Wootalyzer's Pricing Post! - The price of today's woot item is saved here for future reference
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Canon EOS Rebel XS 10.1MP SLR Digital Camera with 18-55mm IS Lens
$399.99 + $5 Shipping
Condition: New

*DISCLAIMER* Wootalyzer! is in no way affiliated with Woot!, and this post may not always be here!

Better DSLRs now available for similar price.

Not a bad intro to DSLRs, but keep in mind that it is almost 10 years old... The Digic III image processor is definitely aging, compared to the newer tech. But it's still not bad for the price (though personally, I'd just wait for a cheaper, lower-end, but newer model).

dliidlii wrote:Better DSLRs now available for similar price.

Agree.

Like I did in the previous woots.

Neext one please!

Must be time for a break.

The Rebel XS was my first DSLR, and it's VERY capable. It may not have a lot of the bells and whistles of it's larger brothers, but it is a solid starter DSLR.

Things to expect as issues:
* ISO noise, anything 800+ will have some visible noise. This isn't a terrific low-light shooter.
* No spot metering - this has partial metering, which for my needs was plenty good.
* Small number of AF points

All in all, this is a very good starter camera.

arosiriak wrote:Not a bad intro to DSLRs, but keep in mind that it is almost 10 years old... The Digic III image processor is definitely aging, compared to the newer tech. But it's still not bad for the price.

This camera is a mashup of the XTi's sensor (10.1MP) and the XSi's processor (DIGIC III). Also, this camera was released in 2008, so it's about 5 years old.

Picked one up as a Christmas present for my girlfriend at the last Woot-Off, she loves it. Uses it on an almost daily basis.

dliidlii wrote:Better DSLRs now available for similar price.

like... ?
(i bought this a few years ago and still enjoy it, but for future reference...)

I spent the last month researching these types of cameras-- specifically, the Canon EOS lines against other competing similarly priced lines-- and I can tell you that while this isn't a bad deal for the camera in question, if you're going to spend this much on a camera you would be MUCH better served seeking out a Canon EOS Rebel T2i (which can be had for around $500 on eBay if you are patient).

The featureset on the T2i is far more robust and much more worthwhile if you're going to spend the money. Personally, I ended up going with the T3i but that's mainly because I like the flip-out screen.

But at any rate, the T2i will allow you to record in 1080p full HD at a staggering 18 MegaPixels against this one's 10.1MP with no video capabilities. So... decide for yourself which is the better deal.

Most reviews on amazon say good camera...

A comment that turned me off was "feels cheaply built"

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-XS-Digital-18-55mm-Black/product-reviews/B001CBKJGG/ref=sr_1_1_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

I sooo want this camera, short on $$$ though...

this again? yawn... better cameras, D3000 for example, for a lil bit more money.

As a photographer with a bag full of gear I hate lugging around (and caring for), I don't understand why people want DSLRs. They are big, clunky and you can find cameras that produce high quality photos that are much more user friendly, stylish and portable. For the same amount of cash, I'd much rather purchase a Nikon 1.

The T3 for around $45 more gives you 12.2mp, as well as 720p HD movie mode.

crates wrote:this one's 10.1MP with no video capabilities

Can get much better dSLRs for the same price. I would actually recommend a NEX-3 (not a SLR, but imho better) for around the same price.

Livinonedge wrote:Most reviews on amazon say good camera...

A comment that turned me off was "feels cheaply built"

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-XS-Digital-18-55mm-Black/product-reviews/B001CBKJGG/ref=sr_1_1_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

The build quality is much less than the higher end models. It's lighter than the 450d, and it's finish isn't as nice. However, the finish on the 1000d (XS) is MUCH nicer than the 1100d (T3), the successor model to the XS.

I just can not picture it in my home.

Livinonedge wrote:Most reviews on amazon say good camera...

A comment that turned me off was "feels cheaply built"

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-XS-Digital-18-55mm-Black/product-reviews/B001CBKJGG/ref=sr_1_1_cm_cr_acr_txt?ie=UTF8&showViewpoints=1

The only reason they suggest that it "feels cheap" is because this particular line (as well as the T2 and T3, but NOT the T2i and T3i) didn't have the hard rubberized grips that make the other DSLRs on the market feel more "professional".

So, this model, as well as the Rebel T2 and Rebel T3, don't have the grips. The T2i and T3i do have them. The frame it's built on is virtually the same in all instances, and being an owner of a T3i I can tell you that it's plenty sturdy.

+1 for Woot! and -1 for Canon = 0 sale right now for me.

The only reason I haven't pulled the trigger on this camera is Canon's slow traction on getting their EOS software to work on Lion.

If they would get the updates done and published then I'd buy a backup to my aging EOS Rebel.

rich

emilu wrote:like... ?
(i bought this a few years ago and still enjoy it, but for future reference...)

If you can hold out for a while and look diligently, you will probably find a T2i or T3i for not much more than this price. I saw a T2i refurb for $480 on Canon's website in Dec. for instance.

While I'm sure this is an amazing camera, I'm looking for Woot-off items I can afford. Dropping this much cash on a whim just isn't in my budget.

C'mon Woot. Help a girl out.

emilu wrote:like... ?
(i bought this a few years ago and still enjoy it, but for future reference...)

I purchased a Sony Alpha a390 brand new from Sears yesterday for $170 bucks. How is this a good deal?

emilu wrote:like... ?
(i bought this a few years ago and still enjoy it, but for future reference...)

Beach Camera sold 300 Canon EOS T3 with same lens for $399 new with warranty and free shipping in December. Just keep watching and you can find similar deals.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/300635153206?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

If I buy this camera will I instantly grow a mullet like Andre Agassi had?

I'd guess that 99.999% of people would get just as good results from an $89 compact Kodak, Nikon, or Canon that has more features (that STILL probably won't get used) and less monkey business to just take a picture.

Apparently the news that the economy isn't too good hasn't made it to Woot! headquarters.

A few years ago my department bought these for us to use at crime scenes. They work great, are easy to use and the pictures turn out well. Mine has even taken a few tumbles off the top of a tri-pod and still works. I would have to say I have taken at least 100k pictures of it and it's still going strong.

Here is a comprehensive review of this camera as of July 2008.

Personally, I prefer the T3i for a starter camera - much better low-light performance.

crates wrote:The only reason they suggest that it "feels cheap" is because this particular line (as well as the T2 and T3, but NOT the T2i and T3i) didn't have the hard rubberized grips that make the other DSLRs on the market feel more "professional".

So, this model, as well as the Rebel T2 and Rebel T3, don't have the grips. The T2i and T3i do have them. The frame it's built on is virtually the same in all instances, and being an owner of a T3i I can tell you that it's plenty sturdy.

To clarify a bit, there is no T2 model. The Canon model line goes like this:
EOS 300D/Digital Rebel/Kiss Digital (No longer in active line-up for Canon)
EOS 350D/Digital Rebel XT/Kiss Digital N (No longer in active line-up for Canon)
EOS 400D/Digital Rebel XTi/Kiss Digital X
EOS 450D/Digital Rebel XSi/Kiss Digital X2
EOS 500D/Digital Rebel T1i/Kiss Digital X3
EOS 550D/Digital Rebel T2i/Kiss Digital X4
EOS 600D/Digital Rebel T3i/Kiss Digital X5
EOS 1000D/Rebel XS
EOS 1100D/Rebel T3

The triple-digit DSLRs are in the same class, in terms of features and finish. The quad-digit models (the XS and T3) are one level below.

agnorath wrote:I purchased a Sony Alpha a390 brand new from Sears yesterday for $170 bucks. How is this a good deal?

Optics Optics Optics.

Your 170.00 camera will pale to this one's possibilities.

rich

Can it be flashed to custom firmware to add more high-end features?

Good News,

My new Eye-Fi card that I just bought will work for this camera.

http://support.eye.fi/cameras/canon/eos_digital_rebel_xs_/_1000d_/_kiss_f

Tempting but I think I will wait until I can do better. Maybe get my canon fixed, or just get better with my nikon. It's not like I am a pro or anything.

save your shekels and buy a Nikon D3100. Or save a few more and get a D5100.

Quick review on this from previous woots, and research from a camera novice with no technical expertise.

This is a great price for those of you looking for an entry level DSLR but don't want to pay the 800-1000 for most models out there.

10 MP is fine unless you are making lifesize posters from the prints....

No Video - Most people who shoot enough video to care about quality don't use a digital camera, but instead a camcorder, so although they complain it doesn't have it, they would rarely use the video even if it was on the camera(be honest with yourself on this one. If you really need last second video recording, most people have a cell phone capable anyway...

No flip out screen - you are going to pay a premium for this, and if you are buying, odds are you are moving up from a point and shoot which did not have this feature either.

- I can't speak on the lens, or shutter times(again most entry level users won't notice anyway) or processors, etc.

My opinion is if you are looking to move into DSLR space, this is an awesome deal. A year later if you become a picture buff, upgrade, maybe save the lens.

Or just buy it so you can be that parent at your kids' school event with the coolest camera when all the other parents pull out their point and shoots(or keep up with the Joneses if you are the only one with the crappy p&s).

Wow, not as quick as I thought, but hopefully helpful.

Woot is really helping me stick to my budget :-) Thanks woot for hearing my "I must save money" war cry!

rwheadon wrote:Optics Optics Optics.

Your 170.00 camera will pale to this one's possibilities.

rich

+1 It's all about the glass first.

gjames wrote:Can it be flashed to custom firmware to add more high-end features?

Quick answer: No.

Long answer: It's possible to load custom firmware. Magic Lantern has not been ported to it, and the chips that Magic Lantern works on aren't the same chips that are in this camera. There have been some successes in hacking the firmware on this thing, but there has been no development to make something useful.

rwheadon wrote:+1 for Woot! and -1 for Canon = 0 sale right now for me.

The only reason I haven't pulled the trigger on this camera is Canon's slow traction on getting their EOS software to work on Lion.

If they would get the updates done and published then I'd buy a backup to my aging EOS Rebel.

rich

You don't have to use Canon's software or firmware. I use Mac, Linux and Windows and my Canon T3i works great with all platforms. On a side note, I also use the Magic Lantern custom firmware (which doesn't actually have to be loaded ON the camera... it actually runs off the SD card and gets "uninstalled" if you remove it from the card).