Neowin Forums > Rebel XSI.. simply stunning

Boz

Jun 22 2008, 04:26

Well I'm no pro photographer.. but I just picked up today the new Rebel XSI 12 megapixel beauty and this is absolutely a camera that makes stunning photos even on automatic modes.. sure you will play around with settings here and there..but this camera is amazing.

I essentially told myself that since I work like a maniac I would go at least once a year to an exotic place around the world. And I always wanted to take pictures of these wonderful places and various people as I travel and have fun. Unfortunately I always ended up with half blurry photos from point and shoot and they didn't even look that good to begin with..Sure they were 6 megapixel photos but pixels don't mean squat when the camera and lens is totally weak.

Enter Rebel XSI. I actually almost bought the Canon 40D but a lot of people I know that are serious photographers told me that for my purposes Rebel will be much better and especially since it outmatches Canon 40D in resolution and some overall features.

As I said, to help people see what Rebel can do with a COMPLETE NOOB in photography you can check out the photos I took today..Enjoy and know that this is totally automatic mode for the most part.. You just flip a few switches and BAM the nicest photos you probably took in your life

giga

Jun 22 2008, 04:35

450D is a great camera. Enjoy it--welcome to dslr quality!

(still find it odd that one would choose it over a 40D though. Surely 2MP isn't a big deal for casual photography?)

Nonethless, great pics

m4ttx

Jun 22 2008, 06:12

how much did you end up paying? i thought about getting one since i dont like the nikon d40..the AF motor is so slowwwww

ironsight2000

Jun 22 2008, 06:18

Quote - (m4ttx @ Jun 22 2008, 02:12)

how much did you end up paying? i thought about getting one since i dont like the nikon d40..the AF motor is so slowwwww

get a better lens and your AF will be faster

Boz

Jun 22 2008, 18:11

Quote - (m4ttx @ Jun 21 2008, 23:12)

how much did you end up paying? i thought about getting one since i dont like the nikon d40..the AF motor is so slowwwww

newegg has UNBELIEVABLE deal on XSI.. you get a BUNCH of stuff, tripods, monopod, usb reader, bag, the actual camera and kit and I think another thing for like $890.

Since I've decided to pick up individually some items I didn't go with the bundle but I did pick up the camera kit $820 + $79 Canon kit that includes the UV protector, the Canon original bag and additional battery. So I was at $890 as well.

It's the best deal I saw to be honest.

Audioboxer

Jun 22 2008, 18:18

Woah those look great

spacey

Jun 22 2008, 18:31

wow those are pretty nice. what lens are you using?

StevoFC

Jun 22 2008, 18:36

Based off of the images I would have the assume he's using the kit lens that comes with it. The new IS one is much better than the one my Rebel XT came with.

Boz

Jun 22 2008, 18:36

Quote - (spacey @ Jun 22 2008, 11:31)

wow those are pretty nice. what lens are you using?

It's the kit lens.. 18-55mm

Melfster

Jun 22 2008, 18:51

Quote - (giga @ Jun 21 2008, 21:35)

450D is a great camera. Enjoy it--welcome to dslr quality!

(still find it odd that one would choose it over a 40D though. Surely 2MP isn't a big deal for casual photography?)

Nonethless, great pics

My understanding is the 450D is little bit better at everything it doesn't just have extra 2MP.

Ridgeburner

Jun 22 2008, 18:55

I just picked up a 400D (XTi) a few weeks ago and none of my pictures seem to turn out quite like these, am i just a noob or is the XSi really that much of an improvement?

Boz

Jun 22 2008, 18:55

Quote - (Melfster @ Jun 22 2008, 11:51)

My understanding is the 450D is little bit better at everything it doesn't just have extra 2MP.

You are correct..

Here's one of the pro photographer reviews when XSI came out.. he owns 40D:

Quote -

UPDATE: THE IMPACT OF THE NEW CANON REBEL XSi (2/2/2008)
The replacement for the current Rebel XTi, the Rebel XSi, is scheduled for release on 4/15/2008. If you are in the market for a serious entry level DSLR I strongly recommend that you take a look at this camera. Here is a list of the key new features:
- Larger Viewfinder
- 12.2 Megapixel CMOS Sensor up from 10 Megapixel
- 3.0" LCD Monitor
- Live view Mode including Contrast-detect AF
- Spot Metering
- Improved 9-point AF System
- Redesigned Menu System (including My Menu as seen in the 40D)
- Highlight Tone Priority (as seen in the 40D)
- Continuous Shooting at 3.5fps up from 3.0fps
- 14 bit A/D converter and processing
- ISO setting displays in viewfinder and ISO button
- Multi-shot Self-timer Mode
- Auto Lighting Optimiser (boosts shadows after shooting)
- Kit lens: Image stabilized version of Canon's 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens

It is slightly larger than the camera it replaces. At just $800 for the body and $900 for the kit this is definitely worth serious consideration depending on your requirements, budget and preferences. To be honest with you I think current 40D owners might be a little jealous of the features on this "baby" Canon DSLR. In my opinion the competition from Nikon has forced Canon to add more features than it would normally have done. Competition is certainly great for consumers in a free-market. I cannot wait to see what the 5D replacement will be like. I have been waiting on that camera since I plan to use it as my main camera and my 40D as a backup.

giga

Jun 22 2008, 19:07

Quote - (Melfster @ Jun 22 2008, 14:51)

My understanding is the 450D is little bit better at everything it doesn't just have extra 2MP.

Not so much. They're in two totally different leagues. Yes--this won't matter much to an average consumer but even saying that they're comparable is a bit of nonsense.

The 450D has an advantage with 2 extra MP, "contrast detect" Live View, and a smaller/lighter body.

The 40D has a more ergonomic magnesium alloy body (with partial weather sealing, spin wheel, and top control LCD), shoots 6.5fps (with larger buffer), has a much larger pentaprism viewfinder, faster sync speed (for external flash), ISO 3200 option, faster AF with all 9 points as cross type, interchangeable focusing screens (for manual focus aficionados), better ISO performance, and longer battery life.

I'm not trying to put down anyone's cameras here. It's not a show off contest.

Just getting the facts right.

m4ttx

Jun 23 2008, 00:40

Quote - (ironsight2000 @ Jun 22 2008, 06:18)

get a better lens and your AF will be faster

not with the D40..the motor is in the lens.

giga

Jun 23 2008, 00:44

Quote - (m4ttx @ Jun 22 2008, 20:40)

not with the D40..the motor is in the lens.

o.0 And that's why different motors differ in speed/accuracy.

Look into lens SWM (nikon) or HSM (sigma).

Marshalus

Jun 23 2008, 01:05

Not to shabby.

Andrew-DB

Jun 23 2008, 01:24

Quote - (Boz @ Jun 22 2008, 00:26)

Wow... she's cute.

Marshalus

Jun 23 2008, 13:49

Not bad.

ironsight2000

Jun 23 2008, 15:55

Quote - (m4ttx @ Jun 22 2008, 20:40)

not with the D40..the motor is in the lens.

all lenses have to motor in the lens. that why i said get a faster lens

giga

Jun 23 2008, 15:57

Quote - (ironsight2000 @ Jun 23 2008, 11:55)

all lenses have to motor in the lens. that why i said get a faster lens

Nikkor AF lens have no motor.

Cyplex

Jun 23 2008, 16:05

I'm also in the process of studying my first step into the DSLR world, thanks for the heads up regarding this camera. The pictures look stunning!

ironsight2000

Jun 23 2008, 16:08

Quote - (giga @ Jun 23 2008, 11:57)

Nikkor AF lens have no motor.

not true i have the AF NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D and it has a motor in it

i think you ment MF

giga

Jun 23 2008, 16:16

Quote - (ironsight2000 @ Jun 23 2008, 12:08)

not true i have the AF NIKKOR 50mm f/1.8D and it has a motor in it

i think you ment MF

How is it that the D40/D60 line can't autofocus with AF lens then? The D40 has no built in focus drive motor and thus can't autofocus with lenses that have no drive motor. (AF)

kazuyette

Jun 23 2008, 16:17

I don't want to hijack this thread , but I also got a 450D 3 days and can't agree more with the OP. This little beast is amazing ! Almost every shoot I made with it is so cool .

Look at this :

Click to view attachment

The 450D is a damn good DSLR and the perfect for the one who begins in the DSLR world

ironsight2000

Jun 23 2008, 16:28

the drive motor is in the lens it self there is no motor in the camera never has been. they should work. what lenses do you have might be a issues with the lens.

normal AF wont work you need AF-S

-T-

Jun 23 2008, 16:30

Been looking at getting one of these, and you're make my decision even easier to make now.

This would be my first DSLR too, so I'm gonna read up on more of the features first

ironsight2000

Jun 23 2008, 16:33

Quote - (-T- @ Jun 23 2008, 12:30)

Been looking at getting one of these, and you're make my decision even easier to make now.

This would be my first DSLR too, so I'm gonna read up on more of the features first

go with the Nikon D80 or D300 much better then canon

giga

Jun 23 2008, 16:33

Quote - (ironsight2000 @ Jun 23 2008, 12:28)

the drive motor is in the lens it self there is no motor in the camera never has been. they should work. what lenses do you have might be a issues with the lens.

normal AF wont work you need AF-S

If there's a drive motor in the lens, why can't it AF with it? This isn't any issue with a specific lens, it's with all Nikkor AF lens. All Nikon DSLRs have had internal focus drive motors--the D40/D60 are exceptions.

Quote -

go with the Nikon D80 or D300 much better then canon

Those suck. Get a H3D, much better than Nikon.

ironsight2000

Jun 23 2008, 16:41

Quote - (giga @ Jun 23 2008, 12:33)

If there's a drive motor in the lens, why can't it AF with it? This isn't any issue with a specific lens, it's with all Nikkor AF lens. All Nikon DSLRs have had internal focus drive motors--the D40/D60 are exceptions.

Those suck. Get a H3D, much better than Nikon.

right right getting confused
m4ttx was saying his AF was slow so getting a better AF-s lens would be faster

the camera does not make the photo the person does

mrk

Jun 23 2008, 16:49

Whilst image quality is on par with the 40D and size is more compact that's about all where benefits end. The 40D battery is different and lasts longer, the 40D has a better shell, the 40D has better AF performance (30% or so better than the last generation of xxD body which in turn was better than an xxxD body) and not forgetting the 40D can shoot at almost 8fps (I managed 7.8FPS on mine in RAW).

Also the 40D is £525 after the £100 cashback which puts it way too close to the retail 450D price so unless you need a small sized dslr then the benefits of the 40D are well justified especially at the small price extra it costs over a 450D !

giga

Jun 23 2008, 16:50

Quote - (mrk @ Jun 23 2008, 12:49)

Whilst image quality is on par with the 40D and size is more compact that's about all where benefits end. The 40D battery is different and lasts longer, the 40D has a better shell, the 40D has better AF performance (30% or so better than the last generation of xxD body which in turn was better than an xxxD body) and not forgetting the 40D can shoot at almost 8fps (I managed 7.8FPS on mine in RAW).

Also the 40D is £525 after the £100 cashback which puts it way too close to the retail 450D price so unless you need a small sized dslr then the benefits of the 40D are well justified especially at the small price extra it costs over a 450D !

How're you getting 8fps?

It's rated for 6.5 under RAW.

ironsight2000

Jun 23 2008, 16:51

Quote - (mrk @ Jun 23 2008, 12:49)

Whilst image quality is on par with the 40D and size is more compact that's about all where benefits end. The 40D battery is different and lasts longer, the 40D has a better shell, the 40D has better AF performance (30% or so better than the last generation of xxD body which in turn was better than an xxxD body) and not forgetting the 40D can shoot at almost 8fps (I managed 7.8FPS on mine in RAW).

Also the 40D is £525 after the £100 cashback which puts it way too close to the retail 450D price so unless you need a small sized dslr then the benefits of the 40D are well justified especially at the small price extra it costs over a 450D !

the reason i say the D80 or D300 is is they are semi-pro they have weight to them so you will get a more stable shot

giga

Jun 23 2008, 16:55

Quote - (ironsight2000 @ Jun 23 2008, 12:51)

the reason i say the D80 or D300 is is they are semi-pro they have weight to them so you will get a more stable shot

Some weight can be nice, but it's not the end means to get a steady shot these days.

(You do realize though that the 20D/30D/40D weigh more than a D80 though right? Mainly because of the magnesium alloy body)

ironsight2000

Jun 23 2008, 16:58

Quote - (giga @ Jun 23 2008, 12:55)

Some weight can be nice, but it's not the end means to get a steady shot these days.

(You do realize though that the 20D/30D/40D weigh more than a D80 though right? Mainly because of the magnesium alloy body)

the D80 feels heavier for some reason mind you i did add the battery grip to the D80

yes there is VR and IS but i dont like relying on stabilization tech to get a shot im old school in a way

Boz

Jun 23 2008, 16:58

Quote - (mrk @ Jun 23 2008, 09:49)

Whilst image quality is on par with the 40D and size is more compact that's about all where benefits end. The 40D battery is different and lasts longer, the 40D has a better shell, the 40D has better AF performance (30% or so better than the last generation of xxD body which in turn was better than an xxxD body) and not forgetting the 40D can shoot at almost 8fps (I managed 7.8FPS on mine in RAW).

Also the 40D is £525 after the £100 cashback which puts it way too close to the retail 450D price so unless you need a small sized dslr then the benefits of the 40D are well justified especially at the small price extra it costs over a 450D !

Where are you getting $525. The cheapest I found D40 going for was $1100-$1200.

StevoFC

Jun 23 2008, 16:59

Quote - (giga @ Jun 23 2008, 11:55)

Some weight can be nice, but it's not the end means to get a steady shot these days.

(You do realize though that the 20D/30D/40D weigh more than a D80 though right? Mainly because of the magnesium alloy body)

And newer Canons come with an IS lens. If you can't get a good shot with that then you have some issues.

giga

Jun 23 2008, 17:00

Quote - (Boz @ Jun 23 2008, 12:58)

Where are you getting $525. The cheapest I found D40 going for was $1100-$1200.

£ not $

ironsight2000

Jun 23 2008, 17:02

the D80 is 849$CND

giga

Jun 23 2008, 17:03

Quote - (ironsight2000 @ Jun 23 2008, 13:02)

the D80 is 849$CND

Same price as a 30D.

Deaf Spacker

Jun 23 2008, 17:04

Quote - (Boz @ Jun 23 2008, 17:58)

Where are you getting $525. The cheapest I found D40 going for was $1100-$1200.

He typed £525, not $525.

ironsight2000

Jun 23 2008, 17:06

Quote - (giga @ Jun 23 2008, 13:03)

Same price as a 30D.

it all comes down to preference

mrk

Jun 23 2008, 17:17

Quote - (giga @ Jun 23 2008, 17:50)

How're you getting 8fps?

It's rated for 6.5 under RAW.

Quoted figures are typical scenarios I'd imagine, average speed memcard being the key factor.

I shoot on a higher capacity battery though this should have minimal effect) and use a newerversion of Sandisk Extreme IV 4GB card and managed those figures.

I will redo my testing again when I get home tonight if you like as it's very easy to do, just use an online stopwatch with 3 decimal places ( I used http://www.online-stopwatch.com/ before) and then set the exposure to something fast, I used 1/1000sec at iso100 in full manual) and begin firing a burst until the buffer fills. Look at each image in sequence and you can see the frames pass the time on the stopwatch giving you your real world FPS.

Pandya

Jun 23 2008, 17:33

Speed of the CF card shouldn't have an impact until the buffer is filled, which I think for a 40D is 17 RAW frames, the the card speed comes into play, as FPS is limited entirely by card speed. Equally, you can usually shoot more than 17 before the buffer fills because I think it starts writing out as soon as the first shot is taken. I have heard of the 40D exceeding the quoted 6.5FPS before, so it's all good

mrk

Jun 23 2008, 17:39

Quote - (Pandya @ Jun 23 2008, 18:33)

Speed of the CF card shouldn't have an impact until the buffer is filled, which I think for a 40D is 17 RAW frames, the the card speed comes into play, as FPS is limited entirely by card speed. Equally, you can usually shoot more than 17 before the buffer fills because I think it starts writing out as soon as the first shot is taken. I have heard of the 40D exceeding the quoted 6.5FPS before, so it's all good

Speed of card does help I found (have slower cards I own too but only use when 4GB is filled) but yep, the 40D exceeds its quoted specs and is much closer to a 1D series body and you will often notice people looking over at you when shooting weddings or events and sometimes asking "got enough shots there?

"

Boz

Jun 23 2008, 17:41

Quote - (Deaf Spacker @ Jun 23 2008, 10:04)

He typed £525, not $525.

Ah..my apologies.. I misread..

Quote - (Deaf Spacker @ Jun 23 2008, 10:04)

He typed £525, not $525.

Ah..my apologies.. I misread..

goodcase

Jun 23 2008, 18:05

Quote - (m4ttx @ Jun 22 2008, 02:12)

how much did you end up paying? i thought about getting one since i dont like the nikon d40..the AF motor is so slowwwww

d40 doesnt have an af motor. AF is in the lens.

Congrats on the purchase though. It looks like a solid camera.

Hurmoth

Jun 23 2008, 18:08

I love this shot:

I love coffee and I love the smell of coffee beans... that photo reminds of that smell

m4ttx

Jun 23 2008, 21:59

Quote - (goodcase @ Jun 23 2008, 18:05)

d40 doesnt have an af motor. AF is in the lens.

Congrats on the purchase though. It looks like a solid camera.

i know this. thats what i was wanting another camera with the AF motor...

o0moonman0o

Jun 23 2008, 22:08

xsi, and d40/x/d60 are all nice cams, xsi benefits from the factor that all canon lens (that have auto focus) will focus on it. d40/x/d60 are only nice if u have AFS lens for them as AFS are the ones which built in motor in the lens since d40/x/d60 have no motor on the body at all. the downfall for all of these entry point cams are the af, they are at best center point cross. another downfall is the noise at high iso. even though these entry cams are light but if u end up slapping a pro lens, gold ring or L on it it'll get heavy. traveling is good with these small cams for family trips but imo, if u are gonna go explore around and are the adventure type, pro body + pro lens is a nice solution. imagine shooting that hot girl or the couple making out on the stormy rain days on the streets... mm gotta love total weather proof gear

raider360

Jun 27 2008, 14:10

Hey guys.
I am on a limited budget and looking to get my first dSLR really soon. I've decided to go with a 400D Canon but I am also looking to the 450D side.
The price of 400D is $750-780 USD but 450D is cost $1100-1200 USD.
How do you guys think, is it worth to save more money and buy a 450D. I am starting with a kit lens, btw.

Thanks.