Features:  

With its 10.1 megapixel image sensor you’re sure to capture brilliant photos. Canon uses their latest DIGIC III image processor to provide outstanding color and detail. Combined with the CMOS sensor, your images will have less noise and greater detail.

The 2.5 inch LCD monitor makes it easy to view your images. The anti-glare coating makes it easy to view your photos even in sunlight. The Rebel XS also allows has Live View shooting. So just like a compact digital camera, you can look at the screen instead of looking through the lens view. Sometimes it’s just easier to look at the screen than to view everything through the viewfinder. However, as your skills improve, you'll find that using the live view is not always effective because the picture on the LCD screen isn't always exactly what the picture will end up being.The camera typically comes in a kit with an 18-55 mm lens. The camera is compatible with most Canon lenses so if you ever upgrade your camera, you can keep all your lenses.

With up to 3 frames per second of continuous shooting, the Rebel XS can capture more of the action. Simply hold the shutter release down to capture multiple images. During our tests, we found the shooting speed slowed down considerably using auto focus. Using the camera’s manual focus will get you the 3 frames per second if you need to shoot that fast.

The Canon Rebel XS features 7 point auto focus. This means more of your photo will be in focus more often. We found the camera was able to lock onto a subject and focus pretty quickly. This is particularly nice when you need to take those “sudden” photos.

Ease of Use:  

The Rebel XS makes the transition easy with the Live View and at least 6 automatic shooting modes. All of these features make it similar to a point-and-shoot so even when you have no idea about a DSLR, you can still pick up the camera and take decent photographs the first time you use it. We also liked it because it seems much lighter than other DSLRs we've used. The light weight and the comfortable grip make this camera very easy to use.

The manual features function pretty much just like other digital SLRs, that is, most of the manual modes are selected using the selector dial. On the Canon, this is located just behind the shutter release button.

For those familiar with Canon’s menu, this camera will be a breeze to operate. Those who aren’t should still be able to catch on fairly quickly. The menu was well thought out and easy to navigate. The only gripe we might have is you have to navigate the menu to use the live view shooting mode. It would have been much nicer to have a hard switch to activate this feature, especially for an entry-level DSLR.
 

Value:  

With a just more than $500 price tag, the Canon Rebel XS falls right in the middle of the entry-level DSLR price range. The features it offers and the style make it more than a bargain for those looking for their first camera in the DSLR family.

Customer Satisfaction:  

Experts liked the compact size of the Canon digital Rebel XS. The grip was comfortable and easy to hold on to. The shutter release was easy reach and felt natural. Images captured by the Rebel XS were outstanding. The color reproduction was excellent and noise was kept low, as long as the ISO settings were low. There was some noise visible on higher ISO settings, which is typical of a digital camera.

Users liked the flexibility of the Rebel XS. It can function just like a point and shoot in full auto mode or you can manually set your preferences for greater control. The images were fantastic and detail was amazing.

Even though this is Canon’s entry level dSLR, it performs like a much more expensive camera. With its low cost and outstanding feature set, this camera is worthy of your consideration.