gslusher wrote:Adorama has this camera refurbished by Canon for $399.95 with free shipping. Woot should be selling it for $349 or less.

refurb =/= new

It's ironic that the Mayans could predict the end of the world in 2012 but didn't see Cortez coming. D'oh!

gslusher wrote:Adorama has this camera refurbished by Canon for $399.95 with free shipping. Woot should be selling it for $349 or less.

You fail to realize that Woot is selling a brand NEW camera and lens combo, not a refurb. So a new one for the same price as a refurb is a better deal.

editorkid wrote:It's ironic that the Mayans could predict the end of the world in 2012 but didn't see Cortez coming. D'oh!

Cortez didn't give the Mayans the disease that wiped them out. The Mayans became sick from the 'Occupy Mexico' protesters.

A cheap must-have fixed lens for Canon DSLR

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens

erc8bv wrote:T3i is over $200 more. I would go for the T3i if it was only $50 more.

Narg said T3, not T3i. The T3 is indeed only about $50 more than the XS, give or take a bit depending on shipping, tax, and what kind of deals are in effect on a given day.

Kufat wrote:Narg said T3, not T3i. The T3 is indeed only about $50 more than the XS, give or take a bit depending on shipping, tax, and what kind of deals are in effect on a given day.

You are right! I think I would rather have the T3.

Megapixels aren't really a good way to compare cameras. Honestly, having used an XT, XTi, XS, T21, and a T3, I have to say that the 10MP sensors are the best trade-off between resolution and noise. 16 and 18 are too many pixels on the same size of sensor, IMO. My issue with the camera is the price point for an older body with a non-image stabilized lens. With a camera this old, I'd rather buy it body only, and purchase better lenses on my own.

adhurt wrote:Quick reminder: this camera does NOT shoot VIDEO.

No video? Boooo!

Aww... New year, old woot?
Previous Woot

I've never been a fan of dpreview. If you're looking for a much more in-depth review of this camera, the people over at digitalcamerareview really put it through its paces:
digitalcamerareview.com review

Even this camera, as much as it is an older model, is a Huge step up from a point-and-shoot. If you've got extra money, you might give the T3 a look. But, for most people, saving money is a big deal when making the step up to DSLRs. If this is your first one, this is a good way to save your money for accessories, and learn the basics. Most people will upgrade later on, but many won't, especially if you just need a better camera for family pictures. If you're a serious hobbyist, you don't need me to tell you to look for a more advanced camera. But if you're new to digital photography, or want to upgrade from a point and shoot and every penny matters, this is a great deal.

As a side note:

poppap wrote:A cheap must-have fixed lens for Canon DSLR

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens

I couldn't agree more. Got this lens for Christmas, and it hasn't come off my camera since. Its amazing how much your pictures can change with a good piece of glass.

This is a great camera for beginners! And you can't beat the price!

I have the XT from a deal I found on a deal site back in July 2007, it has worked great for 4 years and I have spent more on better lenses then I did for the camera. It's taken some great shots when I got lucky and did my part of the job right and even 8 meg looks great on a print when the picture is focused and has low color noise.
Just recently I found another deal on the T3 which is basically their latest entry level DSLR and it's quite a bit better then the XT with a bigger LCD screen and 720p video that actually looks pretty nice. The T3i and up are much better cameras yet again and cost at least 100 more so you have to decide how nuts you want to go.
The XS is a decent camera which was the upgrade from my XT and has slightly better resolution and a few other upgrades.
It's worth 399 if you don't care about video and can't get the T3 for a stupid price like I managed to do. The included 18-55 image stabilized lens is much better then the normal 18-55 my XT came with even though it's their new cheap kit lens, the stabilization and slight optic upgrades make a big difference.
If you want a bit better get a T3, if you want quite a bit better get a T3i or better, they both have higher ISO settings too and higher megapixels even though that isn't as important as it sounds. No matter what you get you can take some great shots as it sits, and upgrade as your budget allows and you can use it all on the next Canon you get except maybe the batteries. I have 4 lenses now and always keep my eyes open for good deals on better ones, good luck to everyone.

Tempted. Have a Nikon SLR, but have to admit I am still having a love affair with my 35mm Canon and a great place to process my film.

Meh, still shooting my D40. Why? Because 6MP is plenty and a camera doesn't make a photo. You know this XS takes the same great photos it took 3 years ago, right? Nothing has changed. Bodies are almost irrelevant in an era of great cheap lenses and photoshop.

Camera overview and review at KenRockwell.com

Two important things

1. Last time's woot, 13th Dec 2010

2. Lenses matter just as much, and often even more, than the camera bodies, for good quality pictures, given you're spending for control and quality for the bulk cost and weight of an SLR. wikipedia is pretty good at explaining, but there did appear to be no "18-55mm IS II" lens. However, the wiki may be out of date as there is an IS lens with FOUR stops of IS, and the first IS lens had three! If that's the case and if Canon didn't screw up image quality in the meanwhile this should be an outstanding lens!
In the small 18-55 range for EF-S bodies, there are:
- 18-55mm Mk1, MkII &MkIII (non-IS) in usm and standard versions; and
- 18-55mm IS (image stabilised), Mk1 and MkII
You want the IS ones, as the non-IS lenses are rubbish. The MkIII non-IS lens is good, but it doesn't have IS and IS is amazing!!! adds at least three stops to your low-light capability!

This lens claims to be 18-55mm IS II (see front page), and I hadn't heard of a new verstion. If so, it'll be an even finer lens!.

Review for the original IS LENS, and dpreview also on the original IS lens. The IS lenses are good ones, and great value for money. I have one, as well as the huge 17-55 f2.8 lens, but that's another story.

gslusher wrote:Adorama has this camera refurbished by Canon for $399.95 with free shipping. Woot should be selling it for $349 or less.

Adorama has this same camera (new, not refurb) on sale for $499, so at $100 off I'd say this is a deal. They also show it with 28 reviews averaging better than 4.5/5 stars.

If you want a starter SLR kit, this is the kit to get. It has just the right balance of body performance (good low to mid ISO performance) and lens quality (18-55 lets you understand what sort of zoom you'd get at a 1x to 2x range, while keeping costs low enough that you won't mind selling this lens at a loss when you go to L glass or full frame).

If you already know that an SLR is the right thing for you and you don't want to go full frame, get this kit and add a 17-55 f/2.8 lens. The glass on there is commonly regarded as L quality without weatherproofing and the typical L glass pricing. "L" lenses are Canon's line of professional lenses.

How is the newer kit lens? Many reviews say that basic DSLRs (and remember, this one is also the 1.6x smaller form factor than 35mm) are decent enough, but it's the lens that can really make your pictures pop. Many reviews of Canon Lenses say that the 18-55mm IS (image stabilizing and autofocus) kit lens is exceptionally sharp for the price range (around a hundred dollar lens) so it's optically excellent though downgraded in 'quality' because the shell is plastic (but that makes it light, and the switch from a point-and-shoot will make you notice this larger size and weight)

Also, many reviewers say that 10.1MP is enough if you are not planning huge huge enlargements (remember, too, the concept is that 10.1MP means better resolution in a DSLR than a point and shoot because the light receptor is larger).

Now I am a real AMATEUR, but I've done some research into this, and maybe this will help someone else think about what's important for their needs. I would like to know also if anyone here has compared the actual performance of this camera to any of the others that are the next price step higher?

lilyt wrote:How is the newer kit lens? Many reviews say that basic DSLRs (and remember, this one is also the 1.6x smaller form factor than 35mm) are decent enough, but it's the lens that can really make your pictures pop. Many reviews of Canon Lenses say that the 18-55mm IS (image stabilizing and autofocus) kit lens is exceptionally sharp for the price range (around a hundred dollar lens) so it's optically excellent though downgraded in 'quality' because the shell is plastic (but that makes it light, and the switch from a point-and-shoot will make you notice this larger size and weight)

As someone who's used both the IS and non-IS, the extra couple of stops you get is a big help. I'm not sure if the pictures are sharper because of less shaking or because it's better glass, but I would say that my photos are on average sharper with the IS lens.

lilyt wrote:Now I am a real AMATEUR, but I've done some research into this, and maybe this will help someone else think about what's important for their needs. I would like to know also if anyone here has compared the actual performance of this camera to any of the others that are the next price step higher?

The 60D is nicer because of the extra dial that allows you to more easily change shutter speed and aperture on the fly, instead of having to hold down a button and use the same dial. The 60D also boasts a move-able screen, video, 2 more Auto Focus points, and has a higher continuous shooting speed, but that only matters if you need video and like to do stuff like sports photography where your frames per second count. The 60D's sensor is a bit more cramped than the XS's and I felt like it yielded more noise. The 60D is also heavier.

I would recommend a Class 10 Memory card with this camera. I have owned mine for about a year, and it does take very quick shots (for the first 5-6, after that it slows down due to transferring the data to the sd card), and that is with a class 10 card; I can't imagine if I had kept the class 2 that came with it.

All in all, AMAZING shots on this, and I am nothing more than a run of the mill point and shoot photographer.

Sometimes it's the "tool", not the operator that makes the shot!

How does this compare to a Nikon D90?

Can't decide who to quote on the video comment, so I won't quote anybody. Though the camera did not come with video functionality, and it is not advertised, there is now open-source software that allows video recording directly to a computer.

http://sourceforge.net/projects/eos-movrec/

Now I know everyone will say "What's the point? I want to record away from a computer" and that's fine, but the fact remains, there is a way to get it to record video.

jalgal wrote:How does this compare to a Nikon D90? (my sister's camera)

The D90 is better in basically every way, but it's also a higher level of camera, and far more expensive.

This would be more comparable to the D3000. The D90 I think would match the Canon t2i better.


I'd recommend anyone starting out with a DSLR grab a 35mm lens rated at f1.8 or preferably f1.4. The smaller the number the more light it lets in. Photos indoors without flash will be very difficult with a 3.5-5.6f kit lens.

The next step would be a better flash. A hotshoe flash that you can point at the ceiling is like magic. The on camera flash usually makes your pictures look like you used a cheap point and shoot camera.

jasonking0351 wrote:Does anyone know how this camera compares to my Kodak Disc camera that I currently use?

Sure, Your disc camera will be worth more next year while the Canon will just go down in worth. Keep your classic, put in a glass case so it does not get damaged and wait for 30 years.

Happy New Year Wooters, And Woot! Thanks for a year of excellent products, purchases, and many wit filled comments!! Wishing everyone a healthy and prosperous 2012!!!

I have the XSi (12.2MP Version of this body) and if this is anything like its only slightly newer counterpart it is an amazing camera for the price. So here is a quick Top 10 recommendations list for the new comer to armature photography.

1: Buy the Battery Grip - it’s well worth the money to have that extra battery, but it also really helps when tasking portrait shots with button relocations. (I recommend the Canon brand grips but as they are around $100 some people tend to buy generic like Digital Concepts for half that or less)

2: Go ahead and buy 2 brand new extended like batteries for that new grip. My XSi can shoot for hours and hours (around 2500 photos) with my battery pack.

3: Buy a Class10 16GB SD Card. Amazon basics makes a great card as to SanDisk and Transcend and A-Data, Kingston (list goes on) all of which are less than $20 these days. So don't waste your time on a 4GB or 8GB Card since these are just as fast and in Raw monde on this camera should be able to hold as many as 1200-1500 I would think. (In just Large JPEG I'd bet that number is closer 10000.

4: Don't get too wrapped up in Telephoto lenses, but if you do buy one, make sure it has image stabilization. My favorite one for these cameras is the Canon EF 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM Lens which does cost around $450 but I mention it because unless you plan to do photography professionally don't spend any more than that on any single lens (within reason) unless you plan later to purchase something like a Canon 5D.

5: Buy a great Macro lens. A good armature Macro lens should honestly cost you at least $250 and again maybe as much as $500.

6: Don't think you have to buy all Canon brand lenses. Sigma, Tamron both make decent lenses for the amateur at affordable prices.

7: Buy a speed flash. I'm not saying go out and buy the massive 580EX, you can buy the much more affordable 420 or 430EX flashes (still around $200 mind you) and get great results. The built-in flash is okay, but no substitute for a real flash.

8: Buy a flash softener/filter. It's a cheap $5-$20 cover for your flash which helps to eliminate the hard flash affects you see in photographs like RED EYE and hard shadowing.

9: Get a bag. So you went and bought this big camera and all these accessories. Make sure you get a proper bag to protect them in. Style and taste are up to you but 100's of options exist. I prefer the backpack type myself.

10: Buy the book. Buy two even, buying a generic dummies book or something is fine and all, but make sure you buy at least one book that is written around your camera. David Busch for example has a rather great book as do many others (no I don't know him I've just owned a couple of his books). You'll find buying a camera specific book is well worth the $20 price tag.

Having that book and a few good lenses and knowing not only what aperture and f-stop are, but how to change those settings on your camera so you aren't always shooting in "auto mode" or one of the other presets will turn you into a point and shoot photographer to a legitimate amateur. That leaves me with one extra tip because I like to turn it up to eleven.

11: Take lots and lots and lots and lots and lots of pictures. you bought that 16GB card now use it. you won’t print them all, in fact you likely won’t keep 1/5 of them if you do it right. The idea is, if professional photographers take 150 shots to get 15 god ones that are narrowed down to one why don't you do the same.

The camera is plenty fast and your SD card is Class 10 so bursting shots isn't really a problem, with the right lens and the right tools and just a tiny bit of know how you can turn out some really great photographs.

So Happy New Year and to those who buy this camera, take many pictures and don't forget to...Share and Enjoy which I must, of course mention is the company motto of the hugely successful Sirius Cybernetics Corporation Complaints division.

I bought this camera for the same price refurbished about one year ago. It was considered "obsolete" and "ancient for a DSL" even then, and I bought it anyhow because I wasn't concerned about having all of the current bells and whistles- I wanted a cheap DSL to learn on and as an entry into the DSL world. It has wildly exceeded my expectations, and I love it. It takes consistently great pictures. I have bought several additional lenses and am have a blast with my new DSL kit.

Why is anyone that knows how to use a camera in anything other than green box mode a photo snob?

Woot doesn't usually sell cutting edge stuff.

It's a great camera for the money.

This would be a great camera for someone moving up from a point & shoot. I have the Xsi, get great shots and love, love, love my camera.

poppap wrote:A cheap must-have fixed lens for Canon DSLR

Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens

Yep, that will do WONDERS for folks who like indoor non-flash shots. Act like a 75mm almost-portrait lens. The moms in my classes loved them for candid shots of kids...just not halfway down a basketball court though!

Digital SLR for this price? Completely worth it!

If you already have Canon lenses, you can get the Canon XS body on amazon new for cheaper.

Unless this is your first Canon DSLR, the better buy would be Amazon's Canon T3, then you can shoot HD video. This camera (XS) can't shoot video.

It seems the t3 is a better choice since it has video and is about $50 more. Thanks for the posters who brought up the t3. Now I have to research the t3 vs the xs .
This would be my first digital dslr.

You can get it cheaper on eBay.

rolledsho wrote:Why is anyone that knows how to use a camera in anything other than green box mode a photo snob?

Woot doesn't usually sell cutting edge stuff.

It's a great camera for the money.

I mention in my book and class that if the average know these things, they will be happy.

1. Understands resolution size and compression

2. Does not use digital zoom (if available)

3. Knows that "P" shoots the same way as the same as "the green spot" but lets you control ISO and the exposure compensation (among other things).

4. Knows that the laws of physics haven't changed..dark is still dark and that usually means slow shutter speeds that blur action

If they really know these things, they will be happy with most of their shots and know 90% more about their camera that folks who don't study the above.

In fact, the first chapters of the box are based on these concepts, then I move on for more info that those motivated to study, will enjoy. Most books dedicated to one brand or model show you WHERE the controls are, not how and why to use them, at least not in a way the new user can understand. "Snobs" are those who know the advanced stuff, but seldom use those features! ;)

editorkid wrote:It's ironic that the Mayans could predict the end of the world in 2012 but didn't see Cortez coming. D'oh!

Cortez conquered the Aztecs not the Mayan.

Kufat wrote:Narg said T3, not T3i. The T3 is indeed only about $50 more than the XS, give or take a bit depending on shipping, tax, and what kind of deals are in effect on a given day.

Beach Camera sold the T3 new with lens for $399 before Christmas so this price for the XS = FAIL.

Flickr has a great tool for camera shopping that's not very well known.
You can look through photos taken by a particular camera. It's great for getting a feel for what everyday people are doing with a camera.

Here is the page for the Rebel XS. Some really fantastic shots can be had with this camera.
http://www.flickr.com/cameras/canon/eos_digital_rebel_xs/

Better than Pentax cameras? Wow, camera snobbery at its finest. Pentax makes some damn fine cameras. They have the best low light performance for the price with their introductory slr models, (kx,kr), easy intuitive menuing system, and built-in-the-body image stabilization. they sell a weathersealed body for roughly half the canikon price. Pentax makes world class lenses, and every lens made in the last 40 years will still work on a modern body.

What Pentax doesnt have is a huge marketing budget.

This canon is a decent little camera, but just by virtue of being a Canon does not make it better.