Canon Rebel XS (1000D) Review: Is This $50 DSLR Still Worth It?
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The quick verdict
The Canon Rebel XS is worth considering around the $50 body price discussed in my video if you want to learn still photography. You get a 10.1MP APS-C sensor, an optical viewfinder, direct controls, Live View, and access to Canon EF and EF-S lenses.
It records no video and will not fit in a pocket. A body listing also needs a lens, battery, charger, and compatible memory card before you can shoot. It suits someone who wants to learn exposure and use different lenses. A phone is easier for video and instant sharing.
Compare current used prices: Canon Rebel XS at MPB or Canon Rebel XS at KEH
Watch the budget DSLR video
What the Canon Rebel XS is
The Canon Rebel XS is an entry-level DSLR released in 2008. It is also known as the Canon EOS 1000D outside North America, so search both names when you compare used listings.
| Sensor | 10.1MP APS-C CMOS |
|---|---|
| Lens compatibility | Canon EF and EF-S lenses |
| Continuous shooting | About 3 frames per second |
| Rear screen | 2.5 inch fixed LCD without touch controls |
| Live View | Yes |
| Video recording | No |
| Body weight | About 450g before adding a lens |
See the manufacturer’s specifications for the exact camera features and compatibility details.
Those numbers are old by current standards, but they cover the basics you need to learn photography. The Rebel XS is a stills-only camera with an optical viewfinder, a built in flash, a hot shoe for an external flash, and enough physical controls to make changing settings feel deliberate.
Controls and Live View
A DSLR like this feels more substantial than a phone or tiny point and shoot. The larger grip feels better in the hand, and dedicated controls put settings such as ISO, shutter speed, and white balance within easy reach. You are making the decisions instead of letting a phone make nearly all of them for you.
That is the main reason I would consider the Rebel XS as a first camera. It encourages you to understand shutter speed, aperture, ISO, focus, and focal length. The camera becomes a learning tool, not just another automatic device.
The 2.5 inch rear screen does not tilt and is not touch sensitive, but Live View lets you compose on the display when you do not want to use the optical viewfinder. Live View was not guaranteed on every inexpensive DSLR from this era, so it makes the Rebel XS a little easier to approach.
Canon EF and EF-S lens options
The body may be cheap, but Canon's lens system is the bigger reason to buy it. The Rebel XS works with Canon EF and EF-S lenses, giving you choices across many focal lengths and price points. You can start with a simple kit zoom, add a fast prime for low light and background separation, or move to a longer lens later.
A point and shoot or phone gives you the lens it came with. An interchangeable-lens camera lets you choose the lens for the subject, and a compatible lens can potentially move to another supported Canon body when you upgrade.
For a first setup, I would look for a Rebel XS that already includes a compatible 18 to 55mm kit lens. It gives a beginner a more flexible starting range than a body alone. Always verify the exact lens and body compatibility before buying.
Limitations you need to know
The biggest limitation is simple: the Rebel XS cannot record video. If you want to vlog, make social content, or carry one device for photos and video, this camera is the wrong choice.
It is also slow for action. A burst rate of about three photos per second is not competitive for fast sports or subjects where you need a long sequence of frames. Its autofocus and overall responsiveness come from another era, so buy it for a slower, more deliberate kind of photography.
Portability is another tradeoff. The body weighs about 450g, and the lens adds more size and weight. It will feel better in the hand than a tiny camera, but it will not disappear into a pocket.
The real cost of a $50 camera
The body price is only the start. Add a compatible lens, then check whether the seller includes a working battery and charger. You may also need an SD card, card reader, and strap.
When I made the video, useful starter lenses could cost around $100 or more. Compare complete kits before chasing the cheapest body. A slightly higher price can be worthwhile if it includes the lens and accessories you need.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Cheap entry into Canon EF and EF-S lenses.
- Optical viewfinder, direct controls, and Live View.
- A useful camera for learning still photography.
Cons
- No video recording.
- A lens and missing accessories raise the total cost.
- Bulky body, slow bursts, and a fixed rear screen.
Where to buy a Canon Rebel XS
I check multiple used-camera retailers because inventory, condition, included accessories, and pricing change all the time. MPB photographs individual items, which helps you judge the exact body you are considering. KEH uses standardized condition grades and has been reliable in my experience. Compare both before buying.
Confirm that the listing is for the digital Rebel XS or EOS 1000D, not a similarly named Canon film camera. Read the condition details and check whether a battery, charger, body cap, and lens are included.
Final verdict
The Rebel XS is a useful cheap camera if you want to learn photography and try different lenses. Live View makes it a little more approachable than a DSLR that only lets you compose through the viewfinder.
Look for a tested digital Rebel XS or EOS 1000D with the accessories you need. Around $50 for the body can be a good starting point, as long as the full kit still fits your budget.