Value (9.0)
If pricing is the 400-pound gorilla of a camera’s success with consumers, then at $999 the Digital Rebel XT is King Kong. When you look at matching up a lens, such as 18-55mm EF-S Series II, there may not be a better buy. Keeping the EOS 300 Digital Rebel on the market with the XT is a smart move that extends the line’s accessibility to consumers who, in the past, might have stuck with more compact cameras. Both cameras are strong values.
Comparisons
Nikon D70 –The original Rebel’s chief opponent in the digital SLR market was the heftier (21 oz.) and larger (5.5 x 4.4 x 3.1 inches) 6.1 megapixel Nikon D70. The popular D70 is still expected to compete with the new 8-megapixel Rebel XT, especially with a recent drop in price to about $800 for the body, although it will soon be replaced entirely by the D70s. As for speed, both the D70 and the XT shoot continuously at 3.0 fps, although the Rebel XT's maximum burst of 14 frames comes short of the D70’s 20 frames. The key elements of the decision will boil down to a preference for resolution or burst duration, although the XT also includes custom settings and a 7-pt AF.
Nikon D70s – Nikon updated its D70 to the D70s in April 2005, improving its graphic interface, auto focus system, remote capability, and burst mode, among other things. The auto focus system has the same 5-point setup as its predecessor, but it works faster. The XT has a 7-point auto focus system. The D70s’ burst mode still shoots at a 3 fps rate, but lasts for an incredible 144 consecutive frames – definitely putting the Rebel XT’s improved 14 in the dust. The Nikon D70s has the exact same measurements as its predecessor and keeps the same 6.1 effective megapixels, which is less than the XT’s 8 megapixel count and far larger and heavier. The D70s appears to be a subtle upgrade from the D70, while I think most would agree that the XT has progressed miles beyond its predecessor. The D70s retails for $899.95 for the body and $1199.95 when it includes the Nikkor AF-S DX 18-70mm zoom lens.
Nikon D50 – Also debuting on the DSLR market is the Nikon D50, which retails for $899.95 when it includes the Nikkor AF-S DX 18-55mm zoom lens. This model sits at the bottom of Nikon’s line of entry-level DSLRs, but can still hold its own with 6.1 megapixels, a 2.5 fps burst mode, and a 2-inch LCD screen with 130,000 pixels. The D50 is smaller than the D70 with 5.3 x 4.1 x 3-inch measurements. Departing from DSLR tradition, the D50 uses a Secure Digital card rather than a CompactFlash.
Pentax *istDS – This DSLR has very similar measurements to the Rebel XT, spanning 4.9 x 3.6 x 2.6 inches, but is slightly heavier at 17.8 ounces. The 6.1-megapixel *istDS has comparable manual functions, but includes some features that will be more attractive to point-and-shooters while lacking some of the more manual settings the XT has made a point to include. With a 2-inch LCD screen, SD card compatibility, and AA batteries, this Pentax retails for about $800 for the body only.
Olympus EVOLT E-300 – The EVOLT can match the XT’s resolution with 8.1 effective megapixels. Olympus heavily markets the Supersonic Wave Filter on this camera for its ability to repel dust from the image sensor, although in practice we found it did not live up to the marketing hype. The EVOLT E-300 comes short of the XT with only 3 points in its auto focus system, a truncated 2-1/4000 shutter speed range, and a heavier camera body. However, the EVOLT will impress the photographers who long for scene modes. In addition to its manual and priority modes, the E-300 offers scenes as simple as Portrait and as specific as Museum, Fireworks, and Candle. The E-300 has a 1.8-inch LCD screen with 134,000 pixels and can shoot in JPEG, RAW, and even TIFF (which the XT cannot). Like the XT, the EVOLT records to CompactFlash and Microdrive media. The Olympus E-300 sells for about $750 for the body only and retails for $999 with a 14-45mm lens.
Canon EOS Digital Rebel – The larger and heavier original Rebel will get the reputation of a dinosaur compared to the updated XT. The original Rebel included an older image processor that slowed the timing of the camera down. It took nearly 2 seconds to start up and had a disappointing burst rate of 2.5 fps for only 4 shots. The 6.3-megapixel Canon Rebel will remain on the US market, selling with its 18-55mm kit lens (it will no longer be sold body only) for $799, making it an appealing economic choice for consumers on a budget.
Who It’s For
Point-and-Shooters – Consumers looking for a simple two-button interface with twenty scene modes and automated everything should look elsewhere. Digital SLRs are for the choosier photographers who want to pick everything from the shutter speed to the type of lens attached. Having said that, the XT is as close to a point-and-shoot DSLR as it gets.
Budget Consumers – The Rebel XT is priced at $999 with the lens included. This is an excellent value for the image quality and capabilities of this camera, so budget consumers should look to the XT as an affordable DSLR alternative.
Gadget Freaks – Consumers in this category will be excited about the possibilities of accessory attachments on the hot shoe, custom settings, in-camera images parameters, and an applied depth of field preview button. The wireless remote control could provide a tinge of excitement as well.
Manual Control Freaks – With every function on the XT having both manual and automatic options, these users should appreciate the breadth of manual control. While the majority of manual options are the same as the original Rebel’s, actual functionality is substantially improved. The added Custom functions should also appeal to this breed of photographer.
Pros / Serious Hobbyists – The Rebel XT will likely make most of its impact in the more consumer-friendly region of the DSLR market - toward the entry-level end. While it likely won’t be the primary camera of many professional commercial photographers, it could certainly suffice as a more portable option for serious hobbyists and emerging professionals who are looking for an affordable beginning option.
