
Live View is this year's check box feature and the XSi has one of the best Live View implementations using the main sensor. The only current production camera that uses a different Live View approach is the Sony A350 we recently reviewed. Sony uses a second sensor to provide real-time Live View on the A350 and A300 that is just as fast as using the viewfinder for shooting. The A350 is 14.2MP while the A300 is 10MP, but both feature a flip-down/flip-up LCD for convenient Live View use.
In terms of focusing speed the Sony A350 is clearly a faster and more convenient implementation of Live View. However, the second sensor in the Sony brings its own set of compromises. The Canon XSi provides basically a 100% view of the image on the LCD, where the Sony second sensor only shows about 90%. Sony also offers no image zoom feature for easier focusing, where the Canon XSi allows selection of an area and Live View zooming for more precise focusing.
The contrast in Live View approaches is pretty dramatic between the Sony A350 and the XSi. If you want to use Live View instead of the viewfinder and shoot using the LCD, Sony Live View is better. If you prefer using Live View for studio-type static or macro shooting, the Canon XSi Live View offers more precise framing and more precise control of the final image.
In addition, the much larger and brighter Canon XSi optical viewfinder makes using the viewfinder easier on the XSi compared to the mediocre tunnel-vision finder in the Sony A350. If you plan to shoot mainly using the traditional viewfinder then the Canon XSi is the better choice, with slow but decent Live View shooting options.
Resolution and Sensitivity Tests
All crops represent a view of 230x300 actual pixels cropped from the larger 12.2, 10.1, or 14.2MP images. The crop area on the 1.5X multiplier Sony and Nikon are represented by the red rectangle on the full image above. The Canon XSi is a 1.6x sensor so the coverage is slightly less than the 1.5X sensors at the same resolution.
Since the crops represent actual image pixels, the covered area for the crop varies with the resolution changes. On 14.2 and 12.2MP sensors the crop area represents a smaller (more enlarged) portion of the scene than on the 10.1MP crops. This is because there are more pixels in the image area. However, you can view the full-size images by clicking on the crops and the field of view is the same among 1.6x sensors since the crop factor, sensor multiplier, and shooting position is the same.
In all images the tripod is mounted in the same location relative to the scene being photographed. Therefore, any field of view variations are a result of the different sensors and multipliers for each camera.
To eliminate variations in lens quality as much as possible, all images were photographed using the manufacturers 50mm f/1.4 normal lens. All ISO sequences were shot in Aperture Priority with a fixed aperture of f/4.0. Focusing was manual with the crop area as the focus target. Lighting was a worst-case single 100W tungsten bulb high and to the right of the scene. All cameras were set to the TUNGSTEN white-balance preset so any color variations are a result of the manner in which the camera implements the Tungsten preset.
Links to the full JPEG images are available on each camera sensitivity crop. These files are huge, but they can be downloaded for those who wish to view the actual images or explore EXIF data embedded in each image. A shareware EXIF viewer, Opanda IEXIP 2, is available at for download at Opanda.
Page 8 compares the Canon XSi, XTi, and 40D over each camera's ISO range. Page 9 compares the Canon XSi to the Nikon D60. Page 10 compares the XSi to its most likely competitor, the Sony A350, which has the same street price as the Canon XSi.
XSi vs. XTi vs. 40D
All crops are 150x250 pixels. The XSi at 12.2MP represents a smaller at the same pixel resolution as the 10.1MP 40D and XTi. The full-size images, which you can see by clicking on any crop, represent the same field of view regardless of the resolution.
It should be apparent that despite the XSi's 20% increase in resolution image noise is all but the same at ISO speeds to 800. At ISO 1600 the XSi does exhibit slightly more noise than either the 40D or the XTi, but the XSi is still well below the ISO 3200 noise levels of the 40D. in total, this performance is certainly good news for those considering the purchase of the XSi. Since the ISO 3200 crop of the 40D is noisier than either 1600 crop of the XSi or the XTi it appears the only reason for not including ISO 3200 in the XSi is differentiation of the lower cost XSi from the prosumer 40D. It appears ISO 3200 would be a good addition to a future update of the XSi (450D).
Canon XSi vs. Nikon D60
Looking at street prices the Nikon D80 is the current Nikon price competitor to the XSi. However, the D80 replacement to be introduced later this year will likely be priced a bit higher than the XSi. The Nikon D60 is therefore the closest competitor from Nikon to the Canon XSi.
The Nikon D60 was also introduced at the same time, and is sold with an IS lens like the XSi. Both the XSi and D60 both now use SD and SDHC memory cards for storing images. Pricing of the D60 is $100 to $200 dollars less than the XSi as either body or as a kit, but feature-wise the XSi is a lot more camera than the D60. Since the Canon XTi remains in the Canon line it is another competitor to the D60, but the XTi currently sells for about $100 to $200 less than the D60 (but with a regular 18-55mm and not the IS version).
Both the D60 and the XSi are small DSLR cameras, but with the small size boost in the XSi the D60 is now quite a bit smaller than the XSi. This will matter to some and not to others, but if the XSi is too small for larger hands the addition of the BG-E4 battery grip does wonders to improve handling. Unfortunately this is not an option with the D60, as it is now just about the only entry DSLR without a battery grip option.
Looking at the rear comparison the 2.5" LCD of the new D60 looks tiny compared to the XSi LCD. The Sony and Pentax entry models fall between these two at 2.7" and the Olympus E-510/E-420 are the same size as the Nikon.
The smaller size of the D60 is even more apparent from the side view. The D60 is definitely a simpler camera than the XSi, which for some will mean it is easier to use. However, the feature set for the XSi is more like a prosumer model than entry and the D80 is a more comparable camera in features. The D80 replacement will likely be a better camera to compare to the XSi as already mentioned.
Through ISO 400 both the D60 and the XSi both exhibited very low image noise. It was a bit surprising, however, to see the Nikon D60 start to show more noise than the XSi at ISO 800. By 1600 the D60 is much noisier than the XSi in our crop comparisons. The Nikon D60 goes on to ISO 3200, but ISO 3200 is probably limited to small snapshot prints as noise is just too great at that ISO speed.
Remember the XSi is 12.2MP and the D60 is 10MP. We should be seeing more high ISO noise with the larger sensor, but in fact the 10MP D60 is showing higher noise than the Canon sensor. In comparing crops under these shooting conditions the XSi is clearly the more capable camera at higher ISO settings.
The last chart compared three Canon cameras all set to Tungsten under low-light tungsten shooting conditions. The red color shift was not very obvious in that comparison. Here you can see the Nikon Tungsten setting generates much more accurate colors and the Canon Tungsten setting is frankly out of the ballpark. This is not a comparison of auto white balance, but of cameras manually set to Tungsten. Clearly if you plan to shoot Tungsten with a Canon camera you need to use custom white balance as the current Tungsten setting is way off the mark on all three Canon cameras - including the prosumer 40D.
Canon XSi vs. Sony A350
The A350 is an entry-level camera despite some high-end features like the 14.2MP sensor. As such it is designed to be easy to use. Ours came out of the package set up at the factory for Live View mode with Super Steady Shot on. In general Sony made the controls very easy to use and figure out. Sony tells us one complaint from buyers moving from point-and-shoot digital cameras to a digital SLR is that they are often overwhelmed by the controls of the DSLR. Point-and-shoot users will find the A350 easy to use and familiar right out of the box.
The tilt-up/tilt-down screen combined with real-time Live View is the absolute best configuration for the A350. The viewfinder is too tunnel-like for many so the Canon XSi is a better choice for viewfinder shooting. There is no better Live View camera though, if you can live with an LCD that is only a 90% approximation of the finished image.
In general the A350/A300 are very fast and very easy to use. The XSi is a better camera for those who may want to grow into a much more serious system, but Sony also offers growth to the very capable A700 and the upcoming full-frame Pro model.
Color for the Sony A350 is very accurate compared to the overly warm rendition of the Canon XSi at the Tungsten setting. For those who don't want to fuss and just point-and-shoot that may be important. In addition the Auto white balance for the A350 is the most accurate we've tested under Tungsten lighting. It is actually quite good shooting indoor tungsten, something most of its competitors do rather poorly.
The Sony also does well in noise control head-to-head with the Canon XSi. That was something of a surprise considering the Sony is a 14.2MP CCD sensor and the Canon is a 12.2MP CMOS. Up to 800 noise is very similar on both crops. Noise at 1600 is also comparable, but if you look closely at edges the Sony is exhibiting a greater tendency to appear jagged than the Canon XSi. ISO 3200 on the Sony is probably only usable on snapshots, but it is still usable.
Overall, the Sony A350 actually does better against the Canon XSi than we really expected and acquits itself quite well for a higher resolution sensor that should be showing greater noise than the Canon XSi. Resolution and noise control to ISO 1600 on the Sony holds its own against a sensor maker than has been the low-noise standard since DSLRs began.
Final Thoughts
As it is known in the US, the Digital Rebel is the one that started the consumer Digital SLR revolution. It is also the most recognized series among DSLR brands and in many ways it is the entry-level standard. The Digital Rebel series is now in its fourth generation and there is no doubt after reviewing the XSi that this is the best entry Canon yet produced.
The Canon XSi is the first consumer Canon with a 12MP sensor. That is the good news and it could also be the bad news. However, we are happy to report that Canon has increased the resolution of their CMOS sensor to 12.2MP without any noticeable increase in noise. The fear was that higher resolution might mean more noise, but that is not the case. In tests comparing output to the previous XTi and the current prosumer 40D, both 10MP, the new XSi showed noise levels that were comparable at all ISO settings. In fact they were good enough that we missed not having the option of ISO 3200 on the XSi, as it is available on the new 40D.
Compared to the Nikon D60 the Canon XSi showed significantly lower noise at the same ISO settings. The D60 showed superior color accuracy at all ISO settings, but the XSi was clearly the better imager at high ISO settings. This is very much at odds with the absolutely superb resolution and noise control of the new Nikon D300, which we consider a much better imager than the Canon 40D. It appears Nikon needs to apply some of their new CMOS imager technology back to an update of their entry to mid models. This is probably exactly what we will see with the D80 replacement later this year.
When you consider the other D60 deficiencies - no available battery grip, 2.5" LCD instead of 2.7" or 3", compatible only with newer motor lenses, and archaic 3-point AF - the D60 seems like a placeholder until the D80 replacement is launched. There are huge fans of the D40 who will similarly love the D60, but we are not among those fans. It has had a great run but it is time for a resolution update with better noise reduction and more contemporary features. Our advice is for Nikon to borrow heavily form the D300 which is the best of the current lot of crop-sensor DSLRs.
The closest competitor to the new Canon XSi is likely the Sony A350 with the same street price. Sony has body integral Image Stabilization that works with all lenses, while Canon now ships the XSi with an optical IS lens - and it's a very good IS lens. Both cameras feature auto sensor cleaning and both feature Live View. The Canon XSi even offers two flavors of Live View. That, however, is where the two cameras go in completely different directions.
The Sony Live View is the best implementation from anyone so far. If Live View is what you want for sports or fast-moving kids then the Sony A350 or A300 are a better choice. That great Live View from the second Sony sensor is not without compromises, however. You can only see 90% of the image on the Sony Live View screen, and if you have to move to the viewfinder you will find the Sony viewfinder mediocre next to the Canon XSi.
Put another way, if Live View means studio, macro, or just periodic use then the much slower Live View of the Canon will not be an issue. If slower Live View is OK, then the near 100% view will tilt the scales toward the XSi. The ability to select a small area and zoom in for precise focusing on the Canon XSi Live View is not a feature even available on Sony Live View. The availability of no blackout contrast detection focusing as an option will also appeal to those same shooters who can live with slow Live View. Certainly if most of your shooting will be with the viewfinder then pick the Canon XSi or even the entry Sony A200.
The last concern is ease of use, and here again the Sony and Canon diverge. The Sony is a perfect camera for those who want to move from point-and-shoot. It will be familiar and very easy to use, and it is capable of producing great results with a class-leading 14.2MP sensor. The Canon XSi on the other hand is like getting a prosumer DSLR for the price of an entry-level DSLR. It is an immensely capable and enjoyable little SLR. In fact, with the new BG-E5 grip some may actually prefer the handling of the XSi to the Canon 40D. Canon has moved almost all the high-end features from the 40D and Pro models to the little XSi. It provides a 3" LCD, 9-point autofocus, and the largest Canon sensor south of the Pro models.
You also get Auto Lighting Optimization and Highlight Tone Priority on the XSi, which have migrated from the new 40D. Timer controls are enhanced, and the included Canon utility even allows PC control of the XSi for intervalometer shooting, time exposures, and other specialized needs. Plus, Canon finally provided a spot meter option, the ISO displayed in the viewfinder, and a better Auto ISO implementation with the XSi.
3.5FPS is not a blazing continuous shooting rate compared to the Nikon D300 or the Canon 40D, but the 3.5FPS on a 12.2MP sensor camera makes the XSi the fastest in its class. The Digic III processor, also used in the 1Ds Mark III and the 40D, made its way to the XSi. With it comes 14-bit D/A conversion and extremely fast image processing.
All of these features will probably make you think we are describing a new Canon prosumer model, and frankly the XSi is the most prosumer "entry" Canon ever. The Canon XTi will now fill in the low-end and the XSi will be more midrange - at least for the time being. The XSi is well positioned to fill that role, and it has the features to justify that midrange position.
Put simply, the XSi is the best of the current crop of "entry" DSLRs for anyone who has aspirations that they might one day want to be a photographer. With the excellent Image Stabilized kit lens the XSi is an extremely capable DSLR with plenty to keep you learning and growing. The Canon XSi definitely shows the growth and refinement that comes from four generations of evolution. It is in our opinion the best "entry" Canon ever produced.
Sample Images
Since the Canon XSi is targeted at the entry-level DSLR market, all sample images were shot with the XSi kit lens, the EF-S (crop-sensor only) 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS. This will likely be the way most buyers purchase the XSi and it seemed fairest to provide sample images shot only with this lens, much as most users will start with the XSi.
All images are full-size straight from the Canon XSi. They have not been cropped or processed in Canon software or Photoshop CS3, even though post-processing can definitely improve the impact of the images. Click on any of the smaller images below to view or save the original image.
Canon offers a very extensive line of lenses and all available EOS lenses should work on the XSi, including full-frame and crop-sensor EF-S lenses. Buyers can step up to better Canon optics, but the included images are typical of those that can be shot with the Image Stabilized kit lens.
The recent Canon release of the reasonably priced Image-Stabilized EF-S 55-250mm f4-5.6 lens will likely mean this IS pair will be offered in two-lens kits for the XSi in the future. With these two lenses Canon shooters can cover the 35mm equivalent of 29mm to 400mm with two small, light lenses that both feature Optical Image Stabilization for up to 4 stops of improvement for hand-held shooting in lower light. The new 55-250mm IS lens is now selling alone at a street price of $300 or less.
Note: Images are 3.1 to 7.5 MB in size.