• APS-C 328.6mm2
  • 12.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 1600
  • APS-C 369.7mm2
  • 12.4 megapixels
  • ISO 200 - 12,800

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Differences

Canon XSi advantages over Pentax K-r

  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    53 vs 30 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)

Pentax K-r advantages over Canon XSi

  • Larger sensor
    APS-C vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Yes vs No
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Fast startup
    ~0.30 vs 0.4 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • More dynamic range
    12.4 vs 10.8 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • External Mic Jack
    Jack vs No jack
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • More cross-type AF points
    9 vs 1
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • More dots on screen
    921k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.6 fps vs 3.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Faster shutter
    1/6000 vs 1/4000 sec
    Shoot wide open in bright light
  • Higher extended ISO
    25600 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
  • 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
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Neither provide
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • HDMI out
    Neither provide
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • 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
Pentax K-r
Nikon D60
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Fast startup
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Bigger JPEG buffer

Compared to Pentax K2000

Canon XSi
Pentax K2000
  • $649
  • APS-C
  • More pixels
  • More AF points
  • $556
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
Pentax K-r
Pentax K2000
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • External Mic Jack
  • More cross-type AF points
  • $556
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive

Compared to Canon T1i

Canon XSi
Canon T1i
  • $649
  • APS-C
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • HDMI out
Pentax K-r
Canon T1i
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • HDMI out
  • Shoots 1080p video

Compared to Pentax K-x

Canon XSi
Pentax K-x
  • $649
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
  • $702
  • APS-C
  • Larger sensor
  • Less expensive
Pentax K-r
Pentax K-x
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • External Mic Jack
  • $702
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Shoots 24p video

Compared to Nikon D3100

Canon XSi
Nikon D3100
  • $649
  • APS-C
  • Less shutter lag
  • Faster JPEG shooting
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Higher effective ISO
Pentax K-r
Nikon D3100
  • $850
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • Fast startup
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Higher effective ISO
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