Canon XSi is out for sale now and there are some reviews available, such as cnet review and camera lab review. It is generally agreed with that Canon XSi is a worth upgrade to Canon XTi with significant improvements. These include live view, better kit lens with optical image stabilization, spot meter etc.

In earlier posts, canon XSi was compared with Nikon D80, Canon 40D. The accessories of Canon XSi and the best lenses of Canon XSi were discussed.

Among the entry level Digital SLRs, the major competitor of Canon XSi is Sony A350 which also offers a live view. Comparing with Sony A350, Canon XSi deliveres better photo quality and slightly faster shooting speed (3.5 fps verse 2.35 fps). However, Sony A350 has a nicely built-in stabilization which works with any lens attached.

The live view of Canon XSi and Sony A350 are completely different:

Canon XSi uses the main sensor to deliver live views which can give you the 100% coverage, magnified manual focus and previews of depth of field. But Canon XSi’s auto focus is rather awkward: it either uses a contrast-detect focusing or flip the mirror down to focus and flip up to confirm.

On the other hand, Sony uses a second sensor in the viewfinder. You can switch the live view and view finder instantly so that the AF is much faster. But Sony A350 does not allow you to magnify the image while manual focusing.

As a result, if you like digital SLR with point and shoot feeling, Sony A350 is a better choice. If you prefer a digital SLR with super image quality, Canon XSi is the one to go.

If you read most of reviews, comparisons, all stopped at this point. However, for digital SLR, cameras are only part of the story. The lenses and availability of accessories are much more important than the Camera its self. Canon has a range of excellent lenses and accessories.  For professional or advanced amateur photographers, Canon and Nikon are the only two brands to choose from. That said, I do not need fancy lenses. OK let’s compare the kit lens coming with the camera.
According to photozone.de, Sony 18-70 kit lens is a decent lens but has some problems. There are significant chromatic aberrations at 18mm, 24mm, 40mm. The resolution is good mostly except at 24 mm. On the other hand, canon XSi kit lens has excellent resolution across the range and chromatic aberrations are well controlled as well. It has great value for the money!

Considering both cameras and kit lenses, I strongly recommend Canon XSi over Sony A350 if you prefer to a better digital SLR. However, if you like a point and shoot experience with a digital SLR, Sony A350 is for you.