Very Good Reviews of the Canon EOS Rebel XSi (aka EOS 450D/Kiss X2 Digital)

I just read the review posted on popphoto.com for the Canon EOS Rebel XSi (aka EOS 450D/Kiss X2 Digital). The review gives a good overview with some testing results that I found very interesting. The writer also describes how the camera differs in a few ways from past Rebels, as well as the Canon EOS-40D. The camera’s new 12.2 megapixel sensor and dust reduction sensor look very interesting as well. I had a chance to play with one at a camera store a few weeks ago and really like the 3-inch display and overall feel of the camera.

Another site that I often consult for reviews, imaging-resource.com, also has a very good review of the camera. Their review also has many downloadable sample images photographed with the camera, as well as a nice overview of the camera controls.

I came across another site, www.the-digital-picture.com, which has another very good review of the Rebel XSi. I especially like the site’s collection of “hover-able” image tests (that must have taken a while to compile). I also like how the author lists the estimated shutter life of a number of DSLR’s. According to the author, Canon has not published the estimated shutter life of the Rebel XSi.

Last but not least, dpreview.com, another site I often consult for camera reviews, has a very good overview of the Rebel XSi, as well as a number of “real world” test images. You can view their gallery of Canon Rebel XSi images here.

Links to reviews of the Canon Rebel XSi referenced above:
PopPhoto.com’s review
Imaging-Resource.com’s review
the-digital-picture.com’s review
dpreview.com’s review

Canon’s main EOS page for Canon DSLR’s, Lenses, Lighting and Accessories

Imaging Site Spotlight 001: DemystifyingDigital.com

Today I’m launching a new section of The Imaging Buffet entitled Imaging Site Spotlight. At least once a week I’ll highlight a different site which I believe offers good content for photographers and other artists of any level. These will be brief reviews with three sections: Overview, Why I Recommend It, and Suggested Site Links to Get You Started. These sites will also be listed on our Resources and Imaging Links page.

So without further ado, the first Imaging Site Spotlight is DemystifyingDigital.com.

Overview: DemystifyingDigital.com is a very well-designed site with information and reviews that cover the following subjects: digital cameras, HDTVs, camcorders, laptops, cell phones and much more. The content is a mix of original reviews, tips, and primers, comprehensive FAQ’s, as well as links to information on other sites, such as How to Upgrade the Hard Drive on Your MacBook.

Why I Recommend It: The site is written and edited by people who understand technology and digital photography, and I like the fact that they segment the content for different levels of users. For example, on the homepage, they allow you to choose a “tech level,” with terms like “Tech Confused Dad,” “Digital Grandparent,” and “Born Digital.” After choosing one, you’ll be greeted by a photo and bio of someone who fits that moniker, along with links to some stories selected for that user level.

Suggested Site Links to Get You Started: The site has an excellent Digital Glossary with definitions of many “tech terms” that are constantly being added to the world’s lexicon. Illustrative images appear when you hover over the camera icons–a very cool feature.

–FAQ’s (and answers!) on topics from Camcorders to Wireless Routers
–Hands on Review of the Eye-Fi Wireless SD card
-BlingIt software overview for quickly and easily making masks and interesting backgrounds for your digital photos (designed primarily for auction sites like eBay).
–Finding Album Artwork for Your iTunes Music
-Printing Wirelessly Using an Apple Airport Express

Additonal Comments: A few months back, I contributed an article for DemystifyingDigital.com about compact photo printers. It is partially excerpted from my book, 301 Inkjet Tips and Techniques. You can read the article here.

A Few Reasons to Subscribe to Imaging-Resource.com’s Excellent Newsletter

For a number of years I’ve been reading “Imaging Resource News” published by the folks at Imaging-Resource.com. It is a fantastic resource filled with photo industry news, reviews, answers to reader questions, special offers and much more. Apart from the excellent content, in the next issue, I’ll be offering two signed copies of my book, 301 Inkjet Tips and Techniques, which will be drawn randomly from the newsletter member list.

The Feb 1, 2008 issue (available in the newsletter archives) has some great info about the Nikon D300, sensor cleaning, and image sharpening. You can read past issues and  subscribe to Imaging Resource’s IR news newsletter at this link.