My husband and I purchased the Canon EOS Rebel XSi when we were first getting into photography. We wanted a camera that would take good quality pictures but be easy to use and still portable. We didn't really know anything about how to operate a camera in manual mode when we made the purchase, but we slowly taught ourselves how to adjust ISO, aperture, and shutter speed to achieve the look we wanted. The Canon Rebel series is bulky compared to a regular digital camera, of course, but it's still relatively portable and isn't too heavy (depending on what lens you are using). We enjoyed shooting photographs with our Rebel so much that after a couple of years we decided to upgrade to a full-frame Canon 5D Mark II. The Rebel was still great, but the crop sensor was ultimately not quite up to the standard of quality we were looking for. In the beginning, though, we didn't know the difference. I highly recommend this camera to anyone looking to get into DSLR photography.

elledent

San Antonio, TX

As a starter DSLR this has been perfect for me to learn photography basics. I always shoot in manual mode and can get very good results. It is lightweight and small for a DSLR and great for getting action shots. I don't say "very good" because I have now outgrown this camera and its limitations in being a starter DSLR. Performance For a basic DSLR, this is fantastic, but it is limited in low light situations, also the ISO doesn't go up as high, nor perform as well as on a higher end model. Durability I am a mom of 2 toddlers and I whip it all all the time, throw it in my purse, etc. It has been resilient for a year of packing it around Battery Life Great, lasts me about a month with daily use Portability It's a very small DSLR, so much more portable than higher end models (but it's no iPhone size, right?

Straubrey

Providence, UT

I am not a professional photographer, but like to click pictures as a hobby. I love landscapes, wildlife mainly and clicking pictures of my kids. You have to know that photography can be very expensive once you start on it. For a beginner, you will notice that the technology keeps changing with the manufacturers cramming more and more pixels on the sensor and with functions that you didn't even know existed! But instead of going for the most expensive camera+lens rightaway, I would say you get your hands wet using an SLR camera like the Xsi. It is great for beginners or amateurs so you can spend some quality time understanding how all this works and see where you need to improve; to put all those thoughts and books into practice. Xsi performs very well and I have used it for 3 years now with no regrets what so ever. The kit lens is great to start off with (before you graduate to other more expensive lenses). The body is not all metal so it is not really that heavy. Some people with big hands might feel this is too small and does not fit them, but it fits me just perfect and i could not have been happier.  Cons: The flash is not great, but that is expected for this. You can get a 430 EXII as an external flash and that will take care of this problem. I would recommend you borrow this from a friend or a rental agency before buying so you can feel it first hand.

Something00

South Plainfield, NJ

I am an avid picture taker, and a momarazzi, so after too many shots of the side of my children's faces, backs of their heads, and missed smiles, I decided to upgrade my camera. It did a lot of research and eventually decided on this canon rebel. I picked this camera because I liked that it had so many mega pixels, and I could change the lens easily. I also liked that it had automatic settings so when I don't want to mess with my settings, or I am in a hurry.  I wish it took video, because I didn't realize how much I liked taking short videos of my kids until I didn't have that function anymore. Also you have to look through the viewfinder to take the picture, it doesn't show up on the screen until after the photo has been snapped. I don't mind so much, but whenever someone else uses my camera they always try to just look at the screen to take the picture, and I have to quickly explain the proper way to use it. It's also bulky and certainly not a grab and go camera, which with life with two young children I sometimes wish it was.  It does take great pictures,and I love, love, love it, but it will not replace my smaller powershot camera.   

Poyntercorder

Park City, UT

Except for ergonomics, AF system, and some high end speed capabilities, this camera should be able to give you everything that you need from a photo camera body.  It goes up to 1/4000s, has live-view [which actually does come in handy some times], is relatively small, and like any SLR improves with the quality of the glass you mount to it.  It does have a plastic body, which gives it an amateurish feel to it, but definitely not a feel of low quality, as the entire system is assembled very well and is definitely still durable.  Custom functions allow you high iso noise reduction, long exposure noise reduction, and an array of other options like Mirror up.  I've recommended this camera to a few friends who each bought one and love it.  Spend at least a couple hundred more on at least one nice zoom or prime lens [at minimum a 50mm f/1.8] and you will not be disappointed in being able to achieve that "SLR look"

projektdrift

Cerritos, CA

ive been through so many cameras its not even funny finally i said forget it and got the canon rebel xsi. i love love love it. it is a bit tricky to use but after reading the manual and learning more about the camera and photography period this camera became my best friend. i am so thankful for the pictures i have taken with this camera and wouldnt trade it for another. this camera has lasted me alot longer than most of my other cameras and i love that you can change the lenses and you have really a wide varitey of lenses to use. i also got a remote for my camera along with a tripod and a few filters finding stuff that will work with this camera is very simple and which is great since u dont have to have everything canon brand that could get really costly. also the strap on this camera is great some of the other cameras i have the strap would break after just a few months and this one has lasted as long as the camera. i would recommened this camera to anyone

fglcdh

Frankton, IN

I bought the camera that I could afford at the time and while I am greatful for the photos I have of my children, I have missed some great shots due to the BUSY message I receive when taking indoor shots.  This is a very easy camera to use ~ you really do  just point and shoot.  It is very easy to snap three hundred plus photos in an afternoon.  I think that my favorite feature of this camera that I have not seen mentioned anywhere is that I have automatic four by six prints.  I do not like having to crop my photos or printing true digital prints that will not fit in my frames or albums.  This feature was a very pleasant surprise and I think it should be mentioned as a selling point. If I had to choose between this camera and the Rebel T1i, today I would go with the T1i since the price has dropped significantly.  It also has some focus issues that are apparently known, wish I had read some in depth reviews about that before I made my purchase, but I do cherish the photos that I have taken so far.

Battfox

Mount Pleasant, MI

The Canon XSi is a great frist DSLR camera in my opinion!  It is among the cheapest of the DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) cameras, so you really can't beat the price.  If you are someone who is just learning about DSLR's and really just want a camera that's a bit nicer than a regular point and shoot, this is a perfect choice.  If you are someone who is looking to go professional or really close, than you may want to start with a more expensive model.  While this camera is cheap and shoots nice, there are only 7 points of focus on it. I wish it had more like the Canon 7D.  Other than wishing it had more focus points, I really love this camera.  It's lightweight and very user friendly in my opinion.  I would highly suggest reading the full manual and getting a book or two on DSLR's before you really start using it.  My pictures are amazingly better than my regular point and shoot.  This camera is a lot bigger than a point and shoot of course, so I don't take it everywhere I can my point and shoot.  Overall, really recommend! 

mrsbird1129

Novi, MI

This camera was a great purchase for my introduction in to photography in art school, and continues to serve me despite the sub-par lens that it was packaged with.  Paired with a few used Tamron lenses however, and the body can be coaxed in to some rich shots.  It does some good low-light shots as well, as long as you have a good quality heavy tripod. The software package that comes with it leaves something to be desired however, it is ugly and clunky (especially on a Mac) and makes it difficult to find the photos you want if you're using what's included.  The remote shooting option (keeping the camera linked to the computer with the USB) makes timed photos easy, and it's nice to view the shots immediately on the screen. Though it may be on its way to becoming obsolete, check your local camera stores to find a lightly used body with some lightly used lenses and you can really learn a lot about digital photography from this little guy.

Zora

Madison, WI

About a year ago, I jokingly told my husband I wanted a DSLR camera, even though I didn't have a clue how to use one. Imagine my surprise when I opened one up on my birthday! He spent some time researching a good beginner's DSLR and decided on the Canon EOS Rebel XSi. When I first took it out of the box, I didn't know much about using it, other than just putting it in it's Auto mode and I was very pleased at the quality of photos I started taking. Over the course of a couple weeks, I quickly learned how to adjust shutter speed and aperture, in order to take even better photographs. I absolutely love it! I never imagined it could be so easy to use a DSLR and capture such wonderful photos. I get compliments from friends and family all the time. It's getting to the point now, where I am considering upgrading models. But, I absolutely recommend this camera for a beginner looking to not spend too much. I will definitely be staying with Canon, as I have always been loyal to Canon and have lenses compatible with Canon DSLR bodies.

bellmegh

East Lansing, MI