Canon Digital Rebel XT

Now the Digital Rebel has a new big brother called the Digital Rebel XT entering the stores this month. The Canon Digital Rebel was first released in 2003 featuring a 6 mega pixel digital SLR targeted at consumers. With a price tag of $1000 the digital rebel defined the consumer SLR category and was a big hit. The Digital Rebel XT builds upon the success of its little brother by offering increased speed, resolution, and creative control in a small elegant package.

Bigger, Faster, Lighter
The Digital Rebel XT has many new features including an 8 mega pixel chip, faster start times (.2 sec), and the new Digic II processing chip. The camera is smaller and surprisingly lighter, maybe to fit in the hands of more women.

Other Improvements
Some other cool features the camera offers is faster focusing, larger shooting buffer, and advanced color control menus. The faster focusing uses technology from the new Digic II chip and small improvements to the predictable AF system. Fast enough Canon says to focus track a subject approaching at 186 mph up to 66 feet away. The shooting buffer of the new Digital Rebel is about 3 frames a second up to 14 frames in large jpeg mode. Compared to the 8 frames of the old Digital Rebel this is a major improvement. For a consumer camera the XT offers unique color control menus of light temperature, digital filters, and even support for flash color information.

Here are some highlights you should consider when reviewing this camera:

• High-performance digital SLR with 8.0 Megapixel CMOS Sensor and DIGIC II Image Processor
• Smallest and lightest EOS Digital SLR to date (as of February 2005)
• Fast 3 frames-per-second shooting with a 14 frame burst and 0.2 second startup time
• High-speed, Wide-area 7-point AF with superimposed focusing points
• User-selectable metering patterns, AF modes, custom functions and flash exposure compensation
• Direct Print support with PictBridge compatible printers
• USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface for quick downloads
• Compatible with more than 50 EF and EF-S Lenses and most EOS System accessories including EX-series Speedlites and a dedicated Battery Grip

Priced under $1000 with a lense and the improved features this camera is surely to get the attention of prosumers and serious hobbyists. Look for the camera in your local shop this month.

For more details about the Canon Digital Rebel XT click here.