Review 5 of 29
Price Paid:
$699.00
from B and H Photo Summary: Basically a great step up for me... I loved the convienience of my digital point and shoot (Canon A520), and I loved the control and build of my Manual film SLR (Pentax P3). I needed something with a Canon or Nikon mount, with 6 MP or more, 3fps, black color, with good high ISO capability, all for under $900. I found it in the form of the Canon Rebel XT... I don't understand why the Nikon D70s kit STILL costs $1K. Probably just for the build quality. But that was my second choice.
However I chose the Canon for better high ISO performance (and low ISOs too - the D70s STARTS at ISO 200), as well as the fact that my friend has a good deal of Canon lenses and experience with Canon.
SUCH an amazing step up... firstly in terms of speed... 0.2 sec startup time, and 3fps shooting, and when combined with my Sandisk Extreme III 1 GB card, despite having a smaller buffer than the D70s, still shoots fast and for a long time.
the camera's performance at ISO 1600 is stunning, especially for the low cost. I use ISO 1600 and 800 maybe half the time I shoot now. I can't wait to see the low-light performance one i have my 50mm f1.8.
I do have a few complaints. The size... is a bit small, although it does fit in my camera bag nicely that way. Pressing the ISO, WB, AF, Metering mode buttons makes you go into a menu, when you should just be able to hold down the button, twirl the command dial, and be done with it.
However, overall, this is an EXCELLENT value, as well as a very solidly built, very well performing camera. Strengths: 3 frames per second.
Awesome ISO 1600.
Canon EF + EF-S lens compatability.
Solid feel despite size. Weaknesses: Pressing the ISO, WB, AF, Metering mode buttons makes you go into a menu?? Stupid.
A bit small.
Kit lens has bad manual focusing, and bad low light performance. Also, noticable barrel distortion at 18mm, and noticable pincushion distortion at 55mm.
Battery life is not too good. Similar Products Used: This is my first DSLR. Customer Service: I haven't found any serious problems yet... so I haven't need customer service.
|