Features and Design

Don’t expect anything radical here—this is a basic black D-SLR with a matte-black body and some textured finish on the pistol grip and rear thumb rest. Yes, there’s an option for a silver body, but if you’re buying a camera of this type, black is what you want.

The XSi is definitely lighter than the models we’ve recently reviewed (more plastic, less metal). It weighs 16.8 ounces for the body alone, 25.6 with battery and kit lens. To some, this lighter weight could be considered a bonus, since it means less shoulder ache as you walk around with the camera and it’s easier to hold steady (depending on the lens, of course). Others, however, might think they’re being shortchanged and prefer a more robust frame. As for pure dimensions, the XSi measures 5.1 x 3.8 x 2.4 (WHD, in inches) – fairly standard specs, but a shade taller than competitors.

The front is dominated by the EF lens mount. Canon has loads of options beyond the supplied 3x Image Stabilized lens (over 60) and the company is more than happy selling them to you. You can quickly go broke building a collection, but then again, this holds true for every D-SLR. Thankfully, the supplied lens will do the job for newcomers, although it won’t be long before the 18-55mm glass (28.8-88mm 35mm equivalent) proves a bit limiting. Also note that the Canon has a 1.6x digital factor – worth keeping in mind as you shop.

On the front, you’ll additionally find a red-eye reduction lamp, a remote control sensor and the lens release button. Other controls include a depth-of-field preview button and another for a pop-up flash; the flash also acts as an AF Assist light.

The top of the XSi has the on/off switch and an ISO button (100-1600), while on the pistol grip you’ll find the shutter button and a dial to make menu adjustments. The main mode dial is a critical control and it has the typical options for day-to-day shooting: Auto, Program AE, Av (aperture priority), Tv (shutter priority), M (full manual) and A-DEP (Automatic Depth of Field AE, which brings everything into focus read by the nine AF points). You’ll also find a number of classic scene modes including Portrait, Landscape, Macro, Sports, Night Portrait and Flash Off. A hot shoe and the flash round out the rest of top real estate.

Image Courtesy of Canon