Rebel XS vs. Rebel XSi?

[eaglesfan]

I'm going to be buying my first DSLR soon and I was looking at the Cannon EOS Rebel XS and XSi. What are the major differences between the two?

[Vagebond]

Lots to read and lots of links here:

Digital Cameras Side-by-Side, 3 cameras: Digital Photography Review

You're always welcome to come back and ask more questions.

[eaglesfan]

So I'm not seeing a major difference other than the price... unless there's something I'm missing..

[Vagebond]

Some of the differences you may or may not find important are:

XS 10.1 MP max. 3888 x 2592 pixels, XSi 12.2 MP sensor max. 4272 x 2848 pixels
XS does not have spot metering
XS no wireless remote
XS LCD monitor 2.5" , XSi 3"
XS has 7 autococus points, XSi 9

I own a 450D/XSi and of these points I would miss the spot metering a lot, probably followed closely by the 3 inch LCD monitor. The extra pixels can be handy if you like or need room to crop photos or like to print large photos.

There may be more, but these are the reasons I would choose the XSi over the XS again.

[inkista]

Originally Posted by eaglesfan

So I'm not seeing a major difference other than the price... unless there's something I'm missing..

The XS is current in the lineup, but is one of the three oldest models in the current lineup. (i.e., you can still buy it new)

The XSi is two generations behind from the current dRebel model (T2i); you are typically buying it used.

I'd recommend taking a look at this chart of the different tiers/generations of Canon dSLRs. The XS is probably due for a refresh pretty soon. Overall, the XS is less capable than the XSi--it is essentially an XT with a sensor/firmware refresh.

[ShantDotMe]

Xsi defenetly worth the few extra bucks!

[pgt123]

As a person who has the xs, I would say to go for the XSi. The lack of spot metering and a 3 inch LCD seemed like small problems at the time I bought the camera that were not worth spending the extra money for, but a year later, the lack of spot metering is really irritating, especially shooting a subject with a radically different background exposure wise. The three inch LCD isn't really nessesary, but whenever I look at one I wish that mine was bigger. Also, you can probably get a used XSi for about the price of a new XS now.