Well, it has been a year since I recieved my Rebel XT and I am more than pleased with the camera. The build quality, features, and photo quality have made this camera a joy to own and use.

When I first decided to move from film to digital, I began the long and tedious process of researching all the cameras on the market at the time. I had previously owned many Canon film cameras and compact digital cameras, so they were of course my first choice. I looked at Nikon, Olympus, Canon, and Konica(now Sony) dSLR's.

The Canon came out on top in all catergories with the exception of a few at the time, such as price because of the Nikon D50, though the Rebel's other features clearly outway the Nikon. Overall, the Canon is just a superior camera, so hopefully, that saves you the trouble of spending nearly a month researching.

Alright, so how is that camera? It is wonderful. It fits well in my hands and everything is where it should be. It does feel a little light, but it is made to be compact and light, plus that can easily be remidied by adding a battery grip. All of it's settings and features are virtually identical to the more expensive 20D, as is the image quality. There is a good amount of grain at ISO 1600, which is really a shame, but that can generally be fixed in an image editing program or by using a flash. The battery life is very good, but I do reccomend purchasing that battery grip that I mentioned before. Not only does it add weight and balance the camera, but it also doubles the battery life, which is good for those of us who go out and take thousands of pictures.

This is just a wonderful camera for the prosumer crowd, and there is no reason that it cannot be used as a pro camera for creating prints and such. I would recomend this to anyone looking to break into photography or someone who has been photographing for 30 years.

My recomendations:

- Get a few extra batteries and a battery grip. Remember, you don't have to buy a Canon grip or batteries, and if you don't, you'll probably save at least 50%. Do some research on here. The Opteka grip is great, it is what I own, and you can find a huge number of batteries, just pick own with a good review.

- Sigma lenses are generally in expensive, take great shots, and are durable. Some Canon lenses will have better optics, but will cost at least twice as much.

- Get the Canon 50mm f/1.8. It is a very inexpensive lens(about $60 - $70) and takes amazing shots.

- Big memory cards are amazing. Buy one, seriously. I have a 6GB card and shoot in RAW, so I get about 650 pictures. JPG will get 2000. I need another one because I shoot so much.

- External hard drives are a must for all those big files. I have a 250GB Phantom Drive, and I reccomend that, but there are now many cheaper alternatives.

- Don't forget a tripod and/or a monopod, a flash(though it does have one, external flashes are much better), and filters if you want to experiment.

Hope you enjoy your camera as much as I have!

I have had digital cameras for about 5 years and still own an Olympus 5 megapixel, and a Casio 7 megapixel. Seems like Megamixels alone just don't cut it for me.

I read about the rebel XT in a magazine and looked up the user reviews here on Amazon.

I decided to go and buy one and though I am really a novice, I am extremely impressed. I have never seen such stunning quality or realistic colors from a Point & Shoot. I started with the basic settings and love the results.I am slowly progressing to more advanced settings and am getting better everyday.

Even a novice who just wants stunning photography will be amazed with this camera.

I also bought a Tamron 75-300 Autofocus zoom lens (look for it here on Amazon.com) and after lots of practice, have been able to take some great pictures.

I have a brother in the UK who is also into digital photography, and after seeing some (full reso) photos I sent him, he rushed out and bought the XTi (called the EOS 400D across the pond)and is amazed with it.

I still have a lot to learn but really cannot fault this camera. The included software is also excellent.

For the record, some reviews seem to think it is too small to hold, I have big hands and don't have any problems at all. I admit though this is the first SLR I have ever owned.

I will still keep a point and shoot to keep in my travel bag for spontaneous photography but I am in love with my Rebel XT!!

This camera costs quite chunk of change but I think it is well worth it and I do recommend it to everyone.

I've been using the Rebel XT for over 6 months, taken literally 1000's of pictures and it's been great. Loved my old manual 35mm Nikon SLR, have been using digital point-n-clicks but wanted the control of an SLR again--no major complaints with the Rebel XT. Overall: if you're shopping for a solid DSLR, I'd definitely recommend it.

Pros:

+ Fast. I had a miserable time capturing action with my Canon S50 (a digital point-n-click)--response time made for hit-or-miss photos. The XT takes something like 3+ shots/second, a feature I've been happily using for action sequences I could never pull off before.

+ Great depth of field. This was something I really missed from the old SLRs--you just don't get much depth with point-n-clicks even in those portait modes. The XT is great for isolating subjects in the shot.

+ Battery lasts far longer than any other digital cameras I've had (I suspect b/c it lacks the preview window). As a bonus, the XT uses the same form factor as my Canon S50 so I only need one charger when I travel.

+ Auto-focus is v. fast. I know I mentioned speed before but it's worth mentioning again. I hate waiting for other digital cameras to analyze a scene and take a shot--no delays with the XT.

+ Starts up instantly. I didn't think I'd care about this but it's been great--you see a shot, you flick it on and before you can even raise the camera to your eye, it's ready to fire away.

+ Software is better than I expected--it's actually usable as compared to some other software I've received with other cameras like Kodak.

Cons:

- The kit lens isn't terrible but isn't great. The manual focus ring is narrow and oddly positioned right at the tip of the lens; and you have to turn-off autofocus to use it (unlike most Canon lenses you can buy). It's also noisy. Aesthetics aside, the optics are ok and the range (from wide-angle to zoom) is hard to find in other Canon lenses (I've found that I've needed separate lenses to get the same wide-angle to zoom range).

- One thing I didn't fully realize when I purchased was the impact of the 1.6 cropping factor of the EF-S lens form factor. The XT can take both EF-S and EF lenses. If you throw on an EF lens (the majority of Canon EOS lenses and what I've purchased for my zoom and primes), the scene is magnified by 1.6 (or you could say the edges are cropped). As I understand it, it allows for a smaller camera. The problem is that you really can't use an EF wide-angle lens since it loses it's wide-angle--you'll need to buy an EF-S wide-angle lens and there aren't many choices (I have the 10mm-22m). My concern is that I'm not sure whether Canon will support the EF-S form factor long-term and I hate investing in lenses only to have them obsolete in a year. Will see what happens. Something to consider since you'll probably be purchasing lenses to go with this camera.

- Get ready to clean the camera more. I'm admittedly rough on my equipment (used the XT in the desert and the jungle). Problem is whereas point-n-clicks are sealed and the old 35mm SLRs would simply capture dust/dirt on single frame, getting a speck on the sensor on the XT (and probably most DSLRs) causes a blob on every shot you take until you notice it during reviews and clean it. I use a hand air pump--takes seconds but just be prepared.

- One final note: be wary of suntan lotion and other lotions when using Canon cameras--I've managed to rub off the decals from two camera bodies so far--the ink or whatever is used to print the icons simply disolves.

I consider these minor issues given the purpose of the camera is to help you take great shots and the Rebel XT definitely does this.

I'd gotten away from SLRs in favor of small pocket sized digitals, but decided I wanted higher quality for blowups for my trip to Ireland. After much online research and several sessions flipping a quarter, I ordered the Canon EOS 8MP digital Rebel from Amazon.

Although lugging it around Ireland for 2 weeks was something of a challenge, it exceeded my expectations from a photographic standpoint. The photos are perfect, 8X11 enlargements are crisp and detailed, the colors are true... I almost got my whole trip on one 2G CF card which beats my past experiences of coming home with 24 exposed roles of film! I use the free Picassa photo software from Google and can do pretty much everything I want to in post-production work.

A couple of downers: the leather case is cumbersome to open and close and sometimes falls off when you are taking pictures; the 'battery grip' which I bought is hardly necessary--it holds two batteries but I never needed more than one during a typical day. I also had trouble trying to use fill-in flash...

For the price, this is a great camera!

Received the Rebel XT as a bday present and here are my impressions after a couple of weeks. Note: I had a 35mm Rebel SLR, so I did not need to purchase lenses.

Pros: Granted my previous digital is a 2.1 MP point and shoot, but the Rebel is insanely fast. Near instantanous start up, and can shoot 3 shots/second. I purchased a 1 GB Sandisk high speed CF card to make sure the speed kept up.

Canon's website has an extensive tuitoral about the Rebel, and from it I have found that Aperture priority (AV) mode works best in most situations. I am really a beginner with advanced modes, but have easily found setting that make the photos come out well.

Other settings I have been playing with include the B/W and filter modes.

The auto-focus works great in all situations I've tried.

I haven't needed to recharge the battery in 2 weeks.

Cons:

Camera is slighly compact, which is slightly uncomfortable in large hands.

I have Paint Shop Pro already, so the included software (Photobrowser, ArcSoft Photo Editor and Canon Photo Professional) are mostly useless to me, with the exception of Canon Photo being the only software I have to process RAW images.

The camera is still a work in progress, as I still have a lot of paces to put it through.

Generally speaking Canon Rebel XT/350D is a very capable camera, it's far beyond the realm of an entry-level dSLR. However, it's not without flaws, some are fairly significant.

Pros:

Speed, speed, and speed...

Low-priced and feature-packed camera that worth every penny

Excellent Burst Mode, up to 9 shots at highest JPEG resolution

Compact design, solid construction, though small grip takes time to get use to

User-friendly interface

Great low-lighting AF capability

Sharp image with vibrant color and contrast at default setting (parameter 1)

Possibly best free bundled software on the market

Cons:

Evaluative Metering often performs poorly; Center-Weighted Average is a better choice for normal shooting

No true Spot-Metering. Only Partial-Metering instead ...works ok though

Auto AF point selection often misses intended target. Manual AF point selector helps but annoying to use

AI Servo AF does not work well as advertised, must accompanied with high ISO and shutter speed (1/500th sec or faster)

Relatively weak onboard flash, often needs positive compensation to get the job done

Below average Auto White-Balance performance

High ISO performance is not as good as some professional reviews. Noticeable noise at 800 and above

The bottom line, Canon Rebel XT/350D is like a well-put-together high-tech toy that invites you to play every time you put your hands on. It's not camera for someone just wants to do point and shoot. To get the best of out this camera requires some learning and adequate accessory...at least one decent lens ($400 and up) and a high capacity/high speed CF card (minimum 1GB and 40x) are absolute necessities. One also must be willing to explore various options this camera provides...ISO setting, Exposure Compensation, White-Balance adjustment, Depth of Field, Creative-Zone photography and RAW shooting are just a few areas worth spending time on.

If it where weather sealed (dust), it would be Pro Quality!

With the included software, you can connect this camera with your PC and shoot photo's directly to your PC. I used two 5ft USB extection cables along with the included USB cable, and had no trouble shooting 81 photo's so far.

Initial battery charge lasted 76 RAW shots @ 96% flash usage. (stock flash & 18-55mm kit lense).

Opteka Battery Pack Grip is a good option at half the street price of Canons Battery Grip (same product).

The kit lense is worth the small price, if you'll ever get into a dusty situation that you wouldn't want to use a more expensive lense in. (In my opinion.)

RAW images have averaged 6.44MB, and (for example) one image saved as RAW + JPEG == 6.88MB RAW and 6.45MB jpg === 13.33MB total. (This is just one image example, but it gives you an idea of what memory cards to get -> 1-2GB) Type II Compact Flash is the reccomended memory card. Anything faster will not improve camera speed... only "download to PC speed".

Self timer is 10 seconds, and I cannot change it to 2 seconds, although you can change setting to "Mirror Lockup: On" which will then give a "2 second delay" while using the self timer function.

Adorama Camera shipped my Canon Rebel XT w/ kit lense FASTER than Amazon shipped my 75-300mm USM lense. Don't be affraid to order from them though Amazon. I almost was, but am glad I did. That's why I shot direct to my PC... waiting for memory card, lense, hood, and Cannon UV Haze Filter.

Read the manual. I LOVE this camera!!!

I've been using this camera for a few months now and I can't say anything but praise. I've transitioned from using point and shoot cameras to the SLR. I just can't believe the difference. The quality of the photos is truly amazing.

I was actually debating between the Nikon D70 and the XT. I had been preferring the D70 b/c of the "better" kit lens. But I actually went to Best Buy and took pictures with both cameras, side by side, at different settings including full auto. I then printed out prints to compare the two. The XT was ablt to pick up small shows and detail in the back of the store that the D70 just showed as a blur. All different settings looked better with the XT. The pictures were much, much clearer and crisper and the color was much more like actual colors in the store. Also, the D70 wasn't as easy to use as the XT. The menus were not as clear as the XT. Needless to say, I stopped looking into the D70.

Now, over 7500 photos later, I'm totally happy with my choice. I have actually zoomed in on portraits using my desktop and was able to see the tear ducts in my daughter's eyes. The camera is also simple enough for my wife to take great photos.

Pros: 3 pics per second - super fast. Great price for a dig SLR. Easy to use menus. Great indoor photos. Battery charges in less than 2 hrs and lasts forever. Many great Canon lenses to choose from. Manual and auto focus lens is great. Great clarity photos. 8 megapixal is awesome. Prints great 8x10's. (I also just got the Canon MP500 printer AIO. Only 150 w/ free S/H)

Cons: only uses CF media (and doesn't come w/ a card) - I like CF though b/c you can buy the larger CF type 2 cards - I got the 6GB card - can take about 1500 pics on highest quality. SD or other types of media are more limited on size of cards.

Overall - GREAT Camera. I totally recommend for regular home use or professional use. Great price. Can't go wrong with this one.

Read every review I could find while searching for a new DSLR. Decided the Canon Rebel XT was the best for the money. It has all the important features a serious amateur would want and then some. Well, I received the camera over a week ago and I can't believe how good this camera is. Been a long time 35mm SLR user and a Digicam user since 2001. This camera is the closest to film you will get for the price and with all the advantages digital has to offer (technically speaking, a DSLR would have to be 12 megapixels to exactly match 35mm film quality). My only reservation is it's small size but that is a very minor complaint. A friend of mine has a Canon 20D and it is a better camera, but only slightly and costs $500.00 more. Save your money or spend it on a better lens, I bought the Canon EFS 17-85mm and it performs beautifully. By the way, don't believe all the critics that say megapixels aren't important and 6 megapixels are enough - that is not true. Even though most people are not printing large 8X10 or larger prints, many photos are indeed cropped and the more megapixel per photo there is the sharper the photo will remain. This is one area Canon seems to beat all of its competitors in this price range.

After a long and detailed due diligence on a mid-level professional digital cameras, my search ended between Nikon (D70/D50) and Canon (20D/350D). I finally decided on 350D for its balance of a great value and a huge variety of after-market accessories and web-based support and advice.

I recently received this camera from Amazon and, though my expectation was rather high and the camera did not blow me away, I'm very happy with the purchase.

PROS:

- Light, compact, and ergonomically designed.

- The camera does NOT feel plasticky at all. It feels solid and radiates the craftsmanship of a prosumer product.

- Easy to use. Take the camera out of the box and start snapping away.

- The bundled software is useful if not professional quality.

- Amazing flash performance. Pictures taken in total dark comes out looking professionally lit.

- Quiet when snapping pictures. Fast startup time. Very good batter life.

- For a fan of Canon, add to the inventory of other Canon products, from camera to lenses to printers to photo paper.

CONS:

- The EF-S zoom lens that comes with it is rather slow and a bit disappointing in picture quality.

- The camera - as many reviewers complained - is ergonomic but does not feel very well balanced. It's very awkward to take a picture with only one hand holding the camera - you need two hands. No matter how I tried, my grip on the camera never feels comfortable.

- Documentation is buggy and uneven. Some of the step-by-step instructions simply do not work, and I had to figure out the correct steps by playing with the controls myself.

(...)Amazon double-boxed the package, which arrived without a dent.