• APS-C 328.6mm2
  • 12.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 1600
  • 35mm 860.4mm2
  • 16.2 megapixels
  • ISO 100 - 12,800

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Differences

Canon XSi advantages over Nikon Df

  • Fast startup
    ~0.40 vs 0.6 sec
    Faster startup lets you catch the moment
  • More telephoto lens reach
    88 mm vs 50 mm
    Capture objects farther away with the kit lens
  • Internal flash
    Internal flash vs None
    Useful in a pinch for fill flash
  • Less shutter lag
    0.16 vs 0.27 sec
    Focus and take a photo quickly (wide angle)
  • Wider angle kit lens
    29 mm vs 50 mm
    Capture more of the scene with the included lens

Nikon Df advantages over Canon XSi

  • Larger sensor
    35mm vs APS-C
    More sensor area. Bigger is (generally) better.
  • Bigger pixels
    ~ 7.31 vs 5.20 microns
    Better low-light and dynamic range (all else equal)
  • Better color depth
    24.6 vs 21.9 bits
    Capture richer, more accurate colors
  • Higher effective ISO
    3,279 vs 692 iso
    Take photos in low light with less noise
  • More dynamic range
    13.1 vs 10.8 evs
    Retain detail in highlight and shadows
  • Longer stills battery life
    More info 1400 vs 500 shots
    Capture more photos
  • Top deck display
    Yes vs No
    Check settings with a screen on top of the camera
  • More cross-type AF points
    9 vs 1
    Cross-type AF points improve autofocus performance
  • Pentaprism viewfinder
    Pentaprism vs Pentamirror
    Much better viewfinder picture fidelity
  • Newer
    11 years vs 17 years old
    Newer cameras often support more advanced features
  • HDMI out
    HDMI out vs None
    Use HDMI output to monitor or review video
  • More dots on screen
    922k vs 230k dots
    Can mean greater resolution or a brighter screen
  • More viewfinder magnification
    0.70x vs 0.54x
    Get a bigger view of the scene through the eye-level viewfinder
  • More pixels
    16.2 vs 12.2 megapixels
    Higher resolution photos
  • More AF points
    39 vs 9
    More AF points improve autofocus
  • Faster JPEG shooting
    5.4 fps vs 3.5 fps
    Faster JPEG shooting (burst mode)
  • Bigger JPEG buffer
    Unlimited vs 53 shots
    Take more JPEG shots before waiting (burst mode)
  • Higher extended ISO
    204800 vs 1600 ISO
    Higher extended ISO can give more low-light flexibility

Similarities

Common Strengths

  • Eye-level viewfinder
    Both provide
    You'll be able to frame photos even when the sun is out
  • Hot shoe
    Both provide
    Off-camera flashes open new possibilities
  • Bulb shutter
    Both provide
    Hold the shutter open manually for long exposures

Common Weaknesses

  • Focus peaking
    Neither provide
    Your camera will highlight what's in focus
  • Tilt-swivel screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt and swivel the screen for maximum shooting flexibility
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
    Neither provide
    Reduces the effects of camera shake at slower shutter speeds
  • Touchscreen
    Neither provide
    Interact with your camera just like your smartphone
  • In-camera panoramas
    Neither provide
    Stitches multiple shots into a panoramic photo
  • Tiltable Screen
    Neither provide
    Tilt the screen for shooting flexbility
  • Built-in Wi-Fi
    Neither provide
    Share your photos wirelessly
  • NFC
    Neither provide
    Simplifies pairing your camera with supported phones
  • Built-in Bluetooth
    Neither provide
    Always-on wireless connectivity
  • Built-in GPS
    Neither provide
    Geotag your photos
  • On-sensor phase detect
    Neither provide
    Usually improves live view and video AF performance
  • External Mic Jack
    Neither provide
    Improved sound fidelity when shooting video
  • Dual card slots
    Neither provide
    Gives you more storage flexibility
  • Headphone jack
    Neither provide
    Monitor audio recording while you shoot video
  • Slow-motion videos
    Neither provide
    Shoot slow-motion videos

User reviews

Buy From

Review Excerpt

  • Same sensor and processor as professional D4; Great image quality; Arguably the best available-light shooter in its class; Handsome, retro styling; Weather-sealed design; Big, clear full-frame viewfinder; Excellent battery life

  • Expensive; Bulky, yet handgrip is quite modest; Some controls are clumsy; Plastic body panels don't gel with retro aesthetic; Autofocus isn't in the same league as image quality; No AF assist lamp; No movie capture; No portrait grip; Single card slot

The Competition

Compared to Nikon D60

Canon XSi
Nikon D60
  • $649
  • APS-C
  • Higher effective ISO
  • Less shutter lag
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
Nikon Df
Nikon D60
  • $2773
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $700
  • APS-C
  • More telephoto lens reach
  • Internal flash

Compared to Pentax K2000

Canon XSi
Pentax K2000
  • $649
  • APS-C
  • More pixels
  • More AF points
  • $556
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Larger sensor
Nikon Df
Pentax K2000
  • $2773
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $556
  • APS-C
  • In-Camera Image Stabilization
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Canon T1i

Canon XSi
Canon T1i
  • $649
  • APS-C
  • Longer stills battery life
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • HDMI out
Nikon Df
Canon T1i
  • $2773
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
  • $900
  • APS-C
  • Fast startup
  • More telephoto lens reach

Compared to Canon 5D Mark III

Canon XSi
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $649
  • APS-C
  • Internal flash
  • Lighter weight
  • $2079
  • 35mm
  • Larger sensor
  • Bigger pixels
Nikon Df
Canon 5D Mark III
  • $2773
  • 35mm
  • Bigger pixels
  • Higher effective ISO
  • $2079
  • 35mm
  • Less expensive
  • External Mic Jack

Compared to Sony A99

Canon XSi
Sony A99
  • $649
  • APS-C
  • Less expensive
  • Lens selection
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Larger sensor
Nikon Df
Sony A99
  • $2773
  • 35mm
  • Lens selection
  • Bigger pixels
  • $1998
  • 35mm
  • Focus peaking
  • Tilt-swivel screen
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