Canon Digital Rebel XSi REVIEWS, Digital Rebel XSi Sale: 20% Discount

Canon Digital Rebel XSi REVIEWS, Canon Digital Rebel XSi on Sale, 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera, EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens

Save: $150.00 (20%)

12.2-megapixel CMOS sensor captures enough detail for poster-size, photo-quality prints Large 3.0-inch LCD display; includes Canon's EF-S 18-55mm, f3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens DIGIC III image processor provides fast, accurate image processing; improved Autofocus and framing rate EOS Integrated Cleaning system, plus Dust Delete Data Detection in included software

Canon Digital Rebel XSi REVIEWS:

J. Huang (New Haven, CT USA)
I was deciding between a Canon 40D and this camera. For me, the form factor is a big plus, because I plan on lugging this onto an airplane along with my laptop in my carryon. I tend not to abuse my electronics too much, so the whole question of plastic body on the XSi vs. a metal body for the 40D wasn't an issue for me. Two points that favored the 40D: the continuous RAW mode is better (for baby's first steps, or sports) and the kit lens for the 40D is more versatile (a little wider than 35mm and out to 5X zoom, vs 3X zoom on the XSi kit lens). For me, it wasn't worth the extra cost (*edit*: with the instant rebate on the 40D right now from Canon, about $300 difference).

I decided to splurge on a DSLR over an point-and-shoot because I always got frustrated with sunset and lowlight shots with my point-and-shoot (I have an Olympus Stylus 400). Either the picture would be blown out or too dark. Also, indoor shots without flash would often be too grainy because of the inferior image processing in my pocket camera. Much less of a problem with a DSLR, where I've been able to twiddle with the ISO and the aperture to get decent shots in all the above-mentioned situations.

Overall, I'm very satisfied with this product. 4 stars because Canon doesn't include a SD card in the kit.

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By Drifter (NYC, NY)
This review is strictly comparison of image quality of these four SLRs, I am completely leaving out ergonomics, features, size of LCD etc.

After shooting 100s of shots and pixel peeping images of identical scenes.

Color reproduction:
1st: Nikon D60
2nd: Canon XTi and Canon XSi
4th: Olympus E420

D60 has sliglty more vibrant and punchier colors than the Canons. Casual user will be much happier with Nikon over the other three. XSi and XTi and identical in this regard inspite of the former's 14-bit A/D converison advantage. Upgarding from XTi to XSi will not give any advantage in real world improvements in terms of color reproduction.

Image Noise (at 400 and 1600 ISO)
1st: Canon XTi
2nd: Canon XSi
3rd: Nikon D60
3rd: Olympus E420

XTi has the least image noise, as it has less megapixels in the same area CMOS sensor when compared XSi. D60's CCD is noisier but it also has more color information at higher ISOs where Canons mutes colors to suppress the noise. E420 smaller LiveMOS sensor has worst of both worlds. It's images are as Noisy as D40 but colors are as muted as Canon's.

If you factor in the prices, the best choices are either XTi for D60. The trade off is between better color and less noise.

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By Anne L. Dombek (Fall River, MA)
This is the best camera in it's price range for an amateur photographer. The reason I gave it 4 stars is because I did have a problem with it. I got the dreaded error 99. I took a few pictures fine. Then within the first 24 hours of having it, I got this error. I couldn't take a single picture without the error coming into the screen. I did some online research and contacted Canon, but none of the "solutions" fixed it. Canon said that they'd either fix mine, or send a refurbished one. I didn't want a refurbished one after paying full price.

I contacted amazon, and they couldn't have been any more helpful. They replied right away with directions on sending it back and a return label. They sent it with next day shipping, which was what I had my first camera sent with. I waited until I got it to send mine back. I haven't had any problems at all with the second camera. Some knowledge is needed for certain settings, but even a beginner could easily adapt or even use the Auto setting with auto focus, and still get decent photos.

Canon Powershot SX10 IS REVIEWS, 11% Sale Powershot SX10IS

Canon Powershot SX10 IS 10MP Digital Camera REVIEWS, Powershot SX10IS on Sale

Save: $45.04 (11%)

10.0-megapixel resolution for high-quality printing and flexibility when editing 20x optical zoom, wide-angle lens and Optical Image Stabilizer; improved speed and quiet zooming 2.5-inch Vari-angle LCD; DIGIC 4 Image Processor improves Face Detection MovieSnap mode lets you capture high-resolution still images while shooting a movie Capture images to SD/SDHC memory cards

Canon Powershot SX10 IS REVIEWS:
By N. Phillips (Bismarck, ND USA)
I purchased the SX10IS because I really liked my S3IS but I wanted the 10MP so that I could print out large high quality prints of my wildlife pictures. I haven't had a lot of time to test the camera out, but one thing that I have found that I really am disappointed with is the new video format. The old AVI format is much more compatible with my programs then the new MOV format. Also, the SX10 only offers two video qualities, both at 30 fps. The S3 offered 5 different video capture settings. I made full use of the video mode on my S3, so I was really upset to see the changes.

The 20X optical is really nice, unless you need more zoom, because you are not able to attach a telephoto lens. I have a telephoto lens that attaches to my S3 which really gives me the extra zoom that I wanted (about 36X optical), however it needs a lot of light to produce good pictures and takes up a lot of room in my camera case. The SX10 does have threads that accept a 52mm UV filter or polarized filter, even though canon won't admit it. It is bigger and heavier than the S3, but not enough to cause problems. Both the S3 and the SX10 auto modes are a let down in low light conditions, however for the amateur wildlife photographer the auto modes will allow you to quickly take good quality pictures without any adjustment from the user. In low light conditions a tripod and manual camera adjustment are a must to get good pictures.

Conclusion: For the $$$ it appears to be a good buy for 20X 10MP camera. I would have liked to see the same video settings as the S3, especially the lower resolution 60 fps option and the cameras auto focus doesn't do as well at full zoom as expected. Maybe I should have waited for the SX1 to get down to a reasonable price, or just purchased the S5IS.

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By Robert George-Johannes Tactius "to_glow" (Rainier, Oregon)
The Powershot SX10 IS is the best overall camera you can purchase for the money. Money saving features are as follows: AA batteries, SD Card, 28mm to 560mm lens. Batteries are a big thing. Rechargeables will not last forever, they wear even if you aren't using them. When you need batteries, at the last minute, you can use Alkaline AA. For your typical tourist activities the lens will be more than enough. The SD cards are the cheapest around.

The one additional feature Canon Powershot SX10 has is the menu/picture review screen. The screen works much like the screens on Digital Camcorders. It allows moving the camera overhead and around corners or is just convenient for use when taking self-portraits on a timer. You can rotate the screen around to point in the same direction as the lens.

No other camera, other than the SX1 IS w/CMOS, combines all these features. Since the SX1 IS is currently only being sold in Europe and Asia, at the time of this review, and any warranty work would be problematic this leaves out this camera. It's an extra $300-$400 extra the same price as a SLR, but you still have AA batteries and SD card.

The picture quality is great, the addition of full manual control, VHS quality video and a High Speed ISO makes this camera a great buy and a bargain.

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By Bill Taylor "BillT4" (San Francisco, CA USA)
I purchased the Canon PowerShot SX10IS shortly before our vacation last month and I had a lot of fun learning its features during our trip and took many, many pictures and lots of video. I am not a camera expert nor a big photo person but I found the camera easy to use (reading the manual from time to time was important). I especially liked the ability to zoom in and out while taking video. I would recommend the camera, great value for the price, but it does have a couple deficiencies and an ease-of-use problem that need correction. I hope you are listening, Canon.

First, the lens cap will not stay on. We finally gave up and did without it, which probably limits the camera's life.

Second, the battery life is limited. During those days when I used the camera alot, I ran through a set of four alkaline AA batteries in one day. Be sure to have lots of extra batteries on hand! (Especially of you review your pictures at the end of the day, this seems to eat up lots of energy, so we stopped doing that.)

Third, as other reviewers have noted, the control knob is difficult to learn how to use. Thankfully one of the other reviewers on Amazon gave me some insight. I am now able to adjust shutter speed, aperture, etc.

Overall I love using Canon Powershot SX10.

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R. Baker "Pete" (Florida)
After having never owned anything other than a point and shoot digital, I decided to upgrade. I received my Canon Powershot SX10 a few days after Thanksgiving and have really enjoyed its options and possibilities. Although I've had some foopaas, which was not the equipment, but the operator, I've gotten mostly positive results. Of course, I'm still learning and practicing.

The zoom power is what I was looking for - its great. I find the handling of the camera comfortable and easy. I have been using a tripod for some shots which gives it great stability for portraits and nature shots. I took it to a Hank Williams concert and only got blurs. I think I need a bit more practice and understanding of the operation of this camera. If you are just stepping up to a better quality camera with more possibilities than a point and shoot, I recommend this one.