I didn't know how to word the title but what I am getting at is this, I have an S2 IS right now and when I adjust shutter and aperture in manual mode, I actually see my display change to reflect the shot I am composing. In simplest terms, I can see the exposure changing. I have shot with a 20D where that isn't the case but you have a top display to see settings and exposure which helps. How does it work on the XTi? There is no display on top so how do you know if you are getting it right? Live histo? I'm thinking about getting this camera but this is one of those things you don't find in most reviews. Thanks in advance!

Most digital SLRs don't have live displays. You take the picture and then check the image or histogram. So you use the camera's exposure meter to determine the best exposure and then check your exposure after you take the photo. If it's an important photo and I have the time, I usually shoot a few tests and fine-tune my exposure before I take the actual shot.

The XTi is a great camera and most people make the shift from live histogram to SLR viewfinder just fine. But if you really think the live LCD and live histogram are important for you, take a look at the Olympus digital SLRs. They offer a couple of digital SLRs with Live View.

So you use the camera's exposure meter to determine the best exposure and then check your exposure after you take the photo.

Thanks John. Do I see the meter inside the viewfinder on the XTi then? The 20D has the external display on the top of the body but I don't think the XTi has it.

Thanks John. Do I see the meter inside the viewfinder on the XTi then? The 20D has the external display on the top of the body but I don't think the XTi has it.

Yeah, you can see the meter inside the viewfinder. Same goes for the 20D. And the XTi has moved the LCD display at the top of the camera to the rear-panel LCD. So you can read settings on the back of the camera. But all good SLRs are designed so you can see all pertinent information in the viewfinder. Ideally, you should never have to remove your eye from the viewfinder. Looking away might mean missing a shot!

Sounds like you need to go to your local camera dealer and play with some cameras :)

Thanks John. Do I see the meter inside the viewfinder on the XTi then? The 20D has the external display on the top of the body but I don't think the XTi has it.

Have you looked at the main LCD during shooting?
The main LCD screen replaces the status screen on several entry level DSLRs, including the XTi, and it shuts off as your face nears the viewfinder