Canon Rebel XS

The Canon Rebel XS is not an SLR camera for professionals or camera enthusiasts, but as a first camera it is a real bargain at under $350. The Rebel XS comes with a 10-megapixel, image-stabilized digital SLR kit with great low-light performance and excellent optical quality. The Rebel XS is lightweight, easy to learn, and easy to use, and includes a 2.5-inch LCD screen for easy image review, a 7-point AF sensor, and a very good quality 18-55mm zoom lens with optical image stabilization. The Auto Focus feature is quite fast, which is another plus for beginning SLR photographers, but the frame rate isn’t quite as fast as its sibling the Rebel XSi.

Auto Lighting and Live View features come standard however—two options not usually available on an entry level camera. The Rebel XS’s high ISO performance combines with a sharp, image-stabilized zoom lens for good indoor or outdoor use. The Canon Rebel XS is a good buy for a beginner: lots of features for not a lot of cash.