Compared VS

Today we compare Canon's Digital Rebel(EOS 300D) vs the newer Canon Rebel XT(EOS 350D). We'll do a rundown of the new features, and why anyone would want to buy the Rebel XT instead of the Digital Rebel. It's more than just an increase from 6 to 8 megapixels.

6 Megapixels or 8 Megapixels

The first difference that many people notice about these two cameras is the difference in megapixels, or the resolution of the final dimensions of the digital image produced by the competing cameras.

Rebel XT's Faster Startup Response

The Rebel XT has a faster startup speed than the Digital Rebel. It has gone from around 2 seconds startup time on the Digital Rebel to near instant startup on the Rebel XT. This means less missed shots, and is particularly helpful for action shots of children, sports, weddings, and other events that require instant readiness.

Size and Weight Difference

The Rebel XT is slightly smaller than the Digital Rebel, and is 17% lighter in weight. Many reviewers say that it is too small for their hands - a problem which is remedied somewhat by an available BG-E3 Battery Grip.

Other Differences between the Rebel and the Rebel XT

• The new E-TTL II flash technology will render your old flash that you may have used on the Digital Rebel obsolete on the Rebel XT.
• Flash Exposure Compensation is a welcome addition on the Rebel XT for those wanting finer control over flash exposure, and can be used in 1/3 stop increments.
• USB 2.0 has been added to the Rebel XT for those that transfer images directly from the camera. This makes image transfers significantly faster.
• The DIGIC II Image processing has contributed to significantly faster image processing, increased buffer (14 images at full resolution vs only 4 on the original Digital Rebel), higher continuous shooting speed (up to 3 frames per second for the XT vs 2.5 frames per second on the Digital Rebel). This all means that you don't have to wait nearly as long between shots, and you wont lock the camera up if you're shooting a series of continuous images, like sports or weddings.

Conclusion: Digital Rebel vs Rebel XT

There is no question that the Rebel XT is a significantly better camera than the original Digital Rebel. Thanks to improved technology, the Rebel XT not only takes higher resolution pictures than the Digital Rebel, but it takes pictures faster, starts up instantly, is more compact and weighs less than the Digital Rebel, and has a host of other features that make it a best buy.