Canon XSi: 12.2 Megapixels, Image Stabilized Lens, and Double Live View

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.