Canon EOS Rebel XSi vs Pentax ist DS2

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi

      Pentax ist DS2
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      53
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      Disclosure: We earn money from the affiliate links to products associated with content in this article.

      Overview

      In this comparison, we will evaluate the Canon EOS Rebel XSi and the Pentax ist DS2, highlighting the advantages of each over the other, discussing their pros and cons, shared strengths and weaknesses, and providing a rating based on their available features and specifications to assist you in choosing the one that best suits your needs.

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi was introduced in May 2008 and Pentax ist DS2 was introduced in August 2005. Let us first list highlights of the models.

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi 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

      Pentax ist DS2 Highlights

      • 6 MP APS-C CCD Sensor
      • 200 - 3,200 Native ISO
      • 11 Focus Points
      • 2.5" 210k dot Fixed Screen
      • Optical (pentaprism) Viewfinder
      • 2.8 fps Continuous Shooting
      • Built-in Flash
      Table of Contents
      1. Overview
      2. Pros and Cons
      3. Advantage of Canon EOS Rebel XSi
      4. Advantage of Pentax ist DS2
      5. Common Strengths and Weaknesses
      6. Screen and Viewfinder
      7. Sensor
      8. Photography Features
      9. Connectivity, Battery and Storage
      10. Other Features
      11. Physical Parameters
      12. For Different Types of Photography
      13. Evaluations
      14. Specifications  

      Now that we've looked at the most essential specifications and gained a basic understanding of these cameras, we can delve into more details and see the differences between them.

      Pros and Cons

      In this section we present pros and cons of Canon EOS Rebel XSi and Pentax ist DS2.

      PROS

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi

      Pentax ist DS2

      •   Built-in Flash
      •   Orientation Sensor
      •   Built-in Flash

      CONS

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi

      Pentax ist DS2

      •   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
      •   No Video Capture
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 6 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.8 fps
      •   Low USB Speed
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   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

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi

      Pentax ist DS2

      •   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)
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Weight - 605 g (1.33 lb / 21.34 oz)

      Advantage of Canon EOS Rebel XSi

      Canon Rebel XSi
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Canon EOS Rebel XSi over Pentax ist DS2.

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi vs Pentax ist DS2
      Higher Sensor Resolution 12.2 Megapixel vs 6 Megapixel
      Lower Native ISO 100 vs 200
      Max Image Resolution 4272 x 2848 vs 3008 x 2008
      Tracking Autofocus vs
      Contrast Detection for Autofocus vs
      Larger Screen 3.0" vs 2.5"
      Higher Resolution Screen 230k dot vs 210k dot
      Live View vs
      Higher Max Continuous Shooting 3.5 fps vs 2.8 fps
      Higher USB Speed USB 2.0 (480 Mbit/sec) vs USB 1.0 (1.5 Mbit/sec)
      Lighter 524 g (1.16 lb / 18.48 oz) vs 605 g (1.33 lb / 21.34 oz)
      Orientation Sensor vs

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

      Canon Rebel XT
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      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

      Canon 7D II
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      20.2 MP

      Sony a6400
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Canon M5
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Pentax K-7
      Image cannot be found

      APS-C

      15 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

      Leica M8
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      APS-H

      10.35 MP

      Advantage of Pentax ist DS2

      Pentax ist DS2
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      This section shows those features and specifications which are the reason to choose Pentax ist DS2 over Canon EOS Rebel XSi.

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi vs Pentax ist DS2
      Higher Native ISO 1,600 vs 3,200
      More Focus Points 9 vs 11
      Higher Viewfinder Magnification (35mm equivalent) 0.54x vs 0.63x
      Multi-Segment Metering vs
      Average Metering vs
      Built-in Microphone vs Stereo

      Check out other cameras which are frequently compared to Pentax ist DS2.

      Nikon Z6
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      Full Frame

      24.5 MP

      Sony a6300
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Nikon 1 J1
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      1-inch

      10.1 MP

      Sony a6400
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      APS-C

      24.2 MP

      Sony DSLR-A450
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      APS-C

      14.2 MP

      Sony a7R IV
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      Full Frame

      61.0 MP

      Canon R5 C
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      Full Frame

      45.0 MP

      Nikon 1 AW1
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      1-inch

      14.2 MP

      Nikon D2X
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      APS-C

      12.4 MP

      Sony a9 II
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      Full Frame

      24.2 MP

      Fujifilm S5 Pro
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      APS-C

      6 MP

      Canon 5DS
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      Full Frame

      50.6 MP

      Common Strengths and Weaknesses

      We already listed pros and cons of each model. However, you may also find useful to look at their common strengths and weaknesses shown side-by-side.

      STRENGTHS Canon EOS Rebel XSi Pentax ist DS2
        Built-in Flash
      WEAKNESSES Canon EOS Rebel XSi Pentax ist DS2
        No Video Capture
        Low Resolution Sensor12.2 Megapixel6 Megapixel
        Low Native ISO1,6003,200
        Timelapse Recording
        Few Focus Points911
        No Face Detection
        No Image Stabilization
        Screen TypeFixedFixed
        Low Resolution Screen230k dot210k dot
        Low Max Continuous Shooting3.5 fps2.8 fps
        No HDMI Output
        No Microphone Input
        No Headphone Output
        No Built-in GPS
        No Built-In Wi-Fi
        No Built-In Bluetooth
        No Environmental Sealing

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Screen

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi has a 3.0" screen with 230k dot resolution and Pentax ist DS2 has a 2.5" screen with 210k dot resolution. Both have Fixed screens.


      Viewfinder

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi has a built-in Optical (pentamirror) viewfinderPentax ist DS2 has a built-in Optical (pentaprism) viewfinder. They both have 95% coverage.

      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. Pentax ist DS2 features a 6 megapixel APS-C CCD sensor with dimensions of 23.5 x 15.7 mm and a total area of 246.5 mm2. Its native ISO range is 200 - 3,200.


      Here is a sensor size comparison chart where you can see how different sensors compare with each other:

      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)22.3 x 14.9 mm332.3 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

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi can take pictures up to 4272 x 2848 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 3088 x 2056, 2256 x 1504 with 3:2 aspect ratios. Pentax ist DS2 can take pictures up to 3008 x 2008 resolution. It can also take pictures with lower resolution like 2400 x 1600, 1536 x 1024 with 3:2 aspect ratios.


      Lens Mount

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi has Canon EF/EF-S lens mount and Pentax ist DS2 has Pentax KAF lens mount. They both have APS-C sensor but because of a small size difference their crop factors (also called lens multiplier) differ from each other. Canon EOS Rebel XSi has the crop factor of 1.6x which means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.6. Pentax ist DS2 has the crop factor of 1.5x which means that a 35mm equivalent focal length of the mounted lens will be equal to its actual focal length times 1.5.


      No Image Stabilization

      The cameras do not have image stabilization. On Canon EOS Rebel XSi it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Pentax ist DS2 nothing can be done. On Pentax ist DS2 it means that you need lenses with optical image stabilization for vibration reduction. As for Canon EOS Rebel XSi nothing can be done.

      Connectivity, Battery and Storage

      USB Inputs

      Both models have USB inputs for data transfer.


      Battery

      Pentax ist DS2 comes with 4 x AA battery pack.


      External Storage Slots

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi has a single SD/SDHC/MMC card slot. Pentax ist DS2 has a single SD/SDHC card slot.

      Other Features

      Shutter

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi has Electronically-controlled Focal-plane shutter. Shutter speed can go up to 1/4000 sec on Canon EOS Rebel XSi, and up to 1/4000 sec on Pentax ist DS2. Canon EOS Rebel XSi can shoot continuously up to 3.5 fps. Pentax ist DS2 can shoot continuously up to 2.8 fps.


      Focusing

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi has Dual Pixel CMOS AF system with 9 focusing points and Pentax ist DS2 has 11 focusing points..


      Exposure

      Exposure meterings of Canon EOS Rebel XSi ranges from +1 to +20 EV and you can set the exposure compensation within the ±2 EV range on Canon EOS Rebel XSi and ±3 EV range on Pentax ist DS2. You can also do exposure lock, exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Canon EOS Rebel XSi and exposure bracketing and manual exposure adjustment on Pentax ist DS2.


      Flash

      Cameras have built-in flash with maximum range of 13.00 m at ISO 100 on Canon EOS Rebel XSi. They also accept external flash. The fastest flash synchronization speed is 1/200 sec on Canon EOS Rebel XSi.

      Physical Parameters

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi body has dimensions of 129 x 98 x 62 mm (5.08 x 3.86 x 2.44") and Pentax ist DS2 body has dimensions of 125 x 93 x 66 mm (4.92 x 3.66 x 2.6"). Canon EOS Rebel XSi weighs 524 g (1.16 lb / 18.48 oz) and Pentax ist DS2 weighs 605 g (1.33 lb / 21.34 oz).

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi

      Pentax ist DS2

      129 mm

      98 mm

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      125 mm

      93 mm

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      98 mm

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      93 mm

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      Size comparisons of Canon EOS Rebel XSi and Pentax ist DS2

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi and Pentax ist DS2 for Different Types of Photography

      We give scores to the cameras for six types of photography based on their features and specifications. Let us see how suitable they are for each type of photography.

      Landscape Photography

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi

      Pentax ist DS2

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      AVERAGE
      56
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Sports Photography

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi

      Pentax ist DS2

      AVERAGE
      59
      •   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
      POOR
      49
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.8 fps

      Wildlife Photography

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi

      Pentax ist DS2

      AVERAGE
      58
      •   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
      POOR
      47
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.8 fps
      •   No Environmental Sealing

      Portrait Photography

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi

      Pentax ist DS2

      GOOD
      73
      •   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
      AVERAGE
      64
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View

      Street Photography

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi

      Pentax ist DS2

      GOOD
      78
      •   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)
      GOOD
      75
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Live View
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 605 g (1.33 lb / 21.34 oz)

      Travel Photography

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi

      Pentax ist DS2

      GOOD
      80
      •   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)
      GOOD
      78
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 605 g (1.33 lb / 21.34 oz)

      Evaluations

      We evaluate Canon EOS Rebel XSi and Pentax ist DS2 and give them scores of 56 and 53 out of 100 recpectively. 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.


      Canon EOS Rebel XSi

      Pentax ist DS2

      OVERALL
      56
      OVERALL
      53

      Sensor

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi

      Pentax ist DS2

      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 12.2 Megapixel
      •   100 Lowest Native ISO
      •   1,600 Highest Native ISO
      •   DxO Overall Score - 61
      AVERAGE
      59
      •   Low Resolution Sensor - 6 Megapixel
      •   200 Lowest Native ISO
      •   3,200 Highest Native ISO

      Photo

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi

      Pentax ist DS2

      AVERAGE
      58
      •   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
      POOR
      52
      •   Timelapse Recording
      •   No Image Stabilization
      •   Max Shutter Speed (Mechanical or 1st Curtain) - 1/4000 sec
      •   Low Max Continuous Shooting - 2.8 fps

      Video

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi

      Pentax ist DS2

      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization
      BAD
      0
      •   No Image Stabilization

      Focusing

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi

      Pentax ist DS2

      GOOD
      78
      •   9 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection
      AVERAGE
      69
      •   11 Focus Points
      •   No Face Detection

      Screen and Viewfinder

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi

      Pentax ist DS2

      AVERAGE
      66
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 3.0"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 230k dot
      AVERAGE
      68
      •   Fixed Screen
      •   Screen Size - 2.5"
      •   Low Resolution Screen - 210k dot

      Connectivity

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi

      Pentax ist DS2

      POOR
      40
      •   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
      POOR
      47
      •   Low USB Speed
      •   No HDMI Output
      •   No Microphone Input
      •   No Headphone Output
      •   No Built-in GPS
      •   No Built-In Wi-Fi
      •   No Built-In Bluetooth

      Battery, Storage and Physical

      Canon EOS Rebel XSi

      Pentax ist DS2

      POOR
      43
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 524 g (1.16 lb / 18.48 oz)
      POOR
      42
      •   No Environmental Sealing
      •   Weight - 605 g (1.33 lb / 21.34 oz)


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

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