Cannon Rebel XS Digital Camera Review

The Cannon Rebel XS is the bottom of the DSLR line of cameras, providing a new entry level option with a lower cost, lower resolution alternative to the Cannon Rebel XSi Digital Camera.

On the other hand, the Rebel XS retains a lot of the technology that made the Rebel XSi a top pick amongst amateur and professional photographers alike. If you don’t like the price of the Rebel XSI, then the Rebel XS may just be the Rebel you have been waiting for.

The Rebel XS uses an earlier generation 10.1 megapixel CMOS (Complementary-Symmetry Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor along with a smaller 2 ½ inch LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) display on the back. It now features the DIGIC III processing and Cannon’s advanced picture style menus.

Cannon Rebel XS Camera Views

Cannon Rebel XS Camera Views

Surprisingly, the Rebel XS also has the live view system which allows the LCD screen to be used for shot composition with the addition of a contrast detection auto focus mode which allows the camera to auto focus without interrupting the on screen shot composition preview to do so.

Shooting modes are grouped into 2 basic zones, the Basic Zone and the Creative Zone. The Basic Zone presets are as follow:

  • Auto Exposure – the camera makes all exposure selections;
  • Portrait – the camera settings are optimized for portraiture, but allowing adjustments to image tone and the flash mode;
  • Landscape – provides increased contrast that favors narrower apertures;
  • Macro – this mode calls for moderate aperture settings;
  • Sports – in this mode continuous drive and auto focus functions are enabled, and higher shutter speeds are preferred;
  • Night Scene – enables slow flash synchronization to capture both the subject and the background;
  • Flash Suppressed – the flash is disabled.

It is important to note that many exposure control and shooting options are locked out or limited. This includes the auto focus drive, metering and flash modes.

Canon’s Creative Zone has the expected full range of user controlled exposure options, along with some additions:

  • Program – the camera is in the auto exposure mode with user control for metering and flash settings;
  • Shutter Priority – the photographer selects shutter speed while the camera calculates the proper aperture setting for correct exposure;
  • Aperture Priority – the photographer selects aperture while the camera calculates the proper shutter speed for correct exposure;
  • Manual – the photographer selects both aperture and shutter speeds;
  • Auto Depth of Field – the camera will automatically calculate the proper aperture to ensure the depth of field covers all focus points.

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    The camera’s style is pretty basic with no hard edges and a smooth plastic case, making the camera appear to be on the cheap side. While the camera is not as attractive as some competitors, the image quality makes up for its aesthetics.

    The Rebel XS features a live view mode which allows the LCD to be used for shot composition. It has good color reproduction and performs as well as a high quality compact camera in live view use.

    The Cannon XS has the same 7.4 volt 1080 mAh lithium-ion battery pack which means that the batteries, charges and battery grips are interchangeable with its big brother, the Cannon Rebel XSi.

    The battery should allow you to take upwards of 600 shots before it needs to be recharged, or you can use the grip adapter to use 6 AA batteries to power the camera.

    As with the XSi you will be wowed with the superior image quality and shows off everything Canon is known for. If you are looking to upgrade from your point-and-shoot camera to something with more flexibility and better image quality, then I would recommend that the Cannon Rebel XS Digital Camera is for you!

    Child Photographer Betty Muscott

    Child Photographer Betty Muscott

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