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50 out of 50 people found this review helpful
4.5 stars
"Near Perfect - A Digital Revelation"
Pros: Fantastic image quality; low noise at high ISO; fast; light and compact;
Cons: Nitpicks: smallish LCD; grip could use more rubber.
Summary: If, like me, you remember your old 35mm SLR fondly but have used prosumer 'digicams' for the last few years, waiting for the time when you could finally afford a first-rate D-SLR, the time has finally come. Firstly, this camera takes smooth as silk, incredibly detailed images. They look as good as expertly scanned 35mm film, better in many respects, and I've done a lot of scanning. I downloaded every sample image I could find before I bought this, yet I was still floored with the image quality of my first shots. If anything my expectations were exceeded.
Secondly, being able to shoot at ISO 400 with no noise, and 800 or 1600 with very little noise, cannot be undersold. I have taken shots at 1600, handheld in light that is uncomfortable to read by, that are perfectly acceptable blown up to 8x10 inches. I have found no need to shoot at ISO100, since I cannot really tell it from ISO400 and the extra shutter speed and/or smaller aperture can really come in handy. Wow. A whole different ball game from a digicam.
Third, this thing is so much more responsive than a digicam. Fast focus, always ready to shoot, no shutter lag, huge buffer. The on-board flash is just fine - and like I said, I will be doing a whole lot more available-light non-flash photography with this camera. If you need more flash, get a hot shoe flash unit.
Battery life is excellent. Even with some flash and liberal shot reviewing on the LCD, I can shoot all afternoon without half draining the battery.
I have read a number of reviews saying the body is too small. Rubbish. I felt the original Rebel was too large and lumpy, and all the other semi-pro d-SLR's have been neck-dragging tanks. I really value a compact camera for travel. They could go a bit smaller and it would be fine with me. Yes it is plastic but that keeps it light, and it's not going to break. Again, if you want a larger heavier pro body there is always the 20D, or there is the optional battery grip for the XT.
RAW shooting is incredible. I have been using the free Pixmantec RawShooter Essentials, and the results are great. No more white balance issues, fantastic ability to 'fill light', adjust exposure, balance sharpness and noice, etc. Yet the camera can save a JPEG at the same time. Perfect.
Those who say that 8MP is no great advance over 6MP are right only in that it is probably not worth upgrading just for the resolution. However, 8MP is indeed better. As a former Nikon guy I waited and waited for a Nikon SLR to compare with the Canons. The D50 is only 6MP and not as advanced as the Rebel XT (and still not for sale as of 6/8/05.) The D70 is too bulky for my taste and still only 6MP.
The kit 18-55 lens can deliver excellent images. If absolute corner sharpness is essential, you should shoot at f/8 or f/11, but in all other instances you can not worry about it. I almost went for the 17-85 IS but the kit lens is a bargain I couldn't pass up.
Rated 9 because nothing is perfect. I am of the opinion that all digital cameras need larger LCDs, like 3". The hangrip could use softer rubber, would go a long way towards relieving the somewhat plastic feel. I am sure Canon and the others will improve upon the digital SLR in another year. Gilding the lilly. All in all - stunning.
Where to buy
EOS Digital Rebel XT SLR Camera with 18-55 mm Lens - Silver:
$465.00 - $899.95
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Amazon.com Marketplace
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$899.95 | Yes |
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$465.00 | Yes |
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