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Canon EOS Rebel XS Digital Camera

Canon EOS Rebel XSDigital Camera Resource Page

(4 out of 5)


A very capable entry-level digital SLR, though the superior Rebel XSi costs less than $100 more.

Review date: Oct 2, 2008

The Canon EOS Rebel XS (also known as the EOS-1000D) is a very competent entry-level digital SLR. It takes photos of excellent quality, it's responsive, and it offers a host of useful features. It's biggest problem is that its big brother, the Rebel XSi, costs just $70 more. Upgrading to the XSi doesn't buy you better photo quality (you just get large images), but it does get you a larger LCD and viewfinder, faster continuous shooting speeds (especially in RAW mode), spot metering, and more. On it's own, the Rebel XS is a great entry-level camera, easily earning my recommendation. At the same time, it's hard to resist the Rebel XSi for just a little more money.

ProsCons
  • Very good photo quality, with minimal noise
  • Compact body by D-SLR standards (though it's not for everyone)
  • Good kit lens, with image stabilization
  • Dust reduction system
  • Fast performance in most respects
  • Live view with contrast detect AF, magnification, and a histogram
  • Full manual controls, including lots of white balance options
  • RAW format supported -- good editing software included
  • Remote capture software included (usually costs extra)
  • Optional battery grip
  • Rebel XSi only costs a little more
  • Small, slippery right hand grip
  • Very slow contrast detect AF in live view mode -- nearly useless in low light
  • Live view not available in all shooting modes
  • LCD and optical viewfinder both on the small side
  • Sluggish RAW format continuous shooting

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