I would certainly choose the Rebel XT over the original rebel. It is a better camera in a variety of ways. There is no reason NOT to get the 8.2 MP camera, it is just that it isn't worth shelling out huge dollars for the extra MP unless you are really printing big pics (poster sized). However, the 8.2 MP CMOS in the Rebel XT is an excellent sensor and certainly worth the price. I have read that the black Rebel XT plastic scratches really easily so that you might want the silver and black one as it is less likely to get all scratched up.
However, I wouldn't buy the Rebel XT without first looking at the Nikon D70s (or maybe the D50?) and the new Konica Minolta 5D. Both are very highly rated cameras that run about the same price (or cheaper). They each have different advantages and disadvantages. Both of these are 6MP cameras, but I wouldn't hesitate to choose one of them over the 8 MP canon if you liked other things about the camera. The extra 2MP make no real practical difference to a competent photographer.
Go to DPreview.com and you can compare the features of each camera side by side.
You should also try going to a camera store where you can hold all three of them and see how they feel in your hand. Some people think the Rebel XT is a little too small. Others say it is perfect and the Nikon and KM cameras are too big. Some people prefer the knobs and dials of the KM cameras to the menu systems of the Nikon. It is all a matter of taste as they are all good cameras and there is NOT one that is "better" than the others.
Look through the viewfinder and see which has a better view. The KM is generally regarded as having the biggest, brightest viewfinder and the Nikon the smallest. Also compare the LCD screens on the back. Can you see the images easily?
Things to consider -
- What lenses/flashes do you want and what will they cost? The KM system comes with in camera image stabilization which costs a lot of money if you buy it in the lenses like with Canon/Nikon. However, there are a larger variety of lenses available for the Canon and Nikons. Does this matter? I think all three lines have every lens I could need.
- How good is the kit lens that comes with the camera (or do you want to buy the body only and get a different lens)? The Nikon kit lens is generally regarded as superior to the Canon offering. The KM offering is too new to know. Personally, I would buy the the camera body and get a better lens that meets your needs.
- What about the price differences? If one is $100 more than the others, maybe you could put that hundred dollars towards a better lens or flash.
If you end up with either the Rebel XT, Nikon D70s, or KM 5D, you will have a great camera. Buy the one you like most then go out and take pictures and don't worry about whether you bought the "best" camera.
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Chris Harrison
San Antonio, TX
