1. 8.0-megapixel CMOS sensor captures enough detail for photo-quality 16 x 22-inch prints
2. Captures images at a rate of up to 3 frames per second
3. DIGIC II Image Processor provides fast, accurate image processing
4. Fast start-up time--.2 seconds
5. Powered by rechargeable Lithium-ion battery (included, with charger)

Editorial Review :

For convenience, ease of use and no-compromise SLR performance, look no further than the EOS Digital Rebel XT. Featuring Canon's Digital Trinity - an 8.0 Megapixel CMOS sensor, Canon's own DIGIC II Image Processor and compatibility with over 50 EF Lenses-the new Digital Rebel XT has an all new lightweight and compact body, improved performance across the board and the easiest operation in its class, simplifying complex tasks and ensuring the perfect shot every time. With intuitive simplicity, powerful performance and unprecedented affordability, the Rebel XT is the EOS digital camera for everyone.

Customer Review :

Seller was very good

Seller was very helpful and great to work with. Product was in the condition stated in description. No complaints


Rating :

The Perfect Entry Level Digital SLR

Been using this as my primary still camera for the last 2 years. At that time, it was the best selling entry level digital SLR camera. A sub-500$ with an 8 megapixel resolution. Uses CF card. It is an entry level camera but is considered quite an excellent performer in many levels.
It comes with a battery and a sleek compact charger. It uses the well known Digic II image processor. 7-point AF.


Pros:
- Very fast start-up time and shutter lag is almost negligeable
- Image quality is close to the more expensive EOS 20D. Color rendition and low-noise
- Lighter and smaller than its predecessor
- Can shoot RAW format
- Burst. 14 frames at 3 frames a second
- Impressive long battery life.

Cons:
- Cannot shoot using the LCD panel. You always have to use the viewfinder. LCD is for menu and playback only.
- Supplied lens is very basic. No image stabilizer. Slow.
- No movie capability

Rating :

Great Camera

I love this camera. Great for the family to take great quality photos. Very easy to use.

Rating :

Excellent camera still worth seeking

This camera was my first DSLR and it turned into my springboard into photography as a near addiction. Though Canon has rapidly expanded its entry-level EOS line, this is still a great camera to seek out as its price is falling pretty rapidly.

The obvious downside to buying this camera is that its screen is much smaller than just about any LCD screen currently on the market. Its a good screen, though, and be sure to check your histograms regardless of camera.

8MP is a fine pixel count, there is more to a good picture than the the number of pixels on the sensor, and if you shoot in raw you will be able to get decent sized prints, if you print at all (I rarely do). Even the "large JPEG" mode is great for smaller prints like 4x6/5x7 prints.

What this camera's low price allows you to do is spend more money to get the good lenses and other equipment that you will use well beyond the life of one camera (hopefully). Yes, the APS-C sized sensor creates that 'crop factor' but it is workable and there is a wide range of compatible lenses designed for Canon's EOS line. In addition, I would recommend picking up the 430EX flash, as your indoor photography will greatly improve with something better than the pop-up flash.

I have been very satisfied with the results and it is a great way to get started in DSLR photography, which is a different experience from point and shoot cameras. If you are unsure about what your shooting demands are, or whether you even want to pursue photography more as a hobby, the Rebel XT is great camera.

Rating :

Canon Digital Rebel XT

I bought this camera used and am happily snapping away with a prime lense from a Rebel 2,ooo.

The pictures are great. Also, the experience with shipping and product representation were good. Thanks


Rating :

More reviews...

1. Canon EOS 40D 10.1MP Digital SLR Camera Body (Includes manufacturer's supplied accessories)
2. Canon EF 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM Standard Zoom Lens - Deluxe Lens Care & Cleaning Kit
3. 4 Gigabyte Compact Flash Memory Card - Compact Flash USB Card Reader - Package of LCD Screen Protectors
4. Well Padded Multi Compartment Gadget Bag W/Pockets & Strap - BP-511/512 Lithium ion Rechargeable Replacement Battery Pack
5. Full Size 59" Tripod W/Case - Lightweight Aluminum Monopod - BONUS!! Jumpstart Guide to Better Photography with your Digital SLR Camera - Free 25 Quality Prints (Promo code # on invoice)

Editorial Review :

The EOS 40D combines Canon's tremendous know-how in both the digital and photographic worlds, creating a camera that not only does everything one would expect of a traditional digital SLR, but one that incorporates staggering leaps forward in technological innovation. With features like Canon's EOS Integrated Cleaning System, Live View Function, a more powerful DIGIC III Image Processor, plus a 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, a 3.0-inch LCD monitor and more, the EOS 40D elevates digital photography to new heights, enhancing the shooting experience, and delivering images one could only expect from a Canon. + Canon EF 28-135mm standard zoom lens delivers sharp, natural-looking pictures virtually ever time. The lens is particularly handy for places where flashes are prohibited, as it excels in dim lighting without requiring a flash or a tripod. Other features include a ring-type USM for swift, silent autofocusing and full-time manual focusing; a close focusing distance of 20 inches; and a maximum aperture of f/3.5 to 5.6. Ultrasonic Motor for fast, silent autofocus. ++PLUS++ 4GB DELUXE ACCESSORY KIT: Loaded with extremely useful accessories

Customer Review :

Excellent Price for an Excellent Product

This is by far one of the best deals you can find online for the Canon40D. This review is for the packaged SLR deal which included the following

- Canon40D (new with warranty)
- 28-135mm f/3.5-5.6 IS USM
- Spare battery
- Monopod
- Tripod
- LCD screen protectors
- Bag
- Lens cleaning kit
- 4 GIG compact flash card
- SLR DVD
- USB reader

Honestly, the purchase is worth the price with just the camera + lens + spare battery + 4 GIG card. That was my main reason for purchasing such a package since this would be my first SLR and I was starting off from scratch. Hence, I would recommend this type of package for anyone interested in purchasing an SLR for the first time and want an excellent prosumer camera.

The bag itself is a standard camera bag. It works well by itself and a single lens attached, but I found it difficult (if not impossible with the out-of-the-box velcro pieces) to configure the inner pocket to hold the camera with an attached lens and 2nd spare lens. You will probably want to upgrade from this in a matter of days if you intend to take a lot of photos. It works though and nice to have if you have nothing to start with.

The DVD is kind of pointless, but it is aimed towards people who are very new to SLR cameras and have little to no understanding of the advanced features that you don't get out of a point-and-shoot. It was worth 30 minutes of my, but if you are really new, you'll probably want to pick up a good book at the bookstore. It's worth the price to pick up either the 30D or 40D Handbook.

The 4GIG card is practically a must if you intend to shoot at the highest resolution. Not to mention that if you even *THINK* about using the rapid shot at ~6.5 frames/second. Your memory goes fast at those speeds!!!

The screen protector is also nice for such a beautiful 3" screen. It comes with the package so you really should just put it on before you even snap your first picture.

The camera has an excellent battery life! Lithium batteries are the way to go for any camera, especially for the fact that they're rechargeable. I have yet to open the second battery because the battery life of a single battery is just so good. You could go a whole day without needing to replace them.

The memory card reader is standard, so I really don't need to comment about it. This is the same for the tripod and monopod. I have yet to even use them, but I guess I have them if I need them.

Rating :

Canon EOS 40D Digital Camera

The 40D is a quality product and all I expected. However, I stepped up from a Kodak DX6490 with 10X optical zoom which took incredible pictures. At this early stage of learning my new Canon, I have yet to exceed the quality achieved with my Kodak. Hopefully, I will soon learn the potential of my new camera.

Rating :

1. Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi 12 Megapixel SLR Digital Camera Body (Black) and All Manufacture's Supplied Accessories
2. Sigma 70-300mm AF DG Lens, Sigma 28-70mm AF DG Lens, Opteka HD2 Filters (UV, PL, FL),
3. Transcend 2GB Ultra High Speed Secure Digital Card, High Speed Card Reader / Writer, & ImageRecall - Image Recovery Software,
4. Power-2000 LP-E5 1500mAh Rechargeable Lithium Replacement Battery, LCD Screen Protectors, Lens Cleaning Kit, & Opteka Tabletop Tripod
5. Samsonite Ultra Protective Photo Bag/Case, 54" Deluxe Photo Tripod, & 1 Year Canon USA Warranty Included

Editorial Review :

For stunning photography with point and shoot ease, look no further than Canons EOS Rebel XSi. The EOS Rebel XSi brings staggering technological innovation to the masses. It features Canon's EOS Integrated Cleaning System, Live View Function, a powerful DIGIC III Image Processor, plus a new 12.2-megapixel CMOS sensor. The EOS Rebel XSi's refined, ergonomic design includes a new 3.0-inch LCD monitor, compatibility with SD and SDHC memory cards and new accessories that enhance every aspect of the photographic experience. You Get The Following Brand New Items: Canon EOS Rebel XSi & All The Manufacture's Supplied Accessories, Sigma 28-70mm f/2.8-4 DG Lens, Sigma 70-300mm f/4.5.6 DG Lens, Opteka HD2 Filters (UV, PL, FL), Transcend 2GB Ultra High Speed SD Card, High Speed Card Reader / Writer, ImageRecall - Image Recovery Software, Power-2000 LP-E5 1500mAh Rechargeable Lithium Replacement Battery, LCD Screen Protectors, Opteka Tabletop Tripod, 5 Piece Camera / Lens Cleaning Kit, 53" Deluxe Camera Tripod, and a Samsonite Ultra Protective Photo Bag/Case, 1 Year USA warranty.

Customer Review :

No review yet

1. Nikon D90 DX 12.3MP Digital SLR Camera (Includes manufacturer's supplied accessories)
2. Nikon 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR ED Nikkor Lens - 5pc Deluxe Lens Care Cleaning Kit
3. 8 Gigabyte SD Secure Digital Memory Card - Secure Digital USB Card Reader - Pack of LCD Screen Protectors
4. Well Padded Multi Compartment Gadget Bag with Pockets & Strap - Additional EN-EL3E Rechargeable Lithium ion Replacement Battery
5. Full Size 59" Tripod W/Case - Lightweight Aluminum Monopod - BONUS!! Nikon DVD: Understanding Digital Photography - Free 25 Quality Prints (Promo code # on invoice)

Editorial Review :

Nikon D90's Fusing 12.3-megapixel image quality inherited from the award-winning D300 with groundbreaking features, the D90's breathtaking, low-noise image quality is further advanced with EXPEED image processing. Split-second shutter response and continuous shooting at up to 4.5 frames-per-second provide the power to capture fast action and precise moments perfectly, while Nikon's exclusive Scene Recognition System contributes to faster 11-area autofocus performance, finer white balance detection and more. The D90 delivers the control passionate photographers demand, utilizing comprehensive exposure functions and the intelligence of 3D Color Matrix Metering II. Stunning results come to life on a 3-inch 920,000-dot color LCD monitor, providing accurate image review, Live View composition and brilliant playback of the D90's cinematic-quality 24-fps HD D-Movie mode. +PLUS+ Nikon 18-105mm f/3.5-5.6 AF-S DX VR ED Nikkor Lens: This lens is compact, versatile and ideal for a broad range of shooting situations, ranging from interiors and landscapes to beautiful portraits. It has a perfect everyday zoom. An ED- (Extra-low Dispersion) glass element minimizes chromatic aberration, contributing to superior optical performance. Exclusive Nikon Silent Wave Motor (SWM) enables fast, accurate, and quiet autofocus. Rounded 7-blade diaphragm renders more natural appearance of out-of-focus image elements. ++PLUS++ 8GB DELUXE ACCESSORY KIT: 8 Gigabyte SD Secure Digital Memory Card - Secure Digital USB Card Reader - Pack of LCD Screen Protectors - 5pc Deluxe Lens Care Cleaning Kit - Well Padded Multi Compartment Gadget Bag with Pockets & Strap - Additional EN-EL3E Rechargeable Lithium ion Replacement Battery - Full Size 59" Tripod W/Case - Lightweight Aluminum Monopod - BONUS!! Nikon DVD: Understanding Digital Photography - Free 25 Quality Prints (Promo code # on invoice)

Customer Review :

Great Deal & Amazing Camera!

I think this is a great deal (I got it for [...]). If you are paying the full [...] that they say it is worth then I don't know if it is cost effective. Let me review individual items so you know what you are getting.

First off, this bundle comes with screen protectors. I think that is a waste. The camera comes with a think plastic screen cover for the display. So why would you want to put a thin flexible cover on it instead?

The camera case it comes with is okay. I am glad it came with one because otherwise I wouldn't have one, and it saved me the effort of going out shopping for one. But I think it is a bad case. It comes with several removable dividers for the main compartment, but if you put any of them in then the camera doesn't fit. From my experience people who use SLRs have multiple lenses. This case does not allow you to carry more lenses around with you. It can however fit the charger, spare battery, spare memory cards, your hood, and the memory card reader that this kit comes with.

The memory card reader that it came with is great! It can store an SD card in it and then it has a hard plastic cover that closes the card inside keeping it safe. So you can use the card reader to store an extra SD card. It also comes with a USB extension cable which is great if you have too much congestion to fit the card reader in a given USB slot. (An interesting note about the memory card: the one that came in my package was not on the list of "supported" cards for the D90. This doesn't mean much at all, but if you care about it then be aware. Although it may be different for everyone who buys this package. I say that because the picture of items is not completely accurate. The tripod is different colors and the memory card reader is different.)

I haven't tried the lens cleaning kit yet, so I can't evaluate its effectiveness. It looks to me as though I will go through the cloths and solution quite quickly though. So you probably want to invest in a bulk size container of cleaning solution and cloths.

The spare battery that it comes with actually has more juice than the one that Nikon sells with the camera. That makes it even better!

The memory card size is dependent on you. If you take pictures at the standard quality then it can hold about 2100. If you are taking pictures at the highest quality then it can hold about 1000. And if you are taking pictures using RAWs it can hold about 530 pictures.

The monopod is exactly that. It has a fixed mounting point. It has the option of a spike tip bottom or a rubber bottom.

The tripod is very light. It has a lot of easily adjustable parts. It has two built in levels to help you keep it angled correctly. The part that mounts on the camera has a quick release from the tripod, to allow you to easily pick up your camera and carry it around.

I can't say much about the lens it comes with, because a lens is very specific to the situation that it is being used in. The quality of the lens is great, so that is not in question. Let me explain what I mean. When I bought this package I knew nothing about advanced photography. I had only ever used a point and shoot camera on Auto mode. So basically I had no idea what lens I wanted. I suggest that if you don't know much about lenses then you do some research before you buy this. I will give you some info in basic terms. The lens it comes with is a zoom lens. I like having a zoom lens because it means that you aren't locked in to one set position. The problem with zoom lenses is that they don't let in as much light as a fixed lens, so to compensate you will have to have longer exposures in low light conditions (Obviously if you use the flash this isn't an issue, but the built in flash isn't very good.). A fixed zoom lens lets in more light which allows you to take pictures using faster exposure times. This results in less chance of blur. The lens it comes with has Vibration Reduction. Vibration Reduction is a nice feature, and it does help greatly, but it uses a significantly higher amount of power. The lens it comes with also focuses much faster than the old lenses used to. I almost never miss a shot due to focus lag, which is much different than with a point and shoot camera.

Now let me review the camera itself. As I said when I bought it I had no idea what I was doing or what any of the features were. It only took me a week to learn most everything. Obviously I am still far from a professional. But I also now know how to use the manual mode very effectively. The best way to learn is to use the camera and experiment. The manual does a very good job of explaining things, but you will still have to look up terms here and there. My suggestion is to use [...]. It helped me a lot. My point about this is to say that the camera is not too complex. It has a very nice and simple interface. Although if you plan on buying it and just using it on Auto mode, then this camera isn't right for you. You don't really need to spend this much money if you aren't going to use all the features that it comes with. The camera itself is a solid camera. It functions great and is very fast! The main reason I wanted it was to be able to take pictures fast. It turns on faster then you can more your finger from the on switch to the shutter release button and press it. It shoots 4.5 frames a second which is plenty fast enough for an advanced amateur. The built in flash on the camera is just the same as a point and shoot camera. It is better than nothing, but it isn't very good quality at all. The camera itself takes amazing pictures! They are so much crisper and higher quality than even a good point and shoot camera. The battery life on the camera is very good. Nikon claims 850 shots per battery. If you drain the battery taking pictures in bursts then you can get over 1500. If you turn the camera off when you aren't using it then you will also get well over 850 shots. However if you leave your camera on for extended periods of time between shots then you will get around 850 shots per battery.

Bottom line: I recommend this package if you want to get serious with photography and you don't have all the gear that comes in this kit.

I'm not going to give out my email address, but if you have any questions and there is a way to contact me through amazon then feel free to. I hope this helps.

Rating :

1. 7.5-megapixel Live MOS sensor captures enough detail for photo-quality 16 x 21-inch prints
2. 2.5-inch LCD display with unique Live View functionality
3. Film-camera body layout, with shutter-speed dial and on-lens aperture adjustment
4. Leica 14-50mm Mega OIS lens included (equivalent to 28-100mm in 35mm photography) with 100 percent view-field coverage
5. Supersonic Wave Filter system for dust reduction; Venus Engine III processing engine

Editorial Review :

The ability to shoot while viewing the LCD monitor is an advantage offered only by digital cameras. With a viewing angle that approaches 100%, the LCD monitor makes it easy to frame shots and gives you a wealth of information at a glance. Panasonic Lumix DMC-L1 is, in partnership with Leica, a pro-grade camera that's easy to use for everyday and toward creative potential. Focusing Area - 0.29m at all focal lengths; Focus Type - TTL Phase Difference Detection System; Modes - AFS / AFC / MF AF Assist Lamp ISO Sensitivity Auto / 100 / 200 / 400 / 800 / 1600 White Balance - Auto / Daylight / Cloudy / Shade / Halogen / Flash / White Set 1,2 / Color Temperature Setting 2500k to 10,000K in 31 steps Exposure - Program AE / Aperture Priority AE / Shutter Priority AE / Manual Exposure Compensation - 1/3 EV Step, +- 2 EV Auto Bracketing (AE) 1/3 - 1EV Step +2EV, 3 or 5 Frames TTL Full Aperture Light Metering by 49 Zone Multi-Pattern Sensing System (optical viewfinder) / 256 Zone Multi-Pattern Sensing System (Live View Mode) Shutter Speed 1/400th to 60 and bulb (up to approximately 8 minutes) Self Timer 10 seconds / 2 seconds Recording Format JPEG (Design rule for camera file system based on Exif 2.21 standard); DPOF corresponding; RAW Electronic-Flash - Auto, Auto/Red-eye Reduction, Forced On/Red-eye Reduction, Slow Sync., Slow Sync./Red-eye Reduction, Forced On/Off / Shoe for external unit 2.5 LCD Power Supply - Lithium-ion Battery Pack (7.2V, 1500mAh) (Included) / Battery Charger/AC Adaptor (Input - 110-240V AC) (Included) PictBridge USB and NTSC/PAL interface Uses SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card, Multimedia Card for recording images Unit Dimensions (H x W x D) 3.42'' x 5.74'' x 3.15'' / Weight 1.17 lbs

Customer Review :

in love

I love this camera. I've used Canons and Nikons in the past, especially D30s and D40s, and I much prefer using the L1. I almost always shoot manual, and find the actual, physical controls on this to be a great improvement over all the buttons on the Canon. The design/navigation of the menu is also the nicest I've seen on a digital camera (have also owned Sony and Fuji). Picture quality is outstanding. Plus, I admit I really like walking past people carrying their omnipresent Canons and Nikons, while I'm sporting a much rarer Lumix.

The single biggest flaw with this is the viewfinder. It really is too dark - a problem common to many dSLRs which don't use pentaprisms like film SLRs. It can be worked around, but it's a real annoyance.

Also, be aware that this is not a small, inconspicuous camera.

Rating :

Great camera!

considering that you can get the camera for much cheaper than what it originally was priced its a great bargain. You first get a DSLR with a live view, bounce flash and great analog controls then the 2.8 14-50mm (28-100mm equivalent) Leica lens with Mega OIS. And with the four-thirds system that is steadily gaining popularity you really cant go wrong.

Rating :

One of a kind, never to be mistaken

When this camera was introduced I knew I wanted one. The look and feature set just appealed to me. Finally I got one. It is not a perfect camera for everyone, but get your hands on one and it speaks for itself. I love using this camera and I find it quite comfortable to use with everything where I expect it to be. Some features I particularly like are the manual controls, two-stage flash, live view, and the kit lens.

The manual controls feel more natural than using menus. I especially like the quick access buttons on the back and the drive mode and metering switches on top. Though these switches can change position easily at times, I still much prefer it to delving into a menu. I also love the two programable function buttons. This can be very useful, though be warned that one of them defaults to aperture when using a lens without the ring. But this has its workarounds.

I normally avoid using flash, but on the L1 I will try to find a way to use it. The bounce flash I find especially useful for portraits. The power of the flash I think is also very good for a built in unit. Its also amusing to see other peoples' faces when you pop the flash.

Live view is a feature many seem to scoff at, but I find it quite useful. It also helps to compensate for the viewfinder's deficiencies or when you really want to get that unique perspective.

And last but not least, the LEICA lens. I wanted a bright lens, and the L1 comes with one. Having a quality piece of glass to start with is a real plus and this lens is part of what makes the L1 the camera it is.

The L1 has its faults and quirks too.

The viewfinder is small and dark. Though I don't find it to be any darker than the viewfinder on my old Canon AE-1, it is smaller than most. But it is adequate for ordinary shooting and something you quickly adjust to. If you're shooting detail you can use Live VIew to check focus and to better view in dark lighting.

The auto focus is normally quick and near silent, but it does struggle in dim lighting or under harsh backlighting. Then the lens racks through its range and can make a bit of noise. But it is quieter than mechanical focus systems and I find it to be very accurate most of the time.

Lastly a few nit-picks. The flash being located off center from the lens axis can cause uneven lighting, but it is barely noticeable and often only occurs at either close or far distances. Also, don't use the lens hood with the flash as it causes shadows. The shutter dial is nice to use, except it doesn't turn 360 degrees. This makes switching from aperture to shutter priority a slight pain at times. But it isn't a big deal unless you switch between shooting modes a lot. Battery life isn't stellar by comparison to some others, especially if you use Live View a lot. So an extra battery would be suggested.

Overall this is a very unique piece of photographic equipment and is one you will either love or hate. But don't just take peoples' word for it. Get your hands on one and see for yourself. I love mine and wouldn't trade it for anything. I'm proud to own what will surely become a piece of photographic history.

Rating :

Poor lowlight performance, great for landscapes!

I bought this camera when Amazon had them for $799. I thought it would be a good camera to re-familiarize myself with manual controls and a higher degree of involvement with photography. I was also in love with the design and layout of the controls and the body.
I will not get into an analysis of the pros and cons of this camera; there is enough information out there to provide anyone with a sense of how the L1 measures against the competition. I will however, contribute a few observations.

Even though the viewfinder is dark and small, you adapt to it fairly well. I used the camera on a 4 day trip to Colorado and found it a lot better to manage than I initially thought.

This camera requires patience and a willingness to try different things. If you just stick it in Auto, you miss the whole point of using this unique instrument. A tweak here, an adjustment there, and you are rewarded with rich, detailed and well balanced images.

You will be stunned at the quality of images this camera produces. Outdoor shots are beautifully rendered, bokeh is quite good, and the 14-50mm Leica lens is a joy to use, albeit a tad unforgiving when the wrong settings are used.

7 megapixels is more than most people need.

Low light performance is really poor. The AF hunts and hunts, high ISO performance is relatively noisy (But why would anyone shoot above ISO800 anyway?) and the built in flash only works well at close range. One cool feature is the bounce-flash feature, which returns well lit and not washed out portraits, but only at a reasonable distance.

I have a Nikon D300 SLR that I use for more professional applications. I however prefer to use the L1 as a walk around, fun camera. It behaves very much like an analog camera.

Perhaps one shouldn't think of this camera's challenges as shortcomings, but of how far digital photography has advanced and even gone beyond film in performance and flexibility.

As long as lighting conditions are good, this camera shines!



Rating :

Wonderful

I 've been taking pictures for 25 years with different cameras (OM 1O, EOS 10, LUMIX dmc-fz20, EOS 400d...) and I wanted something special for my 40's. This machine is absolutly perfect. Actually, this was design and created with Leica (this is exactly the same camera as the Leica Digilux 3). Some will say it's only a 7.5MP SLR camera! Indeed, but perfectly "adjusted". You can use Zuiko lenses which are great.
I do recommand this Panasonic dmc-L1!

Rating :

More reviews...