Review : Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi 10.1 Megapixel

Before I write a review, first let me run a short history of Digital Rebel series since some of you may not know much about Canon DSLR. As some of you already know, Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi(AKA EOS 400D) is 3rd generation of Digital Rebel series. First one was introduced back in August of 2003 and it had 6 mega pixels with sub $1000 price tag. Last year, on February 2005 they brought Digital Rebel XT with 8 mega pixel which was an excellent upgrade to 1st generation camera with extra pixels, instant up time, faster image process with Digic II image processor, increased buffer, E-TTL II Flash to name a few. Canon Digital Rebel XTi(I personally like 400D name better though) is the 3rd version of Digital Rebel and it's got some cool features that you might want to consider when purchasing. I've listed 10 best here. 1. 10 mega pixel CMOS sensor with improved micro-lens array, and lower noise. 2. EOS Integrated Cleaning System ++++ GOOOOOOD ++++ - Anti-static coatings on sensor surfaces - Separate low pass filter with ultra-sonic vibration - Software based dust mapping and removal 3. Nine point Auto Focus sensor (Same as its big brother EOS 30D) 4. Continuous shooting burst up to 27 JPEG and 10 RAW images. (up from 20 & 6) 5. Bright 2.5" LCD monitor with 160° viewing angles (Horizontal & Vertical) 6. Camera settings and adjustment on LCD monitor 7. New viewfinder view includes 9 AF points as well as EOS 30D style status bar 8. Improved user interface 9. Improved print/share/direct print features 10. Lower introductory list price The most exciting feature on XTi is probably the Integrated Cleaning System. No matter how careful you use your camera, eventually the dust will make its way into your sensor somehow. I'm sure you've had same situation where dust got into the sensor and had to find a way to clean it off without damaging the sensor. If you shoot a white paper that covers entire screen and if you see small blurred dark spots here and there - THAT'S THE DUST ON THE SENSOR. It appears to be not noticeable when shooting textured, busy scene, but it definitely shows when shooting solid color such as clear blue sky or white backdrop. I had same issue and I've tried blowing can-air several times, but it only removed a few and sometimes created more dusts. ARRRRR!! This New cleaning system is a heaven's call. To fight the dust problem, Canon has done these to address this issue. 1. Used materials in the mirror box and shutter chamber which are less likely to generate dust. 2. Improved the body cap, again to not generate dust. 3. Used anti-static coating on the sensor surface. 4. Created a new separated anti-alias filter which vibrates to shake off dust. 5. Added a Dust Delete Data(DDD) feature which can map stubborn dust to be removed in software. I believe this feature is going to be present on all future Canon EOS lines from now on. My review space is almost out, so I'll make final comments. The XTi in my opinion is a very good entry camera and if you are thinking of upgrading point-n-shoot camera or from 1st generation Digital Rebel, I'd recommend this camera without any hesitation. Current XT users might want to wait for the upcoming 30D upgrade. XTi is great for Amateur, Semi-pro, or even some of the pros out there and as Pro myself, I am thinking to purchase this camera for back up/2nd camera to my 5D. Price you should expect is between $850~$900. Good luck and Happy Shooting!!!