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Canon's EOS Rebel XSi digital SLR. Courtesy of Canon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Canon announces EOS Rebel XSi (UPDATED)
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(Wednesday, January 23, 2008 - 23:18 EST)

Canon has today announced the new EOS Digital Rebel XSi digital SLR, also known in some markets as the EOS 450D.

The Canon XSi has a newly developed 12.2 effective megapixel CMOS image sensor, in place of the 10.1 megapixel CMOS imager in the original Rebel XTi. This gives a modest increase in image resolution with the maximum image dimensions in the Rebel XSi being 4,272 x 2,848 pixels, versus 3,888 x 2,592 pixels in the XTi / 400D. The Canon EOS 450D's image sensor is capable of providing a live view on the camera's LCD display in one of two modes - either by flipping up the mirror briefly to allow light to reach the phase detection AF sensor, or via contrast detection autofocusing based on data from the image sensor itself. The Canon 450D's live view mode has a framerate of 30fps, and of course as you'd expect you can also focus manually in live view mode. There's also a record-mode function which lets you enlarge the image by 10x for fine-tuning of focusing. The new image sensor feeds data to Canon's Digic III image processor, making its first appearance in a Rebel-class camera.

Taking advantage of live view, there's a new 3.0" wide viewing angle LCD display with 230,000 pixel resolution - a little larger than the 2.5" display on the XTi, although the resolution is identical. The new LCD is said to be 50% brighter than that in the XTi, and to have a wider color gamut. When using the camera's live view function, you can opt for a grid line display on the LCD (to help with precision framing), and there's also a live (record-mode) histogram to help you ensure your exposure will be correct before the fact. The live view can also be used remotely over a tethered USB connection, making the EOS Rebel XSi rather more versatile than the XTi was for studio shooting. Canon has also overhauled the menu system and LCD info display to better take advantage of the increased LCD real-estate, including the adoption of the customisable My Menu tab previously seen on the EOS 40D. This new tab allows for quick access to commonly used settings.

Canon has also updated the viewfinder in the Rebel XSi. It's still a pentamirror type rather than a pentaprism as in Canon's more expensive DSLRs, most likely a decision aimed at keeping the cost down. Where the XTi's viewfinder had 0.8x magnification and an eyepoint of 21mm though, the Canon XSi has a magnification of 0.87x and a 19mm eyepoint. The viewfinder now displays ISO sensitivity, which will prove doubly useful since the Canon 450D now has a dedicated, easy-to-reach ISO button on the top panel. Also getting an update is the autofocus sensor in the Rebel XSi. It's still a nine-point sensor with cross-type center point that offers increased precision when using lenses that are f/2.8 or faster, but Canon says that the new sensor "improves the camera's subject detection capabilities compared to earlier models". There's also one more metering choice - as well as 35-zone evaluative, center-weighted average and 9% partial metering, Canon XSi owners will find that they have a 4% spot metering option as well, the first time one of Canon's Rebel cameras has offered spot metering.

The Digital Rebel XSi also sets another first for the Rebel line, with images now stored on SD / SDHC cards (including those with capacities over 2GB) rather than the CompactFlash cards past models have favored. The decision might prove a minor annoyance to anybody who's built up a large stock of CompactFlash cards, but realistically the SD card format has proven more popular and accessible, and the decision to switch to SD cards will likely prove popular in time. Few compact cameras these days use CompactFlash, but lots use SD and the change means you'll now be able to share cards with your DSLR and your compact cameras. There's also a new LP-E5 Lithium Ion battery which Canon says provides up to 600 shots per charge without flash usage at room temperature, or 500 shots per charge with 50% flash usage. By way of comparison, the Rebel XTi was rated for 500 shots without flash usage.

The Canon Rebel XSi is also said to be the fastest Rebel to date. Startup time is listed as approximately 0.1 second, and burst shooting is now 3.5 frames per second - a little faster than the XTI's 3fps bursts. There's a little confusion as to the burst depth, with Canon Europe stating a depth of 53 large / fine JPEG images while Canon USA lists 45 large / fine JPEGs, but either spec is significantly up on the XTi's depth of 27 large / fine JPEG frames. The news isn't all good, however, if you frequently shoot in RAW format. Where the XTi could shoot at 3.0fps for up to 10 RAW frames, the EOS XSi can manage only 6 RAW frames at 3.5 fps before the buffer fills.

Other changes in the Canon EOS XSi include 14-bit A/D conversion, the inclusion of Highlight Tone Priority and High ISO Noise Reduction functionality from the EOS 1D Mark III, plus Auto Lighting Optimizer technology from the EOS 40D, and updated PictBridge printing functionality with the ability to straighten horizons and add picture effects. The camera body is also a few millimeters larger in each direction, and some 35 grams heavier than the predecessor camera.

The Canon Rebel XSi will ship in the USA from April 2008, priced at $800 body-only or $900 with an EF-S 18-55mm 3.5-5.6 IS lens.



Canon EOS 450D Rebel XSi
Canon's EOS Rebel XSi digital SLR. Courtesy of Canon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
General
Camera TypeSLR
ManufacturerCanon
Model NumberEOS 450D
Dimensions5.1 x 3.9 x 2.4"
129.0 x 98.0 x 62.0mm
Weight475.0 g
16.6 oz
Planned Price$899.99
Planned Availability 2008
Image Capture
Sensor TypeAPS-C CMOS
12.40 megapixels (total)
12.20 megapixels (effective)
Filter TypeRGBG
Focal Length Multiplier1.60
Aspect Ratio3:2
Image Dimensions4272 x 2848 (12.2 megapixels)
3088 x 2056 (6.3 megapixels)
2256 x 1504 (3.4 megapixels)
Image Quality3 levels
Image Preview / Review
ViewfinderYes, SLR type; Eye-level Pentamirror, 95%, 0.87x, Eyepoint: 19mm, Diopter: -3 to _1
LCD3.0", 230,000 pixels
Playback Zoom10.0x max
Lens
Lens TypeInterchangeable Lens
3x optical zoom
58mm lens thread
Lens MountCanon EF / EF-S mount
Image StabilizationYes
Focal Length18.0 - 55.0mm (actual)
29 - 88mm (35mm equivalent)
Aperture Rangef/3.5 - 22 / f/ 5.6 - 38
Focusing System9-point wide-area AF system with f/2.8 cross-type centre point with AF assist lamp
Manual Focus possible (0) steps
Exposure
ISO SensitivityAuto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
Shutter Speed30 - 1/4 000 second
Exposure ModesAperture, Shutter, Manual
Metering Modes35-zone SPC: evaluative, 9% partial, 4% spot, center-weighted
Exposure Compensation+/- 2.0EV in 1/3EV increments
White BalanceImage Sensor - Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom, Manual
Internal FlashGuide Number: 13
Modes: E-TLL II auto-popup with red-eye reduction
Range: Lens dependent
Creative
Scene ModesPortrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night portrait, Auto Depth-of-field
Self TimerYes, 10 seconds
Storage
Recording MediumSD/MMC
File SystemFAT16, FAT32, complies with Design Rule for Camera File System (DCF)
File FormatCCD-RAW, CR2 RAW (14-bit), JPEG (EXIF 2.21)
Connectivity
VideoYes, NTSC / PAL switchable
ComputerUSB 2.0 High Speed
OtherDC input, Wired remote
Power
Battery TypeLithium-ion rechargeable
Battery Form FactorProprietary LP-E5
Product Bundle
SoftwareZoom Browser EX / ImageBrowser, PhotoStitch, EOS Utility, Digital Photo Professional
Battery / Charger1 x Proprietary LP-E5 Lithium-ion rechargeable battery and charger
Flash Memory0.0MB
Other
Digital Print Order Format (DPOF) compliantYes
PictBridge CompliantYes
Internal MicrophoneNo
Int ernal SpeakerYes
Tripod MountYes, Metal
Remote ControlYes
More Photos
Canon's EOS Rebel XSi digital SLR. Courtesy of Canon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Canon's EOS Rebel XSi digital SLR. Courtesy of Canon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Canon's EOS Rebel XSi digital SLR. Courtesy of Canon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Canon's EOS Rebel XSi digital SLR. Courtesy of Canon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Canon's EOS Rebel XSi digital SLR. Courtesy of Canon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
Canon's EOS Rebel XSi digital SLR. Courtesy of Canon, with modifications by Michael R. Tomkins. Click for a bigger picture!
 

UPDATED 2008-01-23 23:52ET: Preliminary product specifications and a range of product photos have now been added to this news item, along with the official press release and pricing / availability info.

UPDATED 2008-01-24 01:21ET: This item has now been updated with a more in-depth preview of the Rebel XSI digital SLR.

Original Source Press Release:

CANON U.S.A.'S NEW EOS REBEL XSi PLACES SUPERIOR OPTICS AND PROFESSIONAL FEATURES INTO THE HANDS OF EMERGING PHOTO ENTHUSIASTS

Canon 'Beefs Up' the New Rebel With Optically Image Stabilized Lens Kit and 'Pro' Features

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., January 23, 2008 – Canon U.S.A., Inc.'s EOS Rebel series of digital single lens reflex cameras – the cameras that defined and refined what it means to be an "entry level" digital SLR – have now redefined the gateway prowess and "pro-ness" of the DSLR category with the introduction of the line's new leader, the 12.2-megapixel EOS Rebel XSi camera. Incorporating a number of high-end functions and technology found in Canon's professional SLR models, the EOS Rebel XSi camera boasts an improved autofocus sensor, enhanced 14-bit A/D conversion, an advanced Live View function, and the proprietary DIGIC III image processor. When paired with any of the more than 60 compatible Canon EF and EF-S lenses, including optically image stabilized EF-S lenses like the EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS – now included in the EOS Rebel XSi kit – or the new EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS, the EOS Rebel XSi DSLR delivers images that will delight and inspire family and friends at an entry level price tag.

"This new EOS Rebel XSi camera is the answer for those who have been waiting to make the leap from digital point-and-shoot to digital SLR or from an older SLR to the latest generation of advanced technology, while still including the creative controls their old camera afforded them," states Yuichi Ishizuka, senior vice president and general manager, Consumer Imaging Group, Canon U.S.A.

Luxury Feel and Function
At first glance, one notices the Rebel XSi's large, 3-inch LCD monitor, enhanced from the 2.5-inch screen on the Digital Rebel XTi model. The larger 230,000 pixel screen makes it easier for users to review images and scroll through the Rebel XSi camera's menus. The larger-sized display provides the ability to use a larger font size for menu text, making it easier than ever to read settings and options. The new screen also features a broadened color gamut, seven brightness settings for easy viewing under a variety of shooting conditions and a wide viewing perspective in all directions.

The EOS Rebel XSi camera features a substantial yet streamlined profile, with curved edges, contoured surfaces, conveniently placed controls and comfortably constructed rubber grip and thumb rest that all contribute to fatigue-reducing hand fit. The camera body is constructed of a rugged yet lightweight combination of stainless steel and polycarbonate embedded with glass fiber. The chassis exterior is enrobed in a durable ABS and Polycarbonate resin and offered in a choice of silver or black finishes.

Improved Image Quality
At the heart of the new EOS Rebel XSi is its newly designed 12.2 megapixel APS-C size Canon CMOS sensor. This new sensor employs large microlenses over each pixel to reduce noise and enhance sensitivity up to ISO 1600, which is ideal for high-quality images in low light. The APS-C size sensor retains a 1.6x focal length conversion factor compared to full-frame digital image sensors or 35mm film format cameras.

Another image quality enhancement is the upgrade of the Analog-to-Digital (A/D) conversion process to a 14-bit A/D processor. The inclusion of the 14-bit A/D process means the Rebel XSi camera records up to 16,384 colors per channel and allows the camera to produce images with finer and more accurate gradations of tones and colors. This is ideal for shooting outdoors where subtle hue changes in sky, water or foliage can really add to an image.

The Canon EOS Rebel XSi DSLR also incorporates the optional Highlight Tone Priority and High-ISO Noise Reduction functions first introduced in 2007 with the EOS-1D Mark III Professional Digital SLR and now available for the first time in an entry level Canon digital SLR camera. Additionally, the new camera is equipped with Canon's Auto Lighting Optimizer technology, which corrects image brightness and contrast automatically. Introduced last year in the EOS 40D camera, this valuable optional feature now works in all exposure modes and utilizes Face Detection technology to prevent underexposure with backlit faces.

DIGIC III Image Processor
If the 12.2-megapixel APS-C size CMOS sensor is the heart of the camera, then Canon's DIGIC III processor is the brain. The latest generation of Canon's proprietary image processing engine, DIGIC III technology ensures that the fine details and natural colors of the images are optimally recorded. The DIGIC III processor also manages the camera's efficient energy consumption and high-speed signal processing performance. The EOS Rebel XSi is the first model in the Rebel series to incorporate DIGIC III.

Enhanced Live View
Introduced in 2007 on the EOS-1D Mark III DSLR, this function makes its debut in an entry level Canon DSLR with the EOS Rebel XSi camera. Live View allows users to frame shots through the LCD screen rather than the viewfinder. Going beyond the manual focus and phase-detection AF capabilities of earlier EOS models with Live View, the EOS Rebel XSi camera adds a new "Live Mode" contrast-detection AF function that allows the camera to focus automatically during Live View without lowering the reflex mirror.

Improved Autofocus and Framing Rate
The EOS Rebel XSi Digital SLR utilizes a precise nine-point Autofocus (AF) system featuring a newly developed AF sensor that improves the camera's subject detection capabilities compared to earlier models. The new Rebel XSi DSLR provides a cross-type AF measurement at the center that's effective with all EF and EF-S lenses, while providing enhanced precision with lenses having maximum apertures of f/2.8 or faster. The cross-type AF measurement reads a wider variety of subject matter than conventional single-axis AF sensors and thus increases the new camera's ability to autofocus quickly and accurately. The EOS Rebel XSi is also the fastest firing Rebel model to date, capable of continuously capturing 3.5 frames per second for bursts of up to 45 images in large/fine JPEG mode and 6 frames in RAW mode. The faster frame rates and finer focusing capabilities of the Rebel XSi together with its impressive image burst rate will help photo enthusiasts preserve family milestones or capture split second sports action at just the right moment.

EOS Integrated Cleaning System
The new Rebel XSi DSLR utilizes Canon's EOS Integrated Cleaning system, first introduced on the EOS Rebel XTi camera. The camera's Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit shakes dust particles off of the low-pass filter in front of the sensor. The dust is then trapped by an adhesive along the base, preventing it from causing further nuisance. Cleaning is engaged each time the camera is powered up or shut down or manually through the "clean now" function.

The second part of the cleaning system involves post processing with a compatible personal computer and the supplied Digital Photo Professional software. Here the camera maps any spots that may remain on the sensor, saving it as Dust Delete Data and subsequently subtracting dust spots from the final image during post processing. A third option includes a manual sensor cleaning function which raises the mirror and allows users to clean dust that may have stuck to the low-pass filter.

Back to the Basics
In keeping with its EOS system heritage, the new Canon EOS Rebel XSi camera is equipped with a host of useful creative controls, including shutter speeds ranging from 1/4000 sec. to 30 sec. plus Bulb, a choice of four metering patterns including 4% spot metering (another first for the Rebel series), a wide range of exposure modes from fully automatic to fully manual, depth of field preview, mirror lock and much more. The new camera is fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses, as well as EX-series Speedlites, an optional Battery Grip, and remote control and viewfinder accessories.

A departure from previous EOS Digital Rebel models, which accommodated CF type memory cards, the new EOS Rebel XSi camera utilizes SD and SDHC memory cards including those with capacities higher than 2GB, making it the perfect upgrade for users already equipped with SD cards from point-and-shoot model cameras. Additionally, the EOS Rebel XSi camera utilizes Canon's new high-capacity LP-E5 lithium ion battery pack, which provides 50% more exposures per charge than earlier models with virtually no increase in size or weight.

In the Box
Expected to ship in April 2008 the Canon Rebel XSi camera is available in body-only configuration which includes a rechargeable battery pack and charger, USB and video cables, a neckstrap, an EOS Solutions Disk CD, and a 1-year Canon U.S.A., Inc. limited warranty. The new camera will also be available in a lens kit version which includes everything in the body-only kit plus the EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens. The two versions carry estimated retail prices of $799.99 and $899.99, respectively.

EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Image Stabilizer Lens
First introduced in August of 2007, the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens is Canon's answer to consumer demand for a high-quality yet affordable optically image stabilized lens and is included as the standard lens in the Rebel XSi kit configuration. The lens features the wide-angle to mid-range zoom flexibility of its non-IS predecessor with the significant advantage of Canon's true optical, lens-shift image stabilization system that yields up to a full four stops of image-shake correction. The EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-55.6 IS zoom lens sells separately for $199.99*, but when customers purchase the lens kit version of the Rebel XSi the difference in price is only $100* from the price of the body-only kit. Canon is offering the lens kit at this discount so that more customers can enjoy the benefit of a lens based image stabilizer system.

The higher performance provided by Canon's lens shift IS system (compared with the in-camera body sensor shift type offered in some competitive SLRs) includes the ability to optimize the lens performance for specific shooting situations such as low light, long-zoom or movement while shooting (or virtually any combination of the three). What's more, the photographer can see the optical image stabilization effect in the viewfinder. As the image already appears steady in the viewfinder or on the screen through the Rebel XSi Live View function, better framing and composition is possible allowing the photographer to concentrate on the best shot more comfortably.

EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS Lens
Like the standard kit lens, the optional EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS offers users of Canon EOS Digital SLRs with APS-C type CMOS sensors an affordable, lightweight, high-performance lens with tremendous range and flexibility. Given the 1.6x conversion factor inherent in the APS-C sized sensor, the high zoom ratio of this EF-S 55-250mm lens actually achieves the equivalent focal length of 88-400mm (in 35mm format).

Canon's true optical, lens shift image stabilizer offers users an equivalent shutter speed that is approximately 4 settings faster, making hand-held lower light or long zoom photos easier to capture without blurring. What's more, the lens can automatically distinguish between normal shooting and panning shots and select the optimum Image Stabilizer mode for each.

In stores now, both the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS and the EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS zoom lenses are manufactured by Canon specifically for the EOS Rebel XSi , EOS 40D and every other EOS SLR that takes EF-S lenses including earlier Digital Rebel cameras and the EOS 20D, EOS 20Da, and EOS 30D models. Though standard in the EOS Rebel XSi kit, the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens is also available as a stand alone purchase and carries an estimated retail price of $199.99. The optional EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS lens is available at an estimated retail price of $299.99.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and industrial imaging solutions. Its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), a top patent holder of technology, ranking third overall in the U.S. in 2007†, with global revenues of $34.9 billion, is listed as one of Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America and is on the 2007 BusinessWeek list of "Top 100 Brands." To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company's RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/pressroom.

# # #

† IFI Patent Intelligence Press Release, January 2008

All referenced product names, and other marks, are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

Availability, prices, and specifications of all products are subject to change without notice. Actual prices are set by individual dealers and may vary.

* Based on estimated retail prices.

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