• APS-C 328.6mm2
  • 12.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 1600
  • APS-C 332.3mm2
  • 15.1 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 6400

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Differences

Canon XSi advantages over Canon T1i

  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 500 vs 400 shots
    Capture more photos

Canon T1i advantages over Canon XSi

  • Fast startup
    ~0.30 vs 0.4 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    920k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Shoots 1080p video
    Yes vs No
    You'll want this if you shoot video
  • More pixels
    15.1 vs 12.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 53 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    12800 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Internal flash
    Both provide
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • Top deck display
    Neither provide
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Neither provide
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

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Review Excerpt

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D60

Canon XSi
Nikon D60
  • $649
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Less shutter lag
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon XSi vs Nikon D60

Canon T1i
Nikon D60
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Less expensive

Compare Canon T1i vs Nikon D60

Compared to Sony DSLR-A350

Canon XSi
Sony DSLR-A350
  • $649
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon XSi vs Sony DSLR-A350

Canon T1i
Sony DSLR-A350
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Fast startup
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon T1i vs Sony DSLR-A350

Compared to Sony DSLR-A300

Canon XSi
Sony DSLR-A300
  • $649
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $563
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon XSi vs Sony DSLR-A300

Canon T1i
Sony DSLR-A300
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $563
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization

Compare Canon T1i vs Sony DSLR-A300

Compared to Pentax K2000

Canon XSi
Pentax K2000
  • $649
  • APS-C
  • More pixels
  • More AF points
  • $556
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon XSi vs Pentax K2000

Canon T1i
Pentax K2000
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • HDMI out
  • More dots on screen
  • $556
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Less expensive

Compare Canon T1i vs Pentax K2000

Compared to Sony DSLR-A390

Canon XSi
Sony DSLR-A390
  • $649
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $507
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor

Compare Canon XSi vs Sony DSLR-A390

Canon T1i
Sony DSLR-A390
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Lens selection
  • Thinner
  • $507
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Less expensive

Compare Canon T1i vs Sony DSLR-A390

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