Canon EOS Rebel XSi: Pricey - No is & Wireless Flash

Why is Canon the only DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera manufacturer that makes silver colored models? I like silver colored DSLRs. They look more appealing & sleek to me rather than the same old black colored models. Canon has released its new silver colored EOS Rebel XSi. It includes an Auto Focus Live View, something that Canon was reluctant to incorporate in their older models. The most significant advancements in the EOS Rebel XSi are the 12.2 megapixels effective CMOS sensor, DIGIC III processor, Auto Focus Live View, & 3.5 frames per second continuous shooting capability. Did I mention the model comes in a silver version too?

Currently, the EOS Rebel XSi has the fastest 3.5 fps continuous shooting rate in its class, with 53 frames & slightly below 2.5 fps until the card filled up in tests. However, its speed is not yet compared against the new Olympus e-420 & e-520 respectively, both with 3.5 fps continuous shooting capability too. The price for the Canon EOS Rebel XSi is about $900 inclusive of an 18-55mm image stabilizing (IS) kit lens. Pricey for an entry level DSLR camera that does not have sensor based image stabilizer & wireless control of accessory flashes via the built-in unit which by the way, the Olympus e-520 has both & the Olympus e-420 has the latter. Both DSLR cameras cost $200 to $300 less.

Some features of the Canon EOS Rebel XSi:

• Imaging: 12.2MP effective CMOS sensor captures images at 4272×2848 pixels with up to 14 bits/color in RAW mode. Self-cleaning sensor.
• Storage: SD and SDHC cards. Stores JPEG, RAW, and RAW + JPEG files.
• Burst rate: Up to 53 Fine-quality JPEGs at 3.6 fps, up to 7 RAW at 3.6 fps.
• AF system: 9-point TTL phase-detection AF in diamond pattern, center enhanced-accuracy cross-type sensor and 8 linear sensors. Single-shot, continuous, and auto-switching AF with fore/aft and across-the-frame tracking. Sensitive down to EV -2 (at ISO 100, f/1.4, tested). Live-view AF uses either the 9-point AF system with momentary flip down of the mirror, or contrast-detection AF on the sensor anywhere in the frame.
• Shutter speeds: ¼000 to 30 sec plus B (1/3- or ½-EV increments).
• Image stabilization: Lens-based.

• Metering: TTL metering with 35-zone evaluative, multi-segment, centerweighted, partial-area (9%), and spotmetering (4%). EV 1-20 (at ISO 100).
• ISO range: 100-1600 (in 1-EV increments).
• Flash: Built-in pop-up unit with TTL autoflash with +/-2-EV exposure compensation (1/3- or ½-EV increments), GN 34 (ISO 100, feet), covers 17mm lens field of view. Flash sync to ½00 sec. Dedicated Canon hot-shoe for E-TTL II control of accessory Canon EX Speedlites.
• Viewfinder: Eye-level, fixed pentamirror.
• Live view: From imaging sensor with flip up of the mirror. Video-out to a computer via USB cable for remote viewing and operation of camera with supplied software.
• LCD: 3-in. TFT with 230,000-dot (76,000-pixel) resolution.
• Output: Hi-Speed USB 2.0, NTSC video. PictBridge compatible.
• Battery: Rechargeable LP-E5 lithium; CIPA rating, 500 shots, 50% with flash.
• Size/weight: 5.1×3.8×2.4 in., 1.16 lb, body only, with card & battery.
• Street price: $800, body only; $900 with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Canon EF-S IS lens.

The Canon EOS Rebel XSi has an advantage over the Nikon D60 which is being able to auto-focus with older (non-AF-S) lenses. Unless you do not fall into the category of DSLR camera users listed below, you may want to skip buying the Canon EOS Rebel XSi as your first DSLR camera or back-up camera.

• You are a diehard Canon DSLR fan who can't afford the faster 6.5 fps Canon D40.
• You are a diehard Canon DSLR fan who likes silver colored cameras.
• You are a diehard Canon DSLR fan who has $200 to $300 to burn on non-existent camera features.

I can't think of any other reason at the moment. Do you have any other reasons to be buying the Canon EOS Rebel XSi? Do share with us.