Canon EOS Rebel XSi / 450D 12.2 MP Digital SLR Camera - Black (Kit w/ EF-S IS 18-55mm Lens)

I've been looking for a good DSLR camera for a while, now, and as a student with not a lot of disposable income, it's a difficult market to scour. I got this camera for a couple hundred dollars below retail, and I'm excited to keep exploring its functions and getting into more serious photography. The camera kit comes standard with the EFS 18-55mm IS lens, which includes an image stabilization system as part of the lens. This is a good standard-zoom lens that gives you some play room to set up your shots, but you'll definitely want to let that be just the start of your lens collection. With the EOS system, itself, finding other lenses is just a matter of having the extra cash to invest.

One of the biggest debates out there right now in cameras is the big question: Canon or Nikon? Before I bought this camera, I went out and did a LOT of research trying to figure out what brand I wanted to invest in and what I should be looking for in the brand. All of the reviewers and photographers I've read either swear by Canon or by Nikon, but what most of them have also said is that, between Canon and Nikon, it comes down to a matter of what feels best to you - they're about the same quality, when you boil them down to their basics. What made the difference to me was, having had no experience with DSLR systems, the ease of use that Canon gives you in their systems. Nikon's screen display was absolutely confusing to me - I saw a lot of numbers and symbols and things that, had I had the user's manual, I would have been better able to understand. Canon, on the other hand, had a screen that I was able to figure out after the first 10 seconds of turning the camera on. The display uses LARGE numbers and a simple layout that was much less intimidating than the Nikon.

The only thing I'd like to see better in this Camera is the shutter sound - if I'm shooting wildlife, I think I'm only going to get off one good shot before spooking any wild animals I'm trying to catch. I haven't tried this yet, but it's the feeling I'm getting. It's a LOUD shutter.

Definitely look for a good deal on this camera - it's worth the investment!

I have wanted to purchase a DSLR camera for a while and did quite a bit of research to determine which model would be right for me. I wanted to start out with one of the lower priced models. I decided to go with a Canon after reading many places that they produce the best picture quality, which is ultimately what picture taking is all about. I spent a lot of time comparing the XSi and the XS and ultimately chose the XSi because of the 2 additional auto focus points and the faster continuous shooting speed, although I'm not sure in the long run if it will make a difference or not. I have taken over 1300 pictures in the 3 weeks that I've had the camera and have been pleased with its performance.

If you looking for a Digital SLR camera that is a step up for an entry level D-SLR then this might be the camera to look at.

The LCD screen is big with easy to read icons and information. It is also great to use with the "Live Preview" as you would a smaller Digital camera.

The weight of the XSi is one of the lightest in its class.

With the XSi using SD cards, there is no need to purchase some other type of memory that might not be used in anything else.

The speed of the continuous shoot is going to be more than sufficient for most people. The Image Stabilization adds to the ease of shooting by making your shoots more stable.

The flexibility of the XSi will meet the needs of most camera enthusiast and the simplicity of the point and shoot will allow even the novice to enjoy the quality of this camera.

If you are currently using a D-SLR and want to step up without spending a ton of money then the XSi is a very good camera for the money. If you want to be a little more flexible with your photography, the XSi will allow you to be creative.

I am thoroughly enjoying my Canon EOS Rebel XSi!

October 2010 Update, We got back from AZ and with the use of Custom setting was able to capture the true "Redness" of the Grand Canyon and the Rocks in AZ. If you want true to like colors, this is the camera for you.

I have to admit, I had to read and re-read the instructions. Then I experimented with it. In a short time, I was able to use my new camera the way it was intended. The Canon Rebel XSI allows an amateur, like myself, to take professional quality pictures. It has a lot of capabilities that allow me to take pictures that I simply cannot take with my point and shoot camera. I like to take advantage of the Image Stabilizer feature that gives pictures a much more crisper and cleaner look. The capability to set aperture openings and shutter speeds also allow for better pictures in low lighting or picture subjects in motion. This camera is not only worthy of a professional photographer, but is also a step in the right direction for amateurs, towards reaching higher levels of photography.

I'm not an experienced photographer. But I have learned that with less-popular brands I'm very limited in choices of lenses and accessories. Not so with Canon. Whatever I want for this camera I can pretty much get at a nice discount on ebay (with a little patience, of course). Further, I have even found a site that has a full set of two tutorials online, one being an introduction to SLR photography, the other an intro to Canon's EOS line of Rebel cameras. How cool is that? I hope to be up and running doing a variety of different forms of photogrtaphy in the Spring due to my new camera's terrific versatility.