Conclusion
Initially unveiled at PMA 2005, roughly a year and a half after its predecessor, the Canon Digital Rebel XT appears to be a real winner. Offering high image quality, rapid shooting and processing speeds, and the ability to apply a range of Canon and independent lenses in a compressed package, the XT should have a wide appeal. Canon seems to have corrected the majority of the flaws apparent in the Original EOS Digital Rebel, with the only remaining question concerning the feel of the body. As with the original Digital Rebel, the XT is again formed out of an extremely lightweight polycarbonate, retaining the same consumer-grade frailty that forced some to denounce it as amateur. Although meager to some, the compact frame will unquestionably be an asset to other users, as the 17.1 oz. Rebel XT, currently the lightest digital SLR on the market, offers the portability of a compact camera with the performance and lens interchangeability of a prosumer model.
The XT is backed by an 8.0 megapixel CMOS sensor along with a second generation DIGIC II Processor. The DIGIC II is responsible for the XT’s increased start-up time, shot-to-shot rate, and processing speeds. With the virtual elimination of lag time, the XT bears a far closer resemblance to the EOS 20D than the original Digital Rebel in terms of performance. Straight image quality should parallel or surpass 35mm film. Based on my experience with the EOS-20D, you should expect the XT to make razor-sharp 13 x 19 inch prints, even with the inexpensive but excellent EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens.
Offered as a kit for $999 (USD), the package should be particularly appealing to college students and first time digital SLR owners. Fusing a consumer-friendly interface with an expansive offering of user control, the only limitation I foresee is in the weak potential appeal to professional photographers. With the combination of a sharp sensor and equally sharp lens along with a weak anti-aliasing filter, there will be a problem with Moire fringing in certain situations. This obviously will not pass for a wedding or event photographer who only has one chance to get the shot; however, for the consumer and prosumer markets, the birth of the XT and $200 price reduction of the original Digital Rebel should result in a substantial upgrade for many happy consumers.
