Canon Rebel XS Review

Canon has been building budget priced dSLRs for almost 6 years now. Since the debut of the original Digital Rebel back in 2003, Canon has been offering users the sophistication of an interchangeable lens system, at a price level that nowadays is just beyond high-end (prosumer) consumer digicams (sub $700). For 2008 Canon released two models, the 12-megapixel Rebel XSi we reviewed earlier in the year, and now the Rebel XS. Deemed the actual replacement of the Rebel XTi, the XS seems more like a "detuned" XSi in my opinion. This new model still retains the same 10-megapixel CMOS imaging sensor, ISO 100-1600 sensitivity range and 2.5-inch LCD found on the XTi, but most all of the other features are shared with its big brother. These include Canon's DIGIC III processor, EF-S 18-55mm 1:3.5-5.6 IS (Image Stabilized) kit lens, Live View function, integrated EOS Cleaning and Dust Delete Data Detection systems, LP-E5 Li-ion battery pack, SD/SDHC memory card usage, etc. The exceptions to this are continuous JPEG shooting at 3.0fps until the memory card is full, and an all new 7-point AF system (compared to the 9-point system on the XTi/XSi).

The XS offers the same exposure mode options as found on the XSi too. This means beginners have several "Basic" or Automatic exposure modes to choose from (like Full Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Sports, etc.) that will allow them to capture great shots in almost any situation. For the more experienced users, The XS offers various "Creative" modes, that will let you control as much of the exposure process as you feel comfortable with. These include Program AE, Shutter speed priority (Tv), Aperture priority (Av), full Manual, and Automatic depth-of-field (A-DEP). There are also various Picture Style modes along with 12 Custom Functions that will allow you to further extend you creative abilities. For those who want ultimate control, there's the RAW image capture mode. This combination of User-friendliness and precise control are what make the Rebel series such a great "stepping stone" into the dSLR world. Users can have confidence that they will be able to capture beautiful photographs, regardless of the photographic knowledge.

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