01/23/2008, 11:30pm, EST
Wednesday, January 23rdCanon unveils 12-megapixel EOS Rebel XSi
Canon helped inaugurate next week's PMA show tonight by upgrading its entry digital SLR. Now dropping "Digital" from the camera name, the EOS Rebel XSi jumps from 10.1 to 12.2 megapixels while also using the same DIGIC III image processor as higher-end cameras such as the 1D Mark III. The switch provides a 14-bit analog-to-digital conversion process, better autofocusing, highlight tone priority, and noise reduction at high ISO levels up to the camera's ISO 1600 peak; these features are the first for a camera in the class and are joined by auto lighting correction that adjusts brightness and contrast on the fly.
The DIGIC processing is also responsible for boosting the burst speed of the new Rebel, Canon says; the XSi can shoot at a sustained 3.5 frames per second for either 6 shots in full-quality RAW or 45 images in its JPEG equivalent. This occurs despite the new Rebel's switch to SD and SDHC cards over CompactFlash -- while less familiar to pros, this helps point-and-shoot owners graduate to a full digital SLR without replacing memory, Canon claims.
A larger, more color-accurate 3-inch LCD boasts an improved live preview and is helped by a new battery pack that provides roughly 50 percent more shots without affecting the camera dimensions. Canon ships the XSi in April as a body-only version for $800 but also provides a kit with a new 18-55mm, f/3.5-5.6 image-stabilized lens for $900.
Filed under: gadgets, digital imaging
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What does 12MP buy you that 10MP doesn't? Well, if you print at 200 dpi, you can print at 21.4x14.2 inches instead of 19.4x13. That's right. A whopping 9% bigger. And, if you've got the need (and money) to print at sizes that large, you deserve a better camera than the XSi. (Likewise, you've got 9% more cropping freedom with the XSi).
Granted, you can take that $400 and put it towards some decent glass, which isn't such a bad idea (especially considering the mediocre 18-55mm kit lense)
My 40D, replacing my old Canon D60, arrives on Monday. I can't wait!
randombob, i agree with jimothy. the difference from 10 to 12 can be made up in software easily. Get the best picture with the most accurate color data first.
rtbarry, what has nikon been up to LOL
jimothy, liveview is more then a gimmick as it allows more then one person to view a shot prior to taking. It is also nice for shooting outdoors (as i do) as you don't have to have your face pressed against your camera all the time while in a blind.
Still waiting on the 5D to determine if i go with that or a 1D.
Rich
RichGetz (.) com