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Is there a better digital camera than the Canon Digital Rebel XSi? In terms of value for money I do not believe that there is, however the Canon Digital Rebel T1i runs it very close. I personally have been a Canon EOS fan ever since they were first introduced over 30 years ago. In fact I am still using the lens that I bought for that original EOS camera.
One of the biggest advantages of choosing the Canon Digital Rebel XSi is the fact that all Canon EOS cameras take exactly the same lenses, they all have a simple bayonet fitting and the Digital cameras will take the old lenses as well as the new. To aid in identification the cameras have a white and a red spot on the bayonet and you line that up with the appropriate spot on the lens, place the lens on the camera and turn it clockwise until it clicks in place. To release the lens you depress the lens release button, which is on the right side of the lens as you look at the camera, and turn it anti clockwise until it is free to remove.
For those that want a point and shoot camera the Canon Digital Rebel XSi can offer you six modes for shooting pictures on automatic (Landscape, Portrait, Sports, Close-up, Night Portrait, No Flash) these modes all produce Jpeg formatted pictures and the camera prioritizes the settings accordingly. These modes are ideal for the total amateur photographer or even the professional in a hurry the camera chooses the best settings in accordance to the the lighting conditions and the type of photograph you are trying to take. For example in the sports mode it chooses continuous auto focusing as you follow your subject, and it shoots in burst mode so that you do not miss the point of the action you want. For most people the quality and accuracy of the photographs thus produced exceeds their expectations and you can certainly exceed the results of the more standard point and shoot cameras that are available. There is also a fully automatic mode where the camera decides on all the settings based on the metering and focus points selected. The EOS Rebel XSi has a 9-point wide area AF sensor with the points set in a diamond pattern. The focus point can be manually selected, or the camera can decide which AF point(s) to use. There are 4 focus modes: One-Shot AF, AI Focus AF, AI Servo AF, and Manual. The central AF point is an improved cross type sensor with high precision for lenses with an aperture of f/2.8 or faster.
For the more advanced photographer you can take control of literally every aspect in the custom mode you can select the ISO film speed (sensor reactivity may be more appropriate a term), the aperture and shutter speed, you can also switch the lens to manual focus and disable the flash. You have options to choose just the aperture and let the camera choose the shutter speed based on its metering, choose the shutter speed and let the camera decide on the aperture.
I have seen many reviews of the Canon Digital Rebel XSi and nearly all conclude that it is indeed the best value camera in its price range and that it is the ultimate entry level SLR (i.e. It is the best starting camera for anyone seriously interested in pursuing photography in the long term). Canon make some of the best lenses and any EOS lens fits any EOS camera which means you have access to one of the largest and best ranges of auto focus lenses available anywhere in the world. Also the lenses you buy today will fit the new EOS body you may decide to buy in 10 Years time. These features make the XSi the most competitive and single best buy camera in the price range. I hope you enjoy yours for as many years as I have mine.
