The Canon Xsi: A Camera with Impressive Capabilities

Photography enthusiasts are always looking for a great deal when it comes to digital single-lens reflex cameras. And the new Canon Xsi should impress just about everyone. Even the professionals may be surprised at how powerful this so-called "entry-level camera" really is.

What is it?

The Canon Xsi is the newest camera in the digital rebel series. Everything is better with this camera. For starters, it has a 12MP CMOS sensor. This allows individuals to take their pictures, and then blow them up to gargantuan proportions. Granted, this is not necessarily something useful for the average consumer; however, it is useful for those of you who sell your images. Bigger pictures may lead to larger paychecks.

Some of the more professional photographers may worry about the smaller sensor size of the Xsi. The more expensive cameras, such as the 40D digital slr, have a larger sensor. Basically, all that means is that the image quality is better than many other digital slr cameras. However, the Xsi is about on par with the 40 D when it comes to quality. So you don't have to worry about that issue.

Other Perks -

The Xsi also comes with a three inch lcd monitor, better battery life, an enhanced dust removal system, and you can still use older lenses. These lenses could be from older versions of the Digital Rebel Xt or Xti series. The Xsi also comes with something called live view, which allows you to see your subject on the lcd screen before you shoot it.

Live view allows you to take the picture without having to look through the viewfinder. This is similar to what most point and shoot cameras do. However, with most digital slrs this is simply not an option. You have to look through the tiny viewfinder to take the pictures. But not anymore.

Who Should Buy the Xsi?

If you're looking for a simple camera to snap photos of your family and friends, then you probably don't need to purchase the Xsi. However, if you want to start selling your photos then you might want to buy this camera. Photography students who are on a budget might also want to invest some money in this camera.

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