Canon Digital Rebel XTi

The Digital Rebel XTi, the newer version of the Digital Rebel XT, resembles its predecessor in many ways. It offers a 10.1-megapixel sensor, bigger eye-friendly LCD screen, and many new features. Small body molding changes in the XTi arguably makes a difference in the ergonomics of the camera; depending on your hand size, you may find the XTi comfortable or unbalanced and cramped.

Two of the most salient changes from the XT are readily apparent on the back of the unit: the LCD screen is a larger 2.5 inches, and the dedicated status LCD is missing; instead the XTi uses the main LCD as the status display. The camera automatically activates or deactivates the LCD screen as your eye moves to or away from the viewfinder. In addition, the newer version shows flash exposure lock and white balancing in its viewfinder's status bar.

The critical shooting functions are easily accessible through the four-way buttons and LCD screen on the back of the camera. Program shift, exposure compensation, exposure lock, drive mode, and focus-point selection all have dedicated buttons.

The menus are simpler and easier to navigate than with the XT. Additionally, the Picture Styles feature has been added, offering predefined image parameter sets for shooting in specific situations. For example, the Portrait style provides settings appropriate for reproducing skin tones.

Several features from the previous two versions of the Digital Rebel have been added or enhanced. The Auto Rotate During Playback mode allows users to magnify and pan around the image that appears immediately after shooting. Users can view the histogram display in luminance (brightness), RGB or monochrome. And users have new long-exposure noise-reduction options.

The XTi has a 10.1-megapixel sensor, upgraded from the XT's 8-megapixel.

The Xti features a triple self-cleaning sensor system. First, the sensor has an antistatic, dust-repelling coating. Second, a clear element in front of the sensor vibrates ultrasonically when the camera is turned on or off, to shake off dust. Third, users can create "dust referencea" shot that permits the digital removal of dust spots during later editing.

Users have versatile lens options, as this camera will accept all Canon EF and EF-S line lenses, which include everything from ultra-wide-angle to super-telephoto functions. The unit is also compatible with EX-Series Speedlite flashes.

This camera tends to retail in the $500 to $800 range.

Features and Specifications include….

Camera Type: SLR/professional
Image Sensor: CMOS
Dimensions: 3.71" high x 4.98" wide x 2.56" deep
Weight: 1.12 lbs
Exposure Speed: 3 frames per second
Shutter Speed: 30 - 1/4000 second
White Balance: Auto, Manual, Daylight / Sunny (Preset), Cloudy (Preset), Fluorescent (Preset), Tungsten (Preset), Shade (Preset), Flash (Preset), Color Temperature Adjust
Flash Type: Built-in and External
Flash Functions: Flash Off, Auto Flash, Red-eye Reduction, Manual
ISO Speeds: Auto, 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600
Image Resolutions: 3888 x 2592, 2816 x 1880, 1936 x 1288
Microphone: no built-in microphone
Self-Timer: 10 seconds
Interface: USB 2.0
Video Interface: video out
Focus Type: auto and manual
Lenses: Interchangeable
Power Type: NB-2LH
Power Duration: 360 Images
Memory Type: CompactFlash Card, Types I and II
LCD Screen Resolution: 230,000 pixels
Viewfinder: Optical (Through the lens)

Users generally give this camera good reviews. Users who are transitioning from point-and-shoot cameras give the XTi especially good reviews, citing the great picture quality and ease of use. Some users lament the lack of an inborn anti-shake feature, and although lenses are available with this feature, they are high-priced. Prospective purchasers, especially those transitioning from point-and-shoot cameras, should be aware that fully realizing the potential of this and similar cameras does require purchasing multiple lenses, the selection of which is not especially easy or cheap. That having been said, there is little buyer-remorse for those who do wish to invest in this camera and the lenses suitable to their photographic goals.