I mentioned in a previous post that I upgraded from my Rebel XT to the new Rebel XSi but besides the pictures I posted didn’t really say much about the camera. So far I’ve been very happy with the results.

Even though there is only a few years and a slightly different name separating these cameras the actual experience is very much improved. The three things that stand out are:

1. The Screen

On the XT camera information was shown on a small black and white LCD display that was often difficult to read and the preview of the photograph was shown on a color display directly beneath it. The XSi does away with the dual display and gives you one fat 3” screen for both camera information and preview. The display is very bright and works well even in full sunlight. When you put your eye up to camera a light sensor detects you and turns the display off.

2. IS Lens

I got the XSi at Best Buy where it comes standard with a Canon IS (Optical Image Stabilizer) lens. IS works much better than expected. It effectively stops the shake from my hand pushing the shutter-release button even at low shutter speeds.

3. 12.2 MegaPixels

That’s more than a 50 percent increase from the XT. It’s nice to have that extra information for larger prints or tighter crops.

Best Buy has a deal that comes with a nice bag, extra battery, and a UV filter for an extra $50. Highly recommended.