Model Design / Appearance (7.5)
Following heavy dispute revolving around the design of the original EOS Digital Rebel, Canon took to reshaping the body of the XT. While more ergonomic than its predecessor, the alterations rendered to the XT missed the major point of contention – the camera’s feeble exterior shell. The XT is dressed in a more compact, symmetrical casing, but remains primarily composed of plastic.
The Digital Rebel XT’s modified frame is 15 percent smaller than the original Rebel, which was already on the compact end of digital single lens reflex cameras. In sheer size, the XT could almost be mistaken for a compact digital camera. Structurally, those opposed to the seemingly insubstantial frame of the XT can improve the camera’s feel and handling with the application of an additional BG-E3 battery grip – providing added stability and size to the body.
Professional users accustomed to larger SLR bodies may find the Canon Digital Rebel XT to be a bit too fragile for their liking, mainly because the polycarbonate body is constructed largely of plastic with a few stainless steel elements. This should not present a problem for all, and may actually aid in handling and transport, offering the lightweight body of a compact camera while retaining the feel and functions of an SLR, although it certainly lacks the durability of a rugged steel frame.
The XT sells in the traditional compact color of silver and the conventional matte black SLR exterior – a good move for the entry-level single lens reflex camera that could only extend the potential appeal of the camera.
Size / Portability (9.0)
Portability is one area where the Canon Rebel XT clearly burns the competition. It is 15 percent smaller than the original Rebel at 4.98 x 3.71 x 2.63 inches (48.6 in3) and also 10 percent lighter. When compared to other entry-level SLRs, the XT is dwarfed. The popular Nikon D70 measures 5.5 x 4.4 x 3.1 inches (75.02 in3) and Canon’s 20D is also larger at 5.7 x 4.2 x 2.9 inches (69.4 in3). The compact measurements of the Rebel XT, as well as its 17.1 oz weight, make it a great option for traveling professionals who require a portable DSLR alternative with excellent image quality. The optional battery grip can also add some size and heft to the XT, but also supplies a more professional look and a convenient vertical grip.
Handling Ability (7.5)
Handling the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT will evoke different reactions in different users. Those accustomed to compact cameras will hold the XT and feel empowered. Users more familiar with denser SLRs will wonder how to hold the small XT. At first, handling may be awkward because of the compact size; users may wonder where to put their right pinky fingers. However, handling becomes more and more comfortable with increased use (although this is certainly not always the case!). This digital camera has a comfortable grip and is the only other DSLR camera besides the Pentax *istDS that can be controlled with a single hand (of course, this is not recommended, but the option is always welcome). The gently sloping curves and reduced form are shaped nicely to the user’s hands and will become more comfortable with increased familiarity.
Control Button / Dial Positioning / Size (8.0)
The slight frame of the Digital Rebel XT still requires two hands to navigate the playback menu, with buttons placed on both sides of screen. A Jump button is included to help users locate images and conserve time. The large Mode dial is rigid and locks securely into place. The dial is textured similarly to metal handle bars on a bicycle and helps when making selections with your thumb. Both the Mode dial and balanced power switch are ideally placed near the shutter control on the top of the camera. This placement is conducive to quick shooting from the off position, enabling users to turn the camera on with one hand and maximize the camera’s increased recording speeds.
The XT features a double LCD screen on the camera’s back face – one for reviewing images and a smaller, horizontally-oriented informational screen to display camera settings. This offers a substantial advantage over the EOS 20D and other DSLRs that place one on top, restricting use when on an extended tripod.
The buttons themselves are certainly small, but seem properly scaled down to the size of camera. The biggest hang-up I have with the actual control layout is the single jog dial. I think this is a serious mistake made by Canon and defies the logic of a digital SLR. Most users gravitated to SLRs will set all exposure controls themselves. While the XT does cater to a bit wider audience, I think there will be enough users shooting in the full manual setting to necessitate an aperture control dial. The Nikon D70 and D70s place two protruding dials on the camera body – one on the front near the shutter to control shutter speed and the other on the back of the camera near the right hand thumb to alter the aperture opening. The EOS 20D offers a far more functional interface with a single jog dial on the front of the camera and a large quick control dial on the back of the camera that can also set the aperture. On the XT, users are restricted to a single jog dial for both settings. To toggle between aperture and shutter speed, an exposure button has top be held down before aperture settings can be altered. This is not very practical and unnecessarily time consuming – I found it to be one of the major detractions of the camera.
Menu (8.0)
All menu settings are visible on the 1.8 inch LCD panel on the rear of the camera. Buttons for activating controls are logically organized and arranged. Essential controls are easily accessible and users should be able to quickly discern their proper functions. Even those users making a transition over to the Rebel XT from a previous digital SLR should have little to no time with adaptation.
The XT’s menu setup is similar to the EOS 20D, with the only major difference being the lack of an LCD panel on the top of the XT’s camera body. Settings in the top control panel on the EOS-20D are placed on the upper display on the back of the XT, just above the main LCD screen. This will offer a significant advantage to photographers who frequently use a tripod. Rather than having to carry along a stool or added elevation to view the top LCD panel, users shooting with the XT will be able to view all pertinent information from behind the camera.
Contents of the menu are categorized into 5 generalized sections: 2 shooting divisions, 2 setup groupings, and a playback subsection. The headings are horizontally aligned with the corresponding options listed below.
The backdrops for the menus are solid and unfortunately do not offer the consumer-friendly live feeds that many users upgrading from compact digital cameras will be accustomed to. This is a bit unfortunate, but the solid grey backdrop does help to make the settings and options stand out in direct lighting. The settings are intuitively organized into vertical columns, aligned down the screen. Also helping with visibility, the color scheme is arranged in a two-tone spreadsheet-like fashion, alternating each line (or setting). This creates a visual distinction between the available options and helps the eye organize the information without having to read through and internalize the extraneous text. Scrolling through the extensive lists of options may become a bit cumbersome over time, but when the cursor is held down, it does pick up enough speed to get through them rapidly.
Menus are available in 14 selectable languages: English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Italian, Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Simplified/Traditional Chinese, Korean, Russian, and Japanese.
Ease of Use (7.5)
For all its performance enhancements and upgrades, Canon’s XT remains a camera accessible to the general consumer. Most of the Digital Rebel’s design, from automatic assistance to intuitive interface, make the XT essentially a “point-and-shoot SLR.” Not shirking the consumer goodwill created by the original Rebel, Canon has provided additional user controls while maintaining an ease of use that appeals to casual consumers - melding the considerably different elements of simplicity and more precise controls with impressive image quality.
