Canon Digital Rebel XSi Annouced

PMA is here and the long awaited replacement for the beloved Canon 5D is still myth. However, Canon did announce a new successor to it’s popular entry level SLR camera, the XTi. The new SLR is the Canon Digital Rebel 450 or XSi. The street price for the body only will be about $800 (USD) at time of the announcement. Here are a few of the highlights:

• 12.2 million pixels (effective)
• 4% spot meter
• dust reduction
• DIGIC III image processorx
• 1.6x field of view crop
• Auto (100 – 400) ISO
• Live view
• 3.0″ LCD
• higher capacity battery (up to 500 shots)

Here’s a quote from Canon USA:

“ For stunning photography with point-and-shoot ease, look no further than Canon’s EOS Rebel XSi. The EOS Rebel XSi brings staggering technological innovation to the masses. It features Canon’s EOS Integrated Cleaning System, Live View Function, a powerful DIGIC III Image Processor, plus a new 12.2-megapixel CMOS Sensor and is available in a kit with the new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens with Optical Image Stabilizer. The EOS Rebel XSi’s refined, ergonomic design includes a new 3.0-inch LCD monitor, compatibility with SD and SDHC Memory cards and new accessories that enhance every aspect of the photographic experience.”

I’ve never owned a digital rebel before. In the past, I’ve opted for Canon’s prosumer level of cameras. There are a few features here that look like they’re be winners amongst Canon fans, such as the auto ISO (100-400) , the spot meter, and live view. Have more pixels is nice too, but in reality, it’ll just mean that you’re going to use up memory space more quickly. What I really wish they’d do is to reduce the crop factor, at least to 1.5, but that won’t likely happen anytime soon. Another feature I hope makes future version are programmable external buttons. As an event photographer, I often have to move between varying lighting locations quickly, so having a set of buttons I can pre-programming for different light situations will definitely help to improve my shooting. Now that this PMA is over, I’m eagerly awaiting the next, where I’m almost sure that Canon will finally announce the replacement for it full frame 5D camera.