Editorial Review:

Item Description:
Want high digital-camera performance in an SLR format? For convenience, ease of use and no-compromise SLR performance, look no further than the EOS Digital Rebel XT. Featuring Canon's Digital Trinity 8.0 Megapixel CMOS sensor, Canon's own DIGIC II Image Processor and compatibility with over 50 EF Lenses the new Digital Rebel XT has an all new lightweight and compact body, improved performance across the board and the easiest operation in its class, simplifying complex tasks and ensuring a perfect shot every time. With intuitive simplicity, powerful performance and unprecedented affordability, the Rebel XT is for everyone. 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 (1728 x 1152), (6) Small/Normal - Approx. 0.6 MB (1728 x 1152); RAW - Approx. 8.3 MB (3456 x 2304) USB 2.0 HighSpeed Interface (maximum speeds vary) 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 Focusing Modes - One-Shot AF, Predictive AI Servo AF, AI Focus AF (Automatically selects One-Shot AF or AI Servo AF selected according to shooting mode), Manual Focusing (MF) Auto pop-up, retractable, built-in electronic-flash in the pentaprism (shoe available for adding optional Canon Speedlite Electronic-Flash) 10-Second Self-timer PictBridge and Canon DirectPrint compatible 1.8 LCD Viewscreen - 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 Dimensions (W x H x

Amazon.com Item Description:
For an uncompromising mix of ease of use, affordability and outstanding features, look no further than the Canon Digital Rebel XT. Featuring an 8.0 Megapixel CMOS sensor, Canon's DIGIC II Image Processor, and compatibility with over 50 EF Lenses, this digital SLR offers outstanding performance for both the serious photographer and the weekend photographer who just wants to take great pictures.

All controls and displays are right where you need them.

The camera is compatible with over 50 EF lenses. View larger.

CompactFlash card slot.

Easy-to-navigate menus.

For starters, the Rebel XT delivers 3,456 x 2,304-pixel images for images of 13x19 inches and larger. The camera features variable ISO -- 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1,600 settings -- and supports all Canon EOS series lenses. An optical viewfinder provides detailed information such as diopter adjustment and depth-of-field preview, while the 1.8-inch TFT LCD view finder offers a wealth of additional information as well as several playback features, including thumbnail view and zooming to 10x magnification. Backlit with five level settings for brightness, the viewfinder is easy to read in dark environments.

While the Rebel XT is compatible with all Canon lenses in the EF lineup -- ranging from ultra-wide-angle to super-telephoto lenses --, the camera includes the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens. This 18-55mm is a standard zoom designed exclusively for the Digital Rebel and features optimized coating to minimize ghost images and flare.

If action photography is your specialty, the Rebel XT offers a continuous shooting mode that captures as many as 14 images as fast as three frames per second (with shutter speeds of 1/250 second or faster.) The camera offers a shutter speed range from 1/4,000 to 30 seconds, and a bulb x-sync at 1/200 seconds. Best of all, it features an ultra-fast 0.2 seconds startup time, a shutter release lag of 100 milliseconds, and viewfinder blackout time of 175 milliseconds -- all of which means that you'll always be on top of the action.

Despite its wealth of advanced features, the Rebel XT is also one of the easiest, and most user-friendly digital SLRs you'll find anywhere. Its compact design -- 4.98 x 3.71 x 2.63 inches (W x H x D) -- and weight (less than two pounds) means that the camera body will fit snugly in your hands. The EOS Digital Rebel XT has a newly developed high-precision seven-point autofocus (AF) system for speedy and 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 and a new precision matte screen, achieving sharp focus is fast and easy with the Rebel XT, no matter where or when you're taking pictures.

A number of additional automatic setting and shooting modes -- including Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night Portrait, and Flash Off -- allows you to concentrate on your subject and leave the camera to sort out the details. A redeye reduction via a built-in illuminator keeps your face shots on track, and USB 2.0 connectivity for both PC and Macintosh lets you upload your images with ease and without the need for additional software. The camera also supports direct printing with PictBridge compatible printers. In short, the Rebel XT is the ideal digital SLR choice for both the serious photographer who demands the ultimate in high-quality features, as well as the weekend picture taker who demands the ultimate in affordability and convenience.





Accessories:
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Accessories:

• Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Medium Telephoto Macro Lens for Canon SLR Cameras
• MADE Products CA-1133-BLK Camera Armor for the Canon XT Digital SLR (Black)
• PocketWizard MiniTT1 Radio Transmitter for Canon TTL Flashes and Digital SLR Cameras
• Pocket Wizard FlexTT5 Transceiver For Canon TTL Flashes and Digital SLR Cameras
• Induro Carbonflex 8x Tripod CX-114

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Related Items:
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Related Items:

• SanDisk 2GB ULTRA II CompactFlash Card (SDCFH-2048-901)
• Canon NB-2LH Rechargeable Battery Pack for Rebel XT/XTi Digital SLR Cameras and VIXIA HV Series and ZR Series Camcorders
• SanDisk SDCFH-004G-A11 4GB/15MB Ultra II CF Card ( US Retail Package )
• Canon EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens
• Canon Accessory Starter Kit for Digital Rebel XT and XTi (Includes 200DG Bag, NB-2LH Battery, & 58mm Haze Filter)
• see more

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Rating: - * I know that these are no longer on the open market, so my review is simply to explain why I think these are an excellent value on the used market. Bottom line is this - unless you are going to blow up your photos to poster sized, the 8MP XT is a great choice. The upgrades to later versions give you a larger display screen, sure, but the basic functionality doesn't change much for at least two generations. While I'd like to be able to preview the picture in the display (which you can't do on this model), the quality of photos as well as the excellent feature set (all laid out in other reviews) make this an excellent choice. Combined with the incredible array of excellent lenses, the compact size, excellent battery life and great feature set make the Rebel XT a great choice on the used market. Rating: - * the camera it's very good for the price, the lens it's mediocre but..again, for that price what do you want? I purchased this camera at Target, it was the last one on the shelf. I got a great price but then I realized why. as I purchased the cf card (in another place since they were out) I noticed the infamous "Err CF" message: the pins were bent. But not only..I decided (shame on me for not returning it) to ship the camera to Canon, I thought it would be fixed for free and then it would be ok. I received the camera back and for a while it's been working fine. Then it started giving that message again, every now and then, to the point that it was hard to take pictures. I shipped the camera back to Canon and they wanted to charge me for the repair. They said the pins were bent. THEY WEREN'T!! There is a problem with the firmware/hardware in the card reading/writing process. Some cameras have it some don't. I wouldn't reccomend this camera. Rating: - * I owned the 6.0 MP Canon EOS Rebel (300D), which was Canon's first digital SLR, for several years until an internal mirror latch broke and for just a little more than it would have cost to fix, I purchased (refurbished) the next model up - which is the 350D or EOS Rebel XT. The XT has been fantastic and a substantial upgrade. It's lighter (which really does matter when you have a heavy lens on) and faster in many respects than the 300D because of the DIGIC II image processor. The image sensor (8MP) is comparable to the 20D's which is 8.2 MP. The continues shooting speed is also a bit better at 3.0 fps. The control layout was redesigned with a new drive mode button, new metering mode and AF buttons. I'm still getting used to that but it should not take long. Overall, I can recognize and feel the model upgrade and I'm once again enjoying taking Canon high quality images with this camera. Rating: - * Up to this point in my ownership of the camera---two years---I have been quite happy with this camera as a camera to get into photography with. I have pulled quite a few shots I have been extremely impressed with. However, I was recently performing some lens sharpness testing, and in the middle of it, my mirror lock-up feature stopped working: it would not record an image at all while that custom function was enabled. I called Canon's technical support number, and the guy on their end was very friendly and we tried resetting the camera to its default settings and custom functions. When this failed to work, he gave me the address to return it for repairs, not really mentioning that because I was out of warranty that this wouldn't be a cheap expenditure. I'm sure he couldn't really speculate as to how much since he didn't know the problem, but a heads up of the possibility would have been nice. Instead, I got an email notification of the repairs estimate, and it was $210!!!!! Not too much shy of what a person might buy a used or rebuilt camera for on here. For $50, a person can get an extended warranty from Canon for an additional 4 years. I think that would be well worth it, since you know you will pay significantly more than that in repair costs if and when your camera goes south. Something to think seriously about, because it is an electronic item, and the standard warranty of a year doesn't get you very far. I would have to say that I think Canon's repair charges are a bit steep though given the total worth of such a camera. I can't say that I'll take my shopping to another brand's camera lineup though, because I do like Canon's products, but I was just disappointed this time that they couldn't get that function back up and running for considerably less. Rating: - * The Canon Rebel XT is a great entry level camera for the new Digital SLR photographer. If you're reading a review for a Rebel, I'm going to assume you're deciding on your first DSLR camera. Let me save you some trouble and stress by saying ALL the entry-level DSLRs, from Canon and Nikon, are fine choices and you really can't go wrong. The camera body is the cheapest part of the camera you're likely to purchase, and it's really the easiest to make a decision on: go to a store, pick up a Rebel, pick up a D80 (the Nikon more or less equivalent) and decide which feels RIGHT. Come back to Amazon and buy that camera. Keep in mind that you'll probably be a life-long Canon or Nikon SLR owner at that point, as the lenses you'll later buy for your camera are brand-specific. The same lens will work fine with Rebels and higher-end SLRs, but it'll never fit a Nikon D-anything. The kit lens is okay, and if you're new to Digital SLR's the kit lens makes a great first lens. There is a lot of noticeable distortion at the 18-20mm zoom range, and it feels like the cheapest part of the camera, but if you're buying your first Digital SLR it's no fun to have the UPS guy hand you a brand new camera that can't take pictures. It'll be a good lens for your first year, and you'll learn a lot with it. I love the XT's size and feel, the buttons and knobs are in good places, and the camera looks impressive and feels well built. It's an older model camera but it's priced very well, especially for new photographers. Battery life is really great, and I hardly ever need to swap batteries when out. I wish the display showed the ISO, as I'm notorious for not checking the ISO and shooting in broad daylight at 800 or 1600 ISO. Newer models display the ISO on the back of the camera. This model also lacks the self-cleaning system, which may or may not be helpful in getting dust out of your camera. The Canon neck strap sucks, so shop around for a better one at your local camera shop. Keep in mind, you'll also need to purchase a CF Card (I'd suggest 4 gigs or higher) a tripod, a camera bag and a better neck strap. Also consider a remote and the $90 Canon 50mm 1.8/f lens for low depth of field and low light shooting. Finally, you might want Understanding Exposure, a great book on explaining how light works with ISO, shutter speed and aperture. If I had to do it all over again I'd happily buy a Rebel XT. I'm looking forward to upgrading to a newer, fancier Rebel next year, but only because I like giving my money to Amazon. There's no reason I need to upgrade, and there's no reason not to buy a Rebel XT. I couldn't be happier.