Which is the better choice- Canon Digital Rebel XT or XTi?

Question

I realize that the XTi is the improved version of the XT, but I have heard from certain sources that the improvements are not entirely positive and that the XTis actually the better camera. I have also heard that since they have the same sensor, the XTi simply stretches the same image out farther. Please help.

Answer 1

Check out this comparison page. Click on "In-depth review" and "Read Owner Opinions" for each camera. Be sure to note that the reviews are many pages long so you don't stop after page one. Check the sample images, also. You can enlarge these to full size images if you click on the link below the picture. You will have to then put your cursor in the white space to the right of the picture and click once. After that, you can pass your cursor over the image and it will turn into a magnifier. Click it as a magnifier once and the image will go to full size and you can really examine the detail or look for artifacts like fringing or noise.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/compare_post.asp?method=sidebyside&cameras=canon_eos350d%2Ccanon_eos400d&show=all

Go here:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos400d/page24.asp
and click on each sample image. This page shows equivalent shots from the XTi and the XT. They will enlarge just as described above.

The chart at the bottom of this page says that the additional resolution in the XTi is "real":
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos400d/page28.asp

Among the comments on the conclusion page, I feel that this is significant:
"It also has a significantly improved user interface, dust reduction system, 9 point auto-focus, larger LCD monitor and combined status display / setting change system."

If a camera is more convenient to use, it is a better camera, even if there were no other improvements.

Answer 2

They do both have exactly the same size sensor so the picture quality is not going to be a really big difference. The main advantages to the XTi are a larger viewing screen (3 inch as opposed to 2.5 on the XT). Also 10 megapixels can come in handy but 99% of people never use the camera in any sort of capacity that would make the step up from 8 megapixels a necessary one. It also does have a few more manual settings than the XT which gives it a little bit more flexibility. The main difference though that Canon just came out with is the Automatic Dust Deletion System in the XTi. Basically whenever you turn the camera off the screen will say "cleaning sensor" for a second and you will feel a very slight shutter in the camera. Basically what it does is the sensor shakes quickly back and forth to knock off any dust that might otherwise build up on the sensor and over time require bringing the camera in to a camera shop for cleaning. They both come with the same 18-55mm lense and the capability of shooting photos at up to 3fps in continuous shot mode. So basically the differences are relatively minimal, but i'd say just for the features and the larger lcd display the XTi is the better camera and you can find it usually for about $150 or so more than the XT.

Answer 3

I have used both and the Rebel XT is betterthan the XTi because

1) It has an LCD readout for camera adjustments that I can read in full sun just as easily as a watch. - the XTi's are on screen and wash out.

2)The XT body only costs $490, the XTi body costs $217 MORE!!!

http://www.amazon.com/Canon-Digital-Rebel-XT-Camera/dp/B0007QKMSC/sr=8-1/qid=1172469711/ref=pd_bbs_sr_1/103-8843624-8019845?ie=UTF8&s=electronics


Digicams are like computers - outdated nearly as soon as you get them. Take the EXTRA $217 DOLLARS YOU SAVE and invest it in a good lens beause:

1)the kit lends pretty much sucks for anything but a doorstop.
2)Good lenses hold thier value very very well. (unlike computers)

As far as the XTi goes, you are buying into first generation sensor-shaking technology and it may fail quicker (more moving parts / more complex design / first generation/ = more likely to fail early

QUOTING ABOVE LINK to Dpreview.com:

"There's really NO ADVANTAGE in moving from eight to ten megapixels, the additional 432 horizontal pixels and 288 vertical pixels produce no more detail that can be seen. Indeed if anything the eight megapixel (EOS 350D) image looks slightly sharper 'per pixel' than the ten megapixel image from the EOS 400D."

Enough said? Yes the XTi has some incremental improvements, but the image quality is not noticeable to the human eye.

You will be happy with either one, really. Just make sure and get a BLACK BODY, they look more professional.

Enjoy! Please Believe me, don't fall for the MARKETING HYPE!!!

~Andres

Answer 4

The XTi has some features the XT doesnt have. Like User Settings. But besides from that it has a large LCD and nothing else but I would get hte XTi just because the settings on the camera are easy to read and its has some new improved ecornomics on it like padded areas where your hands are. The 10MP are also a nifty thing to have if you like to edit pictures.

Answer 5

im trying to buy that same camara, but i dont know which of the two is best either..