dSLR Dad

Canon’s introduction of the new 10-Megapixel EOS Rebel XS marks a change in it’s business model.  Previously, when Canon would introduce a new model, it would lower the price of the older model and make it the new entry-level camera.  Now, Canon has decided to merge the features of the two year-old Canon Rebel XTi / 400D and 3.5 year-old Rebel XT/350D dSLRs to create a new entry-level camera.  By incorporating the DIGIC III processor, Live View, and SD/SDHC card slot of Rebel XSi/450D, Canon now has a consumer dSLR product line that smoothly transitions from the Powershot line.  This makes Canon’s entire consumer line much more consistent and competitive.  Continue Reading to find out all of the details, my take, and the reviews.

Features:

10.1 Megapixel CMOS image sensor.  Same pixel rating and photosite density as the Rebel XTi/400D.  A fine sensor.

12-bit RAW imaging that does not include Highlight-Tone Priority (which requires 14-bits of information).  A non-upgrade for a DIGIC III camera, but an understandable cost-saving measure for this consumer product.  This also means that there will probably be little to no image quality improvement at higher ISO sensitivities.

Framerate capture:  3 frames-per-second JPEG (unlimited buffer) but only 1.5 fps (6 frame buffer) for RAW files.  This is downgrade in internal memory is disappointing, even for Rebel XT/350D dSLR Dads.  Canon also states that the unlimited JPEG buffer will require a high-speed memory card.

Same 7-point Autofocus engine on the 2005 Rebel XT.  It also carries over the same metering options comprised of Evaluative, Center Weighted and Partial but not the XSi/450D’s Spot.  The viewfinder also provides only 81% magnification (versus the 87% of the XSi/450D).

An ISO sensitivity readout was added to the viewfinder display.

2.5 inch LCD Screen with Live View – Same size as the XTi/400D, but now with Live View.  The live view mode also incorporates the same contrast-detecting Autofocus ability of the XSi/450D.

SD/SDHC card slot – Plus.  While the previous models used compact flash, the XS will now use SD and SDHC memory cards.  This means that now all consumer-grade cameras in Canon’s portfolio use the same card format, making it easier for point-and-shoot owners to upgrade into dSLRs.  Also, now that HD video cameras are also using SD cards, capacity, transfer speed, and price are no longer at a disadvantage compared to compact flash.  In fact, in most cases, high-speed 4GB and 8GB SDHC cards are cheaper than their comparable Compact Flash counterparts.

Uses the same LP-E5 battery as the XSi/450D, rather than the lower-capacity NB-2LH of the XTi/400D.  The new battery, along with the DIGIC III processor, should show improved battery life.  The BG-E5 Battery Grip is also supported.

Camera body weight of 1.1 pounds (502 g) is lighter by 2.5 ounces (54 g) over the Rebel XTi/400D.

Only the wired Remote Switch RS-60E3 can be used while on a tripod.  The RC-1 or RC-5 Wireless Remote Controllers will not be supported.

The dSLR Dad Take Away

So there you have it.  The Canon Rebel XS / 1000D dSLR camera is definitely an overall step-up to previous entry-level Rebel XT/350D.  However, all is not perfect.  Some features of the Rebel XS / 1000D offer either no improvement, or a degradation in performance compared with the Rebel XTi/400D.  The 7-point autofocus engine alone would make me recommend the XTi/400D (while you can still buy them at either Amazon or B&H Photo) over the XS/1000D.  I shot with an XT/350D exclusively for two years.  While a fine camera, the AF tracking and accuracy was it’s achilles heel.  However, I will say that the Canon XS autofocus is still better than both the Nikon D40 and D60’s engine.

But as we all know, price will be the determining factor.  And pricing of dSLRs, while low historically, are still much higher than most digi-cams. And that’s really what matters for any dSLR Dad looking to move up from a point-&-shoot to a dSLR.   While Canon has made some comprimises, they have still improved, or carried over, enough features to make this camera an impressive entry-level camera for any new dSLR Dad.  Compared to the competition, the Canon Rebel XS camera and lens is a better overall package than both the Nikon D40 and Sony Alpha A200.  Either way you cut it, a worthwhile and much needed addition to Canon’s product line.

The Rebel XS / 1000D can be ordered from both Amazon and B&H Photo in two variations:

• Canon Rebel XS dSLR in Black (always a classic) with Canon’s rather nice EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Image Stabilized (IS) lens.
• Canon Rebel XS dSLR in Silver with Canon’s EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Image Stabilized (IS) lens.

Canon Rebel XS Reviews

Digital Photography Review – in-depth review, Highly Recommended:

Having helped create the ‘affordable’ DSLR, Canon has taken a while to respond to the latest, comparatively wallet-friendly offerings from the likes of Nikon and Sony. The 1000D is a pretty convincing response – it does just about everything it needs to do, and everything it does, it does well. It can produce great images at any of its ISO settings and, viewed as a whole, makes a great first DSLR.

cNet – Editor’s Review – Very Good (3.5/5 stars):

The good: Excellent photo quality for its class; solid performance.

The bad: Maximum ISO of 1600; no spot meter; annoying, in-viewfinder, focus-point display.

The bottom line: The Canon EOS Rebel XS is a good entry-level dSLR, but only its photo quality stands out among the competition.

LetsGoDigital – Hands-on Review – a Dave’s Pick:

Compared to a few years ago, you really get a whole lot of camera for your money’s worth. The specifications are high and although some details such as spot metering are no longer available on the new Canon EOS 1000D, it is a full digital DSLR camera. It will offer the beginning photographer, perhaps making the step from a compact camera to a DSLR, a tool to fully express his creativity.

Imaging Resource – Full Review.

Canon will likely sell a lot of Rebel XS kits. It’s a pretty good SLR at a pretty astonishingly low price, and that’s what it was designed to be. Most consumers will be very happy with the Canon Rebel XS, thanks to the high quality, image-stabilized lens, the well-rounded feature-set, and impressive print quality. But there are a few technical foibles that enthusiasts will do well to take note of.

Press Release

CANON’S NEW EOS REBEL XS CAMERA LOOKS TO INSPIRE A NEW GENERATION OF DIGITAL SLR PHOTOGRAPHERS

Photographers Looking for the Next Step Up From Their Point-and-Shoot Camera Will Enjoy the High-End Features and Fun-to-Use SLR Technology of Canon’s Newest Rebel Camera

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., July 8, 2008 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging, today announced the introduction of the EOS Rebel XS, a new entry-level digital camera that affordably puts Canon SLR technology such as an Optical Imaged Stabilized lens and easy-to-use professional features into the hands of emerging photographers. Consumers looking to take their photography a step further and begin shooting with an SLR will find the transition easier than ever with Canon’s new Rebel XS digital SLR camera. From the parent photographing a little league game, to the tourist shooting a wondrous new city, the Canon Rebel XS camera makes photography easy for everyone. Canon has also introduced the latest model in the EX series of Speedlite flashes: the Canon Speedlite 430EX II.

Ideal for a wide range of photographers from first-time digital SLR users to veteran photo enthusiasts, the new Canon EOS Rebel XS camera was designed to embody what customers have come to expect from the EOS Rebel series – a fast, non-intimidating, lightweight, easy-to-use camera that produces excellent images and starts emerging photographers off on the right foot. Immediately, photographers will take notice of the camera’s Optical Image Stabilized kit lens for crisp focus, compensating for camera shake from unsteady hands or a moving vehicle. The new Rebel model also incorporates Canon’s DIGIC III image processor, 10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor, Live View, Auto Lighting Optimizer, 7-point wide-area autofocus (AF) sensor and 3.0 frames per second continuous JPEG burst rate where the number of consecutive shots in a burst is only limited by the capacity of the flash memory card in the cameraⁱ.

“We are proud to introduce the new EOS Rebel XS camera at a very exciting time in digital imaging. As consumers have fully embraced digital photography, with many consumers purchasing their second or third digital camera models, we see the Rebel XS as the bridge to help photographers cross over from the world of point-and-shoot cameras to digital SLR technology,” said Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.

A first in Canon’s EOS line-up, the Rebel XS camera’s continuous JPEG burst rate allows users to continuously shoot a scene until the memory card is at capacity. This will be particularly helpful for new photographers looking to capture that perfect image of a moving subject.
The Live View function allows users to frame and shoot images in real time via the camera’s 2.5 inch LCD screen, a great feature for users accustomed to framing shots via LCD monitors on point-and-shoot digital cameras. The Camera’s Auto Lighting Optimizer detects dark areas of an image and automatically adjusts brightness and contrast to ensure optimal image results. The Canon Rebel XS allows greater ease of use through large control buttons and easy-to-see operating panel indications such as ISO settings visible through the viewfinder and Canon Speedlite controls through the camera LCD menu.

The Rebel XS incorporates an APS-C size (22.2 x 14.8 mm) CMOS sensor with 10.1 million pixel images and Canon’s exclusive high-performance DIGIC III image processor to help deliver high levels of imaging performance and responsiveness. It also has Canon’s exclusive EOS Integrated Cleaning System, which features both hardware and software-based dust removal technology. Additionally, weighing less than 1 lb./450 grams, this camera is the lightest body in the EOS digital series camera lineup.

The EOS Rebel XS camera is compatible with Canon’s extensive lineup of more than 60 EF and EF-S lenses, including the Image Stabilizer-equipped EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS, which is included in the camera’s standard zoom lens kit package. The Canon Rebel XS will be available in black or silver colored body variations.

Canon Speedlite 430EX II
The new Canon Speedlite 430EX II, which succeeds the 430EX, realizes an approximately 20 percent reduction in recycling time compared with its predecessor. Like the 580EX II, the 430EX II allows users to control flash functions and input settings using the camera’s LCD monitorⁱⁱ, and also offers a quick-lock attachment system and a metal mounting foot for improved contact reliability and durability. The new Canon Speedlite 430EX II will carry an estimated retail price of $329.99.

In the Box
Expected to ship in August 2008 the Canon Rebel XS camera is available in a zoom lens kit version, which includes the EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens, a rechargeable battery pack and charger, USB and video cables, a neckstrap, an EOS Solutions Disk CD, and a 1-year Canon U.S.A., Inc. limited warranty. The new camera’s estimated retail price is $699.99.
Though standard in the EOS Rebel XS kit, the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens is also available as a stand-alone purchase and carries an estimated retail price of $199.99.

This entry was posted on Thursday, July 10th, 2008 at 9:36 PM and is filed under Cameras, Canon dSLR Cameras, News & Commentary. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.