Canon Digital Rebel XT: Hardly an Entry-Level DSLR

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.