Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi 400D
The Rebel XTi replaces the XT in the affordable Digital Rebel which is now 3 generations old. It is still by far the best camera on the market for anyone considering a digital SLR for the first time. It is a full-featured camera with tremendous results. The new XTi is a 10 megapixel camera with the same 9-point AF sensor of the 30D and also has features that the XT and 30D don't even have like the new Integrated Cleaning System. The XTi also has a larger 2.5" LCD screen than it's predecessors but is noticeably missing the status LCD. on the top of the camera body. Like the other Rebels is extremely lightweight and compact. The tradeoff of the lighter body is that it is made of plastic and consequently less sturdy compared to the magnesium alloy body of the 20D/30D. The user interface is also more complicated and less intuitive than the dial and joystick controls on the 20D/30D because you have to use the LCD a lot more. The image quality has been compared by several reviews and tests and is almost indistinguishable from the 30D. For hundreds of dollars less, user-interface and plastic may be worth the savings. After holding the camera, I felt like it was a bit too small and designed for more feminine hands. At the same time, when I'm carrying a camera around my neck with a heavy lens, I sometimes wish I had a smaller lighter camera body. In the end though, I decided to go with the 20D/30D because user interface is critical to me and I liked the more solid feel of the 20D/30D. One major drawback to the new XTi that I see is the removal of the status LCD on the top of the camera. For anyone who has used a 20D or 30D, you know that this is not a good thing. If you've never used an SLR before though, it might not make a huge difference to you. Make sure you weigh what is more important to you when choosing between the two levels of cameras. And also take into account that you may end up having to sell the Rebel if and when you decide to upgrade.
Features
- High-performance digital SLR with 10 Megapixel CMOS Sensor and DiGiC II Image Processor
- EOS Integrated Cleaning System
- Continuous shooting burst up to 27 JPEG and 10 RAW images
- High-speed, wide-area 9-point Auto Focus with superimposed focusing points
- Single large, bright 2.5" LCD monitor with 160 degree viewing angles (horizontal and vertical)
- User-selectable metering patterns, Auto Focus modes, custom functions and flash exposure compensation
- Direct-Print support with PictBridge compatible printers
- USB 2.0 High-speed interface for quick downloads
- Compatible with EF and EF-S Lenses and most EOS system accessories including EX-series Speedlites and a dedicated battery grip
Camera Forum
Reviews
- Photo.net
- Bob Atkins Photography
- DPReview (Very Thorough)
- The-Digital-Picture.com
Photo Samples
Where to Buy
Black w/ Kit Lens
Silver w/ Kit Lens
Black Body Only
Silver Body Only