The popular Canon Camera Digital Rebel XT - the second generation of the Rebels - is such a small SLR camera that it can possibly be mistaken for a compact digital!
However, once you look at some of the specifications, it is clear that these Canon cameras fit squarely into the SLR league.
Apart from actually being one of the SLR Canon cameras, there is the small (or not so small) matter of the image sensor! Even though the Canon Camera Digital Rebel XT has the same megapixel rating as the 8MP PowerShot Pro-1, its sensor is much bigger.
A bigger sensor for the same number of pixels indicates bigger and better pixels, promising an expanded dynamic range, and less visible noise.
How does the Canon Camera Digital Rebel XT compare with the original Rebel? To start off with it is much smaller and lighter, and its start-up time is reduced to 0.2 seconds. Similarly the shutter lag has been reduced, and pixels increased by 20%.
The Canon Digital Camera Rebel XT also records at 3fps, compared to the older Rebel's 2.5 frames per second. It also features a higher pop-up flash, which should reduce the incidence of red-eye.
Of course, what is ultimately important is the quality of the images it produces, and in this regard the Canon Digital Camera Rebel XT has received rave reviews. At various ISO settings - even up to 800 or 1600 very little noise has been found, and virtually no fringing. Daylight shots have produced vivid color with very clear detail.
As a consumer digital SLR the Canon Camera Digital Rebel XT allows novices to take excellent pictures in most basic situations on Full Auto, and in specific situations using the scene modes such as Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, and Night Portrait.
The Canon Digital Camera Rebel XT package includes a good manual - something often lacking with even excellent cameras! An example: Canon devotes a full page to the differences between the two auto modes provided, with many answers to the questions you may have when using a camera with so many features.
Finally, advanced enthusiasts have access to many manual controls and pro-level features, and will be especially pleased about the number of interchangeable lenses available for the Canon Digital Camera Rebel XT.
In fact, you have the option of more than 50 EF and EF-S Lenses, and most EOS System accessories, including a dedicated Battery Grip. If your budget allows, you can experiment with all these accessories if you are the owner of a Canon Digital Camera Rebel XT!
