eK-gadgets info

Canon took the wraps off their new Rebel XS digital SLR today. The XS, which replaces the Rebel XTi, is a stripped-down version of the Rebel XSi and will be Canon’s new entry-level D-SLR. The camera will officially be announced in the U.S. next month, so I’ll have pricing and availability at that time. For now, here are the specs:

Rebel XS
This camera is known as the EOS-1000D in some countries

• 10.1 effective Megapixel CMOS sensor
• Supports all Canon EF and EF-S lenses with a 1.6X focal length conversion ratio
• DIGIC III image processor
• Dust reduction system
• 2.5″ LCD display with live view; same contrast detect AF as the Rebel XSi
• Optical viewfinder shows 95% of the frame, has magnification of 0.81X
• Fewer focus points than the XSi; no spot metering, either.
• Full manual controls; shutter speed range of 30 - 1/4000 sec
• Can take an unlimited number of JPEGs at 3 frames/second, or up to six RAW photos at 1.5 fps
• Auto Lighting Optimizer improves contrast automatically
• Uses same LP-E5 lithium-ion battery as the Rebel XSi; 500 shots per charge
• Optional battery grip
• Comes in silver and black; will include the recently announced F3.5-5.6, 18 - 55 mm IS lens
• USA pricing and availability coming in July

Along with the Rebel XS comes a new external flash: the 430EX II. This midrange flash offers an improved mount (metal with a new locking system), better manual controls, and the ability to have its operations controlled by a DIGIC III equipped Canon camera.