Canon EOS Rebel XS Brings DSLR to Consumers

Canon's new EOS Rebel XS DSLR digital camera is designed to help consumers make the jump from point-and-shoot cameras to DSLR quality.

Canon has officially introduced its EOS Rebel XS DSLR digital camera, with a feature set and price tag designed to appeal to both photo enthusiasts but also to consumers who are outgrowing the world of point-and-shoot digital cameras and may be ready to move into the DSLR arena. And to help folks along, the camera offers a 10.1 megapixel resolution, optical image stabilization, and a live view LCD.

“As consumers have fully embraced digital photography, with many consumers purchasing their second or third digital camera models, we see the Rebel XS as the bridge to help photographers cross over from the world of point-and-shoot cameras to digital SLR technology,” said Canon’s senior VP of consumer imaging Yuichi Ishizuka, in a statement.

The EOS Rebel XS features a 10.1 megapixel resolution with Canon’s DIGIC III image processing, a 2.5-inch LCD with a live preview function that enables users to take pictures using the LCD display as a viewfinder, an integrated sensor cleaning system, SD and SDHC memory card storage, and a 7-point wide-area autofocus. The camera can also shoot continuously with a 3 fps JPEG burst rate. The Rebel XS offers ISO sensitivities down to 1,600 in “creative zone” modes, provides an retractable flash as well as compatibility with Speedlite flashes, and users can connect it directly to NTSC/PAL televisions or to PCs via USB.

The EOS Rebel XS should ship in August with an EF-S18-55mm ƒ3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens at a suggested retail price of $699.99. The cameras will be available with both black and silver bodies.