Canon's Rebel XSi gets emphatically unboxed

Well, what do you know? The actual Rebel XSi comes packaged in a box that looks exactly like the one that cropped up earlier this month. Still, there's just something special about seeing Canon's latest DSLR cautiously unboxed, with the fortunate unboxer taking special care not to insert an obscene amount of blur into each snap. Sure, the model shown above was unboxed within a retail location, but that's not to say you can't hand over some cold hard cash to do the same at your abode. Check out the whole process in the read link below -- just brace yourself for some serious (albeit SFW) gadget affection in that first shot.

[Thanks, Ryan]

[Esat Dedezade @ Apr 23rd 2008 2:50PM]

Engadget, there's something majorly wrong with that picture.

I can see it clearly, without having to squint.

Is blurrycam off sick today?

[phanbouy @ Apr 23rd 2008 2:55PM]

the Rebel XSi is so advanced it takes pictures of itself

[KC @ Apr 23rd 2008 4:12PM]

That's pretty funny. I remember those pictures taken by the Engadget team at the CES this year to be very blurry...

[Matt Sullivan @ Apr 23rd 2008 3:00PM]

pretty negative review here: http://www.popularmechanics.com/blogs/technology_news/4258940.html

[Zadillo @ Apr 23rd 2008 3:07PM]

That's not a review; it's a piece discussing Live View on the XSi and the fact that Canon is discouraging users from using it/making it not easily available/etc.

[DJZeratul @ Apr 23rd 2008 8:16PM]

Live View on any DSLR is pointless. If you dont like using the viewfinder, get yourself a point and shoot. I noticed something else that the "review" didnt mention: leaving the viewfinder open without blocking it off also adds light to the sensor on any SLR camera, which is why they have the little rubber stopper on the strap of most recent SLR cameras. Live View was a concession made to amateurs, so of course canon is going to point out the shortcomings of it so that pros don't try and use it and get less than spectacular results. i think this "review" is pointless to a discussion on the efficacy of this new camera.

[nick @ Apr 23rd 2008 10:38PM]

I don't know about pointless. There are uses for Live View under certain circumstances where using the viewfinder may not be the best option, even though it's the most traditional option. And, for the record, Sony managed to introduce an interesting implementation of Live View in their recent Alpha DSLR-A350.

Personally, I say why not offer the option and let the consumer decide whether or not they want to use it.

[Shaocaholica @ Apr 23rd 2008 3:01PM]

Why is Engadget so giddy about Canon's lowest end albeit newest DSLR? They don't seem to show the same enthusiasm for low end DAPs, laptops, phones, etc.

[Zadillo @ Apr 23rd 2008 3:05PM]

I think there's a pretty significant difference between a low-end dSLR (which is still a dSLR) and a low-end DAP/laptop/etc. A low-end dSLR can still have very good features/quality/etc. to get excited about, while most low-end DAPs/laptops/etc. are generally fairly generic and unexciting.

[Loban @ Apr 23rd 2008 3:28PM]

Exactly right. A low end DSLR is still better than your average consumer's point and shoot digicam. And a low end DAP is $30, a low end DSLR is $1500.

[Shaocaholica @ Apr 23rd 2008 3:37PM]

Umm, low end DSLRs these days are ~$500-$800. Thats around the same price as a low end laptop.

Besides, absolute cost shouldn't be an issue as to how excited you should be, only relative cost.

[DB @ Apr 23rd 2008 3:08PM]

wonder what camera took the picture of that camera

[Andrew @ Apr 23rd 2008 3:14PM]

"Taken With: Panasonic DMC-FS20"

[Noah @ Apr 23rd 2008 3:09PM]

Is the Xsi supposed to be much better than the Xti? Its about 200 bucks more right?

[LondonConsultant @ Apr 23rd 2008 3:24PM]

Well, the 450D is around £200 more than the 400D...

[nick @ Apr 23rd 2008 10:45PM]

The XSi give you an additional 2 Megapixels over the XTi, there's also Live View, a bigger screen on the back, kit lens with Image Stablisation. There's a better viewfinder, spot metering, 14-bit processing, quicker continous shooting, and PC remote control software.

[vallanced @ Apr 23rd 2008 3:11PM]

According to the info a Panasonic DMC-FS20 was used to snap the photos.

[Prhime @ Apr 23rd 2008 3:14PM]

better in terms of new feautres (incl. live view if that is your thing, more MP, update imaging, and a SD card then yes).

overall it is supposed to be better but not a huge improvement than the xti

[shadowarmy75 @ Apr 23rd 2008 3:36PM]

I actually prefer CF cards. DSLRs are not by any means small so I doubt the size of a CF will have much impact and CFs are more reliable, cheaper, and faster.

[schmitty338 @ Apr 23rd 2008 3:43PM]

@shadowarmy

Cheaper? Shwa? At most places CF and FLASH are the same price....or usually the flash is somewhat cheaper....

[schmitty338 @ Apr 23rd 2008 3:43PM]

Oops, by FLASH, i meant SD FLASH...;-)

[Josh Bradshaw @ Apr 23rd 2008 7:48PM]

The XSi (450D) has a steel plastic body, rather than the former plastic body. It also sports the DigicIII processor, much nicer than the DigicII found in the Xti (400D)
The feel on the camera is much better aswell... =)

[Michael Scrip @ Apr 24th 2008 2:18PM]

SD cards fit into most new laptops. That's one reason I prefer SD over CF.

And to the people who shun Canon for switching to SD... who cares? If you're gonna drop $900 on an XSi... I think you can spend $30 on a 2gig SD card.

[haX0r @ Apr 23rd 2008 3:22PM]

Nikon's have better glass anyways!

[Don Giovanni @ Apr 23rd 2008 4:34PM]

voted down!!!!!!!!

[phanbouy @ Apr 23rd 2008 5:03PM]

@Don

Lay off the espresso

[T-Bone @ Apr 23rd 2008 5:20PM]

That's why you see so many of them, right? They're the white ones, aren't they? They're not?

[haX0r @ Apr 23rd 2008 5:23PM]

I'll take my VR over any lens Canon has.....btw I own both.

[Lasse @ Apr 23rd 2008 3:23PM]

I've had mine since last thursday now :-) Wonderful camera, and yeah it is hidden a bit the live view function, but once activated it's just a push of a button and it's on. Useful when taking pictures from hard angles

[Adam Jackson @ Apr 23rd 2008 3:31PM]

http://s278.photobucket.com/albums/kk103/ultrawestnwt/xsi/?action=view¤t=xsi001.jpg

Disturbing.

[Hero @ Apr 23rd 2008 3:36PM]

If I had known there was anything special about this camera I'd have taken a picture of it. I saw it in the local bestbuy at the beging of last week. O well.

[alansky @ Apr 23rd 2008 3:51PM]

"pretty negative review here..." --Matt Sullivan

First of all, this isn't a review. It's an article about Canon's alledged reluctance to include "live view" in their latest Digital Rebel. Second, since when is Popular Mechanics an authority on digital cameras? They're not.

[haX0r @ Apr 23rd 2008 4:40PM]

http://www.dpreview.com/news/0801/08012415canoneos450dchanges.asp

[Ryan @ Apr 23rd 2008 4:22PM]

Oh 3" LCD, how i love you.

[George Muenz @ Apr 23rd 2008 6:29PM]

Darn, forgot to do an unboxing, had mine two weeks ago. My first DSLR and really my first real camera. I had a P&S Canaon 850IS before this, nice but not for serious use.

I sold the 18-55 lens that came with it and bought two others
17-85 IS USM and 70-300 IS USM

So, no money left for food and mortgage ;-)

[Cell Phone @ Apr 23rd 2008 7:18PM]

Who reads Popular Mechanics in regards to camera equipment?

I have a 40D. I have used Live View twice in 6 months. And once was accidental. Live View is perfect for those that can't figure out how to use the viewfinder. Like they say, it's not a good indication that you're in focus. It's not a good way to hold a camera and get good pictures. 90% of the Point--and-Shoot crowd that migrates to a DSLR have too many other issues: Getting good white balance, taking sharp images, eliminating camera shake, post-processing, avoiding bad lenses, poor lighting. Many DSLR newbies have a tough time learning Aperture or Shutter Priority. Some can't even get a good exposure in AUTO! Live View is a crutch... put in to appease the tiny majority that insist it be available.
IMO, I'd much rather see ISO 6400, ISO 12800, and ISO 25600. I want lower noise at all ISO ranges, and I want better autofocus. I would also like better Auto Whilte Balance.


Almost every person I know that has live view says that they overwhelmingly use the viewfinder. The feature I want most out of my DSLR (and I have a 40D) is better aufotocus, and better low-light performance. I want ISO 6400, ISO 12800, and ISO 25600, and I want less noise than what I get with ISO 1600 and ISO 3200 today.

[Josh Bradshaw @ Apr 23rd 2008 7:48PM]

With live view (I also have a 40D) you are able to achieve a much sharper focus, esp. when you're using a tripod! you have the ability to zoom in 10x on the subject on a 3" screen, instead of looking at a face value mini image through the viewfinder. You also have the advantage of the grid of thirds on the screen with live view, else you are left to buying a second viewfinder eyepiece and switching it with the original on by removing the back panel.

[itguy07 @ Apr 23rd 2008 9:01PM]

Then you want a D300....

I've got 6400 and it takes OK pics, grainy but decent and convert to B&W well.

It's got an AF system that KILLS the 40d and is on par with (if not better than) Canon's pro bodies.

Nikon also has great AWB.

And, no I'm not a Nikon fanboi - I sold my 10d + lens collection + 550ex to make the switch to the D300 after shooting with Canon since 1997.

[Shaocaholica @ Apr 23rd 2008 11:39PM]

Live view has its "professional" uses too as stated above. Don't just pass it off as a feature put in to appease newbies. You could say the same for autofocus back in the 80's.

[Rifter @ Apr 24th 2008 3:05PM]

I picked up an XSi almost 2 weeks ago. I love it. Great camera. Feels solid and sturdy.

As for live view, I use it quite a bit, when getting... odd shots, and macro.

For Macro, I put it on a tripod, and as someone said, ZOOM IN, and get precise manual focus. On a tripod, it is wonderful.

The other time I used it, was shooting down the side of a building. I couldn't see through the view finder at all, and could barely see the LCD. It gave me an idea of compisition (and I trusted the camera to AF).

They are right, though, for the most part, you WANT to use the viewfinder. The up to your face, support is just far better than hodling it away from your body.

Here is a shot, with live view, AWAY from the body, shot macro: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryfter/2437871152/
(I generally only use macro on the tri-pod, but I was going to work, and didn't have much time, caught this out my front door)

Here is another picture. This one WAS using the view finder, and my car to stabalize:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryfter/2428344323/

I am mostly a photography newb, but I am learning. I see people bashing the "newbs" but quite honestly, if you like your hobby, you want as many new photographers in, as possible. We help drive prices down, through higher volume, and keep the industry alive.

It even has good low-light performance:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/ryfter/2416481073/
This picture was taken in VERY dark conditions. I honestly expected the hydrant to be a BLACK sillouet on a somewhat dark, moody background. There is a LOT more life and color to this picture, than I EVER thought there would be.

[Sir Loin @ May 10th 2008 4:29PM]

Thanks for the info & examples, nice photos too :)

[Unbangyourmom @ Apr 24th 2008 9:19PM]

The XSI is pretty nice. I got it last week. The Live View is really awesome and even more awesome hooked up to my tablet. It's still a little small, only a tiny big better than the XTI. Almost everything is improved from the XTI though. However the Nikon D90 should be a real killer.

[theJingster @ Apr 25th 2008 11:27PM]

weird, i've been seeing the XSi in camera stores here in canada for weeks now...

[Debbie @ Jun 28th 2008 8:12AM]

Hello I am considering my first SLR camera HELP !!! Nikon or Canon Or Olypus and which one?? Best camera for the buck? also I don't care about live view I don't use it. Thank you for any input and hope to hear from those that have used several of these cameras. for a true comparison. Thank you Debbie