The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi offers an unbeatable combination of performance, ease-of-use and value. It has a newly designed 10.1 MP Canon CMOS sen
The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi offers an unbeatable combination of performance, ease-of-use and value. It has a newly designed 10.1 MP Canon CMOS sensor plus a host of new features including a 2.5-inch LCD monitor, the exclusive EOS Integrated Cleaning System featuring a Self Cleaning Sensor and Canon's Picture Style technology, all in a lightweight, ergonomic body. The Digital Rebel XTi is proof positive that Canon continues to lead the way with their phenomenal digital SLRs.
Summary: This camera is extensively reviewed elsewhere, http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos400d/
http://www.steves-digicams.com/2006_reviews/rebelxti.html
That I am not going to go into any of the technical details but just some comments about why I chose this camera vs the Nikon D80. For me the dpreveiw gave the tip; the Canon is visibly more responsive at ISO of 800 and especially 1600. Responsive in a pleasant way, less noise and better contrasts.
The camera disappoints me now, that I’ve had it for six months, in the body being of plastic. However, I knew that going in just a bit disconcerting to see the coating peel off the body in tiny flecks.
The camera is FAST. If fast is good, I can’t imagine one (with my little EF 1.8 50mm ii opened all the way) faster. In my usual mode of setting up each shot for at least two minutes, I’m never using the full capacity of the buffer. When I did pretend I was trigger happy, the camera took 8-10 photos in rapid fire mode at the highest JPEG resolution without any protesting.
Canon has done an excellent job of designing a camera that is capable of delivering high resolution while maintaining color saturation that is pleasing and often exciting. I have found a whole new world of visual wonders with this camera and the EF 28 mm 2.8, Ef 50 mm 1.8 ii, and the Ef canon ef 100mm f 2.8 macro lens. The main key however is the price vs performance that Canon has met with this camera; low enough in price to be in reach but high enough in quality to at last say, “I am working on becoming a professional photographer.”
The other reason this camera wins over Nikon or Sony or others is the system of lenses that this camera is part of. They are without question the main reason I bought this camera. The Ef 50 mm 1.8 only costs 80 bucks, but I defy any one to find a better quality lens (resolution, color saturation and smooth operation) anywhere in the world of SLR format . Unless it is Canon's Ef 50 mm 1.4!
The camera ships with excellent software for processing the proprietary RAW format. The software duplicates some of Adobe bridge and Photoshop CS2 features but there is really, in the long run no problem in using just one set of software. Handy to have the little extras Canon has included in the software though.
The most recent photos of mine are at epitomephotos.com.
Strengths: Resolution, color separation matched with high saturation capability, speed, lightweight and part of the best lens system in the world.
Summary: I really like my XTi and have used it a lot. The kit lens isn't that great, so I picked up a couple of others to work with and have been happy with the results. I also picked up the Canon batter grip and LOVE it. I can shoot for days and not have to recharge. It also adds balance when using bigger/heavier lenses. It's quick to learn how to use it and the RAW format can be a real life-saver! For the price it is a great camera to learn with.
Strengths: Affordable entry-level DSLR
RAW is great!
With better lenses, this camera works great!
Weaknesses: Really needs the battery grip for balance
Hard to keep clean if you change lenses regularly
Rating Reviewed by: John Ayres(Unregistered User)
(Expert)
Review Date December 24, 2007
Overall Rating 5 of 5
Value Rating 5 of 5
Used product for 3 Months to 1 year
Review 3 of 15
Price Paid:
$1299.00
from ecost.com
Summary: I own an EOS 40D, EOS XTi, and purchased my EOS 40D about 3-4 months ago. It feels very much like my 20D, but that's where the similarities almost stop. I love the feel of the Canon D-series SLRs (I started with a 10D). The XTi is a little to compact for my hands. I considered updating to a 30D when they came out, but they didn't offer the improvements that the 40D offered (I'm glad I waited).
I stick with Canon because of my collection of Canon lenses and flash equipment. Nikon has caught up with Canon, but I can't see switching because I already have tons of Canon equipment. I've run into several Pros that use the 10D, 20D, and 40D, and they swear by them even thought these cameras shoot for the advanced amateur market.
I use the battery grip on all my cameras and love the way the cameras handle.
Strengths: Huge LCD screen, Self-cleaning sensor (big plus), higher mega-pixel rating, improved sensor and focusing, fast 6.5 fps, and great camera for the price.
Weaknesses: Doesn't like some of my older ETTL flash equipment, but works fine with ETTL-II flash equipment.
Summary: I bought the camera for one reason, to have a light body for a four month trip to Europe. On a day when I thought it might be useful I could haul the XTi and three lenses (10-22mm, 17-85mm IS and 70-300 IS) in a Domke satchel bag with backpack straps and not break my back.
Most days I just carried the camera and 17-85 with image stabilization which proved very useful, indeed. I mailed my monopod back home after two weeks.
The Camera worked flawlessly and the silver-finish plastic body survived two hard falls to concrete without the slightest problem (but a Kirk Enterprises body QR plate absorbed the shock and had some scratches). The dust removal system worked perfectly. If I did my job properly, all images were outstanding.
Being an old Canon freak, I didn't have any problems with controls other than forgetting to switch ISOs when going from inside to outside.
I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this camera to anyone, amateur or pro, needing a lightweight camera.
Strengths: Auto dust removal
Lightness
Weaknesses: Still hard to view back screen even with a shade in bright sunlight
Supposedly the shutter has a maximum life of 50,000 exposures, but some are saying it can fail before it reaches 25,000.
Summary: Firstly this is an entry level camera & I am reviewing it on that basis. I really wanted the 5D but couldn't get my wife to let me spend the money !
So I compromised. Just ike many of the other reviewers did.
I like this camera ! at the end of the day It delivers good quality pictures. This is my first digital SLR & I am happy with all the benefits of the medium compared to film ( which I loved ).
To be fair to Canon, this camera was never intended to be used professionally. They make several other good cameras for that. You just have to find the extra cash. I couldn't, so here goes....
Strengths: Despite reports of the camera being flimsy I was pleasantly surprised to find that it isn't. Plasticy yes, flimsy no. In fact it feels better than my EOS Elan. size wise, I like the compact feel. Compared to my compact digital camera it's a giant.
Ease of use; just fine. I read the manual & I was good to go. I changed the custom functions to suit my needs & never looked back. I suggest everybody else do likewise.
I paid extra for the 17 to 85 IS lens. Works great. I don't have to lug a monopod. Consider an upgrade lens if you're trying to use this camera professionally, the kit lens is for point & shooters.
My old faithful 50mm f1.8 is now a great, fast portrait lens.
I find that the burst rate/write speed to be fine for what I do. If you're going to shoot sport etc... you'll have to bite the bullet & spend more on the 40D or higher.
My last cameras were a variety of Canon film SLRs. Compared to them this baby feels & performs just great.
Colour accuracy is fine by all accounts. White balance is easy to change & also tweek afterwards. If this a concern then always shoot RAW.
Weaknesses: My only disapointment was the viewfinder. Smaller than I was used to. I'm now used to it & don't think about it anymore.
Zoombrowser has it's annoying little ways but I'm learning to work with it.
Some people say the battery life is too low but I don't have a problem with it, yet. However I always carry a spare battery !
My 17 to 85 IS didn't come with a hood. The ( non Canon ) hood I bought vignettes. I find this miserly on Canon's part. This was not a cheap lens.
Some people complain about functions such as flash compensation being too hard to access. I simply moved flash comp. to the back "set" button.
MLU is hard to find but then entry level camera users were never meant to need it much anyway ! ( if you don't know what MLU is, then you've proven my point ).
From reading other reviews, it seems that this camera's biggest weakness is not being a 40D.
If you want a sports car then you'll never be happy with a station waggon.
Similar Products Used: Canon film SLRs & a Canon digital compact.
Customer Service: Don't know yet. Hope I never will !
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