Canon Rebel XS 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens
January 27, 2010 | Posted by kevinrambke 
- 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor captures enough detail for poster-size, photo-quality prints
- Large 2.5-inch LCD display; includes Canon’s EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens
- DIGIC III image processor provides fast, accurate image processing; Live View Function
- EOS Integrated Cleaning system and Canon-designed Self Cleaning Sensor Unit, plus Dust Delete Data Detection in included software
- Stores images on SD/SDHC memory cards (not included)
Product Description
Ideal for a wide range of photographers from first-time digital SLR users to veteran photo enthusiasts, the new Canon EOS Rebel XS camera is designed to embody what you have come to expect from the EOS Rebel series — a fast, non-intimidating, lightweight, easy-to-use camera that produces excellent images and starts emerging photographers off on the right foot. Immediately, photographers will take notice of the camera’s Optical Image Stabilized kit lens for crisp fo… More >>
Canon Rebel XS 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens
Categories: Cameras $100 - $200 | 
Tags: 10.1MP, 1855mm, Camera, Canon, Digital, f/3.55.6, Lens, Rebel | 
5 Comments »
It’s an okay camera, a bit cheap feeling, better than my pocket Kodak (for enlargements, anyway), and, thankfully, the price has come down a lot. But it’s just a lousy value if Canon can’t be bothered to issue new drivers for new operating systems. The new XS was unimpressive. The interface is still klugy. I’ll set it up to take a perfect picture, and then a software delay hits and I get the closed-eye laughing shot instead of the perfect shot I “clicked” on. It is still slow for taking live-action shots. Expensive lenses lock you into the Canon brand, so future driver support is a big deal. No video option, and 10.1 MP is unimpressive 4 years after they released a 10 MP camera that they have intentionally turned into a brick. If you are into photography and might buy the expensive lenses (as I did), you become locked in compatible bodies and Canon’s history of discontinuing drivers could impact you. I prefer the pocket kodak for snapshots, because the LCD preview is a lot easier to use than the tiny viewfinder on the Canon.
I had invested a couple more thousands into Canon lenses and other accessories, thinking I would always buy Canons. I thought it was a good investment – I had bought a “great” camera, and the lenses would fit a new Canon next time I wanted to upgrade. I always used to own Canon cameras, and I thought I always would. My $1000 2006 digital Rebel is useless now because Canon refuses to issue drivers for it anymore, and the old drivers are incompatible with Windows Vista or 7. Yes, there are workarounds, but I liked being able to take pictures through a direct computer connection and being able to download shots quickly and simply. When I upgraded my operating system, I discovered that Canon did not support new operating systems for my 3 year old camera. Basically, my 3-year-old Canon stopped working, because, without drivers, half the functionality was dead. So I went looking for a new camera. I got the new Rebel XS.
With the Rebel XS, I was basically paying $500 for updated drivers on 4-year-old technology. When a friend asked why I bought an expensive new camera just a few years after buying a very expensive new camera, I explained the driver issue. My friend showed me his Nikon, and it was a quick sell – great camera, good track-record of driver support, lots of lenses and accessories available. I returned the Canon. If physical functionality died the way driver-driven functionality dies when Canon discontinues support for relatively new cameras, Canon would have a reliability record right in the gutter. But the net effect is the same – many of the functions I used died in 3 years. So I’ve decided to start over with Nikon. I’ll take a hit on the lenses now, but I won’t be forced to replace the camera every few years when Canon discontinues drivers for the old cameras.
Rating: 1 / 5
I have owned this camera since 2004, so I find the earlier review, written in 2008, which suggests this camera isn’t sending folks flocking to the stores, a little strange. The flocks are probably looking for newer models. Anyway, after four years, I needed a new battery, and found myself checking out the newest options for a moment, and thought I’d review my reliable old friend.
This camera is fast, quiet, and the photos are outstanding. I primarily use the automatic functions, and it is a breeze to get amazing photos. I am an avid amateur photographer with more of an interest in the composition of the picture than in exposure settings and such, and I have found this camera to be wonderful in every way. After four years, the two batteries I have had since the beginning are finally failing, and I have had a few minor problems during battery malfunctions. Other than that, the camera is durable, has traveled the world, taken thousands upon thousands of photos, around the world, and of my precious children at home. A favorite subject of mine is flowers, and this camera does an amazing job on those as well. I couldn’t be happier with this camera, and can only hope it will give me another four years, or more!
Rating: 5 / 5
Think twice before purchasing any cameras from Canon. Check out all the 1 star ratings first!
After about 1 year of use, mine shut down and became a very expensive paperweight. I owned a Canon PowerShot S21S
and it died twice in the first 2 years ($150 per repair). Canon refuses to stand behind their products.
I think there are much better products available from other camera companies.
If you must purchase a Canon buy a 5 year warranty.
Rating: 1 / 5
Received this through Amazon for Xmas. “Error 99″ repeatedly occurred. Tried a different battery, different memory card, clean lens contacts as recommended. Tried a different lens. No fix.
Will be sending back to Amazon for credit. Will have to think about ordering another of the XS. Maybe try an XSI? Seems people on this site have had focusing problems with that though.
Rating: 1 / 5
The reviews I read before purchasing this camera made me believe this would be very easy to use and “a great beginner” camera….Although I really do love this camera, I think I need to take a class before truely getting out of it what I planned. I’m excited to have an SLR camera, but can’t use more than the “auto” mode.
Rating: 3 / 5