subject: Review Canon XSI Body [print this page] BEWARE!-This is the second Canon XSI I've purchased-and retuned-from Amazon. The first was through a third party vendor and arrived without a warranty card. I should have known better. After receiving my refund i purchased another from Amazon.com. I checked the listing and under the heading "what's in the box" was included a" one year Canon USA limited warranty". The camera arrived without a warranty card. It's going back. This feels like a nasty bait and switch. Next time I'm going to B&H.
It really is a beginner's DLSR, mainly because the features reflect the basic DSLRs such as ISO speed and white balance, spot metering etc. but still is under par when compared to the EOS 50Ds for example. But is complete value for money if you are looking to get started in photography, which I believe is more about taking and framing a picture with good composition skills. Once that has been accomplished you can aim for better equipment. But all said, it IS a DSLR.. when you want to take that awesome shot, you can always get your awesome lenses which is such a huge segment in DSLR photography. So I would definitely recommend the EOS 450D to anyone starting out with some amateur photography. Go for it!
P.S. +ves - Lighter, good display, ease of use, cost
-ves - ISO speed max - 1600, not a higher end DSLR
I'm happy with the camera, I purchased the body only so I could get a nicer lens. I also added a battery grip to the camera because the body is a little small to hold when you have a large lens on it. I also put on a hand strap to help prevent hand shaking, which also helps out a lot with the strain of holding this heavy camera. It has been an easy to use camera, I purchased a DVD about the Rebel XSi just so I could learn what all of the buttons do faster than it takes to read the manual. I found it to be extremely useful, since this is my first DSLR. I've had the camera for over a year now, and am happy with it, but it doesn't come with any extras. All of those little extras add up quickly, and this can be an expensive hobby! I purchased an eye piece extender, which is great. I think it should have come standard with the camera. The only complaint I have is that the LCD screen does not work the same way a point and shoot does. I was unable to take any photos in focus. Once I stated using the viewfinder I had much better success. I had gotten really spoiled using the LCD screen on my point and shoot, so it took a little time to get used to the viewfinder again.
