Canon EOS Rebel XT

Connectivity
Software (7.0)
Through PTP compatibility, the Rebel XT can readily connect to Windows XP or Mac OS X. Programs packaged with Canon’s Digital Solutions Package version 10.0 include EOS Capture 1.3, Digital Photo Professional 1.6, Zoom Browser EX, and PhotoStitch 3.1. Canon’s Digital Solutions package offers a range of functions that will satisfy most hobbyists and beginners. All necessary functions are available, including image transfer, editing (basic contrast and levels through white balance correction), RAW conversion, and direct alteration of camera settings through USB connectivity. Beginners and enthusiasts should find what they need within the Solutions package, although photographers who spend significant amounts of time editing their images may benefit from upgrading to a higher-end software application. The Solutions package is designed in line with the Rebel XT – it contains a lot of editing alternatives in a very basic interface. This will be a blessing for those who are not accustomed to heavy editing, although those used to multi-layer formats would benefit from an upgrade.  

Unfortunately, Canon exchanged Photoshop Elements for ArcSoft Photo Studio 5.5 (Windows) and 4.3 (Mac) on the XT. While there is no significant loss in options, again the interface wanes a bit – although neither are suitable substitutes for Photoshop. After all, if you’re serious enough to drop $1,000 on a camera, why skimp out on the software? Remember, this will be your darkroom!  

Jacks, ports, plugs (8.5)
To utilize the XT’s increased processing speed, Canon has integrated a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed port, capable of image transfers at nearly ten times the rate of the original Digital Rebel. Analogue transfers are made possible through a video out port and E3 wired remote control. Unfortunately, there is no PC Sync port included on the XT, so studio photographers may want to look to the EOS 20D, which does include one.  

Direct Print Options (8.0)
As with its predecessor, the Digital Rebel XT maintains printing ease through PictBridge compliance. To simplify and expedite the printing process, a Direct Print function is incorporated into the Rebel XT’s design.  

Battery (8.0) - The Rebel XT uses a smaller, more efficient NB-2LH battery (720 mAh capacity) and consumes 35 percent less power than the original Rebel. The energy savings in the XT can be traced to the DIGIC II Processor and reconfigured electronics. Less space consumed by the battery translates into a more compact frame without sacrificing image capacity per charge.

Memory (3.0)
The Canon Digital Rebel XT accepts CompactFlash type I and II media, as well as Microdrive cards.

Other Features (8.5)
Custom functions - While the original Rebel had no custom functions, the Rebel XT has 9 such functions (half of the EOS-20D's 18) and admittedly most are obscure. One important function included in the XT is a Mirror lock-up function. However, its accessibility would be greatly enhanced by including it as a menu option. Also tucked within the Rebel XT’s custom parameters is the useful “C. Fn-02” exposure Noise Reduction function.

Depth of Field Preview -To the left of the lens barrel on the front of XT is a depressible depth of field preview button that enables users to view the frame with the lens stopped down prior to recording the shot. This function will grant the photographer a glimpse of the potential planes of depth within the composition.  

Remote Control – For those recording long or bulb exposures, the Rebel XT can be remotely controlled by the RC-1/RC-5 wireless remote controller using the camera’s RS-60E3 Terminal.