Product Description

The XSi Starter Kit will make using your camera more pleasurable and productive. The kit includes the Canon 200-DG Digital Gadget Bag, an LP-E5 Battery Pack, and a 58mm UV Haze Protection Filter. The Gadget Bag can hold all of your camera accessories and up to 3 additional lenses; the additional LP-E5 Battery Pack provides more shooting power so you can take pictures longer; and the UV Haze Protection Filter fits most Canon Lenses and protects the front element of the lens from dirt and scratches while also correcting for Ultraviolet (UV) light which can produce a bluish cast in your images and obscure distant details.

Product Details

• Brand: Canon
• Model: 9320A010
• Dimensions: 3.35 pounds

Features

• designed for Canon EOS Rebel XSi and XS digital SLR cameras
• warranty: 30 days

Customer Reviews

Good deal, good case, good battery, so-so filter.
This kit is a good deal simply because the battery on its own is priced so outrageously. You can get the battery for $50-60, or you can get this kit for $80-100 (price fluctuates). Given that 3rd party battery options are limited (as of this writing...I'm sure it will change), you're getting a good deal here.

The case is solid. Build quality is great, and it's got plenty of room for the camera, at least 4 extra lenses (or 3 + a flash), accessories, and even a P&S in the side pocket if you want. The tripod straps along the front are very useful too. I actually like this case better than the very similar one I saw from Canon at Best Buy separately (Canon 200DG Digital Camera Gadget Bag (Black)). That one didn't have a zipper around the top -- just velcro to keep the flaps tight against the bag. This one doesn't have velcro, so it's quieter opening it, and it has a zipper for better rain protection. When it's not raining, you can just use the clip if you find that easier. I have not seen this exact bag sold separately -- the 200DG I linked to above is close, but as I described, a little different.

The battery is what it is -- a genuine Canon battery. I don't have a problem with 3rd party batteries -- I've used ones from Lenmar on other cameras with no problem, but they don't have one for this camera yet. Power 2000 has one, but it's not all that much cheaper and I don't know if their quality is as good from reviews on their other batteries. So, for now, I wanted the genuine Canon battery.

The filter is so-so. I thought at first that people were being filter snobs when they said you should spend a lot on a filter, but I did my own tests. The issue is that cheaper filters without good multi-layer coatings (like this one) will increase flare when there's a light source pointing in or near the lens (like a picture taken towards the sun, either in frame or out of frame). I used a flashlight to simulate this (both in frame and out of frame), and felt that indeed, the filter added unpleasant flare to the picture. I haven't picked one up yet, but apparently the Hoya HMC or (better yet) SMC filters are much better. They can be found for around $20 for the HMC or $32 for the SMC. If you want to protect your lens with a filter, I'd probably go that route.

But, even throwing out the filter, you're getting a battery that currently goes for $50-65 and a case that stacks up well against bags from Lowepro with similar capacities for $65 (such as Lowepro Rezo 190 AW Camera Bag). If good 3rd party batteries come around at attractive prices, the equation may change. But for now, this is a good deal.

Another + for Canon XSI Owners Great Bag
So I have the XSI and now the next step to protect the baby is to get a good bag. Requirements
1) That it is Tough (able to take the weather, bumps and scratches)
2) Big (but the right size to hold some extra gear and not overwhelm the bag)
3) OEM is always nice
4) Affordable
5) Comparable to other top notch bags in terms of design and function.

The bag is just darn nice. XSI sits in the middle protected with lens on, extra lens and battery are there, even got the wife's point and shoot Canon along for the ride. There is room for the flash later and bonus tripod straps for serious work. Heck for this price and a free battery! One word... DEAL! Thanks

Great deal...holds all my equipment plus room for more
I bought this bag to store, carry, and protect my Rebel XSi. The extra battery and filter were just icing on the cake, since the bag was really what I was after. I love that the sections are all removable and you can customize how you want the dividers set up. I have my camera body, two lenses, all the instruction manuals, lens pen, extra battery and chargers, usb cables, usb card reader, photo tips book, and all my extra memory cards in it. There is still room for my P&S and two more lenses or one lens and a flash. The bag is perfect and will grow with me as I add more accessories next Christmas! I also like the fact that there are tripod straps on the front for when I get a tripod, and the bag zips so nothing will accidently fall out. Padding seems adequate and I know my precious camera is safe. It took several weeks to arrive since it was out of stock, but it was totally worth the wait!