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.
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.
> 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.
> 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.
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?
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.
Now that we've thrown 'em off the trail, use the form below to get in touch with the people at Engadget. Please fill in all of the required fields because they're required.
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.
> 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.
> 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.
> 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.
Sorry, I misunderstood your plastic comment. Yes, absolutely, the 5D is made of much better materials than the XSi.
@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
@ 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.