Abstract: Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT (350D) vs. EOS 20D - A Comparison
Photography - Canon EOS, digital, nature, Canon EOS 20D

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT (350D) vs. EOS 20D - A Comparison

Now the new Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT (the EOS 350D outside North America) has been announced, Canon buyers have a problem. Should they buy the EOS 20D or save $500 and buy the new Digital Rebel XT - or maybe even save another $200 and buy the original Digital Rebel?

All three are valid choices, but let's deal with the last one first. New XT or original? I think it's a no-brainer if you have the money. The new Digital Rebel XT has more pixels (8MP vs. 6.3MP), a lot more features and it will hold its value better. I think it's worth the extra $200 to go for the Digital Rebel XT. The original isn't bad and if you're on a very tight budget I think it's still a good camera, but the new Digital Rebel XT is better.

Now comes the more difficult question XT or 20D? I'm going to split this up into 5 sections:

For detailed information see the "Hands-on" review of the Digital Rebel XT

I'm pretty sure I won't list absolutely ever single similarity and difference, but I'll cover the major features. I'll revise the article as new information comes to light.

Things that are the same

  • The sensor, though actually different, is very similar in physical size and pixel count
  • Both have mirror lockup (enabled via a custom function)
  • Both have flash exposure compensation
  • Both have exposure compensation
  • Both can set shutter speed and compensation in 1/2 or 1/3 stop increments
  • Both have manually selectable evaluative, partial and center weighted metering modes
  • Both have manually selectable one-shot, AI servo and AI focus autofocus modes (plus manual focus)
  • Both have user selectable second curtain flash sync
  • Both have the same white balance options
  • Both have a monochrome (B&W) shooting mode
  • Both have the same RAW and JPEG size and quality modes
  • Both have the same 1.8" rear color LCD, with the same 5 brightness settings
  • Both have the same selectable histogram display
  • Both can print directly to compatible printers
  • Both have a USB 2.0 interface
  • Both are effectively "instant on". Startup time is 0.2s
  • Both have the same white balance bracketing and correction
  • Both have buffer which holds 6 RAW files
  • Both use the .CR2 RAW file format

Things that are different, but not better or worse

  • The EOS 20D uses BP-511/512 batteries, while the Digital Rebel XT uses the NB-2LH.
  • The EOS 20D uses the RS-80N3 wired remote, the Digital Rebel uses the RS-60E3 wired remote.
Whether these are advantages or disadvantages depends on what other equipment you own and which accessories and batteries they are compatible with. It's nice not to have to carry two different sets of batteries and chargers and two different remote releases.
  • The Digital Rebel XT is smaller than the EOS 20D. Whether this is good or bad depends a bit on the size of your hands. Some may find the Digital Rebel too small, some may find the EOS 20D too big.
  • The Digital Rebel XT is available in a silver finish. Some like it, some don't.
  • The Digital Rebel LCD information display is on the back of the camera. The EOS 20D LCD information display is on the top of the camera.
  • The layout of the menus for the two cameras is different. The layout on the EOS 20D is similar to that used on the EOS 10D and EOS 1D series cameras. They layout of the Digital Rebel XT is similar to the original Digital Rebel and the Powershot series of digicams.

Things that are different where the EOS 20D is better

Things that are different where the Digital Rebel XT is better

  • Price - a no-brainer. The Digital Rebel XT is around $500 cheaper!
  • The Digital Rebel can use the low cost ($25) RC-1 and RC-5 infrared remotes. The EOS 20D can't.
  • The Digital Rebel XT is lighter than the EOS 20D (17.1oz vs. 24.2oz)

Things we don't know

 Digital Rebel XT Sample Image

Bottom line - Which one?

Well, you've read the article, you have to decide for yourself. The Digital Rebel XT is designed more for the newcomer to digital SLRs and for users who don't need the added features and durability of the EOS 20D. The EOS 20D is designed more for the serious amateur and professional who work their cameras harder and expect them to do more. The difference is around $500 new and $500 is different for everyone. I'm sure it's pocket change for Bill Gates, but it may be a month's rent and food for a anyone with a limited budget. Only you can decide if you need any or all of the extra features that the EOS 20D offers, and if you can afford them. It's likely that the difference in image quality will be small, but that also applies to film cameras, where the image captured by a $200 film Rebel T2 is the same as the image captured by a $400 Elan 7N, an $800 EOS-3 or a $1600 EOS-1v, so clearly people don't buy cameras based only on image quality.

For myself, I'd choose the EOS 20D, but I'd have no hesitation in recommending the Digital Rebel XT to anyone who wanted to save $500. It looks like an excellent camera and probably provides the vast majority of users all the features that they will ever need. It is clearly a significant step up from the original Digital Rebel - which was itself a pretty good camera.

Links to other pages of interest

Where to Buy

My recommendation is AMAZON.COM. They're trustworthy, have good customer service and they are now shipping the EOS Digital Rebel XT. The first shipments went out on March 14th to those customers who ordered earliest. They offer free shipping and a 30-day return policy. It usually takes a while after shipping starts before all backorders are filled and new cameras are available from stock, so if you want one soon, placing a order now is probably a good idea. I'd go for the one in black with the kit lens, but that's just me!

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