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Buy Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black)

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For stunning photography with point and shoot ease, look no further than the Canon EOS Rebel XSi. The EOS Rebel XSi brings staggering technological innovation to the masses.

It features Canon’s EOS Integrated Cleaning System, Live View function, a powerful DIGIC III image processor, plus a new 12.2-megapixel CMOS sensor and is available in a kit with the new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens with Optical Image Stabilizer. The EOS Rebel XSi’s refined, ergonomic design includes a new 3.0-inch LCD monitor, compatibility with SD and SDHC memory cards and new accessories that enhance every aspect of the photographic experience.

Canon EOS Rebel XSi Highlights

New Technology for Outstanding Images

New Canon 12.2-megapixel CMOS sensor and DIGIC III image processor from Canon CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor captures images with exceptional clarity and tonal range, and offers the most pixels in its class.

It offers many of the new technologies to maximize each pixel light collection efficiency that were first seen in the professional EOS-1D Mark III model. It is an APS-C size sensor (22.2 x 14.8 mm), and there is an effective increase of 1.6 x marked on the lens focal length when attached. Canon’s DIGIC III image processor enhances image quality and drastically accelerates all camera operations for intuitive operation. It works in conjunction with the sensor of the EOS Rebel XSi to unprecedented levels of performance in all lighting conditions to achieve.

14-bit A / D Converter With the EOS Rebel XSi, analog to digital signal conversion is performed by a 14-bit processor, the digital data with incredibly smooth tones generates. Formerly a feature only present in the top-of-the-line Pro digital SLR cameras, the 14-bit conversion gives incredibly smooth transitions from light to dark colors, with far less risk of “banding”.

A sky at sunset is a perfect example. With this rich 14-bit gradation the EOS Rebel XSi offers RAW images of the highest quality that can be processed with Canon’s Digital Photo Professional software. Even JPEG files, ready in 8-bit per channel, use the full 14-bit conversion initially to generate the best possible color and tonal detail.

Another major advantage of the 14-bit conversion is the Highlight Tone Priority option, which allows critical shooters at the level of detail in bright areas of a scene to a stop to increase, without changing the total exposure.

Auto Optimization The EOS Rebel XSi’s Auto Optimization is yet another image-quality tool that comes to the rescue in tricky lighting conditions. It can actually lighten dark areas of a scene which is to monitor bright areas maintain tonal detail. It is now available in all shooting modes, including P, Tv, Av, and Manual.

DIGIC III image processor designed to maximize performance between the capture and recording stages of digital photography, the EOS Rebel XSi’s latest-generation DIGIC III image processor works with Canon’s CMOS sensor to achieve even higher performance. The entire electronic system is totally redesigned, allowing the camera its incredible combination of speed and image quality. Digital noise is significantly reduced in shadow areas, and color reproduction is superior.

Fast, precise operation

Excellent performance with 3.5 fps continuous shooting, up to 53 full resolution JPEGs or 6 RAW images in a burst The EOS Rebel XSi operates with such effortless speed that operation is nothing less intuitive. With instant startup times, speedy autofocus and minimal shutter lag, the EOS Rebel XSi is one of the fastest cameras available today. It can shoot up to 3.5 frames per second in bursts of 53 JPEGs or 6 RAW files, so you never, ever, miss.

See the image in large LCD with Live View Function The EOS Rebel XSi has a large, bright 3.0-inch TFT LCD monitor with 230,000 pixels and a viewing angle of 170 degrees. It’s perfect for Live View composition or viewing camera settings like AF, ISO, exposure, AF Point selection and flash options. And the maximum brightness of the EOS Rebel XSi LCD monitor is about 30 percent larger than its predecessor, which is a big advantage when you use the camera in bright sunlight.

Live View mode Live View function allows you to view your subjects directly on the large 3.0-inch LCD monitor. It is easy for one part of the scene 5x or 10x for precise manual focus increase. And now, there are two ways to use Autofocus along with Live View function in the EOS Rebel XSi. You can even choose a grid overlay, perfect for keeping straight lines in your subject right in your photos. In the studio, Live View function to be used remotely through a computer through the EOS Rebel XSi’s USB connection.

Fast 9-point AF system, and two types of AF during Live View Function The EOS Rebel XSi has a high-precision 9-point wide area AF sensor for fast, accurate focusing, even in low light. It has a number of focus modes, including One-Shot AF, AI Focus AF, AI Servo AF and Manual.

In the Live View function, the EOS Rebel XSi has two AF modes: Quick mode and the camera standard 9-AF system, and Live mode, what a contrast AF system based on the sharpness of the subjects read the right of the image sensor, and can be removed by pressing the AF mode selection button. A familiar feature in PowerShot cameras, Live mode AF uses similar technologies to achieve focus, while Quick mode more suitable for capturing action or for shooting in low light.

Compatible with compact SD and SDHC memory cards The EOS Rebel XSi is the first EOS digital SLR cameras popular SD and SDHC memory cards. Compact, inexpensive and available in increasingly large capacities, SD and SDHC memory cards are a perfect complement to the EOS Rebel XSi’s compact and lightweight body design.

Advanced Features for Advanced Photography

 Advanced features include spot metering, external flash settings on the menu of the camera, and a new higher magnification viewfinder The EOS Rebel XSi’s 35-zone metering system with improved white balance analyzes light based on each zone in the viewing area, which camera to choose the best overall exposure for the entire scene.

It now has a spot meter, a small area (about 4 percent) of the photo reads extremely accurate measurement. It also provides Center-weighted average metering and partial metering for accurate exposure, no matter the situation. The EOS Rebel XSi also has an improved, high magnification viewfinder that provides a larger overview, and an increased brightness and clarity.

And the EOS Rebel XSi has a Display-Off sensor that automatically switches the LCD off when the camera is in the eye of the photographer. All relevant shooting information, including ISO, is displayed right in the viewfinder so it is easy to change settings without moving the camera away from the eye.

EOS Integrated Cleaning System Photographers who must change lenses in dusty environments will find the advanced Canon EOS Integrated Cleaning System a tremendous time saver. Dust controls on the sensor surface is removed using ultrasonic vibration.

This Self Cleaning Sensor Unit routine is automatically activated when the camera is turned on or off. (It can also be manually activated.) A special collar positioned around the sensor collects the loose dust. Dust can also be automatically removed via software.

By shooting a white subject, the photographer can acquire dust position data that is sent along with the image (or JPEG or RAW). Canon Digital Photo Professional (DPP) version 3.3 or later software can be used to manually or automatically erase dust spots. It is not a function, it is an embedded system for minimizing the effects of dust in high-resolution digital images. 

Self Sensor Cleaning Unit A key element of minimizing dust is preventing it from clinging to the front of the image sensor. To combat against this, the Canon EOS Rebel XSi has a designed Self Cleaning Sensor Unit. The low-pass filter in front of the sensor shakes dust automatically with ultrasonic vibrations, removing dust from the sensor assembly. The EOS Rebel XSi has a new coating on the front of the low-pass filter to the increasing resistance to dust adhering to the sensor.

Dust Delete Data Detection Dust that may still remain on the front of the sensor can also be erased with software included in Digital Photo Professional (DPP) version 3.3 or higher software. A simple test shot of a plain, white object can be taken, using a menu setting.

This Dust Delete Data image is analyzed in the camera, and the location and size of the remaining substance is added to all photos taken next. This data is sent along with the image, or JPEG or RAW, and manually or automatically erased in Canon DPP version 3.3 and later software can be. This added software option ensures the cleanest possible image, perfect for printing or archiving. 

 Picture Style settings With the EOS Rebel XSi’s Picture Style technology, photographers can change the look of their digital photos. Color, saturation, sharpness and contrast settings create noticeable variation in the saved image. Changing a Picture Style setting is almost like a 35mm film user switching from one type of color film to another. In addition to six preset Picture Style settings, Canon offers additional downloadable “Picture Style Files,” which can be installed in your camera for even more imaging options at your fingertips.

Highlight Tone Priority This vital Custom Function allows photographers get even better detail in bright highlights, even in contrasty lighting conditions. It is good for almost any type of image, shot from mid-days on safari to portraits in sunlight, bright highlight areas where a user may encounter in which he or she wishes to retain the details. Finally, there is no impact on the recording of the camera or burst rate when Highlight Tone Priority is enabled. It takes full advantage of the EOS Rebel XSi’s new 14-bit per channel conversion, meaning that there are 16,384 different colors from lightest to darkest in each color channel. 

Shooting and Sharing Made Easy

Includes EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Image Stabilizer lens The Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens features the wide-angle to mid-range zoom flexibility of its non-IS predecessor with the significant advantage Canon’s true optical, lens shift image stabilization system that yields up to a full four stops of image-shake correction.

Fully compatible with over 60 EF / EF-S lenses and a wide range of EOS System accessories EOS Rebel XSi is compatible with all Canon lenses in the EF and EF-S line-up, ranging from ultra-wide angle to super-telephoto lenses. Canon lenses employ advanced optical expertise and micron-precision engineering to deliver unprecedented performance in all facets of the photographic process.

Special optical technologies such as Aspherical, ultra-low dispersion, or fluorite elements are in the acclaimed L-series lenses, and Canon’s optical Image Stabilizer technology are recommended in particular the effects of camera lenses to minimize vibration. Through Canon lenses, photographers can truly maximize the quality and liberating performance of the EOS Rebel XSi.

Flash Photography The EOS Rebel XSi features the acclaimed E-TTL II flash metering system program. With one of the flashes in the EX Speedlite line, E-TTL II provides reliable flash output whether shooting fill-flash pictures in sunlight, or using flash in total darkness.

With E-TTL II, the exact same 35-zone metering sensor used for measuring ambient light is also used for flash metering – giving even finer metering command of the image area. If you have a broader area for flash metering preference, there is a menu setting to change to “Average” flash metering, where the entire 35-zone area is measured evenly for flash exposure.

The Canon Speedlite 430EX is the ideal step-up accessory for powerful flash shooting with the EOS Rebel XSi. It has excellent flash power (maximum guide number of 141 ft./43m at ISO 100), and is the perfect way to great flash pictures when you can not get to the topic.

The 430EX is also great for bounce flash, with its tilting and rotating flash head. It automatically zooms the flash head to cover lenses ranging from 16mm to 105mm or longer with the EOS Rebel XSi. Of course, it works with the camera on a full E-TTL II automatic flash exposure. And the 430EX has a powerful AF-assist light that the camera autofocus even in total darkness on subjects as much as 32 ft. from the camera allows.

Included Software

Canon EOS Digital Solution Disk (Version 17.0), the EOS Rebel XSi comes with an updated Canon EOS Digital Solution Disk, which are powerful software programs designed to extend the EOS experience to the computer functions. These include Canon’s ZoomBrowser EX for Windows (version 6.1), ImageBrowser for Macintosh OS X (version 6.1), Digital Photo Professional (version 3.3), the all-new Picture Style Editor (Version 1.0), Canon, aos EOS Utility (Version 2.2) , RAW Image Task (Version 2.8), PhotoStitch, and PTP TWAIN Driver.

Each application is designed to perfect captured images and streamline the digital workflow. ZoomBrowser EX Digital Photo Professional V.6.1 and V.3.3 for Windows are compatible with the new Windows Vista operating system.

Digital Photo Professional (version 3.3) is a program with high-speed RAW image processing and high speed image processing for viewing real-time image adjustment and support for sRGB, Adobe RGB and Wide Gamut RGB color spaces possible. Because, it’s CMS (Color Management System) compatible, Digital Photo Professional allows for easy image layout and printing in Adobe RGB in conjunction with Easy-PhotoPrint and PictBridge printers. It also features the Dust Delete Data Detection tool for cleaner images.

EOS Utility (Version 2.3) for Macintosh or Windows provides the connection between the camera and the computer, where they AORE connected via USB. It allows remote controlled shooting from the computer, the process of downloading images from the camera to the computer and make a seamless link between the two Canon, aos ZoomBrowser / ImageBrowser or Digital Photo Professional software once images have been copied to the hard disk. Moreover, the ARC used to upload settings back into a USB-connected camera.

ZoomBrowser EX (Version 6.1) for Windows and ImageBrowser (Version 6.1) for Mac OS X are the easy, user options for viewing and editing of JPEG and even RAW image files. Both can see many types of images including finished TIFF and BMP files. Both also have a number of search options for finding images, allow re-naming of single images or batches of files, and offer a variety of options for printing without using a separate image editing program.

RAW Image Task (Version 2.8) for Windows / Macintosh This software is an integrated component of ZoomBrowser EX (Windows) or ImageBrowser (Mac). It allows processing of RAW images from EOS cameras, including the new EOS Rebel XSi, with a variety of adjustment possibilities. These options and all the colors, contrast and “look” of RAW Image Task, closely mimic the characteristics of Canon, aos in-camera JPEG processing.

What’s in the Box

Canon Rebel XSi camera, EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Image Stabilizer lens, rechargeable battery and charger, USB and video cables, a neckstrap, an EOS Solutions Disk CD, and January 1-year Canon USA, Inc. limited warranty.

 

Product Features

• 12.2-megapixel CMOS sensor captures enough detail for poster-size, photo-quality prints
• Large 3.0-inch LCD screen, including Canon’s EF-S 18-55mm, f3.5-5, 6 zoom IS
• DIGIC III image processor provides fast, accurate image processing, improved autofocus and recording
• EOS Integrated Cleaning system, plus Dust Delete Data Detection in included software
• Stores images on SD / SDHC memory cards (not included)

 

Customer Review

Great camera, one of the best low(er)-end DSLRs on the market, April 23, 2008
By  Hyun Yu

My journey with DSLRs began back in 2003 with the original Digital Rebel. DSLRs changed my photography for the better like nothing else. Five years and some 25,000 shots later, it’s still going strong. Along the way I upgraded to the Canon 30D, which is a fantastic camera as well. When the 40D was announced, I decided to wait until the 50D sometime in 2009, but wanted a newer backup/second body for my photography needs. So when the XSi/450D was announced, it sounded like a perfect fit for my needs.

I got it from Amazon.com three days ago, and have given it a pretty good workout since then, having shot about 650 shots under a variety of shooting conditions and with a number of different Canon and third-party lenses. The following are my impressions.

The build feels very good. The camera feels wonderfully light yet well built. I’m 6ft tall with average size hands, and the camera feels good in my hand. The battery grip, to me, defeats the purpose of having a small, light DSLR, so I opted for a Hakuba/Opteka grip (it’s a plate that screws into the tripod socket that enables you to use the excellent Canon E1 hand strap with it) and I couldn’t be happier. I’m not a fan of neck straps, so this works well for me (see the uploaded photo for the configuration).

Most of the menu buttons on the back feel different from the ones on the original Digital Rebel and the 30D; the XSi buttons feel more tactile and have a definite “click” to them when you press them. The exception are the Exposure Lock (*) and AF selector buttons, which have retained the deeper, softer feel of the older cameras. Just different, not better or worse, for me.

The LCD is now 3″ with 230K pixels. The playback images look great, and probably because of the higher resolution of the sensor, there’s a very slight delay when you zoom in to 10x while the image loads and displays properly. People coming from other cameras or brands might not even notice it–I only did so because of the difference between it and my two other Canon DSLRs (which have lower resolution sensors). The viewing angle of the LCD screen (how clearly you can see the screen from side and up and down) is excellent; you can still see the screen holding the camera almost straight up for an overhead shot (more on this later). I’d estimate the viewing angle is about 160-170 degrees both horizontally and vertically.

The Digital Rebel has a separate status screen above the main LCD screen, and the 30D had one on top of the camera, so I wasn’t sure if I was going to like the big LCD acting as the status screen and no top screen. I’m happy to say that this arrangement works well, at least for me. The back screen makes it really easy to take all the settings at a glance. The viewfinder is much larger and brighter than that in the Digital Rebel. A humongously welcome feature for me is the always displayed ISO value in the viewfinder.

The camera is only 1/2 of the image quality equation, the other being the lenses being used. Coupled with my favorite lens, the Canon EF 70-200mm f/4 L telephoto lens, the XSi turns out fantastic images. The supplied kit lens is very light and compact for being an image stabilized lens, and turns out good performance. The IS is certainly very useful.

Two features that used to be missing from the Digital Rebels and found in the more expensive DSLRs are now featured in the XSi: spot-metering and flash exposure compensation (these may have been available in the previous Digital Rebel model, the XTi, as well). The inclusion of those two features make the camera a much more complete and compelling photographic tool. The timer function now has a custom mode, where it’ll count down from 10 seconds then take a number of shots (specified by you) in succession. No more running back and forth to reset the timer after each shot! There’s also the traditional 2-second timer.

Let’s talk for a minute about sensor and the ISO values. XSi/450D has five ISO values you can choose: 100 (best image quality), 200, 400, 800, and 1600. Higher ISO increases the camera sensor’s sensitivity to light, thus you can achieve faster shutter speeeds for a given lighting condition. However, the trade-off is that the sensor “noise” (think grain for film photography) increases with higher ISO, so you get a degraded image quality in return for less blurred photos from hand shakes (thanks to faster shutter speed). This may come in handy in situations where flash photography is not permitted, such as a museum or a concert or theater. HOWEVER, compared to point-and-shoot digital cameras, the larger sensors of DSLRs, including the XSi, means that even at ISO 800 and 1600 you get very usable images right out of the camera. Running the images shot at those ISO settings through any number of third-party noise reduction software will improve them even further.

This ties in to another very useful feature of the XSi/450D that makes life easier for the photographer: The Auto ISO function. By default, Auto ISO sets the ISO (the sensor sensitivity to light) between 100 and 800 (by using custom functions, this can be changed to 200-1600). If you are, for example, shooting your kid’s indoor basketball game and you know that you need a shutter speed of at least 1/200 sec to “freeze” the action, then you can set the camera to Tv (shutter priority mode) and set the value to 1/200, and set the camera to Auto ISO. Then the camera will match the aperture and the ISO to achieve proper exposure at that shutter speed. With my other DSLRs, setting the camera to shutter priority only allowed the camera to adjust the aperture value; ISO setting had to be adjusted manually. With the XSi/450D, the ability for the camera to adjust the ISO value automatically makes it one less thing for you the photographer to worry about.

I’ve only tested the Live View function to see how it works, but I can already see how useful it’s going to be in studio and macro shootings. Just a note, you can’t half-press the shutter to autofocus while in Live View mode. You can either manual focus, or use one of the two autofocus methods, quick (the mirror flips up, the LCD goes dark for a short while, and flips down with focus locked) or live (the camera uses the LCD’s contrast detection to achieve the focus–this method is slower than the quick method), both by pressing the exposure lock button (*) while in the Live View mode. Using either the RS-60E3 wired remote or RC-1 wireless remote in Live View mode will ONLY trigger the shutter, and has no bearing on focusing.

Some people seem to be under the impression that the inclusion of the Live View feature will enable them to use the XSi/450D as they do point-and-shoot digital cameras, to compose their shots. That is not the case. You can’t really make a functioning use of the Live View feature unless the camera’s securely mounted on a tripod or on a flat surface. Both Live View focusing modes, while precise, are too slow to be used for hand-held shooting.

Having said that, there is one use of Live View in hand-held shooting that I’ve come to value. When shooting overhead or over an obstacle, I can, with the same hand holding the camera, trigger the Live View, compose the scene through the LCD monitor (even if it’s out of focus, it’s easy to get the general framing right), disable Live View, and take the photo normally. With a little practice, this can be accomplished very quickly. Very handy when you’re just holding the camera overhead and hoping for the best.

The Direct Print button that’s been much ridiculed and maligned in most Canon cameras now double as the white balance menu button. The Set button in the middle of the four-direction arrow keys can be programmed for a number of different functions: Change image quality, flash exposure compensation, LCD monitor on/off (same as Display button, but can be triggered by the same hand holding the camera), and Menu display (again, can be triggered by the same hand holding the camera).

There is a dedicated ISO button, which is also very welcome. It can easily be accessed during shooting with the right thumb, thereby minimizing the interruption to shooting.

The battery life seems very good. I’ve shot about 500+ shots on a single charge and the status monitor is still showing charge at full.

I’m using Transcend 8GB Class 6 SDHC card with it. At ISO 100, the camera reports it can fit 396 RAW+JPG (highest quality) on it, but in reality it can probably fit about 420-450 (the camera’s always conservative when estimating). With RAW only, it can fit 507. With highest quality JPG, it can fit 1,822. Note that as ISO increases, so do the file sizes and thus you can store less images per card. For example, on ISO 1600, the same card can only hold 323 images, compared to 396 at ISO 100.

My only gripe, and this is more about me than the camera, is the RAW+JPG buffer. I always shoot RAW+JPG, and the buffer will only hold four images at that speed (this is a limitation that’s built into the camera’s memory buffer system, and thus using a fast memory card doesn’t help–see p.64 of the manual). When the buffer’s full, you can take two additional images at about a frame a second, then have to wait until the buffer empties (finishes writing to the memory card). When shooting RAW only, it’s 6 images. When shooting JPG only, then it’s no problem at more than 50 frames. I’ve found myself switching the mode dial to Sports mode when I’m shooting a fast-moving subject and the buffer simply can’t keep up with it. Well, that’s why Canon produces different grades and ranges of DSLRs.

I’ve uploaded some photos that I shot of the local wildlife. Most if not all of those were taken with the EF 70-200mm f/4 L lens.

All in all, it’s a fantastic camera. Pretty amazing to see how far the entry-level DSLRs have come in just a few years in terms of features, interface, ergonomics, and quality. I’m very pleased with my purchase and intend to have lots of fun shooting pictures with it.

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Great camera, amazing battery life, now the perfect price!, April 22, 2008
By  J. Lane “Dash2481″ (Salt Lake City, UT)

I have had the XSi for about 3 months now and I am thouroughly impressed with it. This is my first DSLR and I was a little wary about going with a brand-new and untested camera, but I have always like Canon (I used an ELAN II in High School and I bought a SD600 about 2 years ago to take snapshots of my son). Overall, I have not been disappointed with the quality of the photos that the XSi produces. The IS lens works great and I have taken some pretty amazing photos (for me at least). I do have just a couple of issues, both good and bad, that I think those who are looking at buying this may want to know.

Battery life — Great battery life. I should say, AMAZING battery life. I have taken over 5000 photos and I have only had to charge the battery twice.

Live View — LiveView is not for beginners. It is not a replacement for your Point-and-Shoot. You can’t use it in the AUTO mode (Green Square). This isn’t that big of a deal for me, I prefer full manual myself, but the whole point of this feature, I thought, was to make it more user friendly for the Point-and-Shoot photographer. My wife can’t use Live View in it’s current form (I specifically bought a DSLR with a live view function so she could still use the camera). So, if Live View is a big selling point for you, You may want to look at some others (If it isn’t that big of a deal to you, then this is still an amazing camera — added 4-23-2008). If you do studio work, though, you can hook the camera up to your PC and use it as a remote viewer. But it is not a point-and-shoot camera in Live View. In my earlier review, I said that it would be nice if Canon fixed some of the Live View issues with a firmware update, I was mistaken. Live View is a nice feature once you figure out it is not meant for beginners. Studio and landscape photographers will find Live View a great tool.

Image Quality — I have had some great success shooting in a studio setting as well as some great outdoor shots. In the studio, I used tungsten “hot” lights with the subjuect against a white background. The photos turned out great. Skin tones are perfect and there is very little, if any, chromatic abberation at the edges. It shoots great outdoor shots as well. We just got into beekeeping and I was able to get some AMAZING shots of our bees up-close outdoors. The bees looked dirty and not very interesting from a distance, but the macro photos I got up close are beautiful and full of wonderfully crisp details. The lens is a little short, the image quality you get from it is pretty good considering it only costs $100. I do plan on buying a longer lens in the near future.

Overall, the camera is solid and feels nice in the hand. It isn’t too heavy, yet still feels sturdy. If you can afford the higher price, I don’t think you will be disappointed. If you can’t, the XTi is still a great camera. And if you can afford to wait a few months for the price to drop a little (LIKE IT ALREADY HAS!!) I would. I was able to work a few extra weekends so I could afford to get this, and I can tell you, I don’t mind it a bit, because the quality of photos I am getting has been totally worth it.

— Update —
I was incorrect when I said you couldn’t use the 9-Point autofocus in Live View. You can use the 9-point autofocus while in Live View, but the mirror flips down and focuses so you can’t see what you are trying to focus on until after the camera has actually gone through the autofocus process.

— Update #2 —
I have now had this camera for almost two months and I am happy to report that the more I use it, the more I love it. Once you learn the layout of the camera and you load the MyMenu with the tools you use most often, the camera becomes an absolute delight to use. I have taken over 5000 photos with it so far and now I need an extra hard drive to put them all on.

I was able to rent a Canon EF 24-105 IS L lens and a 580 EX II Speedlite for my sister’s wedding. WOW! What great photos. The camera interfaced with the flash flawlessly and I am more convinced than ever that much of the quality of your photos comes from the glass you use and not as much from the camera itself (I think it is about 65% lens to 35% camera body give or take a few points– I know there will be those who disagree, but that is my take on it, and I am sure if I had a 1Ds MkIII I would think that there wasn’t a peice of glass good enough for my camera).

This is a great beginner dSLR and a great camera all around. I am very happy with my purchase and I have had no regrets whatsoever about spending the $900 to buy such a great tool. Amazon now sells it for $799, you can’t go wrong at that price!

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 Wonderful digital camera!, June 2, 2008
By  John Korkow “John Korkow” 

This camera is impossible to beat at this price. I won’t write a lengthy review, but, you can set this camera in fully automatic mode and hand it to a “point and shoot” person, and they will obtain fantastic results. For the amateur photographer, this has all of the bells and whistles, what I love is I can reset the camera rapidly for multiple shots of the same scene on very different settings. Married with a decent photo program on your computer, it is possible to achieve professional results.

Many reviews say, get this with the stabilization lens…. I wholeheartedly agree… the extra $100 is a bargain price for this lens… It is almost (and I do say almost) like having a tripod. I set the camera for 1/10th second exposures with no support, and obtained steady pictures with it, slower than this, and the stabilization did not fully correct for any unsteadiness.

We’d buy it again in a heartbeat, and I wish I could get one for everyone I know!! Best photos that I have ever taken and a joy to use! Connecting it to the computer and downloading photos takes a matter of seconds.

Get the largest SD card you can afford with it… We have a 2GB card with it, and it fills fairly rapidly. 1GB is far too small for this camera (primarily because you will take numerous shots with it, not because the pics take up a great deal of memory), I’m guessing 4GB would be near perfect (or a couple of 2GB cards, but one 4GB is safer, the cards are too easy to misplace).

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Our recomendation, Nikon D90 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera