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New Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi (EOS 450D)

UPDATE - Amazon started shipping out Digital Rebel XSi kits (with 18-55is lens) on April 18th

Well, for those waiting for a new EOS 5D replacement, no news so far. Looks like we'll be waiting until the fall. However Canon have released info on a new Digital Rebel, The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi, also known as the EOS 450D

It's no surprise that the Digital Rebel XSi incorporates a number of features found on the EOS 40D (14-bit A/D) as well as a new sensor with an increased pixel count (12.2MP) and some new features not seen before (Live View with contrast detection AF).

Brief Specification of the Canon EOS digital rebel XSi (EOS 450D)

12.2MP CMOS Sensor
Live View
Contrast detection AF for live view (can focus without lowering reflex mirror)
3" LCD
4% spot meter
Uses SD/SDHC memory cards, not CF
3.5fps. 45 shot JPEG buffer, 6 shot RAW buffer
ISO 100 to 1600, value displayed in viewfinder
14-bit A/D conversion
Digic III processor
Improved autofocus
$799.99 body only, $899.99 with 18-55IS kit lens
Available in April 2008

From a brief review of the specifications, the EOS Digital Rebel XSi (EOS 450D) looks quite a lot like an EOS 40D in a Rebel body. It appears to have most of the features of the 40D, except for a slower frame rate, no quick control dial, no top LCD display, a pentamirror rather than a pentaprism (darker?), no ISO 3200, no CF card capability and presumably a greater use of plastic and less metal in the camera body.

What the Rebel XSi also doesn't have is image stabilization built into the body, which is something that's rapidly becoming the exception rather than the rule. Pentax, Sony and Olympus all now have entry level DSLRs, such as the Pentax K200D, with image stabilization built into the camera body. This makes ALL lenses stabilized. Only Nikon and Canon are sticking to image stabilized lenses which leads to increased cost for those lenses that do have it and lack of any stabilization at all for those which don't (like all the normal and wideangle prime lenses).

However the new XSi does have the highest pixel count of any of the entry level DSLRs (and by entry level I mean based on a price under $1000, not on a lack of features!) and that will certainly be good for sales. The EF-S 18-55IS kit lens is very good for an inexpensive lens and does provide very effective image stabilization. When purchased with the camera the price is only $100, which is very competitive (It's $185 if you buy it separately). Coupled with the EF-S 55-250/4-5.6IS (which is now being released in the USA), it may be all the lenses that many amateurs need. The XSi will be available in a black or silver finish, but I'm betting that as usual, the black will be more popular! Amazon.com are taking pre-orders. Shipping is expected to start in April. If I was buying one, I'd certainly get the one in black and I'd get the kit with the 18-55IS lens.

UPDATE - Amazon started shipping out Digital Rebel XSi kits (with 18-55is lens) on April 18th

Rebel XSi (black) with EF-S 18-55/3.5-5.6IS [This is the model most likely in stock]	Rebel XSi body (silver)	Rebel XSi body (black)	Rebel XSi (silver) with EF-S 18-55/3.5-5.6IS

Canon ‘Beefs Up’ the New Rebel With Optically Image Stabilized Lens Kit and ‘Pro’ Features

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., January 23, 2008 – Canon U.S.A., Inc.’s EOS Rebel series of digital single lens reflex cameras – the cameras that defined and refined what it means to be an “entry level” digital SLR – have now redefined the gateway prowess and “pro-ness” of the DSLR category with the introduction of the line’s new leader, the 12.2-megapixel EOS Rebel XSi camera. Incorporating a number of high-end functions and technology found in Canon’s professional SLR models, the EOS Rebel XSi camera boasts an improved autofocus sensor, enhanced 14-bit A/D conversion, an advanced Live View function, and the proprietary DIGIC III image processor. When paired with any of the more than 60 compatible Canon EF and EF-S lenses, including optically image stabilized EF-S lenses like the EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS – now included in the EOS Rebel XSi kit – or the new EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS, the EOS Rebel XSi DSLR delivers images that will delight and inspire family and friends at an entry level price tag.

“This new EOS Rebel XSi camera is the answer for those who have been waiting to make the leap from digital point-and-shoot to digital SLR or from an older SLR to the latest generation of advanced technology, while still including the creative controls their old camera afforded them,” states Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.

Luxury Feel and Function

At first glance, one notices the Rebel XSi’s large, 3-inch LCD monitor, enhanced from the 2.5-inch screen on the Digital Rebel XTi model. The larger 230,000 pixel screen makes it easier for users to review images and scroll through the Rebel XSi camera’s menus. The larger-sized display provides the ability to use a larger font size for menu text, making it easier than ever to read settings and options. The new screen also features a broadened color gamut, seven brightness settings for easy viewing under a variety of shooting conditions and a wide viewing perspective in all directions.

The EOS Rebel XSi camera features a substantial yet streamlined profile, with curved edges, contoured surfaces, conveniently placed controls and comfortably constructed rubber grip and thumb rest that all contribute to fatigue-reducing hand fit. The camera body is constructed of a rugged yet lightweight combination of stainless steel and polycarbonate embedded with glass fiber. The chassis exterior is enrobed in a durable ABS and Polycarbonate resin and offered in a choice of silver or black finishes.

Improved Image Quality

At the heart of the new EOS Rebel XSi is its newly designed 12.2 megapixel APS-C size Canon CMOS sensor. This new sensor employs large microlenses over each pixel to reduce noise and enhance sensitivity up to ISO 1600, which is ideal for high-quality images in low light. The APS-C size sensor retains a 1.6x focal length conversion factor compared to full-frame digital image sensors or 35mm film format cameras.

Another image quality enhancement is the upgrade of the Analog-to-Digital (A/D) conversion process to a 14-bit A/D processor. The inclusion of the 14-bit A/D process means the Rebel XSi camera records up to 16,384 colors per channel and allows the camera to produce images with finer and more accurate gradations of tones and colors. This is ideal for shooting outdoors where subtle hue changes in sky, water or foliage can really add to an image.

The Canon EOS Rebel XSi DSLR also incorporates the optional Highlight Tone Priority and High-ISO Noise Reduction functions first introduced in 2007 with the EOS-1D Mark III Professional Digital SLR and now available for the first time in an entry level Canon digital SLR camera. Additionally, the new camera is equipped with Canon’s Auto Lighting Optimizer technology, which corrects image brightness and contrast automatically. Introduced last year in the EOS 40D camera, this valuable optional feature now works in all exposure modes and utilizes Face Detection technology to prevent underexposure with backlit faces

DIGIC III Image Processor

If the 12.2-megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor is the heart of the camera, then Canon’s DIGIC III processor is the brain. The latest generation of Canon's proprietary image processing engine, DIGIC III technology ensures that the fine details and natural colors of the images are optimally recorded. The DIGIC III processor also manages the camera’s efficient energy consumption and high-speed signal processing performance. The EOS Rebel XSi is the first model in the Rebel series to incorporate DIGIC III.

Enhanced Live View

Introduced in 2007 on the EOS-1D Mark III DSLR, this function makes its debut in an entry level Canon DSLR with the EOS Rebel XSi camera. Live View allows users to frame shots through the LCD screen rather than the viewfinder. Going beyond the manual focus and phase-detection AF capabilities of earlier EOS models with Live View, the EOS Rebel XSi camera adds a new “Live Mode” contrast-detection AF function that allows the camera to focus automatically during Live View without lowering the reflex mirror.

Improved Autofocus and Framing Rate

The EOS Rebel XSi Digital SLR utilizes a precise nine-point Autofocus (AF) system featuring a newly developed AF sensor that improves the camera’s subject detection capabilities compared to earlier models. The new Rebel XSi DSLR provides a cross-type AF measurement at the center that’s effective with all EF and EF-S lenses, while providing enhanced precision with lenses having maximum apertures of f/2.8 or faster. The cross-type AF measurement reads a wider variety of subject matter than conventional single-axis AF sensors and thus increases the new camera’s ability to autofocus quickly and accurately. The EOS Rebel XSi is also the fastest firing Rebel model to date, capable of continuously capturing 3.5 frames per second for bursts of up to 45 images in large/fine JPEG mode and 6 frames in RAW mode. The faster frame rates and finer focusing capabilities of the Rebel XSi together with its impressive image burst rate will help photo enthusiasts preserve family milestones or capture split second sports action at just the right moment.

EOS Integrated Cleaning System

The new Rebel XSi DSLR utilizes Canon’s EOS Integrated Cleaning system, first introduced on the EOS Rebel XTi camera. The camera's Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit shakes dust particles off of the low-pass filter in front of the sensor. The dust is then trapped by an adhesive along the base, preventing it from causing further nuisance. Cleaning is engaged each time the camera is powered up or shut down or manually through the "clean now" function.

The second part of the cleaning system involves post processing with a compatible personal computer and the supplied Digital Photo Professional software. Here the camera maps any spots that may remain on the sensor, saving it as Dust Delete Data and subsequently subtracting dust spots from the final image during post processing. A third option includes a manual sensor cleaning function which raises the mirror and allows users to clean dust that may have stuck to the low-pass filter.

Back to the Basics

In keeping with its EOS system heritage, the new Canon EOS Rebel XSi camera is equipped with a host of useful creative controls, including shutter speeds ranging from 1/4000 sec. to 30 sec. plus Bulb, a choice of four metering patterns including 4% spot metering (another first for the Rebel series), a wide range of exposure modes from fully automatic to fully manual, depth of field preview, mirror lock and much more. The new camera is fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses, as well as EX-series Speedlites, an optional Battery Grip, and remote control and viewfinder accessories.

A departure from previous EOS Digital Rebel models, which accommodated CF type memory cards, the new EOS Rebel XSi camera utilizes SD and SDHC memory cards including those with capacities higher than 2GB, making it the perfect upgrade for users already equipped with SD cards from point-and-shoot model cameras. Additionally, the EOS Rebel XSi camera utilizes Canon’s new high-capacity LP-E5 lithium ion battery pack, which provides 50% more exposures per charge than earlier models with virtually no increase in size or weight.

In the Box

Expected to ship in April 2008 the Canon Rebel XSi camera is available in body-only configuration which includes a rechargeable battery pack and charger, USB and video cables, a neckstrap, an EOS Solutions Disk CD, and a 1-year Canon U.S.A., Inc. limited warranty. The new camera will also be available in a lens kit version which includes everything in the body-only kit plus the EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens. The two versions carry estimated retail prices of $799.99 and $899.99, respectively.

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