With the PMA’s around the corner, Canon Canada announced their spring line up yesterday including a new digital SLR to the popular Rebel series. Their announcement also included two new printers, four compact point and shoot digital cameras as well as 2 new L series lenses. To my dismay, there was no news of any sort of upgrade to the very popular Canon EOS 5D, which means we will likely have to wait until August for their fall line up announcements.
For this post I’m focusing on the Canon Digital Rebel XSi. This newest addition to Canon’s digital SLR line up touts 12.2 megapixels and a large 3 inch LCD monitor. One of the things I first noticed when I saw the images was the camera’s sleek rounded edges which are very reminescent of it’s 5D older brother. Functionality such as Live View, Self cleaning sensor and Canon’s DIGIC III Image Processor are now standard on this entry level SLR. A big change in this camera is Canon’s move to SD / SDHC media abandoning Compact Flash as their previous standard for storage. Another notable feature is the inclusion of two kit lens choices which both are IS equipped (That’s image stabilization baby!). The EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS or the new EF-S55-250mm f/4-5.6 IS are included in the kit. (UPDATED) Estimated retail prices of $879.99 for body only and $999.99 for the kit with the 18-55 kit lens. Expect this in stores by April 2008.
On a side note, I think this is the first time I’ve seen the estimated retail price lower here in Canada versus it’s US counterpart which is listing at $899 US.
The full press release with all the details can be found here.
I was a little bummed at the announcement. I’ve been using the 5D for about year now, and I was really hoping for an upgrade. It’s been quite a while since the 5D was introduced.
Justin, imagine me who is stilll shooting with a 20D, who has been waiting for this announcement for so long. I really hope my 20D holds up.
Well, I was going to get a used 30D, but maybe I’ll save up and splurge in April?!?
12 megapixels…. time to upgrade?
buy buy xti hello xsi i cant wait
I think you got the prices wrong for Canada. The XSi body only is $879.99 in Canada (799.99 in US) & the kit with the EF-S 18-55mm is $999.99 in Canada (899.99 in US). I checked two Canadian websites & Canon Canada to confirm. With the two dollars at par we get screwed on the price again!
Alas you are correct. I mixed up the prices in this post.
Rebel XSi is a pro in a plastic body. It is a killer !!!
Perfect timing. Using an XTi right now and looking for a second, or an upgrade. This looks perfect!! Any reason why they are going to SD? I mean I have a pile of CF cards (4x4GB), and now require a pile of SD cards too
As usual, the lens’ will be compatible I assume?