Canon's Rebel XS / 1000D specs uncovered

Hot on the heels of that Rebel XS / 1000D leak from last week comes a handful of specs and new info on the rumored DSLR. According to the camera fanatics at Photography Bay, the new model will sport a 10.1 megapixel CMOS chip, Digic III, 7-point auto-focus, 3 FPS, a 2.5-inch LCD display, will weigh 540 grams, and should feature simplified 450D-like menus. The camera's price-point is rumored to be on the low end of things, which furthers our suspicions that this will be a replacement for the aging Rebel XT. You'll know more when we know more, so stay tuned.

[Thanks, Eric]

[Mehul @ May 21st 2008 11:31AM]

Does not seem right. It conflicts with the XTi's configuration. I know it has less number of focus points but thats not enough to differentiate.

[phanbouy @ May 21st 2008 2:37PM]

Camera, what do you know about cameras?

[Matt @ May 21st 2008 11:35AM]

Didn't the Rebel XSi already replace the XTi?

[Daniel Cormier @ May 21st 2008 11:51AM]

I don't buy it for a second. The XSi has only just become available. It doesn't make sense for another low-end to come out from Canon so soon.

[guinness1759 @ May 21st 2008 12:12PM]

I think it's meant for the even lower-end, maybe in the $400 range, than the XSi. A real intro model, hence the xxxxD overseas designation. The pro's are xD, prosumer are xxD, the consumers are xxxD and the new budget models would be xxxxD

[ticohans @ May 21st 2008 12:14PM]

The XSi isn't really a "low-end" camera. It's closer to mid-level, in my opinion, both in features and price. There's room at the bottom for a budget camera, and I hope Canon comes through.

[Razor @ May 21st 2008 12:27PM]

> The XSi isn't really a "low-end" camera.

I can't agree. The XSi is missing key components that would put it in the mid-range category, like a pentaprism (it uses a pentamirror), weather sealing or a metal body. Plastic is a definite sign of low-end camera hardware, and the same would have been said in the film days =P

It does look, though, like Canon might be going for an even lower-end market with this new one, considering the apparent downgrade in the AF system and resolution from the XSi.

[ticohans @ May 21st 2008 1:06PM]

> Plastic is a definite sign of low-end camera hardware

Umm, tell that to the 5D.

> considering the apparent downgrade in the AF system and resolution from the XSi.

The downgraded resolution isn't really a big issue at all. 10.1 versus 12.2 is inconsequential, and may even be preferable, depending on the sensor used. If the sensor used in this rumored XS is the same as the XSi, theoretically this camera could have better high-ISO performance and less noise overall.

[Razor @ May 21st 2008 1:20PM]

> Umm, tell that to the 5D.

The 5D is magnesium alloy, not plastic. http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/CanonEOS5D/page2.asp

> The downgraded resolution isn't really a big issue at all.

I agree, it isn't a big deal. The downgrade in the AF system might be, though. It depends on what shooting you are planning to do. I larger pixel pitch may make this camera better in low light, but that remains to be seen.

[ticohans @ May 21st 2008 1:44PM]

Sorry, I misunderstood your plastic comment. Yes, absolutely, the 5D is made of much better materials than the XSi.

[BloodyGerman @ May 21st 2008 5:19PM]

@Razor:

You seem to know about this pentamirror vs. pentaprism thing. I always hear pentaprism gives a brighter bigger viewfinder picture. This is usually true because you find pentaprism in more expensive camera. But noone ever cares to explain why it is better, some said total internal reflection in the prism is more efficient, but a mirror also has >95% reflectivity. Even multiple reflections should not change the brightness much. I also heard that the 450D pentamirror is now (at least nearly) as good as the 20D pentaprism. Can you tell me the why pentaprism is better?

Besides that, I think a

[Razor @ May 21st 2008 5:47PM]

@ BloodyGerman

I think part of your post got cut off, but as for the pentaprism vs. pentamirror, I'm not going to claim that I'm an optics expert. I can break it down like this:

Pentaprism
- uses a single piece of glass to create an image in an SLR's viewfinder
- produces a bright image
- adds weight to an SLR vs a pentamirror
- more expensive to build

Pentamirror
- uses mirrors attached together to simulate a pentaprism
- not as bright as a pentaprism
- lighter than a pentaprism
- costs less to build, reducing the cost of SLRs that use them

To really appreciate the difference in performance you would need to pick up two cameras, one using a pentaprism, the other a pentamirror. If you are planning to do this at a camera store, make sure both cameras have the same lens attached.

[Adam @ May 21st 2008 12:21PM]

I understand Canon has to churn out these bottom-end models all the time since they sell more of them than any other DSLR (and that market segment is thus more competitive)... But c'mon, how about an update to the ol' 5D!

[Daniel Cormier @ May 21st 2008 12:50PM]

If they're going to update the 5D, I'll bet it'll be at (or just prior to) Photokina this year. I think all their other DSLR lines have been updated too recently.

I hope they do. I'm very interested to see what they push out in response to Nikon's D300 and D3. If I wasn't so invested in Canon lenses I would have switched to the D300 rather than buying a 40D.

[manxtt12 @ May 21st 2008 1:28PM]

Please Canon, stop wasting time on this mickey mouse camera.
Give us the 5D replacement already. Time to jump to Nikon or Sony.

[JamesR @ May 21st 2008 1:38PM]

Since you need a "real" email address to sign up can you please post monik2kino's email address so we can spam him back?

What a douche bag.

[Michael Scrip @ May 21st 2008 1:55PM]

This is probably Canon's version of the Nikon D40. Just an inexpensive entry level DSLR.

The Rebel XSi at $900 doesn't have an entry level price. So, this might get more people to buy a DSLR instead of an advanced point and shoot. You gotta have products in every segment.

[ticohans @ May 21st 2008 3:08PM]

My thoughts exactly.

I'm looking to pick up a dSLR soon, and was considering the D40 pretty heavily. I like the features of the XSi, but have a tough time justifying the rather large difference in price between the two models. Not saying the features aren't worth it - the XSi does a TON for your money - but really, the XSi isn't going to take pics that are twice as good as the D40, despite costing nearly twice as much. I'd love to get more camera, but really, at the end of the day, lenses are often a bigger determinant of quality at these price points and a better investment, and I just don't have the cash to pop for a primo body.

So all that said, I'm very interested in what comes of the XS.

[Leoedin @ May 21st 2008 2:08PM]

I thought the XTi was the successor to the XT, and so the XSi is the successor to the XTi. This doesn't really seem to fit in with Canon's current lineup. I may be wrong of course, but the XT was never a lower-spec version of the XTi, it was just its predecessor.

[Vic the One @ May 21st 2008 4:56PM]

Having recently researched Canon's offerings in preparation to buy myself a camera, I don't think this is a necessary addition to their line. I think that most people who want / need a dSLR can probably afford the XSi. I do have a question for all you professionals / ultra-savvy hobbyists, though: I want to get into photography as a hobby, and I'm either going to buy a high-end point and shoot (such as the Canon Powershot S5 IS) or a dSLR (probably the XSi). Any suggestions / tips?

[Razor @ May 21st 2008 5:22PM]

Hey Vic,

You really need to consider what type of photography you are planning to do. The two largest advantages of an SLR over a point 'n shoot are speed and utility. I'd strongly suggest you at least try both cameras out before buying.

With an SLR, you'll have much faster shutter response than a point 'n shoot. If you are planning to shoot sports or anything else involving action you'll get a much higher chance of getting a shot at the exact moment you want with an SLR. Autofocus performance is significantly better as well.

The disadvantages of an SLR are mainly cost and size. Once you've added a lens you'll be carrying something larger than the S5. In addition, SLR lenses are more specialized than those on a point 'n shoot. This generally means your likely end up spending some money on glass.

I hope this help. Again, your best bet is to try both out and see how they handle and feel. But you will find SLRs are alot faster in overall operation (focusing, shutter lag, drive speed) than point 'n shoots.

[Za @ May 21st 2008 9:56PM]

I would suggest the cheapest DSLR body you can find and then get a Sigma 18-200 or Tamron 18-250 lens. The second one would be a little wider than most current high-end superzooms while giving you a telephoto reach comparable to maybe a 10-11x optical zoom compared to the smaller guys.

[josh @ Jun 12th 2008 7:40AM]

I"m with you brother. xt, xti, xsi, xi, xtc, xxx. xray vision,. OK
I have been doing some in depth research tonight on canon cameras. I am a true believer in the idea that the people who look through that viewfinder really have the control of what shot they get regardless of the camera they are using--ie some guy with talent and a point and shoot throw away can get a better shot than daddy warbucks and his leica sans posing. i have an old canon ae1 film camera i have been shooting for 6 years. tired of paying for developing all to see the few good ones--but still dont think i will find better than the good ones in digital format though tired of wasting money and i have recently become accustomed to the idea of instant gratification. best image quality in what i am looking for is the canon rebel xt (way over engineered for its time) under $400 online and get a kit lens cheap (28-80 from old film cameras EF) and cheap 50mm prime lens (f/1.8) $80 and take a few steps back on yur subject. thats the great deal for people who see photographs and pictures. way better than a digicam and dont have to wait for the film so you can get better at seeing things right. If i want to dig a hole give me a shovel or even a spoon- not a backhoe. but.. now i am tempted to wait a bit and see what the price of that XS will be. i'd like to have live view as i seem to take much better pictures with it than lookin through a viewfinder, huh--it opens up my world a little so to speak--lets me free myself from the corners and edges somewhat you know. I think I'd wait and get that one if i comes in at around $500 ($100 over the curent rebel xt, but 10mp vs 8mp (who cares) and some otha thrills but main being live viewfinder) If they price it at 600-800--screw it and get you a rebel xt (probably around 295.00 or 250.00 when the xs comes out) and get that kit lens and the old plastic 50mm f/1.8 and take a walk and talk to lots of people and take a few good ones.

[ddxchau @ May 21st 2008 6:01PM]

This is really disappointing. If this is as good as any of it's predecessors I am going to freak, because I just got my XTi a few months ago, and now there is going to be something almost the same for cheaper. I get if it would replace the 300D for its size and features, but the 350D XT is just as good as any of the higher model Digital Rebels.

[Razor @ May 21st 2008 6:26PM]

It's kinda pointless playing the upgrade game when it comes to SLRs, especially when the upgrade is very incremental.

If that still doesn't make you feel better, consider that lenses are where the real investment should be. A good SLR is severely unbalanced by low-quality lenses.

[ticohans @ May 21st 2008 7:03PM]

> If that still doesn't make you feel better, consider that lenses are where the real investment should be.

Razor is right on, and this is exactly why I'm hopeful about the possibility of the XS. I was all but set on a D40, if not slightly disappointed with some of its Nikon-lens-incompatibilities. Canon has done a much better job keeping things compatible between camera and lens across their whole product range, making the rumored XS very exciting.

[Razor @ May 22nd 2008 6:26PM]

> I was all but set on a D40, if not slightly disappointed with some of its Nikon-lens-incompatibilities.

I think you are referring to the lack of a built in AF assist motor for the older lenses. You are far from the only person who was disappointed about this.

At the same time, only 1 of my 5 lenses requires the AF motor on the body. I think Nikon is banking on new SLR owners (the target market) buying new DX lenses with an internal focus motor. In that sense I don't necessarily think Nikon made a bad decision, as a AF motor only adds weight, possibly size and cost to an entry-level body.

I apologize ahead if that was not the compatibility issue you were referring to.

[Dan @ May 21st 2008 8:48PM]

I'm just saying, if Canon didn't change or upgrade products so often, maybe more people would buy their products if there was a huge change forwards. Not backwards. If I was to buy the XS then for the same price, why not the XTi or the XT.

[Za @ May 21st 2008 10:00PM]

Again, I think it's a shame people are only looking at Canikon. I am sure this will be a great camera, but if people are shopping the D40, I would also suggest looking at the Pentax K200D, the lower end Sonys [not bad cameras by any means], and the Olympus E410/E420/E510/E520, all of which are impressive machines in their own regard. Olympus and Pentax especially have been putting out great products with excellent lenses that are ignored. The smaller Olys are also *tiny* - the E410 is almost rangefinder in size, while still being very comfortable to operate.