Gallery Preview
VITAL STATISTICS
Imaging: 12.2MP effective CMOS sensor captures images at 4272x2848 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 (tested).
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: 5.1x3.8x2.4 in., 1.16 lb, body only, with card and battery.
Street price: $800, body only; $900 with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Canon EF-S IS lens.
For info:www.usa.canon.com.
COMPETITIVE SET
• Nikon D60 ($750, street, with 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 DX Nikkor VR lens): While limited to 10.2MP capture, the Nikon's sensor and processing produce Excellent image quality throughout its ISO range, and Nikon remains the leader in noise control. Still, the Rebel beats it on resolution, AF speed and sensitivity, burst rate, and LCD size. The Reb also has live view; the D60 does not. The D60 won't autofocus with older (non-AF-S) lenses; the XSi has no such limitation. Both come with image-stabilized kit lenses, but neither has wireless control of accessory flashes via the built-in unit.
• Sony Alpha 350 ($900, street, with 18-70mm f/3.5-5.6 Sony DT lens): The A350's live view system is the simplest and fastest to use on any DSLR, period. But this 14.2MP camera put up image quality numbers below that of the Canon or Nikon models, due to noise and resolution-robbing noise reduction at higher ISOs, unless you convert RAW shots to TIFF. The viewfinder is also tunnel-visioned. Still, its price is very competitive, given that its sensor-based image stabilization can steady shots with any lens, and the built-in flash provides wireless control of accessory TTL flashes.
Print
Stumble It 
Comments
Be the first to comment!