Canon EOS Rebel XSi camera Free Helpful Guideline

I always used to own Canon cameras, and I thought I always would. My $1000 digital Rebel is useless now because Canon refuses to issue drivers for it anymore, and the old drivers are incompatible with Windows Vista or 7. Yes, there are workarounds, but I liked being able to take pictures through a direct computer connection, and I don’t want more peripherals cluttering up my house. So I went looking for a new camera. I got a new Rebel XS, but then explained to someone why I needed a new camera just a few years after buying an expensive new camera, and I realized, I don’t want another Canon, so back it went.

It’s an okay camera, a bit cheap feeling, better than my pocket Kodak (for enlargements, anyway), and, thankfully, the price has come down a lot. But it’s just a lousy value if Canon can’t be bothered to issue new drivers for new operating systems.

In a nut shell (based on cameras in this price range):

* Great picture quality, especially if you know how to manipulate Raw format – software is included
* On the small side of DSLRs – can be a pro or con depending on your use
* Included software to control the camera with a computer is a major plus for me
* Lens is good for being included in a kit at this price, one of the best IMHO.
* Read online professional reviews. Really helpful for me.
* You can’t go wrong with a Canon DSLR
* This is a great entry level DSLR, if you can afford it and want more Megapixels and features, jump up to an XSi or TSi.
* battery life is good – but get a spare just incase

The Long Winded Stuff:

I am a Canon snob ever since my first digital camera, which was a point and shoot Canon S30 3.2 MP I paid over $500.00 for. That S30 took better pictures (as far as quality) than my wife’s Minolta 6 MP DSLR that I bought her years later. I must have bought at least 10 point and shoots and DSLRs for my family and work. All different brands. But every time I didn’t buy a Canon I was upset with the purchase. There have been some good Nikons but none better than the Canons. My biggest disapointment was the Minolta DSLR I bought for my wife. Against my better judgement the guy at the camera store talked me into it.

There are more qualified sites and people on the internet that will give you great professional reviews of the camera and all it’s features. Here is a few reasons I chose this one:

I was contemplating between the XS, XSi or TSi. I did a lot of research online before making my decision and in the end the price won out and I settled for a less megapixels and less $$$ (10.1 is plenty for what I needed). Like all Canon DSLRs this camera takes great photos and the kit lens that it comes with is a great lens for a DSLR in this price range. The body is on the small side and people with large hands may find it uncomfortable if they are taking pictures constently. But the small size also has the benefit of better portability.

Besides the picture quality, my favorite feature is that it comes with the software to control the camera and most of it’s features right from your computer. I actually use this feature a lot, because I do product pictures and indoor still life with it. I can set all aspects of the shot, aperature, sharpness, shooting mode, white balance, etc, then control the shutter right from the computer. The picture loads right to my computer, I can examine the shot adjust the raw photo or make any adjustments necessary and retake the photo without relying on the small LCD screen on the camera. The liveshot helps even more because I can view the shot live as I am setting up before I take the picture. Other copmpanies charge more $$$ for this benefit. I like to use Raw format and make adjustments then convert it to a user friendly format. If your not familiar with the Raw format, it is worth your time to do some research and learn about it, your pictures will be much better.

I recently purchased the Rebel XS as a Christmas present for my wife and myself, and we both love it. We mostly use the auto modes. We are not advanced photographers. We mostly just take pictures of our baby daughter. But it has done great for that. We love that when you press the shutter button, it take the photo immediately, unlike with point’n’shoots. And when I want to have more manual control, it is easy. For a beginner, it is everything we need and more. Can’t comment on more advanced use because we don’t know enough to use more advanced features

This bag is great! It is light but has plenty of room! Amazon also had a great deal on this product when compared to local stores.

Good for long term storage. Too large to take with you. Good construction and a lot of room. Just a little pricey.