Canon Digital Rebel Rebel XT / EOS-350D Digital Camera with 18-55mm lens

Entry-level digital SLRs are a relatively new product that provides serious amateur photographers and budget conscious semi pros with affordable access to the world of interchangeable lenses and the expanded capabilities and versatility of modular imaging platforms. Canon introduced the first sub $1000 dSLR (EOS300D/Digital Rebel) in 2003. The company's second generation entry level digital SLR, the new EOS350D/Digital Rebel XT, is designed to cover the middle ground between upscale point and shoot digicams like Canon's Powershot S70 and G6 models and more expensive mid-level digital SLRs like the Nikon D70 and the Canon EOS20D. Many of the new EOS350D/Digital Rebel XT dSLR's high tech innovations were pioneered on Canon's snazzy EOS 20D mid-level dSLR (costing about $700.00 more than its entry-level sibling) and pro-level EOSD1/D1s models (both exponentially more expensive than the baby of Canon's dSLR family).

What's New? How does the EOS350D differ from the EOS300D?

Ergonomically the new EOS350D/Digital Rebel XT is smaller and lighter than its predecessor (it also features a redesigned control layout), but the most noteworthy differences are the new 8 megapixel (the 300D was a 6 megapixel dSLR) CMOS sensor and it's second generation DIGIC II processor (which provides faster processing, improved image quality, and better power management). As icing on an already rich cake, the EOS350D/Digital Rebel XT also features a larger buffer, E-TTL II flash capability, a faster USB 2.0 connection, and Mirror Lock-up (essential for pro quality macro work).

A few Important Caveats for fist time dSLR Buyers

The EOS350D/Digital Rebel XT has an APS-C size (roughly 22mmX14mm) CMOS sensor which is smaller than a frame of 35mm (36mmx24mm) film and that means the focal length of a mounted 35mm format lens is effectively multiplied by 1.6X. Telephoto lenses magically grow longer (a 200 mm telephoto becomes a 320 mm telephoto). The bad news is that the same thing happens to wide-angle lenses (a 28 mm wide-angle lens becomes a 43 mm normal lens). Photographers who like to shoot grand vista landscapes or expansive interior shots are going to have to buy expensive ultra wide-angle lenses to maintain any sort of wide-angle option.

For those new to dSLR's the LCD screen can't be used as a viewfinder (as it is with Point & Shoot digital cameras) because the mirror used to reflect the image up to the TTL optical viewfinder blocks the light path. Digital SLR LCD's are used for menu navigation and post exposure image review.

Digital SLRs don't provide video/movie modes, so if the video feature is an important selling point check out one of Canon's upscale P&S models like the G6 or the S70.

Digital SLRs do not include a starter memory card (like most P&S digitcams) so EOS350D/Digital Rebel XT purchasers must buy their own (a 512MB CF card is roughly equivalent, capacity wise, to one 24 exp roll of 35mm film).

NUTS & BOLTS

Viewfinder

The Digital Rebel XT's pentamirror through-the-lens (TTL) optical viewfinder is fairly bright and color correct. Inside the viewfinder are 7 AF focusing points (the active focus point[s] are illuminated so shooters know exactly where the camera is focusing). The viewfinder's status readout is very comprehensive and shows aperture, shutter speed AF/AE/FE lock, AEB, flash ready, ISO setting, flash exposure compensation, processing data, exposure data, CF card status, and more.

One of my major complaints with the EOS 300D/Digital Rebel was its somewhat dim viewfinder. Canon evidently got a lot of complaints about this because the 350D/XT viewfinder is noticeably brighter than its predecessor, however experienced shooters who opt for the fairly slow f3.5-5.6/18-55 EF-S II kit zoom will still see a somewhat dimmer than expected viewfinder image. There's a diopter correction adjustment for eyeglasses wearers.

LCD Screen

The 1.8" LCD screen is bright and color accurate (brightness levels can be adjusted via the menu) and shows 100% of the image frame. There's a full info display and a histogram option for checking over/under exposure and tonal range, post-exposure (in case the need to re-shoot arises).

Lens

The EOS 350D/Digital Rebel XT is available in two forms. Purchasers who own EF mount lenses can choose the Body only option and save a hundred bucks. For everyone else Canon has updated the compact f3.5-5.6/18-55 EF-S zoom offered with the EOS 300D/Digital Rebel and EOS20D. The new lens is called the f3.5-5.6/18-55 EF-S II, catchy huh? Canon's optical engineers did a great job with the original f3.5–f5.6/18-55 EF-S, substantially reducing size and weight without seriously compromising optical performance. I've used the earlier version of the f3.5-5.6/18-55 EF-S on both the Digital Rebel and the 20D, so I was anxious to see what Canon's optical engineers had done to improve a $100.00 zoom, but I wasn't able to detect any improvement (or for that matter any difference at all). The maximum aperture (f3.5) is fairly slow and the f5.6 maximum aperture at 55 mm is too slow for virtually anything except shooting outside at mid-day, but overall the f3.5-5.6/18-55 EF-S II zoom is pretty impressive for a lens that only costs a C-note.

The f3.5-5.6/18-55 EF-S II (like its predecessor) is sharper in the center than it is in the corners, but since most purchasers of this zoom will be shooting outdoor event/travel/vacation and informal portrait/family pictures (with the subject usually placed in the center of the frame) that shouldn't be a problem. Resolution improves noticeably as the f-stop gets smaller (with f8.0 as the optimum aperture). There is minor barrel distortion at the wide-angle end of the zoom range, but pincushion distortion at the telephoto end of the range is well controlled. Chromatic aberration is a big problem with many compact zooms, but the dreaded purple fringing (while present in high contrast color transition areas, especially at maximum aperture) is very well controlled in this optic.

F3.5–f5.6/18-55 EF-S II users can get as close as 13 inches, which is pretty good for general close-ups. The pop-up flash does a decent coverage job although it leaves the lower third of the frame slightly darker than the upper two thirds. For real frame filling bugs and pollen dusted flower interiors macro photography shooters can opt for a Canon (or third party) EF mount macro lens, a solid tripod, the XT's new mirror lock-up function, and a Canon external speedlight (with diffuser) to shoot professional quality close-ups. Minimum aperture is f/22 and filter thread is 58mm. Canon's compact f3.5-5.6/18-55 EF-S II zoom is sold only as part of a "point of purchase" kit and is not available separately from Canon dealers, but it is often available used on e-bay. Canon also offers the f3.5-5.6/18-55 EF-S zoom in USM form (for about $70 more) and I've heard that some basic kits include the USM version of this zoom, rather than the standard (non-USM) version tested here.

Canon's EF Lensmount

The major reason for buying an SLR (digital or film) is to gain the ability to use interchangeable lenses. The EOS 350D/Digital Rebel XT is compatible with more than fifty OEM prime and zoom lenses (ranging from a 14mm ultra-wide-angle to a 1200mm super-telephoto) currently available from Canon and dozens of EF mount lenses from third party makers Sigma, Tamron, and Tokina. The 20D, EOS 300D/Digital Rebel, and EOS 350D/Digital Rebel XT (but not any other Canon SLR) can also use Canon's EF-S digital zooms.

Auto Focus

The EOS 350D/Digital Rebel XT recycles the seven AF point Auto Focus system from its predecessor. Users can manually select the specific AF point they want to base focus on (which is handy for composing images with off-center subjects) or allow the camera to automatically select the AF point (closest subject priority). AF (with the EOS 350D/Digital Rebel XT) is noticeably faster than it was with the EOS 300D/Digital Rebel, the camera can evaluate subject movement and automatically select locking or tracking AF modes, which simplifies shooting sports and action. AF is consistently fast and accurate even in moderately dim lighting.

Manual Focus

Manual focus is simple, just slide the AF/MF switch to the MF position, and use the manual focus ring---just like in the old days before auto-focus.

Flash

The EOS 350D's new built-in pop-up flash stands slightly higher than the EOS 300D/Digital Rebel's on-board speedlight (which should reduce red-eye problems). The EOS 350D/Digital Rebel XT's multi mode pop-up flash has a maximum range of 12 feet (3.8 meters) and coverage is adequate for the 18mm end of the kit zoom's range. The flash is released (manually) by pressing the flash button, but in all AUTO exposure modes the flash automatically pops up when the camera's CPU determines it is needed. In Flash-Off mode both the pop-up flash and the XT's hot shoe (and any external speedlight mounted) are disabled.

In addition to its slightly higher profile the EOS 350D/Digital Rebel XT's pop-up flash adopts Canon's proprietary E-TTL II flash system (from the EOS 20D). The E-TTL II system meters flash output with a low power pre-flash burst just before the main flash fires. Data gathered from the pre-flash (subject reflectance/contrast and ambient light level) is matched to subject distance data gathered from the AF system to instantly calculate correct flash output. Maximum flash synch is 1/200th of a second and recycle time is about 3 seconds.

Hot Shoe & External Flash Compatibility

The EOS 350D/Digital Rebel XT has a dedicated hot shoe (in addition to the pop-up flash) and can mount any (except the 160E and 200E) Canon Speedlight, but some advanced features (FP flash sync, flash exposure bracketing with multiple flash units, and flash modeling) are available only with the 580EX or 550EX flash units. Canon's nifty (and very useful) E-TTL II flash exposure metering system can only be used to full potential with the 580EX, 550EX, 420EX and 220EX, Macro Ring Lite MR-14EX or Macro Twin Lite MT-24EX. The EOS 350D/Digital Rebel XT's hot-shoe will accommodate third party flash units, but only in manual mode.

Image Storage/File Formats/Connectivity

EOS 350D/Digital Rebel XT saves images to Type I or II CompactFlash cards (including high capacity Microdrives). Purchasers should plan on buying a (minimum) 512MB CF card. Images are saved in JPEG and RAW formats and there is a RAW+JPEG mode that saves a RAW file with an embedded JPEG file. The EOS 350D/Digital Rebel XT utilizes a fast USB 2.0 connection to transfer images to the computer and features a Video Out jack for TV connection (for slideshows).

Power/Battery Life

The EOS 350D/Digital Rebel XT uses a smaller lighter NB-2LH battery (its predecessor used the BP-511 or BP-512 Lithium Ion battery pack). Canon claims the DIGIC II's power management is so efficient that the smaller lighter battery actually provides 35% more power depth. Canon claimed the original Digital Rebel was good for 600 exposures with a fully charged BP511, which means the Digital Rebel XT (with 35% more power depth) should be good for 950-1000 exposures. I can't address that since we didn't track numbers, but I can say that my friend and I used the camera through a weekend of fairly heavy shooting without putting a dent in the camera's power reserves.

EXPOSURE

The EOS 350D/Digital Rebel XT provides a full range of exposure options including: full Auto, Program AE, Image Zone (Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night Portrait, and Flash off), Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, full Manual, and Auto Depth of Field modes. The Auto Depth of Field mode is pretty nifty, especially for novice photographers, because it uses the seven AF points to determine the nearest and farthest points in the frame and then matches that data with the focal length setting of the (Canon EF or EF-S) lens to determine the smallest aperture and the fastest shutter speed combination possible.

Metering

Metering modes include (default) Evaluative, Partial (sort of spot-metering mode), and Center-Weighted. Advanced shooters can also use the Exposure Compensation function to bias exposure +/- 2EV in 1/3 EV increments. Auto Exposure Bracketing, ISO sensitivity (100 to 1600), and white balance settings may also be used to provide more user input into the exposure process and defeat the somewhat arbitrary metering system. If true creative control is an important consideration, the Digital Rebel XT's P&S style metering system may oblige more advanced photographers to seriously consider the EOS200D.

White Balance

The EOS350D/Digital Rebel XT provides a comprehensive range of White Balance options, including TTL Auto and pre-sets for Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash., and a Custom (manual) setting that bases color balance on a white card. The 350D allows users to bracket white balance (the camera captures one image and writes 3 image files with +/- 3 steps in 1EV increments from 5500K). Color space options are sRGB or Adobe RGB. The 350D's auto setting does a very good job as do the outdoor settings (Daylight, Shade, Cloudy) and Custom setting, we didn't try the Tungsten, Fluorescent, or Flash settings.

In-Camera Image Adjustment

In camera image adjustment is very important because it provides savvy shooters with the additional tools needed to ensure tack sharp resolution, manage image noise, balance contrast, and fine-tune color saturation. The EOS350D features a nice range of In-Camera Image Adjustment options. 350D users can utilize the Parameters options and choose Parameter 1 (sets contrast and saturation adjustments to 1 and increases sharpening to 2 for brighter and sharper images) or Parameter 2 (sets contrast, sharpness, saturation, and color tone to neutral). Parameters 3, 4 & 5 can be customized for user specific contrast, sharpness, color saturation and color tone variations. Also available under the parameters menu are Black & White, filter effects (like a digital version of the yellow, orange, red, and green screw in filters used by shooters of B&W film), and toning effects (which adds sepia, blue, green, or purple tint) to B&W images.

The EOS 350D's Exposure Compensation function allows users to tweak exposure through a series of small increases or decreases from +/-2 EV in either one-half or one-third EV increments. The automatic exposure bracketing function permits users to capture three identical images and vary exposure slightly with each shot (+/- 2EV in 1/2 or 1/3 EV increments).

Design, Controls, & Ergonomics

The EOS 350D/Digital Rebel XT is an attractive dSLR that is smaller and lighter than its predecessor. There's also a more logical and user friendly new control layout. The camera is available in either black or silver. Construction is polycarbonate outer shell over a metal alloy frame. Fit and finish are quite nice for an entry-level model. The user interface is still a bit busy and un-intuitive, but it isn't as complicated as it was before the re-design and most users will find it fairly quick to master. One area that needed improvement, but didn't receive it is the XT's menu system which is, like the original Digital Rebel's, closer to the system used on Canon's upscale prosumer P&S models than it is to the more logical (and easier to use) single page layout found on the EOS20D.

Technical Specifications

Camera Type: dSLR (digital Single Lens Reflex)
Resolution: 8.0 Megapixels (3456x2304)
Viewfinder: fixed (optical) TTL Pentamirror
LCD: 1.8" Color LCD screen
Exposure: Auto, Program AE, Image Zone (Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night Portrait, and Flash off), Aperture Priority, Shutter Priority, full Manual, and Auto Depth of Field modes
Auto Focus: 7 AF point phase detection
Manual Focus: yes
Metering: 35 point evaluative, 9% partial, and center-weighted
Flash: built-in multi mode and dedicated hot shoe for external flash
Sensitivity: 100, 200, 400, 800, and 1600 ISO equivalent
White Balance: TTL Auto with user selected pre-sets for Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash, and Custom (manual)
Memory Media: CF types I&II
Power: one NB-2LH battery
Lens Mount: Canon EF/EF-S

Price: EOS350D/Digital Rebel XT body only $899.00 or Kit (EOS350D/Digital Rebel XT body and Canon f3.5-5.6/18-55 EF-S II zoom) $999.00

Included

Canon f3.5-5.6/18-55 EF-S II zoom (kit only), NB-2LH battery & charger, neck strap, USB & AV cables, software CD-ROM, and (printed) users and software manuals

Optional

Canon EW-60C lens hood (for f3.5-5.6/18-55 EF-S II zoom), more than fifty EF mount Canon Lenses, 5 Canon EF-S mount zooms, several Canon external flash units, BG-E3 Battery Grip (2 NB-2LH batteries or 6 AA batteries) with vertical shutter release, Canon dual battery charger, and Canon AC adapter.

In the Field/Handling & Operation

My Friend (who sells new and used digital & film cameras and photographic equipment) showed up on a recent Saturday with Canon's new Digital Rebel XT dSLR with a Canon f3.5-5.6/18-55 EF-S II zoom attached. We've both been waiting for a chance to try the second generation Digital Rebel, so we got right to work. We shot a selection of brightly colored (red, green, yellow, blue, and purple) plastic children's beach toys arrayed against a white background to test for color accuracy. The Digital Rebel did an absolutely outstanding job---colors were bright, well saturated, and very accurate (although reds and blues were a bit oversaturated). Overall White Balance is a tiny bit warm, which is not surprising in a camera targeted toward the amateur/advanced amateur market.

After we finished with our color tests we headed downtown to shoot some action at Louisville's Extreme Park. The weather here in Kentucky has been pretty typical for this time of year, mostly rainy cold days with an occasional pretty day thrown in just to confuse everyone. The weather for our first outing with the Digital Rebel XT was fairly ugly (cold with gray skies and light misty rain). When we got to the skate park we mounted the Digital Rebel XT on a vintage Leitz Tilt-All tripod to check out the camera's shutter lag, AF lag, and action/sports shooting capabilities. Skateboarders congregate at the park at all hours of the day and night so there are always a few hardy boarders practicing. The park's bowls and pipes are great for getting action shots of boarders trying out new tricks. We had to set up pretty close because the Digital Rebel's Canon f3.5-5.6/18-55 EF-S II zoom doesn't have much reach.

We spent about two hours shooting skateboarders (Boarders love to show off for the camera) zooming, leaping, spinning, skidding, sliding, and falling (ouch!!!) around the edges of the pipes and bowls. Optimal framing/timing (placing the skateboarder in the frame and freezing the action) is extremely difficult, but the new Digital Rebel XT's second-generation DIGIC II processor was fast enough to keep up with most of the action. The Digital Rebel XT's Auto Focus is the fastest that I've seen on any entry-level dSLR, virtually equal to the more expensive mid level EOS 20D. Shutter firing is real time with pre-focus and less than half a second even in poor lighting. Still a bit slower than a comparable 35mm SLR, but experienced photographers should be able to grab action shots by slightly anticipating the critical moment and tripping the shutter just before everything comes together.

Sunday morning was a bit warmer but we still had some misty rain and the sky was still a dismal gray so we headed for Cave Hill Cemetery, a favorite local shooting location for both of us. There was a light ground fog so we both thought it would be fun to shoot some of the old native limestone tombstones rising eerily out of the mist. The cemetery was completely deserted when we got there and we were able to shoot old 19th century headstones with everything softened by the moody mist rising from the cold ground. The Digital Rebel did an absolutely wonderful job of capturing the gloomy sort of macabre monotone look of the dark weather stained old tombstones. The Digital Rebel XT performed beautifully in auto mode and also did an excellent job in manual mode. The Canon f3.5–f5.6/18-55mm EF-S II zoom did an absolutely amazing job, especially so for an optic that only costs a hundred bucks.

PERFORMANCE

Image Quality

The Digital Rebel XT's image quality is consistently excellent (especially at the 100 and 200 ISO sensitivity settings), with very good detail capture in both shadow and highlight areas, edge transitions are crisp, and noise is well controlled throughout (Up to ISO 400 noise is very low , ISO 800 images are acceptable, and ISO 1600 images are useable). Colors are bright, accurate, and well saturated—but not garish. Caucasian skin tones are a bit warm, but that is fairly common in amateur and entry level digital cameras. Overall the Digital Rebel XT's images tend to be just a tiny bit on the warm side of neutral, a bit contrastier than average, with good detail capture, and a very nice dynamic range. We didn't shoot any macro or interior shots, so I can't comment on image quality for those image genres. Digital SLR image quality is going to be as dependent on the lens mounted as it is on the efficacy of the camera's processing and exposure systems. Obviously, image quality will improve noticeably with better lenses, but the Canon f3.5–f5.6/18-55mm EF-S II zoom provides performance that is easily worth a hundred bucks. We reviewed all our images on a 19" NEC CRT monitor.

Timing/Shutter Lag

The Digital Rebel XT is noticeably faster than the original Digital Rebel. Boot up cycle is about 2 seconds (the 300D needed 3 seconds to start up). AF times are excellent even in dim light and Shutter lag won't be much of a problem --- press the shutter and image capture is virtually instantaneous. Shot-to-shot speed is excellent, faster than the 300D. Many EF mount lenses will be faster than the Canon f3.5–f5.6/18-55mm EF-S II zoom we used, but some third party lenses will likely be a bit slower. Timing will also rise and fall based on the Memory Media in use – a faster card will save images quickly while a cheapie or older card will noticeably slow everything down. Mileage may also vary for photographers who shoot College Basketball (go Cards), extreme action, or skittish wildlife.

A Few Concerns

The Digital Rebel XT's menus are a bit dim (this was also a problem with the first generation Digital Rebel). Like its predecessor, the Digital Rebel XT has no ISO 50 sensitivity setting. Canon's f3.5–f5.6/18-55mm EF-S II zoom's maximum aperture is too slow, f2.8 would be better.

Conclusion

The EOS 350D/Digital Rebel XT is targeted at advanced amateur/amateur photographers who want the flexibility/capability of an SLR but don't want to completely give up the "wow" features and ease of use of point & shoot digital cameras. The camera provides entrance to the Canon EF lens system, but retains the ability to function like a point & shoot digicam. For shooters who've been waiting for entry level dSLR prices and features/capabilities to come together – the Canon EOS 350D/Digital Rebel XT may be the tipping point, now may be the best time ever to buy an entry level dSLR.

Links

For definitive advice on How to Choose a Digital Camera please see my review:
http://www.epinions.com/elec-review-2E46-17B174E2-39A418E3-prod1

Looking for a printer that can easily keep up with the EOS/350D/Digital Rebel XT? Check out my review of a professional quality ink-jet printer, the Epson Stylus Photo 2200. http://www.epinions.com/content_167980076676

Want to save a couple hundred bucks? Check out the Digital Rebel XT's predecessor, the
Canon EOS 300D/Digital Rebel
http://www.epinions.com/content_116460850820 which is still available for $799.00 (with zoom lens) or $699.00 (body only).

Looking for something with a bit more flexibility/capability/control than the Rebel XT, check out my review of the Canon EOS 20D
http://www.epinions.com/content_172216848004