Canon Digital Rebel XT: Hardly an Entry-Level DSLR
by Stephen Caston on May 3, 2005 12:05 AM EST- Posted in
- Digital Camera
Color Reproduction
* For all of our color tests, we reset the 350D to its factory default settings. It was then set to record using the highest JPEG image quality option. All images were shot with Aperture-priority mode, Parameter 2, and sRGB.We took a picture of our color chart using each of the following WB settings: Auto, Incandescent, and Manual. Click on a thumbnail below to view the full-size image.
Incandescent
| Auto WB | Incandescent WB | Manual WB |
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 Reference Chart ("actual colors") |
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| Auto WB | Incandescent WB | Manual WB |
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With Auto WB under tungsten lighting, we weren't too surprised to see a fairly strong yellowish cast. Almost every camera that we have tested seems to produce this yellowish cast with the possible exception of Kodak. When we used the Incandescent WB setting, the colors are much more accurate. However, we are a little disappointed to see that a faint yellowish cast remains. With Manual WB, the 350D produced some extremely accurate colors.
Daylight
| Auto WB | Daylight WB | Manual WB |
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Reference Chart ("actual colors") |
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| Auto WB | Daylight WB | Manual WB |
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There were no major differences between any of the WB settings in direct sunlight. All three settings yielded very accurate colors and bright exposures.
Built-in Flash
For the flash test, we compared the differences between Auto mode and P (Program AE). The pictures were taken from 5 feet away.| Auto (Parameter 1) |
P (Program AE) (Parameter 2) |
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In both Auto and Program modes, we were very impressed with the color reproduction capabilities of the 350D. Although both modes produced very accurate colors, notice how Auto mode produces images with higher contrast than Program AE mode. Since Auto mode does not provide the option to select a parameter through the Record menu, the camera uses Parameter 1 automatically, which boosts contrast and sharpness.
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27 Comments
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6000SUX - Sunday, May 8, 2005 - link
Thanks for a great review. Based on this one, I went to some other sites like dpreview.com, checked out lots of sample pictures etc. against competitors like the D70 and decided to take the plunge. All I can say is, this camera's fantastic. It's easy even for a relative newbie like me to get up to speed and take really great pictures.Now I have a great camera with which to take pictures of my first child. Thanks again.
stephencaston - Thursday, May 5, 2005 - link
#23, Unfortunately, since the digicam section is still relatively new, we don't have a lot of places to get products right now (lenses). We have been able to do Canon SLR reviews simply because we already have lenses. Don't worry, we are planning on covering the new Nikon DSLRs as soon as we can get them.Stephen
sgtroyer - Thursday, May 5, 2005 - link
I've got to add to the calls for a Nikon DSLR review. It's a pretty glaring omission given the reviews of the Canon 300D, 20D, and 350D, but no Nikon. The D70 is a fantastic camera, far better than the 300D for marginally more money. The D50 will provide even better value. Isn't reviewing only Canon DSLRs sort of like reviewing only Nvidia GPU's or Intel processors?stephencaston - Thursday, May 5, 2005 - link
Keep in mind that this isn't a "real world" battery test. We literally sat down with the camera and took 3,818 frames in one session.Ender78 - Thursday, May 5, 2005 - link
The battery life stated here seems to be a little off. I will have to test, but I dont believe my camera has anywhere close to the stated battery life.gplracer - Wednesday, May 4, 2005 - link
Nice review. I decided on the 20D over the 350 because of the size, feel, and the controls. The wheel in the back of the 20D is so much better than the controls on the 350. I am sure picture quality is close.brownba - Wednesday, May 4, 2005 - link
even my sd300 has this 'rattle.'i too assume it's for determining position.
that's the coolest thing - when you're in clock mode, if you swiftly move the camera, it will change the color of the clock.
shuttleboi - Tuesday, May 3, 2005 - link
From what I've read, the viewfinder on the XT is even smaller than the tiny one I have on my 300D. I also own a Canon film SLR, and the viewfinder in that is freaking huge compared to the one in my 300D. When you have a wide-aperture lens (larger than f2.8), then you will want a large viewfinder to see if you are focusing correctly, otherwise it is very easy to get the focus plane locked with the narrow depth of field.shuttleboi - Tuesday, May 3, 2005 - link
#13: if the XT is like my 300D, then that rattling sound is the part of the camera that determines if you are holding the camera vertically or horizontally. It is normal.STaSh - Tuesday, May 3, 2005 - link
No idea...I have a 20d.