Canon EOS Rebel XT

Manual Control Options
Manual control was certainly a major point of emphasis for Canon when modifying the original Digital Rebel. XT users can manually adjust the metering pattern, AF mode, white balance, ISO rating, flash setting, aperture and shutter speed controls, and exposure compensation. Additionally, some modes go above and beyond expectation, with fine tuning of white balance and four image parameters available that will allow users to apply subtle alterations to sharpness, contrast, saturation, and color tone. Canon even went so far as to apply nine custom options to the XT’s interface for photographers who often use the same settings and wish to personalize the camera to their individual shooting style. This feature has been appropriated from the EOS-20D and professional EOS digital models to suit more engaged photographers and appeal to the “prosumer” audience; it was not available on the original digital Rebel.

Focus
Auto (7.0)
The Canon EOS Rebel XT comes equipped with a quick and reliable auto focus system, even when subjects are moving across the frame or towards the lens. The auto focus system includes 7 points, all of which are indicated with red lights within the viewfinder and will flash when proper focus has been achieved. The point selection can be made automatically or manually on the Rebel XT, a significant improvement from the original Rebel. The first digital Rebel contained a painfully long shutter lag because the auto focus system had to determine whether the subject was moving and where it was going. The improved system used in the Rebel XT is much more efficient and will not stand in the photographer’s way. The XT’s automatic focusing method includes three modes: One-Shot AF, Predictive AI Servo AF, and AI Focus AF (this automatically selects either One-Shot AF or AI Servo AF). An AF illuminator assists the camera in low light and is effective up to 13 ft in front of the lens and 11.5 ft along the perimeter of the field of view.

Manual (6.5)
Manual focus is available on the Canon EOS Rebel XT and is determined by the lens that is applied. Most lenses will include a focus selection switch on the side of the lens barrel to toggle between automatic and manual control. Once it is switched over to manual, users need only to rotate the focus ring until the image becomes sharp. Unfortunately, the manual focusing method on the XT’s kit lens is the same as the original Digital Rebel and requires users to rotate the very tip of the lens to manipulate focus. This is incredibly awkward and even becomes a distraction during shooting. Although the XT’s kit lens is extremely sharp, the focus adjustment would make me pick up a new lens almost immediately.

Metering (7.25)
Canon designed the selection of metering options to appear similar to those of a traditional 35mm camera, so the XT has a shorter learning curve for film users. Offering Evaluative, Partial (9 percent of the viewfinder in the center), and Center-weighted modes on its TTL metering system, the Canon EOS Rebel XT’s metering range runs from 1-20 EV in “traditional” conditions (defined by Canon as 68° F / 20° C, when shooting with a 50mm, f/1.4 lens at ISO 100). The metering system measures from 35 silicon photocells (SPC), which provide a wide metering range and quick response.

Exposure (8.5)
Exposure control varies from strictly automatic to semi-automatic priority modes to full manual mode. When users want a subtle change in exposure, there is a compensation feature that ranges from +/- 2 in 1/3 or 1/2-stop increments. This is not as expansive as the competing Nikon D70 and D70s’ +/- 5 EV range and is more in line with compact digital cameras. There is also an auto exposure bracketing system available to aid users in tough lighting situations.

White Balance (9.0)
The Rebel XT adds even more control to the original Rebel’s white balance system with fine tuning in 9 steps. The camera packs the same six preset white balance options as the original Rebel: Daylight, Shade, Cloudy/Twilight/Sunset, Tungsten, White Fluorescent, and Flash. This list certainly isn’t as extensive as some compact point-and-shoot cameras, but most users of the XT will likely opt for the manual white balance setting anyway. There is also a full Auto setting for moments when photographers don’t have the time for adjustments. Manual white balance is easily set on the XT and if users are still dissatisfied with the results, they can alter the shades within a nine-step interactive grid. The grid is divided into four quadrants along an X and Y axis; each axis is formed of two tonal qualities – moving the cursor towards one side of the grid will add Blue or Amber to the image (depending on the direction) and the other will increase either the Magenta or Green color channels. The included options should satiate any level user and ensure accurate color representation is attained.

ISO (8.5)
Photographers using the Canon digital Rebel XT will have a wide range of sensitivity ratings available, spanning from ISO 100-1600. This goes a bit beyond some other entry-level DSLRs, as the Nikon D70 and D70s both have ranges from ISO 200-1600. The XT will offer an edge over the competition with the inclusion of an ISO 100 setting, although like other sub-$1000 digital SLRs, the XT would have benefited greatly from the addition of an ISO 3200 setting. On entry-level digital SLRs, manufacturers seem to be afraid to include the 3200 ISO rating. With the limited sensor size of entry-level digital SLRs, it is understood that a 3200 setting would bring along a significant increase in noise; however, placing the decision in the hands of the user would be invaluable, particularly for those attempting to capture a handheld shot without the use of a flash in minimal lighting.

 

When using the Digital Rebel XT’s automatic ISO setting, the sensitivity range is shortened to 100-400. This is quite limited, although it is on par with most compact cameras. Regardless, most XT users will opt for the added control and shooting flexibility and set the sensitivity themselves.

Shutter Speed (8.5)
The Rebel XT employs a “soft-touch” electromagnetic focal-plane shutter, which shoots as fast as 1/4000^th of a second and as slow as 30 seconds. This is a decent range, but still falls a bit short of the Nikon D70 and D70s’ 1/8000 of a second peak speed. XT users also have a bulb option available, which can be controlled with a wired remote. The camera syncs with the flash at 1/200^th of a second.

Aperture (7.5)
The available aperture range is determined by the lens used by the Rebel XT. Adjusting the aperture is done on the camera by pushing the top button to the right of the LCD screen while flipping the jog dial above the shutter release button. This action is a bit uncomfortable, requiring a good stretch of the fingers.

The Nikon D70 and D70s both include two jog dials, allocating one for aperture controls and the other for shutter speed. Canon included a similar interface on the EOS 20D, implementing a quick control dial on the back of the camera which can be used to alter the aperture settings, while the main jog dial sets the shutter speed.

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Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT Digital Camera Review Navigation
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