To see high resolution pictures taken with the Canon Rebel XS, click here.

The Rebel XS is Canon’s second new release of an amateur level camera in 2008. The Rebel XS shares many of the same features as Canon’s other release this year, the Rebel XSi. Some of the features are slightly slimmed down from the XSi to give customers a less expensive entry level dSLR. Though the two cameras look nearly identical, there are two notable differences. The Rebel XS has a 10.1 megapixel sensor versus the 12.2 megapixel CMOS sensor in the XSi. A second noticeable difference is the seven autofocus points in the XS versus the nine in the XSi.

Standout features

• 10.1 megapixels
• 7 autofocus points
• Digic III processor
• LiveView
• Image Stabilization

Features
While the Rebel XS is priced less than the XSi and has fewer features to match the smaller price tag, the Rebel XS has benefited from the implementation of several of the nice features built into the XSi. A new feature to the Rebel line, LiveView, was introduced in the XSi and has been implemented in the Rebel XS as well. Canon has also built Contrast Detection Autofocus into the LiveView mode to allow for continuous preview while the camera continues to autofocus. Behind the 10.1 megapixel sensor is a Digic III processor that was new to the XSi and also used in the Rebel XS. The upgrade to a better processor allows for a buffer of five RAW frames or 514 JPEG frames. The RAW buffer could use some improvement, but is likely to be a less noticed feature as many amateurs aren’t as interested in the RAW format.

On the exterior, the XS and XSi are almost identical. Both cameras have a similar, easy to use button layout and menu system for changing settings. Two notable differences are the solid plastic design used in the XS, while the XSi has rubber grips placed on the camera for easier holding. The XS is equipped with a slightly smaller LCD screen that the XSi; 2.5 inches vs. 3 inches. While the XS has a smaller LCD screen, it does provide a similar viewfinder coverage area as the XSi; 95 percent.

Being a entry level dSLR, the Rebel XS was built with several nice features that make it even easier to maintain and get your photos from it. The Rebel XS supports USB connection to MAC and PC computers as well as PictBridge, which allows you to print directly from the camera to a PictBridge enabled printer. Dust is less of a worry as the Rebel XS also has an integrated cleaning system that shakes dust from the sensor. The Rebel XS also has optical image stabilization to help eliminate blurry photos. Aside from its easy to use automatic features, the Rebel XS also has manual controls for more advanced users.

Summary of Reviews from Across the Internet

Experts have had a mostly receptive take on the Rebel XS. It is a good entry level dSLR that takes pretty good photos for its class. They would have liked to seen a larger ISO range beyond 1600 and better focus points in the viewfinder.

Users have been mostly happy with this entry level camera. The only consistent complaint has been that the camera feels rather flimsy and made with cheap materials.

Summary

While the Rebel XS has a little less overall in the features department, the average user should still be very happy with the specs and the resulting images.

For more ideas on what to look for in a dSLR, check out TopTenREVIEWS side-by-side comparison of the best on the market.

To see high resolution photos taken with the Canon Rebel XS, click here.