Canon EOS Rebel XSi vs Canon EOS 50D

This is a full comparison between the cameras Canon EOS Rebel XSi and Canon EOS 50D. We compare them by looking at the categories you see below.

Canon EOS Rebel XSi

Canon EOS 50D

Manufacturing

These cameras are both manufactured by Canon.

These two camera models were both released 2008.

Camera	Released
Canon EOS Rebel XSi	2008
Canon EOS 50D	2008

Type of camera

Both these cameras are DSLR cameras. No difference there.

Sensors / crop factor

Both these cameras have the same sorts of sensor (called "Canon APS-C") which means that if you compare these cameras side by side the lenses will also have the same experienced focal length. Neither of the cameras has a Full frame sensor which means that you will get a "crop factor" where the camera's sensor size affect the focal length with a multiplier.

Camera	Focal length, 50mm f/1.8 **
Canon EOS Rebel XSi	80 mm Canon APS-C sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.6
Canon EOS 50D	80 mm Canon APS-C sensor Crop factor/focal length multiplier by * 1.6

** Experienced focal length when using a lens such as a common "50mm f/1.8"

Learn more about crop factor and focal length multiplier here:
Camera selection can affect the focal length (Canon)

Resolution

Canon EOS Rebel XSi has a 12,2 MP (Megapixels) resolution while Canon EOS 50D has 15,1 MP. If we break down this in more detail this is the data behind the numbers:

Camera	Megapixels
Canon EOS Rebel XSi	12,2 MP 12166656 pixels 4272 x 2848
Canon EOS 50D	15,1 MP 15054336 pixels 4752 x 3168

Canon EOS 50D has a 24 % larger resolution than Canon EOS Rebel XSi. This could give you more details in the picture but also a possibility to crop more in the pictures, afterward while editing the pictures, if needed that is.

ISO range

Canon EOS 50D has a larger ISO-range than Canon EOS Rebel XSi. Canon EOS 50D has an ISO range that stretches from 100 to 12800 while Canon EOS Rebel XSi has 100 to 1600.

Camera	ISO Range
Canon EOS Rebel XSi	100-1600
Canon EOS 50D	100-12800

Autofocus and lens compatibility

Both of these cameras have a built-in autofocus motor. Some lenses, that support autofocus, do not have an autofocus motor of their own but this won't cause any problems with these two cameras.

Here is a complete overview of which lenses work with each camera:
Lens compatibility chart for Canon EOS Rebel XSi
Lens compatibility chart for Canon EOS 50D

Pictures per second

Depending on what you are shooting the FPS, or frames/pictures per second, can definitely be of interest. Canon EOS Rebel XSi can shoot up to 3,5 pictures per seconds and Canon EOS 50D can shoot up to 6,3 pictures per seconds.

Camera	FPS (Frames per second)
Canon EOS Rebel XSi	3,5
Canon EOS 50D	6,3

Ability to record movies

It is becoming more and more popular to record movies with digital cameras.

Though, neither Canon EOS Rebel XSi or Canon EOS 50D can shoot movies so if that is a functionality that you are really looking for you should look elsewhere.

Weight

The weight of the camera can be an extremely important factor, especially if the camera is about to be used, or carried around, for several hours at a time.

Canon EOS 50D weighs 822 gr (equal to 1.81 lb) which is 57% heavier than Canon EOS Rebel XSi and its 524 gr (or 1.16 lb).

Camera	Weight
Canon EOS Rebel XSi	524 gr 1.16 lb
Canon EOS 50D	822 gr 1.81 lb