Canon said it would ship the new EOS Rebel XSi, the successor to its consumer-level Rebel XTi digital SLR, to dealers this April.
The 12.2-megapixel XSi camera will offer an improved autofocus sensor, 14-bit A/D conversion, a 3-inch live-view LCD and Canon’s new DIGIC III processor. The XSi is Canon’s first consumer-level SLR with live view and it can focus on an image without the reflex mirror coming down.
The sensor can vibrate to dislodge dust and supplied software can remove any subsequent dust from images after capture.
Several features have migrated down from Canon’s high-end 1D Mark III SLR including a highlight-tone priority mode and a high ISO noise-reduction function. An auto lighting optimizer will automatically correct image brightness and contrast. According to Canon, it uses face-detection technology to prevent underexposure when a face is backlit.
Additional features include a nine-point cross-type AF system, a 3.5 fps burst mode to 45 high resolution JPEGs or up to six RAW files.
The XSi will be the first Rebel to use SD/SDHC memory cards rather than CF cards.
The XSi will be available in silver or black finishes. A body-only kit will retail for $799. For $899, Canon will bundle the EF -S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens. That lens will also be sold separately for $199. An EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS lens will also be offered separately for $299.
