If you’re looking to get into photography then you will need an entry level DSLR that is affordable yet offers all of the functions that you would need from a DSLR camera.

Now there are many DSLR Cameras aimed at the beginner photographer, however one I personally love is the Canon Rebel XS or as it’s called in the UK the Canon 1000D.

Whatever you call it, this camera is a perfect starter camera for a budding photographer.

The Canon Rebel XS has 10.1 Mega Pixels which is more than enough for printing out small photos to large photo canvases.  I’ve actually tested this and from one of the photos from the Rebel XS I printed out a 24” by 36” mounted canvas and the quality was excellent.

The Rebel XS was actually the camera that got me into digital photography and I owned one for over a year and loved every minute of use.

The Rebel XS features:

• 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)

Read more specifications

Having tested this camera for over a year I can tell you that this camera has some amazing features that people upgrading from a normal digital camera (point and shoot) will love.  Digital camera users will also find that they won’t be too lost when using the Rebel XS as there is a function on the camera which lets you use it like an ordinary digital camera, this setting is called Live View.

When I first purchased this camera I thought the live view function was amazing, however I soon found that I started to use it less and less and eventually I was only using the small view finder at the top of the camera, this improved my photography skills as I was able to think more about the composition of the image and it also allowed me to get my exposure settings easier.

Point and shoot camera users will also find that the Rebel XS allows you to take photos so quickly that you will never have to miss a photo opportunity every again, which is often the case with a point and shoot camera.  Photos can be taken up to 4000ths of a second which is fast enough to stop a race car in its tracks and freeze the action.  The Rebel XS can stop a speeding car so rest assured taking special family pictures that you don’t want to miss out on will never be a problem again.

The Rebel XS Good Points

• Very Affordable Camera
• Amazing Image quality
• Very easy to use
• Can Shoot up to 3 frames a second
• Lightweight
• Durable

The Rebel XS Bad Points

The Kit Lens is ok for every day shooting, however if you are shooting in dark locations or where you can’t use a flash then it won’t be of use to you, instead you may want to get the Canon 50mm F1 .8 lens which will allow you to do just that.

Build materials aren’t the best, however all beginner DSLR’s are made from plastic, while the more expensive cameras are made from some type of metal, however this can make them very heavy especially if your new to photography.

The Verdict

Overall the Canon Rebel XS is a perfect starter camera for anyone looking to get into digital photography.  I used one for over a year and loved it.  I used it in lots of different situations including:

• Music Concerts
• Weddings
• Christenings
• Birthday Parties

The Rebel XS was up to the challenge every time.  I highly recommend this camera.

The Best Deals

From Scouring the Web I have found that you can pick up the Rebel XS for only $370 used or $499 brand new with the kit lens and free delivery.  You can check this deal out by visiting Amazon.com

Other Reviews

I spent several weeks reviewing the REBEL XS vs. it’s many 10 MP adversaries, I even checked it against the ultra zooms as I wanted the convenience of video as well, but too many good things stood out with this camera and so I decided upon it. I bought the rebel XS and after days of dirt testing this camera I’ve found it a beautiful experience.

Now I’m a professional videographer attached to a tv station in Trinidad & Tobago, my purpose for this camera was the need for a quick sharp still shot camera that would be impressive under low light and still capture impressive portrait shots to be used for my website and for large prints. I didn’t want to shell out over a $1000. US for a camera body.

What is tagged by Canon is true: The full auto mode is truly accurate and gives excellent shots always, it makes photography so easy for a beginner or intermediate.

Reviews Paraphrased for size, Read Full Review here >>