Last year Canon unveiled the feature-laden 1D Mark III. No surprise then that Canon’s news this PMA is the new Rebel XSi, which inherits a good dose of the 1D Mark III’s best technology. And again, it isn’t any one feature that stands out but rather all the changes and improvements that continue to position the XSi as the not-so-little brother of the Canon 40D. These include (not a comprehensive list):

• 12 MP sensor with improved photosite sensitivity
• 14-bit Digic III image processor (50% faster than previous generation)
• Improved autofocus (although the XTi was already outstanding)
• 3-inch LCD (230,000 pixels)
• Larger grip, lighter overall weight (not that the XT/XTi was anyone’s idea of heavy)
• Repositioned control buttons (e.g., ISO now on top)
• Highlight Tone Priority Mode/High ISO noise-reduction
• Auto Lighting Optimizer
• Live View with contrast detection AF
• 4% spot metering mode
• Multiple frames possible with self-timer (customizable)
• Increased viewfinder magnification and brightness
• Camera now uses SD (Secure Digital) memory cards.

My two biggest complaints with the original XT and XTi were the size of the grip and the viewfinder–too small! Both of these concerns have been improved and add a lot to the camera’s usability. Highlight Tone Priority is probably the big image quality improvement I’ve been waiting for as I hate blown highlights with hard edges–smooth edges I can manage. And, Canon’s generally outstanding reputation at ISO 800 and above will likely continue with the XSi.

Another thing that I learned (but probably not new) is that the XSi has tethered-shooting capability with Canon’s DPP software. Finally, the new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS kit lens brings image stabilization and optical improvements over the previous model. Shipping in April and priced at $799 for the body only, $899 for the kit.

Just goes to show you can’t sit still in the highly competitive entry-level DSLR market. Accordingly, Nikon’s new D60 is $750 including a VR kit lens that is comparable to the XSi’s kit. I’m told the Nikon D60 has image quality related to the outstanding D3/D300, and has other improvements over the D40X. Well, since I’m not a Nikonian I can’t say much about the D60’s usability improvements, but it sure seems like a solid overall package. Either way, sub-$1,000 DSLR consumers have a pair of competitive choices in 2008.

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