Canon Digital Rebel XSi 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Black): Customer Reviews & Product Details

Very capable entry level DSLR. You could get a Rebel Xs, or Nikon D60, but the extra money certainly pays for itself in the long run with a larger sensor, more AF points, and more features.

First DSLR, very happy with it. Supports all Canon lenses, from budget to luxury glass, and the higher end glass fully exploits the high capability of the camera.

Highly recommended for anyone getting a first DSLR or looking for a cheaper DSLR without prosumer/pro commitment.

This is the first camera I've ever owned - including point and shoot cameras...yes, i popped my cherry with a canon Xsi.

This camera has me wishing that I could relive some moments of my life just to be able to capture them with the Xsi. The best advice I got was to steer clear from the automatic modes and dive headfirst into the different settings to get a feel for what they can accomplish. The pictures are remarkable to say the least, especially the close of shots of inanimate objects. Enough of the objectivity-

price - very good value - a deal ! 8/10
comfort/handgrip/ease-of-use - 8/10
design/layout of buttons - 8/10 (never used a camera before, but for a beginner, pretty decent)
zoom - limited by use of lens....i.e. buy a zoom lens - for the kit lens i'd say 7/10
replication of real life - 8/10 - RAW format is amazing
Canon software - i'm very new to it, initial 5/10.

This is my first DSLR camera so I give you a review from a newbies, first-hands on point of view. So far I have not used many of the features other than auto program but let me tell you I am getting some NICE shots and so far I am pleasantly pleased. I researched this camera for a while and it was a toss up from this or the T1i. The latter having HD video and about 3 more megapixels in resolution. Well I didn't choose the T1I because I really don't need video capabilities on my camera, that's what camcorders are for. Also, should the video feature go bad, so could the camera itself ( remember DVD/VHS combos? ). Having said that here's my opinion so far.
The quality of pics with the kit lens is amazing. Im getting some pics that make point and shoot look like cell phone pics. The feel, look and construction of the camera is good and the ones who feel otherwise are spoiled by their $5000 cameras. For the money you cannot go wrong, this baby will not dissapoint. However the kit lens was not enough for me and my intended purpose ( landscape, wildlife photography for which I got a Canon EFS 55-250mm with IS ) Not to say it is bad, it is perfect for every day use. I will still use it for family, indoor shots as the 55-250 is a bit too zoomie for indoor use. I recommend the Canon gadget bag for your XSI as it compliments each other well. I will not get too technical with this review, as I know poeple read these in order to make a purchasing decision.
Bottom line, if you never owned a DSLR camera this is the one to get. Simple to use, good build and looks and excellent performance. Fast shutter speed and come on it's a Canon, you can't go wrong with it. Don't be fooled by others that say Canon lenses are plasticky and have plastic mounts, that's all a bunch of hogwash. They are plastic but still have a sturdy build feel to it and besides it is a sensitive electronic equipment. Not designed to be banged around and if you do bang your camera then maybe photography is not for you.

I'm really enjoying the Rebel XSi I purchased. It has a tremendous amount of creative flexibility that really helps me to get the images I want. Although the camera has several preset modes that essentially diversify it's point and shoot ability, the creative zones are the life of the camera. If you aren't going to take the time to really study the manual, learn the equipment, and practice it's use - don't waste your money on any DSLR. Buy a nice point-and-shoot and move on. Having said that, it is nice to have the point-and-shoot mode for inexperienced spouses in addition to the creative zones. If you ever worked with a manual 35mm slr or even the older computerized slr, this is a fantastic purchase.

A few small things to be aware of:

1. You must purchase a top-end, super fast SD card if you want the camera to perform. Don't cheap out on the card or there's no reason to buy this camera. Be aware that the fast cards won't read in all card readers.

2. The packaged lens has Image Stabilization built in. It's great for hand-held shooting, pushing your useable shutter speed 1 or 2 steps slower. It's absolutely horrible for tripod shooting. It will CREATE blur o long exposures if not turned off. Fortunately, the on-off switch is easy to access on the lens

3. The camera feels kind of cheaply made. I've had zero quality problems and don't expect to, but the touchy-feely could be a little better. Of course, it shoots beautifully and I didn't buy it to pet.

I am so much interested in photography but not a proffesional though...but my dream was to click real good pics..so after a long time research I decided to buy an slr which is really easy to use and worth the money and just right I found can rebel Xsi and I really feel it was worth every penny I spent and I love it....