Compared to...

Studio scene comparison (JPEG)

This is our standard studio scene comparison shot taken from exactly the same tripod position. Lighting: daylight simulation, >98% CRI. Crops are 100%. Ambient temperature was approximately 22°C (~72°F).

Canon EOS 1000D (Rebel XS) vs. Sony DSLR A200

The other really aggressvely-priced DSLR on the market at present in the Sony Alpha 200, which combines Konica Minolta camera know-how with Sony's undeniable marketing nous. It's this no-nonsense bargain that Canon will have to fight it out with if the 1000D is to continue the success of previous 'Rebel' models.

Camera settings:

• Canon 1000D: Canon 50 mm F1.4 lens, Aperture Priority, ISO 100
  JPEG Large/Fine, Manual WB, Default Parameters (Standard), Self-Timer
  
  
• Sony Alpha 200: Minolta 50 mm F1.4 lens, Aperture Priority, ISO 100
  JPEG Large/Fine, Manual WB, Default Parameters (Standard), Self-Timer
  

Canon EOS 1000D	Sony DSLR A200
3.1 MB JPEG (3888 x 2592 )	3.0 MB JPEG (3872 x 2592)

The differences between the 1000D and A200's images are much less pronounced than those between the Nikon and the Canon (despite the Nikon and the Sony using what is very probably the same sensor). Interestingly the 1000D looks sharper when it comes to the fine detail on the medals and the royal crest, whereas the A200 makes the paperclips look better defined (though some sharpening artefacts are beginning to appear). In these shots, at least, there's little to choose between the two.