I had to ask!

[Liz]

I just checked out the press release, specs, etc. on the new Digital Rebel XT. I have been saying that I would only upgrade from the 300D if the new Rebel had enough features to make me seriously consider it - along with maybe just being a little lighter weight.

Well, I'm serious! The main changes I'm happy about are the sensor, Mirrror Lockup, RAW+JPEG, Flash improvements (supposedly), Exposure compensation 0.5 or 0.3 and last but not least - it weighs less, albeit slightly. For me these 4 less ounces mean a lot! It's smaller too. It has quite a few other improvements. Also - it's black. ;)

Cost - I think the $899 - same price as Rebel 300D when it first came out - is reasonable. All I have to do is sell a few things to afford it! I just got a small but nice CD player/clock not out of the box....I'll return that for starters! I hope to get $450-500 from the Rebel 300D. And so on.

I'm surprised I'm considering it, but IMO the improvements are worthy of consideration.

Do you think I'm thinking irrationally in my excitement? Be honest now!

Liz

[schrackman]

I think you're quite rational, Liz. In fact, nothing wrong with stepping up to a better (if indeed it is a better) camera, especially if it isn't gonna cost you that much more. At work I was just looking at some professional photos taken of some of our staff that used a 1DS Mark II, and to be honest, if I had their same light setup I could probably take photos almost as good with my DRebel. One of these days I'd like to step up to a 10D or 20D, but for now I'm pretty satisfied with what I've got. So I say if ya want it, and you can afford it, go for it! Just be sure to post some pictures for us quickly when you get it

[schrackman]

Holy pixels, Batman! I just learned that the new Rebel XT's got 8.2 megapixels! Looks like I might be upgrading too, Liz!!

Here'a link to some sample photos: http://www.canon.co.jp/Imaging/eosdi..._sample-e.html

[Liz]

Thanks Ray, for the encouragement! ;)

Regarding those 8.2MP. It states that the sensor is an improvement over the 300D. I know there is always talk about sensors being too small. Or am I thinking of P&S cameras? What is the improvement - the size of the megapixels? I'm pretty dull when it comes to the tech part.

Wouldn't it be nice if we both have a new Rebel in about a month? Someone said Amazon is taking orders for March 20th delivery. Who knows?

Thanks.

Liz

Holy pixels, Batman! I just learned that the new Rebel XT's got 8.2 megapixels! Looks like I might be upgrading too, Liz!!

Here'a link to some sample photos: http://www.canon.co.jp/Imaging/eosdi..._sample-e.html

[Liz]

http://photoworkshop.com/canon/

This is a virtual demo - if you click "skip the intro" the next part tells about the sensor. To me it looks like a major player here.

I think I'm talking myself into it!

Liz

Thanks Ray, for the encouragement! ;)

Regarding those 8.2MP. It states that the sensor is an improvement over the 300D. I know there is always talk about sensors being too small. Or am I thinking of P&S cameras? What is the improvement - the size of the megapixels? I'm pretty dull when it comes to the tech part.

Wouldn't it be nice if we both have a new Rebel in about a month? Someone said Amazon is taking orders for March 20th delivery. Who knows?

Thanks.

Liz

[another view]

Liz, I don't know that going from 6mp to 8mp is a big improvement in a lot of cases. I've made 16x24 prints with my 6mp and been quite happy.

Other things might make more sense though - less weight and could be better at high ISO speeds if you use them. Canon has done an excellent job with high ISO's and I'm sure this camera will be no exception. And then there's the fun of new equipment too...

[Liz]

Hi Steve,
Going from 6 to 8 is nice, but from what I've read, the improvement is more than the increase in mp's. "Newly developed large, single plate CMOS sensor. APSC size = same 3.2 ratio as film, enabling an effective angle of view that is 1.6 the norma EF lens focal length."

As much as I don't totally understand all of this, from what I gather from various sources, this new sensor - if it works - is supposedly an improvement over the previous sensors. It's similar, but not the same sensor, as the 20D. (taken from link below)

http://photoworkshop.com/canon/

At any rate, the other features are also very enticing - especially the mirror lock up and the metering.

Thanks for the comments. I'm still trying to decide.

Liz

Liz, I don't know that going from 6mp to 8mp is a big improvement in a lot of cases. I've made 16x24 prints with my 6mp and been quite happy.

Other things might make more sense though - less weight and could be better at high ISO speeds if you use them. Canon has done an excellent job with high ISO's and I'm sure this camera will be no exception. And then there's the fun of new equipment too...

[Stina]

Here are the links to amazon's pages to pre order.

With 18-55 (black)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...hoto&n=3017941

Body Only (black)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...hoto&n=3017941

With 18-55 (silver)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...hoto&n=3017941

Body Only (silver)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...hoto&n=3017941

[Liz]

Thanks! I appreciate the information - and the date.

Liz

Here are the links to amazon's pages to pre order.

With 18-55 (black)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...hoto&n=3017941

Body Only (black)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...hoto&n=3017941

With 18-55 (silver)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...hoto&n=3017941

Body Only (silver)
http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg...hoto&n=3017941

[adina]

Hey Liz!

So you'll be selling the digital Rebel you have now? Email me! I'm definitely interested!!! Really interested!!! Email me!!!

adina

[Liz]

Hi Adina -

Done!

Liz

Hey Liz!

So you'll be selling the digital Rebel you have now? Email me! I'm definitely interested!!! Really interested!!! Email me!!!

adina

kineticlow@charter.net

[Liz]

Hi Gene,

It's great to see you around Gene! Thanks for the encouragement. Yes, I can't wait either! I love NY - and haven't been getting there enough.

When I got the Rebel 300D, I knew from the minute it was announced that I wanted it, and was one of the first 10 to order from B&H! Now I'm just as excited!

BTW, when are you coming to NY again?

Liz

Dear Liz:

You can't go wrong with this camera and will still be able to use all your good lenses, seems like an easy decision. Now, I'm anxious to see more good street photography in NYC taken with your new DR XT.

Best Regards,
Gene Bowhay
Woodland Hills, CA

[Liz]

Gene - I forgot to say that I like your O'Canon signature! I haven't set mine up yet - Paul emailed me telling me how to do it.

Liz

Dear Liz:

You can't go wrong with this camera and will still be able to use all your good lenses, seems like an easy decision. Now, I'm anxious to see more good street photography in NYC taken with your new DR XT.

Best Regards,
Gene Bowhay
Woodland Hills, CA

[Seb]

I just checked out the press release, specs, etc. on the new Digital Rebel XT. I have been saying that I would only upgrade from the 300D if the new Rebel had enough features to make me seriously consider it - along with maybe just being a little lighter weight.

Well, I'm serious! The main changes I'm happy about are the sensor, Mirrror Lockup, RAW+JPEG, Flash improvements (supposedly), Exposure compensation 0.5 or 0.3 and last but not least - it weighs less, albeit slightly. For me these 4 less ounces mean a lot! It's smaller too. It has quite a few other improvements. Also - it's black. ;)

Cost - I think the $899 - same price as Rebel 300D when it first came out - is reasonable. All I have to do is sell a few things to afford it! I just got a small but nice CD player/clock not out of the box....I'll return that for starters! I hope to get $450-500 from the Rebel 300D. And so on.

I'm surprised I'm considering it, but IMO the improvements are worthy of consideration.

Do you think I'm thinking irrationally in my excitement? Be honest now!

Liz

Hello Liz,

While the new Rebel will be an improvement over the first generation model, I am not convinced that it is break through new camera. It most likely won't widely outperform your Rebel. The fact that the Rebel XT is a 8mp camera (all else being equal) is a rather marginal enhancement. At 6.3 mp, your Rebel must put out files that are roughly 3000x2000 pixels. If you print at 300dpi you get a 10'x6.66' print. The Rebel XT give you 3456x2304 pixels files, thus a 11.5'x7.7' print at 300dpi. You can afford some extra croping but there is nothing to go crazy about.

The real significant change here is the Digic 2 image processor and the design of the sensor itself which will certainly allow for better image quality (plus this new camera is black ;) ).

Don't get me wrong here, I don't mean to break your fun and I certainly won't be the one to tell you not to invest into new gears (especially considering that you already have a buyer for your Rebel) . I'll be glad to see your first pictures when you get the new camera.

Seb

[Ryguyinlj]

CURSES!!!!! After a year of saving up to get my current digital rebel the folks at canon have to go ahead and make a better one. I don't really need the extra megapixles, but what kills me is the improved continuous shooting! What gives? I mean I get fine skimboarding and surfing shots as it is, but that extra compacity would be a HUGE help. In the future I plan on upgrading to a more capeable camera for continuous shooting. I'm not sure if I want to sell mine and buy the new rebel when the time comes or just go all-out for a 10D or 20D.

oh well...

[mjs1973]

I know I won't be getting a new body anytime soon but I would love to hear the reviews and see some images from the DX. I will upgrade someday, but I want better glass and a nice flash before I get a new body. Maybe I can sell something and get the EOS 1DS Mark II, 16.7mp with 32 consecutive shots at 4fps. Anyone want to buy a kidney?

[Liz]

The real significant change here is the Digic 2 image processor and the design of the sensor itself which will certainly allow for better image quality (plus this new camera is black ).

This is the big reason I'm upgrading - I did my homework to get a better grasp on comprehending what this means. I wouldn't upgrade just to go from 6mp to 8mp. However there are quite a few other features/options/improvements that I like including mirror lockup, better on-camera flash, metering, exposure settings, etc. AND the fact that it's black is a plus!

I also think the price is reasonable. I can use the rest of my tax return, sell my beloved Rebel 300D - and I get an "extra" check (3 pays vs 2) in April. I think it will work.

Forgot to include weight. I have back problems - had to sell my Canon 200mm/f4L which I loved. Any slight improvement in carrying less helps - so the lighter weight albeit small and the small size is also a factor for me.

Thanks for your comments - and I asked for honesty! ;)

Liz

[Seb]

I know I won't be getting a new body anytime soon but I would love to hear the reviews and see some images from the DX. I will upgrade someday, but I want better glass and a nice flash before I get a new body. Maybe I can sell something and get the EOS 1DS Mark II, 16.7mp with 32 consecutive shots at 4fps. Anyone want to buy a kidney?

LOL, I feel the same about the 1Ds MkII, especially after having read what Michael Reichmann had to say about his MkII on Luminous-Landscape. So.... anybody care for a pair of kidneys??? MJS and I will provide the good

Seb

[schrackman]

Hi Liz,

Yes, the improved sensor is really the attractive aspect of this new Drebel but there's a lot more that they've improved. dpreview has a good review on it here if you haven't seen it: http://www.dpreview.com/news/0502/05...on_eos350d.asp

Like you I can sell my 300D body no problem, it's coming up with that extra $400 that's the catch! If I had that kind of cash laying around my 300D would in the classified right now.

Thanks Ray, for the encouragement! ;)

Regarding those 8.2MP. It states that the sensor is an improvement over the 300D. I know there is always talk about sensors being too small. Or am I thinking of P&S cameras? What is the improvement - the size of the megapixels? I'm pretty dull when it comes to the tech part.

Wouldn't it be nice if we both have a new Rebel in about a month? Someone said Amazon is taking orders for March 20th delivery. Who knows?

Thanks.

Liz

[Liz]

Thanks for the link. It looks better all the time! Yes, the extra $400! LOL......I just bought a CD player that isn't out of the box for $100. I'm most likely going to return it......and I think my income tax rebate should just about take care of the rest. I haven't figured it out yet, but always get a decent refund - I work it out that way so I don't get any more bills to pay.

Liz

Hi Liz,

Yes, the improved sensor is really the attractive aspect of this new Drebel but there's a lot more that they've improved. dpreview has a good review on it here if you haven't seen it: http://www.dpreview.com/news/0502/05...on_eos350d.asp

Like you I can sell my 300D body no problem, it's coming up with that extra $400 that's the catch! If I had that kind of cash laying around my 300D would in the classified right now.

[Liz]

I'm not sure if I want to sell mine and buy the new rebel when the time comes or just go all-out for a 10D or 20D.

You would probably get a great deal on either of these cameras - I think the costs are going to go down quickly after PMA! Sorry you missed the Rebel XT, but you have a great camera to hold you until you decide what to do.

Liz

[livin4lax09]

CURSES!!!!! After a year of saving up to get my current digital rebel the folks at canon have to go ahead and make a better one. I don't really need the extra megapixles, but what kills me is the improved continuous shooting! What gives? I mean I get fine skimboarding and surfing shots as it is, but that extra compacity would be a HUGE help. In the future I plan on upgrading to a more capeable camera for continuous shooting. I'm not sure if I want to sell mine and buy the new rebel when the time comes or just go all-out for a 10D or 20D.

oh well...

I've got your back on that one. I know how ya feel. I'm thinkin ill stick with my 300d though, although I do agree the improved continuous shooting is tempting. After I get my sigma 70-200 f2.8, ill be saving up for 10d or 20d.