Rebel XT vs. XTi

[stadlerdayne]

I am debating between the Rebel XT and the Rebel XTi. Could you share some of the pros and cons of each? Are the additional features on the XTi worth the extra $200?

Any input would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

[mjs1973]

The XTi has a better auto focus system, and better noise control at higher ISO settings, along with the dust removal system. For me, these features are worth the extra $200. Depending on what you plan on shooting, and how serious you are about photography, they may not make much difference, but for me, I would go with the XTi.

Welcome to the site.

[Music Man5]

I own and use both. I got the XTi for 2 reasons, the higher burst rate and the larger screen. When shooting sports where you are taking lots of pictures the XTi is the superior camera. This is particularly important if you are shooting RAW, as I do.

The XT screen is small enough that I have to put my reading glasses on to use it but I do not with the XTi.

I generally use both cameras at the same time with the XTi having a telephoto lens on it and the XT a wide angle. If I am shooting ISO 800 with one and am with the other and I have never noticed a difference between the two,

The XTi AF might be a little faster but not much.

If you are not shooting fast moving subjects then the burst rate nor AF speed should be an issue. Then I'd recomment the XT and spending the extra money on better glass. Better glass is more important in any case.

But that's just my opinion.

[Glasstream15]

I bought the XT simply because it was $200 cheaper. It is my first DSLR and so far I love it. I've had it for about 6 weeks. I got the Tamron 18-200 lens for it which is sweet also. Canon 220 flash, battery grip and RC1 remote.

Would the XTi have been better? Of course. But I am an amatuer, possibly in the top 25% of amatuers but definitely NOT a pro. The XT and the accessories that I have do EVERYTHING I need or want it to do. Will I ever upgrade? Maybe in 4 or 5 years but then I am 65 now and how much better camera will I need.

As for your needs! Only you can decide. If you are planning to buy into the system and use it heavily in a very advanced amatuer mode or as a semi-pro, definitely the XTi. If you think you may change lenses ffequently, the XTi might be better also. The 8MP vs 10MP argument could go on and on, but IMNSHO if you NEED 10MP you NEED a full size sensor, not the smaller one in the XT and XTi.

If you want to take pictures of your kids and pets and some vacation shots, save the $200 and buy another lens or good external flash.

And yes, I wish I had gotten the XTi, but that money was well spent on accessories for my XT and really make it a much more versatile and fun camera.

Again YMMV and only you can decide whether that $200 is better for glass or a few extra features in the camera.

[Liz]

I upgraded from the XT to the XTi - and never looked back. It's my all-time favorite camera....for reasons just mentioned.

One thing not mentioned - the automatic sensor cleaning. There are pros and cons about this - but for me it has really worked. I did have some dust problems with the XT - but none with the XTi.

Liz

[MonkeyWrench]

I am an XT owner with no complaints. If I were upgrading I would not buy an XTi because I would not consider it much of an upgrade. (If I could sell my XT and not take a major loss and spend $200 more yes). If I were buying new and entry level and was dead set on a Canon then I would spend the extra $200 for the XTi. If not dead set on a Canon I would consider the new Sony alpha with the built in IS. Canon charges an arm and a leg for IS in their lenses. I am truly an amateur so the XT more than fits my current needs, but I can see another Canon body in my future but only after I have invested in some better glass and develop my photography skills. As previously stated there is no substitute for good glass it just cost a lot of cash. If you buy the XT there is a chance you will be happy and never wished you had bought the XTi. But if you buy the XTi there will be no regrets. When I spend that kind of cash I do not want to have any regrets. I doubt if you will ever kick yourself for spending the extra $200 for a camera you will be well pleased with. I was looking at and considering the XTi when my wife surprised me with the XT for my birthday. Silver body no less. It's my all time favorite gift.