Canon Digital Rebel XSi (EOS 450D) announced

[David Rasnake]

In a press release today, Canon announced the launch of a new consumer-level DSLR, the Digital Rebel XSi (a.k.a. EOS 450D).

The new offering features a 12.2 megapixel CMOS sensor at its core, supported by Canon's DIGIC III processing. In terms of shooting speed, the new Rebel is capable to 3.5 frames per second for 53 full-res JPEGS (or 6 RAW images), and a 9-point wide-area AF system promises to speed things up as well.

In other news, the new camera features a 3-inch LCD with live view functionality – a first for Canon's consumer-level DSLR lineup. A 30 fps feed onto the screen, combined with a display that promises to be 50 percent brighter than the one seen on the Digital Rebel XTi, should provide a sufficiently pleasant on-screen shooting experience.

Canon is getting into the dynamic range adjustment/expansion game as well, with the announcement of an Auto Lighting Optimizer designed to correct highlight and contrast issues during in-camera image processing.

Similarly, Canon has finally opted to get on board with the dominance of SD/SDHC in comsumer digital cameras, with the new Rebel supporting these formats rather than the CF cards seen in previous Digital Rebel models.

Announced pricing is $799 for the camera body only, or $899 for a kit including Canon's new 18-55mm image stabilized zoom. Look for the new Rebel in stores come April.

Canon Digital Rebel XSi (EOS 450D) specifications:

Sensor	12.2 megapixel, 22.2x14.8mm CMOS
Zoom	N/A
LCD/Viewfinder	3.0", 230K-pixel TFT LCD with live view; Pentamirror optical viewfinder with diopter adjustment
Sensitivity	ISO 100-1600
Shutter Speed	30-1/4000 seconds
Shooting Modes	Auto, Program, Program, Shutter Priority, Aperture Priority, Scene, Manual
Scene Presets	Portrait, Landscape, Close-Up, Sports, Night Portrait, Flash Off
White Balance Settings	Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom
Metering Modes	Evaluative, Partial, Center-Weighted, Spot
Focus Modes	AI Focus, AI Servo, One Shot, Manual
Drive Modes	Single, Continuous, Self Timer, Self Timer Continuous
Flash Modes	Auto, Forced On, Force Off, Red-Eye Reduction
Self Timer Settings	10 seconds, 2 seconds, Off
Memory Formats	SD, SDHC
Internal Memory	None
File Formats	JPEG, RAW
Max. Image Size	4272 x 2848
Max. Video Size	N/A
Zoom During Video	N/A
Battery	Rechargeable 1050 mAh lithium-ion
Connections	USB 2.0, AV output, remote control in
Additional Features	Live View, DIGIC III Processor, Auto Lighting Optimizer, 9-Point AF System

[usapatriot]

Looks like a nice camera, could be my next however I am not a fan of the Digital Rebel series build quality which might lead me into choosing another entry level DSLR when summer comes around.