Canon EOS Rebel XT

Auto Mode (7.5)
The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT straddles the gap between heavy-duty SLR and compact digital camera by offering both advanced manual control and extensive automatic options. In its aim for simplicity, the XT has included 6 preset modes for those users attracted to the image quality attainable with a digital SLR, yet still partial to the automatically-oriented interface of compact models. The XT is about as intuitive as digital SLRs get, filling the gap between Canon’s prosumer grade EOS 20D and their consumer level PowerShot line.

The automatic mode on the Canon Rebel XT is signified by the green square icon on the mode dial. Six scene modes are also located directly on the mode dial and are represented with intuitive graphics. The fully automatic mode allows users to utilize the Rebel XT as a point-and-shoot camera.

The strength of the Rebel XT lies in its ability to provide everything from full manual mode to pure point-and-shoot and all variations in-between. The great advantage of this type of SLR is that it enables users to determine how much control they wish to assert over the shot and let the camera do the rest. Among these are Aperture and Shutter-Priority modes as well as a Program AE mode.

In practice, the XT’s 7-point automatic focus system was both accurate and responsive. The camera achieved focus with impressive speeds; however, the same enthusiasm cannot be extended to the camera’s handling of ISO settings in Automatic mode. Unfortunately for automatic users, when the camera is set to Auto mode, the XT’s sensitivity range is truncated to a 100-400 point-and-shoot ISO range. Additionally, the digital Rebel XT displayed a common flaw inherent to many compact digital cameras we have tested – when shooting in over 400 Lux (fluorescent lights) using the automatic ISO setting, the camera set the ISO at 400. With over 400 (around 425) Lux, the camera could have easily shot at ISO 200 while maintaining a relatively quick shutter speed and increasing the clarity of the image. This is disappointing in many point-and-shoot cameras, and for a near $1000 camera, automatic users should get a bit more.

Movie Mode (0.0)
Digital single lens reflex cameras have never ventured into the realm of video – at least intended for final output. The XT holds to this tradition, focusing on still capabilities rather than delving into video.

Drive / Burst Mode (8.0)
In redesigning the Digital Rebel, Canon made vast improvements on the XT’s burst mode, perhaps because many prosumer level users gave it a cold shoulder for the 2.5 frame-per-second mode that only took 4 pictures per burst. The Canon Rebel XT can take 3 frames per second for up to 14 consecutive images, thanks in part to the improved DIGIC II image processor. The 3 fps rate rivals that of the Nikon D70; however, the D70 endures to 20 shots rather than 14.

The self-timer and single image capture modes are also available in the drive mode selections. The self-timer can be set to take a picture 10 seconds after the shutter release button is pressed. Most digital SLRs provide more timing options than the standard 10 seconds. Even the Nikon D50 has a self-timer that allows users to select a time between 2-20 seconds. Unfortunately, the Rebel XT did not make any improvement from its original in this area.

Playback Mode (8.5)
The Playback mode is easy to find with the button to the left of the LCD screen. Pictures can be viewed in single frames or 9-image thumbnail frames. When pictures are viewed individually, photographers can zoom in and out with the buttons near the thumb grip. File information and histograms can be displayed, as well as a Highlight Alert feature that outlines and flashes the overexposed portions of the picture. Users can protect and erase images, either individually or all at once. Within the setup menu, photographers can choose the Auto Play option so images appear on the 1.8-inch LCD screen right after capture. The options available are adequate, but obviously, like most DSLRs, the small screen will not accurately represent the images.

Custom Image Presets (7.5)
Although not the most used function on digital SLRs, consumer-friendly models tend to include a reasonable selection of image presets to help ease the transition for former compact camera users. The Canon digital Rebel XT stocks six custom image presets, conveniently placed on the mode dial for easy selection. Canon calls these its "Programmed Image Control modes" and offers the following: Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night Portrait, and Flash Off. Compact digital camera users who have recently grown into the digital SLR realm may be a bit disappointed in the abridged list of modes (some compact models have 20-plus scene modes ranging from Text to Pets to Museums). While the XT doesn’t get as specific as some scene selections, it certainly covers the basics and should suffice for the XT user.