Canon EOS Rebel XSi

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    Highlights

    • 12.2 MP APS-C CMOS Sensor
    • 100 - 1,600 Native ISO
    • 9 Focus Points
    • 3.0" 230k dot Fixed Screen
    • Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder
    • 3.5 fps Continuous Shooting
    • Built-in Flash
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    Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

    Overview

    Canon EOS Rebel XSi was announced in 2008 and is an APS-C (22.2 x 14.8 mm) DSLR camera with 12.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor. Its native ISO ranges from 100 to 1,600. The camera has a Fixed 3.0" screen with 230k dot resolution and built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder.

    Table of Contents
    1. Overview
    2. Pros and Cons
    3. Predecessor
    4. Successor
    5. Screen and Viewfinder
    6. Sensor
    7. Photography Features
    8. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
    9. Other Features
    10. Physical Parameters
    11. For Different Types of Photography
    12. Evaluation
    13. Specifications  

    Here is the Canon EOS Rebel X series lineup, where you can view and compare the main specifications of the cameras within the same series.

    Canon EOS Rebel X series lineup
    Model Date Sensor Native ISO Screen Price
    Image cannot be found Canon Rebel XS
    Compare
    		July
    2008    		 10.1 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 1,600 Fixed 2.5"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon Rebel XSi May
    2008    		 12.2 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 1,600 Fixed 3.0"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon Rebel XTi
    Compare
    		October
    2006    		 10.0 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 1,600 Fixed 2.5"
    230k dot
    Image cannot be found Canon Rebel XT
    Compare
    		April
    2005    		 8 MP
    APS-C    		 100 - 1,600 Fixed 1.8"
    115k dot

    You can view their side-by-side comparison here: Canon EOS Rebel XS vs EOS Rebel XSi vs EOS Rebel XTi vs EOS Rebel XT.

    Pros and Cons

    In this section we present pros and cons of Canon EOS Rebel XSi.

    PROS

    •   Built-in Flash
    •   Orientation Sensor

    CONS

    •   No Video Capture
    •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.2 Megapixel
    •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
    •   Timelapse Recording
    •   9 Focus Points
    •   No Face Detection
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
    •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.5 fps
    •   No HDMI Output
    •   No Built-in Microphone
    •   No Microphone Input
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth
    •   No Environmental Sealing

    And here are some specifications which fall into average criteria and are neither in PROs nor in CONs category:

    AVERAGE

    •   100 Lowest Native ISO
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
    •   DxO Overall Score - 61
    •   Weight - 524 g (1.16 lb / 18.48 oz)

    Predecessor

    Here we are comparing Canon EOS Rebel XSi to its predecessor EOS Rebel XTi and displaying the major changes.

    UPGRADES Canon EOS Rebel XSi vs Canon EOS Rebel XTi
    Higher Sensor Resolution 12.2 Megapixel vs 10.0 Megapixel
    Max Image Resolution 4272 x 2848 vs 3888 x 2592
    Tracking Autofocus vs
    Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
    Larger Screen 3.0" vs 2.5"
    Live View vs
    Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.54x vs 0.50x
    Higher Max Continuous Shooting 3.5 fps vs 3.0 fps
    Higher DxO Low Light ISO 692 vs 664
    Lighter 524 g (1.16 lb / 18.48 oz) vs 556 g (1.23 lb / 19.61 oz)
    DOWNGRADES Canon EOS Rebel XSi vs Canon EOS Rebel XTi
    Lower DxO Color Depth 21.9 vs 22.1
    Lower DxO Dynamic Range 10.8 vs 11.0
    Lower DxO Overall Score 61 vs 62

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Canon EOS Rebel XSi vs EOS Rebel XTi.

    Successor

    In 2009 Canon EOS Rebel XSi was replaced by Canon EOS Rebel T1i. Let us now have a look at some important differences between Canon EOS Rebel XSi and its successor.

    UPGRADES Canon EOS Rebel T1i vs Canon EOS Rebel XSi
    Video Capture vs
    Higher Sensor Resolution 15.1 Megapixel vs 12.2 Megapixel
    Higher Native ISO 3,200 vs 1,600
    Max Image Resolution 4752 x 3168 vs 4272 x 2848
    Face Detection vs
    Live View Autofocus vs
    Higher Resolution Screen 920k dot vs 230k dot
    Multi-Segment Metering vs
    Center Weighted Metering vs
    Spot Metering vs
    Lower Min Metering -0.5 EV vs +1 EV
    Higher DxO Dynamic Range 11.5 vs 10.8
    Higher DxO Overall Score 63 vs 61
    HDMI Output Mini vs
    Built-in Microphone Mono vs
    Lighter 520 g (1.15 lb / 18.34 oz) vs 524 g (1.16 lb / 18.48 oz)
    DOWNGRADES Canon EOS Rebel T1i vs Canon EOS Rebel XSi
    Tracking Autofocus vs
    Lower Max Continuous Shooting 3.4 fps vs 3.5 fps
    Lower Max Metering +18 EV vs +20 EV
    Lower DxO Low Light ISO 663 vs 692
    Lower DxO Color Depth 21.7 vs 21.9

    For more detailed comparison between the models please visit Canon EOS Rebel XSi vs EOS Rebel T1i.

    Screen and Viewfinder

    Fixed screen

    Canon EOS Rebel XSi has a 3.0" Fixed screen with 230k dot resolution which is quite low by today's standards.


    Optical (pentamirror) Viewfinder

    Camera has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinder. It has a 95% coverage and 0.87x (0.54x 35mm equivalent) magnification.

    Sensor

    Canon EOS Rebel XSi features a 12.2 megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor with dimensions of 22.2 x 14.8 mm and a total area of 328.6 mm2. Its native ISO range is 100 - 1,600.


    Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how Canon EOS Rebel XSi's APS-C sensor compares with other types of sensors:

    Sensor size chart
    Sensor Dimensions Area Aspect Ratio Crop Factor
    Image cannot be displayedMedium Format44 x 33 mm1452 mm24:30.79x
    Image cannot be displayedFull Frame36 x 24 mm864 mm23:21x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-H27 x 18 mm486 mm23:21.3x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-C23.6 x 15.6 mm368.2 mm23:21.5x
    Image cannot be displayedAPS-C (Canon)22.2 x 14.8 mm328.6 mm23:21.6x
    Image cannot be displayedMicro Four Thirds17.4 x 13 mm226.2 mm24:32x
    Image cannot be displayed1-inch13.2 x 8.8 mm116.2 mm23:22.7x
    Image cannot be displayed1/1.7-inch7.44 x 5.58 mm41.5 mm24:34.7x
    Image cannot be displayed1/2.3-inch6.17 x 4.55 mm28.1 mm24:35.6x

    Photography Features

    Camera can take pictures up to 4272 x 2848 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolutions like 3088 x 2056, 2256 x 1504 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


    Lens Mount

    Canon EOS Rebel XSi has Canon EF/EF-S lens mount. Due to APS-C sensor its crop factor (also called lens multiplier) is 1.6x. This means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.6.


    No In-Body Image Stabilization

    The camera does not have in-body image stabilization (IBIS) so it needs lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction.

    Check out the cameras which are frequently compared to Canon EOS Rebel XSi.

    Canon Rebel XT
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    8 MP

    Canon Rebel XTi
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    10.0 MP

    Canon Rebel XS
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    10.1 MP

    Canon Rebel T1i
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    15.1 MP

    Pentax ist DS2
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    6 MP

    Canon 7D II
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    20.2 MP

    Sony a6400
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    24.2 MP

    Pentax K-7
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    15 MP

    Canon M5
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    24.2 MP

    Fujifilm X-M1
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    16.3 MP

    Canon 5DS
    Image cannot be found

    Full Frame

    50.6 MP

    Fujifilm X-T2
    Image cannot be found

    APS-C

    24.3 MP

    Connectivity, Battery and Storage

    USB Input

    Canon EOS Rebel XSi has a USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) input for data transfer.


    External Storage Slots

    The camera has a single SD/SDHC/MMC card slot.

    Other Features

    Shutter

    Canon EOS Rebel XSi has Electronically-controlled Focal-plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec. Camera can shoot continuously up to 3.5 fps.


    Focusing

    Canon EOS Rebel XSi has Dual Pixel CMOS AF system with 9 focusing points.


    Exposure

    Camera's exposure metering ranges from +1 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±2 EV range. You can also do exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment.


    Flash

    Canon EOS Rebel XSi has a built-in flash with maximum range of 13.00 m at ISO 100 and also accepts external flash. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/200 sec.

    Physical Parameters

    Canon EOS Rebel XSi has dimensions of 129 x 98 x 62 mm (5.08 x 3.86 x 2.44"). It weighs 524 g (1.16 lb / 18.48 oz) which is neither heavy nor lightweight.

    129 mm (5.08")

    98 mm (3.86")

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    98 mm (3.86")

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    62 mm (2.44")

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    Canon EOS Rebel XSi dimensions

    Canon EOS Rebel XSi for Different Types of Photography

    We give scores to the camera for different type of photography based on its features and specifications. Let us see how Canon EOS Rebel XSi is suitable for six different types of photography.


    Landscape Photography

    AVERAGE
    68

    Canon EOS Rebel XSi gets a score of 68 and is AVERAGE choice for Landscape photography.

    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing

    Sports Photography

    AVERAGE
    59

    Canon EOS Rebel XSi gets a score of 59 and is AVERAGE choice for Sports photography.

    •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
    •   9 Focus Points
    •   No Face Detection
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
    •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.5 fps
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Wildlife Photography

    AVERAGE
    58

    Canon EOS Rebel XSi gets a score of 58 and is AVERAGE choice for Wildlife photography.

    •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
    •   9 Focus Points
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
    •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.5 fps
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Portrait Photography

    GOOD
    73

    Canon EOS Rebel XSi gets a score of 73 and is GOOD choice for Portrait photography.

    •   9 Focus Points
    •   No Face Detection
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec
    •   Orientation Sensor

    Street Photography

    GOOD
    78

    Canon EOS Rebel XSi gets a score of 78 and is GOOD choice for Street photography.

    •   9 Focus Points
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Weight - 524 g (1.16 lb / 18.48 oz)

    Travel Photography

    GOOD
    80

    Canon EOS Rebel XSi gets a score of 80 and is GOOD choice for Travel photography.

    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Weight - 524 g (1.16 lb / 18.48 oz)

    Canon EOS Rebel XSi Evaluation

    We evaluate Canon EOS Rebel XSi and give score of 56 out of 100. We also give separate scores for 7 different categories according to the available features and specifications some of which are listed below. These evaluations are relative and may change each time a new camera is added to the database.


    OVERALL
    56

    Sensor

    AVERAGE
    68

    We give Canon EOS Rebel XSi a score of 68 for Sensor parameters.

    •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.2 Megapixel
    •   100 Lowest Native ISO
    •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
    •   DxO Overall Score - 61

    Photo

    AVERAGE
    58

    We give Canon EOS Rebel XSi a score of 58 for Photo parameters.

    •   Timelapse Recording
    •   No Image Stabilization
    •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
    •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 3.5 fps
    •   Max Flash Sync Speed - 1/200 sec

    Video

    BAD
    0

    We give Canon EOS Rebel XSi a score of 0 for Video parameters.

    •   No Image Stabilization

    Focusing

    GOOD
    78

    We give Canon EOS Rebel XSi a score of 78 for Focusing parameters.

    •   9 Focus Points
    •   No Face Detection

    Screen and Viewfinder

    AVERAGE
    66

    We give Canon EOS Rebel XSi a score of 66 for Screen and Viewfinder parameters.

    •   Fixed Screen
    •   Screen Size - 3.0"
    •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot

    Connectivity

    POOR
    40

    We give Canon EOS Rebel XSi a score of 40 for Connectivity parameters.

    •   No HDMI Output
    •   No Built-in Microphone
    •   No Microphone Input
    •   No Headphone Output
    •   No Built-in GPS
    •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
    •   No Built-In Bluetooth

    Battery, Storage and Physical

    POOR
    43

    We give Canon EOS Rebel XSi a score of 43 for Battery, Storage and Physical parameters.

    •   No Environmental Sealing
    •   Weight - 524 g (1.16 lb / 18.48 oz)


    For a full specification list please go to the specifications page:

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