Value (8.5)
With all comparisons set aside, the fact that the Canon EOS Digital Rebel is a high quality digital SLR camera under $1000 makes it a smoking deal. It has many of the features that the Canon EOS 10D has, and increased portability that rivals even some point-and-shoot cameras. It was, and still is, a significant and defining camera in the market, holding its own despite the fierce competition.
Comparisons
Canon EOS 10D-- Although the Canon EOS Digital Rebel ($899 body only) is a newer digital SLR in the Canon EOS series it is not a replacement for the much larger Canon EOS 10D ($1299 body only). The Canon EOS Digital Rebel is slimmed down to be more suited for a lower-end market, but the two cameras do have many of the same features. The biggest and most noticeable difference between the two Canon digital SLR cameras is their size. The Canon EOS Digital Rebel (body only) measures 142 x 99 x 72.9 mm, (1,024,828 mm³, 560 g) compared to the Canon EOS 10D measuring 149.7 x 107.5 x 75 mm (1,206,956 mm³, 790 g). This is a pretty sizable difference that can have a big impact when shooting. Another significant difference is the composition of the camera’s body. The Canon EOS Digital Rebel is made of the somewhat-controversial magnesium alloy stainless steel, as opposed to the thick plastic body on the Canon EOS 10D. Some features of the Canon EOS 10D that the Canon EOS Digital Rebel lacks are color temperature settings, 3 fps (frames per second) continuous shooting, ISO settings up to 3200 speed, selectable AF modes, and several auto focus options. The compact size and affordable price are two of the star features of this digital SLR, and will be the deciding factors when choosing between the Canon EOS Digital Rebel and the Canon EOS 10D. If you’re looking for a camera on a budget and are keen on portability, then the Canon EOS Digital Rebel is for you. If those factors don’t matter than much to you I don’t see many reasons why you shouldn’t spring for the Canon EOS 10D to assure durability, quality, and flexibility.
Nikon D70-- When the Canon EOS Digital Rebel first came onto the market in 2003, it was a groundbreaking feat to get a digital SLR below the $1000 mark. The Canon EOS Digital Rebel blew the existing competition away with its price and size, but not for long. This year, the introduction of the Nikon D70 ($999 body only) has given Canon a run for their money, and probably sent them back to the drawing board. The Canon EOS Digital Rebel and the Nikon D70 both have lightweight bodies and are pretty comparable in size. The Canon EOS Digital Rebel measures 142 x 99 x 72.9 mm, (1,024,828 mm³, 560 g) whereas the Nikon D70 is slightly larger at 140 x 111 x 78 mm, (1,212,120 mm³, 595 g). The two competitors share a number of features and settings, such as a 6 megapixel count, white balance options, exposure and white balance bracketing, pentamirror viewfinders, compact flash use, and PictBridge compatibility. The Canon EOS Digital Rebel surpasses the Nikon D70's capabilities with a 100 ISO speed, fine-tunable white balance settings, a 35 zone metering system, and a 7-point AF system. The Nikon D70 excels with its higher LCD screen resolution, increased preset parameters, increased exposure compensation, adjustable AF mode, record fast start-up time, 3 frames per second capture rate (Canon EOS Digital Rebel only has 2.5 fps), adjustable second self-timer options (2-20, as opposed to Canon’s single ten-second setting!), and AF assist white lamp. (The Canon EOS Digital Rebel requires the flash to be open for AF assistance.) In terms of performance, the Canon EOS Digital Rebel produces much better color and resolution results, but the Nikon D70 surpasses Canon EOS Digital Rebel in many control areas. This said, the two cameras are pretty comparable in terms of size, quality, and price. What does it come down to? If you are stumped at this point in your search, go down to your local store and check them both out. It might come down to preference, feeling, or a sign from the gods. Personally I’m attracted to Nikon’s sleek body and flexibility, but can't discount the incredible quality produced by the little plastic Digital Rebel.
Who It's For
Point-and-Shooters-- Out of all the digital SLR cameras on the market, I would say the Canon EOS Digital Rebel is the most accessible to the point-and-shooter. That said, it’s not the kind of camera you can pick up and learn how to use well in a few minutes. For many people, it’s too much camera to deal with and too much bulk to schlep around. There are plenty of other cameras out there for people just interested in snapshots.
Budget Consumers-- If you’re looking for a cheap everyday camera, this one is not your best deal. At close to $1000, you can do way better if money is your biggest concern. However, if you’re on a budget and you want an SLR, you can’t get any better than the Canon EOS Digital Rebel. It is without a doubt the cheapest digital SLR on the market. It even blows the Nikon D70 away when looking solely at price.
Gadget freaks-- Most gadget freaks will be pleased with the Canon EOS Digital Rebel because it packs a whole host of controls into a small sleek body. There are plenty of fun toys to play with and a variety of accessories to augment the kit package.
Manual control freaks-- If you’re a control freak, the Canon EOS Digital Rebel is definitely a camera to check out. Compared to most digital cameras, it has more options than most people would know what to do with, but compared to other digital SLRs, it leaves something wanting. If you want all the control you can get, I would suggest going the next step higher to the Canon EOS 10D, or into the professional Canon line.
Pros / serious hobbyists-- Even though the Canon EOS Digital Rebel is appealing to those on the lower end of the digital camera spectrum, that doesn’t mean it can’t please the serious shooters as well. The quality was not stripped away with price and weight of this digital camera, making it still competitive with the other big boys of the SLR world.
