Canon Rebel XT

General Impressions;

My FIRST recommendation to anyone thinking of purchasing this camera would be to download the owners manual from Canon, it's available via the Canon Website in .pdf format.

Several hours of your time spent reviewing the actual manual should provide confidence that this camera can be used effectively by any level of photographer.

If you're a novice, disregard the "Manual" sections of the manual and concentrate your attention on the "Automatic" sections. This camera is literally so easy to use a child can take an excellent photograph. I let my 9 year old daughter (with me giving her 2 minutes of advice and observing her carefully to protect the camera as she used it) take 25 photographs in the "Full Auto" mode, using only the pop-up flash unit. Out of 25 photos, I would rate 2 excellent on composition and the other 23 very poor (as expected), but the QUALITY of the images was outstanding. Every image was crisp and vibrant. My daughter is a TOTAL novice, other than using a few of the "disposable" pre-loaded cameras at a birthday party, these are the first 25 photos she's ever attempted. The 2 of excellent composition (of her little sister who's 2, and was in full "go" mode moving around) I sent to my father (who hardly passes out compliments on my photographic skills at a whim)with his response being "great photos".

I've personally shot 300 frames with the camera in "Full Auto" mode, using no flash (even when one was needed), the pop-up flash unit and the 420 EX (approximately 100 frames each way)and have even tried to "fool" the camera by taking portrait type shots in "Sports" mode and etc. The camera is very intuitive and will save most users from common mistakes associated with trying to take Photographs as opposed to Snap Shots. The only limitation on the quality of the images you can expect mostly relates to your skills in composing the photographs.

This camera can be used as a point and shoot camera or can be fine tuned to allow more creative/experienced photographers to push their limits. This is NOT a professional quality Digital SLR (or if it is, I can't imagine a pro using a digital camera, for high end photography this camera has SERIOUS limitations). Having said that, I would recommend this camera to anyone that is comfortable spending the money on it. This is not an inexpensive commitment. Initial outlay for a "basic" set-up will run you between 1200 and 1400 dollars, and additional lenses, filters, accessories will add 500 or more dollars (with your budget being the only limit on the "or more" amount).

I've read reviews where users mention several "negative" issues with the camera. First, some reviewers mention that the battery cover "rattles". I can't speak to their experiences, but there is no "rattle" on my camera body at all, none. Very solid. Second, I've read complaints that the size is too small. I'm not a small man, and I have fairly large hands. I think the camera IS compact, but not uncomfortable to use. As a matter of fact, the smaller size keeps me mindfull of the fact that it's a precision instrument and that it takes a delicate touch on the shutter and a light "approach" to taking a great photo. Finally, I've noticed that some people think the camera has a "cheap" feel to it. I can only assume that they're used to camera bodies made of metal. This body is plastic and rubber, but again mine feels very solid in my hands, not "cheap" at all, unless I heft my AE-1 right after the fact. But that's comparing apples to oranges.

Photo Quality:

In the Large Fine Format, this camera will give you everything you expect in terms of image quality.

Ease of Use:

If my 9 year old can take pictures with it, anyone can.

Value:

Relative to the cost of other Digital SLR's (and having reviewed their owners manuals as well) I'd rate this as a very good value.

5 Star Items:

Autofocus - Very Fast, haven't "stumped" it yet.
Menu - Easy to understand/use
Battery Life - Excellent
Image Quality - Excellent
Canon Engineering - Excellent, I'm biased probably, never had a problem with a Canon Film SLR, don't expect any with a Canon Digital.
Speed - Excellent, this camera is FAST. Ready to go.
Ergonomics - Very Very Good, but not perfect.

4 Star Items:
Viewfinder - It's very good, the placement of the screen leaves a LOT to be desired, but not enough to downgrade the camera overall.
CF Slot - Not overly easy to get the card in, but not HARD.
Pop-up Flash Unit - Good for what it is, but nothing you want to rely on if you're planning on taking good photographs in every situation.
Included Software - Very good, nothing earthshaking.
Battery Charging - Very good, under 90 minutes to take a drained battery back to full charge.
Changing Lenses - Very good, about what you'd expect.
Owners Manual - Informative, but could have been better organized.

3 Star Items:
Neck Strap - Poor, not comfortable. Plan on buying a replacment.
Included Lens - Average. Meets the "general" purpose shooting requirements for most situations, about what you would expect from a $100.00 lens. Plan on upgrading the lens, but I still recommend buying the full "kit" with Lens, instead of body only.

Overall, I gave the camera a 4 star rating, because nothing is perfect, but personally I'm very pleased with my purchase and would recommend this camera to anyone that isn't attempting TRUE professional quality photography.

Recommended purchases;

2nd Battery, 2nd CF Card (recommend Type II), Additional Lenses, Camera Bag, Remote Control, Filters, Flash Unit (420 EX, is cost effective and gives good results, EH-18L Body Case and Tripod.

Potential worthy purchases;

Battery Grip (BG-E3)
AC Adapter Kit (ACK 700)

Also, I bought my items directly from Amazon.com, got a good price and everything was delivered on time and in good condition. Just to echo some other reviews, if they price is "too good" be wary, as always you get what you pay for.

Description
Discontinued You may still be able to find the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT at Amazon or B&H Photo Video from $375 - For convenience, ease of use and no-compromise SLR performance, look no further than the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT Digital Camera. Featuring Canon's Digital Trinity - an 8.0 Megapixel CMOS sensor, Canon's own DIGIC II Image Processor and compatibility with over 50 EF Lenses - the Digital Rebel XT has a lightweight and compact body, improved performance across the board and the easiest operation in its class, simplifying complex tasks and ensuring the perfect shot every time. With intuitive simplicity, powerful performance and unprecedented affordability, the Digital Rebel XT is the EOS digital SLR camera for everyone.

The EOS Digital Rebel XT features Canon's 8.0 Megapixel CMOS (Complementary Metal Oxide Semiconductor) sensor, which captures images of exceptional clarity & tonal range & offers the most pixels in its class.

This APS-C size sensor (22.2 x 14.8mm) has the same 3:2 ratio as film cameras, creating an effective angle of view that is 1.6x the normal EF Lens focal length.

Featuring an on-chip Noise Reduction Circuit with an expanded ISO range, the Digital Rebel XT's sensor offers professional sophistication in a consumer package.

Digic II Image Processor: The EOS Digital Rebel XT's sensor is driven by the DIGIC II Image Processor, which has been enhanced across the board with improvements in speed and image quality.

Information captured by the sensor is processed & assembled into images of exceptional clarity & resolution. Consuming very little energy, DIGIC II works with the sensor to ensure natural colors, accurate white balance & speedy write times, letting you focus on taking pictures.

Smallest & lightest EOS Digital SLR to date (as of February 2005) Much smaller than its predecessor, the Digital Rebel XT measures 4.98" across, 3.71" tall & only 2.63" deep, so it fits perfectly in your hand. Plus the Digital Rebel XT weights less than two pounds, too!

Fast 3 frames-per-second shooting with a 14 frame burst & 0.2 second startup time The EOS Digital Rebel XT was designed from the ground up to be faster & more intuitive than the Digital Rebel. From the ultra-fast 0.2sec. startup time, shutter release lag of 100msec. & viewfinder blackout time of 175 msec., the Digital Rebel XT will never keep you waiting. A new high speed shutter shoots atspeeds of up to 1/4000 sec. for up to 14 shots & synchronizes with your flash at 1/200 sec.

High-speed, Wide-area 7-point AF with superimposed focusing points The EOS Digital Rebel XT has a newly developed high-precision 7-point AF system for speedy & accurate focusing in any situation.

You can easily choose your own point of focus or direct the camera to choose it automatically.

You can even use predictive AF to ensure that moving subjects stay focused while you compose your shot. With a built-in dioptric adjustment mechanism & a new precision matte screen, achieving sharp focus is fast & easy with the Digital Rebel XT, no matter where or when you're taking pictures.

User-selectable metering patterns, AF modes, custom functions & flash exposure compensation The Digital Rebel XT offers some of the easiest operation available in a digital camera today.

But when you're ready, it offers a number of advanced setting options previously found only on higher-end models. Metering Patterns With the Digital Rebel XT, you have a choice of whether to use 35-zone AF point evaluative metering, partial metering at the center of the image or centerweighted averaged metering, similar to a meter in a traditional 35mm camera.

Features

The EOS Digital Rebel XT camera takes its place alongside the original 6.3-megapixel EOS Digital Rebel camera that first placed an affordable, high-resolution digital SLR into the hands of Canon consumers. The EOS Digital Rebel XT model is offered in two kit configurations: with Canon's high-quality EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-f5.6 zoom lens (in matte black and in brushed silver) and as a body only (in matte black and in brushed silver).

The Rebel XT's image sensor has the same 3:2 ratio as film cameras, creating an effective angle of view that is 1.6 times the normal EF lens's focal length. While many of the feature advancements and innovations on the EOS Digital Rebel XT digital camera are inherited from Canon's EOS 20D "prosumer" SLR, the two cameras' most striking technological similarities are their use of Canon's newly developed large-single-plate, high-sensitivity, high-resolution color CMOS imaging sensor technology. While the size of the APS-C CMOS sensor on the EOS Digital Rebel XT SLR is fractionally smaller than the APS-C CMOS sensor on the EOS 20D camera (22.2 x 14.8 millimeters versus 22.5 x 15.0 millimeters, respectively) accounting in part for the cameras' 8.0- vs. 8.2-megapixel resolution rating, individual pixel dimensions are identical, and they both provide the same effective angle of view, equivalent to 1.6x the normal EF lens focal length.

There are, of course, some very real differences between the EOS Digital Rebel XT digital camera and the more advanced EOS 20D. While the 20D SLR includes performance features such as faster continuous shooting speed (5 frames per second [fps] vs. 3 fps) with larger burst capability (23 frames vs. 14 frames) and custom function settings (18 vs. 9) that more than justify its heftier price tag, this Rebel XT model was created for those dedicated SLR users who are migrating to digital for the first time and don't wish to give up the flexibility an SLR system offers.

Choose a single point of focus or predictive autofocus, or direct the camera to make the determination using its 7-point AF system.

Autofocus Made Easy
Utilizing the same 7-point autofocus system as the EOS Digital Rebel camera, the EOS Digital Rebel XT SLR is capable of analyzing where a subject is--even when it is off center--and almost immediately bringing it into focus. It can also analyze subject movement and automatically select locking or tracking AF modes as needed. These features simplify the camera's operation and optimize its performance. The Digital Rebel XT allows users to select locking or tacking AF modes independently, adding a new dimension of creative control.

Finer Photos Faster
The EOS Digital Rebel XT digital camera can shoot up to 14 consecutive large/fine (8.0-megapixel) JPEGs, five RAW files, or four RAW + large/fine JPEGs at a rate of up to 3 fps. The EOS Digital Rebel camera's smaller buffer permits bursts of only four large/fine (6.3-megapixel) JPEG or RAW frames at a rate of up to 2.5 fps.

While reprising the Digital Rebel SLR's ISO range of 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1600, Canon raised the Auto ISO setting on the Digital Rebel XT model to 400 help improve image quality, reduce camera shake, and brighten the scene behind the subject when taking a flash photo. The new Digital Rebel XT camera also offers 12 exposure modes that are user selectable at the turn of a conveniently placed dial. The exposure modes--Full Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night Portrait, Flash Off, Program AE, Shutter Speed-Priority AE, Aperture-Priority AE, Manual, and Auto Depth-of-Field AE--take into account virtually all shooting conditions and preferences.

In addition to its lossless compression 8.0-megapixel RAW image file option, the Rebel XT Digital SLR offers users the option of shooting in a range of sizes and quality JPEG settings from large (8.0-megapixel) and medium (4.15-megapixel) to small (2.0-megapixel). Within each resolution option, the user may also select quality settings: large/fine, large/normal, medium/fine, medium/normal, small/fine, and small/normal.

RAW Power
What's more, while the original Digital Rebel camera required dedicated software to extract embedded medium/fine resolution JPEGs from the larger, uncompressed RAW image file, the new Rebel XT model saves RAW and large/fine resolution images as separate files on the CompactFlash card. The user also has the option of selecting RAW (8.0-megapixel) files only, saving valuable space on the CF card. As with the EOS 20D, the Digital Rebel XT camera's RAW files are denoted by the CR2 extension.

Creative Control
Among the features found on the EOS Digital Rebel XT camera are user-selectable metering and AF modes, flash exposure compensation control, improved E-TTL II evaluative flash metering, and, for the first time in this product category, custom function control. The Digital Rebel XT SLR even offers a monochrome mode for consumers who enjoy the subtleties and shadings that only black-and-white images offer.

The Rebel XT camera incorporates nine of the Custom Functions previously found on the EOS 20D model. Designed to fine-tune camera operation according to personal preferences, the custom functions offer users a set of programming options for the SET button/cross keys, as well as control over long exposure noise reduction, flash sync speed in AV mode, AF start from the shutter button or AE lock button, AF assist beam, mirror lockup, E-TTL II metering patterns, and shutter curtain sync.

All This and DIGIC II
Canon's most powerful SLR imaging engine, DIGIC II, provides high precision and high speed, natural color reproduction including high saturation, bright subjects, improved auto white balance, and increased white balance correction control and white balance bracketing over the original Digital Rebel camera.

The white balance correction control is a digital color filter that works like a light-balancing filter or a color-compensating filter. Both the blue/amber bias and the magenta/green bias can be adjusted to +/- 9 levels. While the blue/amber bias adjustment is standard on the original Digital Rebel model, the Rebel XT camera's additional magenta/green bias adjustment provides increased color compensation from the earlier model.

The XT's DIGIC II image processor ensures natural colors, accurate white balance, and speedy write times. The Rebel XT SLR's white balance bracketing mode enables the camera to automatically take three images for every shot snapped, each with a different bias setting. The user can then select the best shot and discard the other two. White balance bracketing can also be used in combination with white balance correction. The benefit of all this white balance wizardry can be found in the photographs with colors captured accurately and precisely under a wide range of conditions.

In addition to the legion of image-quality improvements, DIGIC II speeds up the camera's performance from startup, which is 10 times faster on the EOS Digital Rebel XT model (0.2 seconds) than it is on the EOS Digital Rebel with the original iteration of DIGIC (2 seconds).

Another feature improved by the presence of DIGIC II is the speed of the direct printing function, which is PictBridge compatible. DIGIC II also produces faster startup times, faster CompactFlash card writing speed, and approximately 10x faster data transfer speeds thanks to the processor's new USB 2.0 high-speed interface. As an added bonus, the DIGIC II chip is so efficient, it actually reduces the EOS Digital Rebel XT camera's power consumption (and extends battery life) by approximately 35 percent. Indeed, this Rebel XT camera is so energy efficient, it is powered by the same lighter-weight NB-2LH battery pack used by the PowerShot S60 (as opposed to the larger BP-511A battery pack used by the original Digital Rebel model).

Select 35-zone AF point evaluative metering, partial metering at the center of the image, or center-weighted averaged metering.
E-TTL II: Exposure Control in a Flash
The Rebel XT camera also features the next step in the evolution of evaluative, through-the-lens exposure control, E-TTL II. Though compatible with all Canon EX-series Speedlites, this smarter new E-TTL II system helps ensure that, even in situations with highly reflective subjects or backgrounds or when shooting in most other similarly difficult lighting situations, the image will be optimally exposed.

The E-TTL II system compares the ambient light with the reflected pre-flash off the subject reported in all 35 metering zones and selects the areas with a small difference to be weighted for flash exposure calculation. This system also helps eliminate or underweight areas with large differences, recognizing them as an extremely reflective object in the background or a highly reflective subject.

Bundled Software
Both the Rebel XT Camera and lens kit and the body-only kit are shipped with three software discs, including EOS Digital Solutions Disc 10 featuring ZoomBrowser EX, ImageBrowser, and ArcSoft PhotoStudio together with other utilities; another disc containing Digital Photo Professional 1.6 for RAW file conversions; and a third disc containing PDF versions of the instruction manuals for each application.

Specifications

Type	Digital AF/AE SLR
Recording Medium	CF card Type I and II
Image Format	0.87 x 0.58 in./22.2 x 14.8mm
Compatible Lenses	Canon EF Lenses including EF-S Lenses (Focal length conversion factor: Equivalent to approx. 1.6x indicated focal length compared to 35mm format)
Lens Mount	Canon EF mount
Image Sensor Type	High-sensitivity, high-resolution, single-plate color CMOS sensor
Pixels/Total Pixels	Approx. 8.0 Megapixels/Approx. 8.2 Megapixels
Aspect Ratio	2:3 (Vertical: Horizontal)
Color Filter System	RGB primary color filter
Low-pass Filter	Fixed position in front of the image sensor
Recording Format	Design rule for Camera File System (JPEG) and RAW. Exif 2.21 compliant
Image Format	JPEG and RAW (CR2)
File Size	JPEG: (1) Large/Fine: Approx. 3.3 MB (3456 x 2304), (2) Large/Normal: Approx. 1.7 MB (3456 x 2304), (3) Medium/Fine: Approx. 2.0 MB (2496 x 1664), (4) Medium/Normal Approx. 1.0 MB (2496 x 1664), (5) Small/Fine: Approx. 1.2 MB (1728x 1152), (6) Small/Normal: Approx. 0.6 MB (1728 x 1152); RAW: Approx. 8.3 MB (3456 x 2304)
Folders	Automatic setting
File Numbering	(1) Continuous numbering, (2) Auto reset
Image-processing Parameters	Standard parameters plus up to three custom processing parameter sets and monochrome can be set
Interface	USB 2.0 Hi-Speed
White Balance Settings	Auto, Preset (Daylight, Shade, Cloudy/Twilight/Sunset, Tungsten light, White fluorescent light, Flash), Manual (Custom: read off photo quality gray card or white subject)
Viewfinder Type	Eye-level SLR (with fixed pentamirror)
Coverage	Approx. 95% vertically and horizontally (against JPEG Large)
Magnification	0.8x (-1 diopter with 50mm lens at infinity)
Eyepoint	21mm
Dioptric Adjustment Correction	-3.0 - +1.0 diopters
Focusing Screen	Fixed
Mirror	Quick-return half mirror (Transmittance: reflection ratio of 40:60, no mirror cut-off with lenses up to EF 600mm f/4)
Viewfinder Information	AF points, AE lock, FE lock, AEB in progress, Flash ready, Improper FE lock warning, High-speed Sync, Flash exposure compensation, Red-Eye reduction, Shutter speed, Bulb, FE lock, Processing data, Built-in flash recycling, Aperture, Exposure level display (Exposure compensation, Manual exposure level, AEB level, Flash exposure compensation, Red-Eye Reduction lamp on time display),Max burst during continuous shooting, AF/MF focus confirmation, CF card full, CFcard error, no CF card
Depth-of-Field Preview	Enabled with depth-of-field preview button
Eyepiece Shutter	None (provided on strap)
Autofocus Type	TTL-CT-SIR with AF-dedicated CMOS sensor
AF Points	7
AF Working Range	EV 0.5 - 18 (at ISO 100)
Focusing Modes	One-Shot AF, Predictive AI Servo AF, AI Focus AF (Automatically selects One-ShotAF or AI Servo AF selected according to shooting mode), Manual Focusing (MF)
AF Point Selection	Automatic selection, manual selection
Selected AF Point Display	Superimposed in viewfinder and indicated on LCD panel
AF-assist Beam	Intermittent firing of built-in flash, effective range: approx. 13.1 ft./4m at center, approx. 11.5 ft./3.5m at periphery
Exposure Control: Metering Modes	Max. aperture TTL metering with 35-zone SPC. (1) Evaluative metering, (2) Partial metering at center (approx. 9% of viewfinder), (3) Center-weighted average metering
Metering Range	EV 1-20 (at 68° F/20° C with 50mm f/1.4 lens at ISO 100)
Exposure Control Systems	Program AE (shiftable), Shutter-priority AE, Aperture-priority AE, Automatic Depth-of Field AE, Full Auto, Programmed Image Control modes (Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night Portrait, Flash Off), E-TTL II Autoflash Program AE, and Manual
ISO Speed Range	Equivalent to ISO 100-1600
Exposure Compensation	Up to +/-2 stops in 1/2- or 1/3-stop increments (1) Manual exposure compensation(2) AEB (Auto Exposure Bracketing)
AE Lock	Auto: Operates in One-Shot AF mode evaluative metering when focus is achieved; Manual: Enabled with AE lock button (No AE lock in Basic Zone modes)
Shutter Type	Vertical-travel, mechanical, focal-plane shutter with all speeds electronically-controlled
Shutter Speeds	1/4000 to 30 sec. in 1/2- or 1/3-stop increments, bulb, X-Sync at 1/200 sec.
Shutter Release	Soft-touch electromagnetic release
Noise Reduction for Long Exposure	Set with C. Fn-02
Self-timer	10-sec. delay
Remote Control	Remote control with RS-60E3 Terminal or Wireless remote controllers RC-1/RC-5
Built-in Flash/Type	Auto pop-up, retractable, built-in flash in the pentaprism
Guide Number	13 (at ISO 100 in meters)
Recycling Time	Approx. 3 sec.
Flash-ready Indicator	Flash-ready indicator lights on in viewfinder
Flash Coverage	Up to 17mm focal length (equivalent to 27mm in 35mm format)
EOS External Flash/Dedicated Speedlights	E-TTL II autoflash
Drive Modes	(1) Single, (2) Continuous, (3) Self-timer/Remote Control
Continuous Shooting Speed	Approx. 3.0 fps (with Battery Pack NB-2LH, at Tv=1/250 sec. for all recording qualities)
Max. Burst During Continuous Shooting	14 shots (Large/Fine)
LCD Monitor Type	TFT color LCD monitor
Screen Monitor size	1.8 inches
Pixels	Approx. 115,000 pixels (Displayed pixels)
Coverage	Approx. 100% (for JPEG images)
Brightness Control	5 levels (settable with menu's "LCD brightness")
Playback Image Display Format	(1) Single image, (2) 9-image Index, (3) Magnified Zoom, (4) Auto Play, (5) Auto Play right after shooting
Highlight Alert	In the single image with information display mode, the highlighted portions containing no image information with blink
Protection	A single image can be protected or unprotected
Erase	A single image or all images stored in a CompactFlash card can be erased if theyare unprotected
Menu Categories	(1) Shooting 1 [6 items], (2) Shooting 2 [7 items], (3) Playback [5 items], (4) Setup 1 [7 items], (5) Setup 2 [7 items]
LCD Monitor Language	Any of the following 15 languages can be selected: English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Italian, Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Simplified/Traditional Chinese, Korean, Russian, and Japanese
Firmware Update	Enabled by the user
Battery Power	Battery Pack NB-2LH (x1)
Dimensions (W x H x D)	4.98" x 3.71" x 2.63" /126.5 x 94.2 x 64mm
Weight	17.1 oz./485g
Operating Temperature Range	32-104° F/0-40° C
Operating Humidity Range	85% or less

Item Includes EOS Digital Rebel XT Chrome Body - Battery Charger CB-2LT - Battery Pack NB-2LH - Interface Cable IFC-400PCU - EOS Digital Solution Disk, Digital Photo Proifessional v1.6 - Instruction Manuals - Video Cable VC-100 - Wide Strap EW-100DB II - Eyecup EF

Accessories

Memory Cards & Card Readers Batteries & Power Bags & Cases Flash & Flash Accessories Lenses

Remote Control & Cords Tripod & Support Books & Tutorials Sensor Cleaning LCD Screen Protector

Viewfinder Accessories Filters Teleconverters Software Canon Field Guides

Reviews