My husband and I decided to take the plunge and buy a Canon EOS Rebel XSi SLR digital camera about six years ago. We knew next to nothing about photography, but it was something we wanted to get into as we were thinking about starting a family, and we wanted to be able to document our children's milestones. The manual for this camera is very dry and not super intuitive, but there are so many free online tutorials that we easily found resources to help us learn how to navigate the features of our new camera. Before too long, we were operating the camera in manual mode. The more we practiced, the faster we got. Ease of Use There is a learning curve to getting high quality images, but automatic mode works pretty well until you start getting the hang of at least the shutter-priority or aperture-priority modes. Battery Life It's always a good idea to keep a spare battery around, but this battery lasts long enough to take well over a couple hundred pictures.

elledent

San Antonio, TX

When my daughter was born, I knew I needed to upgrade my camera. I had been using a Canon "point and shoot" camera and/or my iPhone to take photos. But, when that precious girl was born, I wanted to learn about photography and learn how to take better photographs. I bought this camera on a good sale, and it was a great deal. I went online and found some great tutorials and lessons for taking professional-quality photographs with this camera. I wouldn't have been able to figure that out on my own, but once I learned how, the camera is very easy to operate. It did work great as a "point and shoot" camera as well, but I love playing with the different features and seeing how I can manipulate the camera to take amazing photos. I am definitely not a professional photographer, but I love feeling like I am in control of my camera and can take photos that have a similar look to professional photos. I figured that the camera cost less than hiring a professional photographer several times throughout the year. Ease of Use Once you learn how to use it, it is easy. Portability I highly recommend getting a soft sided case to protect your camera.

lauraann983

Livonia, MI

We bought this camera when our first daughter was about 6 months old because we were missing all those moments waiting for our other digital cameras to take the picture. This one is so easy to use and fast. Love it.

wxbeauty1

Hampton, VA

I cannot say enough about this camera.......LOVE IT!!!! I have had the Rebel for almost two years now and the picture quality is amazing!! I do a lot of digital scrapbooking and enlarge pictures and the quality is still amazing!!! Well worth the money spent!!

clbsmith04

Clarksville, TN

When I was ready to make the switch from point-and-shoots to a DSLR, I asked my brother-in-law, a professional sports photographer, for advice on what kind of camera to get. He answered with a single word: Canon. I certainly wasn't ready to buy the fantastic, professional-level Canon he prefers (which was WAY out of my budget, anyway!), so I chose the Rebel XSi as my entry-level SLR. It's been 3 years now, and I am still thrilled with my choice. My Rebel XSi has been everywhere with me, and I've taken THOUSANDS of photos with it over the last few years. I find it fairly easy and comfortable to travel with, whether I'm heading out for a morning at the playground with my toddler or on a week-long Caribbean cruise. Sure, it's a bit bulky when compared with a typical point-and-shoot, but it's on the smaller end for SLRs. After a brief adjustment period, it just felt "right" in my hands and around my neck. I began shooting in automatic mode, which helped me take pictures that were better than any I'd managed with a point-and-shoot, but I quickly branched out to the various semi-manual modes that allowed me to adjust things like ISO, f-stop, etc. I've learned a lot about photography through my "playing" with various settings to get just the right shot, and my pictures just keep getting better. I love that the Rebel lets me shoot in RAW mode, giving me greater control over the picture files (in Photoshop) for post-processing. Like any SLR, the Canon Rebel XSi is really as good as the lens you put on it. The kit lens that is often packaged with the camera is okay for beginners, but it's ultimately a fairly cheap lens. Starting out with the kit lens was fine, but I did eventually "outgrow" it. Thankfully, there are many Canon-branded and third-party lenses that can be swapped in to extend your range and further improve your pictures. I'm a particular fan of the Canon 50mm f/1.8 and the Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 as "every day" lenses. All in all, if you're looking for an entry-level SLR (not professional level, but not too far off), I don't think you can go wrong with a Canon Rebel.

imthemamahere

Island Park, NY

I love this camera but it would be better if it had a video feature. My old Fuji has a video feature and I think the quality of hte picts are better too. but that is up to the user to decide. It is bulky but I do liek that it feels like an old 35 mm. lol old school I guess. I love the slr feature, it is fantastic when you have small kids who move fast! I do have a card reader so it is easy for me to take the chip out and download the picts to the comp for easy uploading. but if I try to plug the camera in directly it is a pita... Over all it is a fantastic camera, and for an amatur who loves to play and take great photos it is a lot of fun.

tgl43

Wakefield, MA

I wanted to get into handling photography in a professional manner (more than your usual point and click) and invested in this camera along with a 55-200mm lens and a add-on flash. Great combo, having so much fun with it. I'd recommend this camera if you are planning on taking photography seriously.

dranthonydias

Chicago, IL

If you're looking for a great begginer SLR Digital Camera than look no further than the Canon EOS Rebel SXi(a.k/a 450D) Camera. I recently decided to take up photography as a hobby and chose this as my starter camera. The camera is easy to hold, easy to operate, and takes stunning images. With auto settings and manual settings, anyone with basic photography skills to someone who is a professional can operate this camera. I've used it for over a year now and it still works wonderfully and the battery life is outstanding. Also, although at High ISO's, the cameras images can get grainy, it takes stunningly clear and vivid images for the most part. I personally could not imagine a better camera for my first SLR.

popcan11

Temperance, MI

This is the best camera I have had or will ever have. The only complaint I have is the bulkiness of it. But I'll take that considering the great pictures it takes. (professional looking) I just complain when we go on vacation. We take alot of cruises and would love to have it smaller. Buy it!!! It's worth it!!!

rickannette1986

Charlotte, NC

Im a young photographer just starting out. I am in the process of starting my own Photography company and needed an easy to use camera. I spent weeks looking for the perfect camera and found that canon rebel sxi is the best started camera any one could possibly want and need. It is very reliable and has many easy to use settings. keep in mind I have never taken any type of classes on how to use this type of camera but found myself knowing how to use it just after 1 week of purchasing it. Canon cameras are known to fit any lens, or have any brand of lens fit them. The photos taken with this camera are clear, focused, and very detailed. The photos are really easy to transport to your computer or laptop. Over all I feel that canon is the best starter camera for young Photographers..

Snatta20

Johnstown, PA