Canon Digital Rebel XT: Hardly an Entry-Level DSLR
by Stephen Caston on May 3, 2005 12:05 AM EST- Posted in
- Digital Camera
Noise
The noise test consists of pictures of our studio shot taken at increasing ISO levels to show the effect on the image. The pictures were taken after resetting the camera to its factory default settings. The camera is then set to record with the highest quality JPEG option with manual WB. Click on a 100% crop below to view the full-size image. All images were shot in Aperture-priority mode, Parameter 2, and sRGB.| 350D | 20D | |
| ISO 100 |  Click to enlarge. |
 Click to enlarge. |
| ISO 200 |  Click to enlarge. |
 Click to enlarge. |
| ISO 400 |  Click to enlarge. |
 Click to enlarge. |
| ISO 800 |  Click to enlarge. |
 Click to enlarge. |
| ISO 1600 |  Click to enlarge. |
 Click to enlarge. |
| ISO 3200 | N/A |  Click to enlarge. |
We mentioned early on in the review that the 350D is much more like the 20D than the 300D. As the crops above demonstrate, it is virtually impossible to see any difference in noise levels between the 350D and the 20D. Probably one of the first things that you will notice in looking at our sample images is that the 350D seems to have done a considerably better job metering our studio shot. We have no explanation for this, considering that the shot was set up the same. Perhaps the slight differences in framing could account for it. In our experience with the 350D, we have been very impressed with the evaluative metering system, even in backlit conditions. However, both cameras are capable of some incredibly low-noise images. It isn't until ISO 400 that either camera starts producing noticeable noise. Also, there isn't any discoloration or noteworthy detail loss until ISO 1600. Of course, the 20D has the advantage of using ISO 3200 while the 350D maxes out at 1600. If you shoot subjects frequently in very low light environments, it might be worth it to take a look at the 20D instead. Otherwise, the absence of ISO 3200 probably won't be a concern for most people.
For another comparison, below are rollovers of the 350D and 300D. Roll your mouse over the original 350D crop to see the 300D crop.
| ISO 100 |  Hold mouse over image. |
| ISO 200 |  Hold mouse over image. |
| ISO 400 |  Hold mouse over image. |
| ISO 800 |  Hold mouse over image. |
| ISO 1600 |  Hold mouse over image. |
Compared to the original Rebel (300D), the 350D shows a dramatic improvement. From ISO 100 to 200, they both show relatively low noise. However, from ISO 400 to 800, we can see that the 300D begins to show more noise than the 350D. In fact, at ISO 800, the 350D image is comparable to ISO 400 on the 300D. At ISO 800 on the 300D, the image is characterized by discoloration and grain while the 350D image remains smooth and clear. At ISO 1600, there is no contest; the 350D retains clarity with minimal discoloration while the 300D produces an image with a "webcam-like" quality.
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DVad3r - Tuesday, May 3, 2005 - link
Hmm possibly, what page is the blurb on?STaSh - Tuesday, May 3, 2005 - link
That's probably the sensor that tracks if the camera is vertical or horizontal. It's used to determine how you want a vertical image to be displayed on the LCD.There should be a blurb in the manual about it.
DVad3r - Tuesday, May 3, 2005 - link
I have a question to XT owners. I have noticed last night when holding my camera, that there seems to be something loose inside. I was just moving it up and down in my hands trying out different angles when I noticed what seems like something is moving around inside. The camera was brand new when I got it, and packed very nicely, and certainly has not been dropped or exposed to any shock at all. I was wondering if you guys have it too?Rebel II - Thursday, August 25, 2005 - link
I agree about the noise, there seems to be something loose in the camera. Mine is brand new and has not been subjected to any shock. I've been practicing using it and never noticed anything for the first six days. It is very quiet at times when I am practicing but I have never noticed a sound until the sixth night. I was using a "long exposer time" and after that I noticed a sound everytime I tilted the camera back and forth. I can even feel it as I move it. Everything seems to work the same. I can't figure out why I didn't notice it before. I was ready to return it but decided to check on the web to see what others have experienced. You are the second person to mention this so far as I have just began my search.Possessed Freak - Tuesday, May 3, 2005 - link
Hrmmm, I may actually have to try one of these out. I still use my Canon AE-1 program for all my picture taking. This DSLR really has me intrigued.NFS4 - Tuesday, May 3, 2005 - link
Stephen, I got my D70 Kit a few weeks ago from OneCall.com for $899.99 after a $100 Nikon rebate.Also don't forget the Nikon D50, which I hope you will be reviewing soon along with the Nikon D70S
Xtremist - Tuesday, May 3, 2005 - link
Anyone want to buy the original Rebel? ;-) Man, I WANT one of these lol!roibm - Tuesday, May 3, 2005 - link
glad it's fixed... I freaked out seeing it didn't work with my default browser(opera) and then not even with firefox.I can confirm it works with both as well.
stephencaston - Tuesday, May 3, 2005 - link
#6, the javascript problem has been fixed. It now works fine in Firefox, Opera, etc...#7, yes the Rebel XT shoots at 72 dpi
rootaxs - Tuesday, May 3, 2005 - link
Thanks for the review, would you mind posting though if the processed photo's that come out of the XT are at 300dpi or 72dpi? (e.g. at max resolution, not resized to become a 300dpi image).