I don't believe that more megapixels is better (as increasing the pixel count on a same-size sensor increases noise, all other things being equal), but I'm still surprised that the Rebel now has a higher pixel count than the "prosumer" or "semi-pro" Canon EOS 30D.

Glad I saw this. I would have been sad

Noise on pro-sumer cameras is much less of an issue. Immediately after taking a photo, such cameras take a temp image while the shutter is closed, and memorizes any pixels that are not pure black, the existing noise. It then subtracts this noise image from the photograph. This all but totally eliminates any noise in the final image, and it all takes place automatically with each shot.

Photo geeks, like most species of geeks, can debate ad nauseam upon specs and stats that contain errors and deviations far below the perceptions of ANY mortal human. Sadly, such subspecies of humans often fail to grasp the original purpose of their devices; they usually fail to see the beauty of the purple wild flower, blinded by their self-dug rut of obsessive statistical minutia juggling.

Life's too short, and I think God sighs in sadness when someone doesn't recognize the beauty of a purple flower. The next time you see one, don't contemplate the f-stop of the image, just say a quiet "Thanks!"

Noise on pro-sumer cameras is much less of an issue. Immediately after taking a photo, such cameras take a temp image while the shutter is closed, and memorizes any pixels that are not pure black, the existing noise. It then subtracts this noise image from the photograph. This all but totally eliminates any noise in the final image, and it all takes place automatically with each shot.

Photo geeks, like most species of geeks, can debate ad nauseam upon specs and stats that contain errors and deviations far below the perceptions of ANY mortal human. Sadly, such subspecies of humans often fail to grasp the original purpose of their devices; they usually fail to see the beauty of the purple wild flower, blinded by their self-dug rut of obsessive statistical minutia juggling.

Life's too short, and I think God sighs in sadness when someone doesn't recognize the beauty of a purple flower. The next time you see one, don't contemplate the f-stop of the image, just say a quiet "Thanks!"

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jimothy wrote:
I don't believe that more megapixels is better (as increasing the pixel count on a same-size sensor increases noise, all other things being equal), but I'm still surprised that the Rebel now has a higher pixel count than the "prosumer" or "semi-pro" Canon EOS 30D.

It's not really that surprising. The EOS 30D has the same sensor that the EOS 20D did. The changes are mostly more "nice-to-have" features.

My biggest gripe about the Digital Rebel XT (and, apparently, the new version, as well) is the size: it's too small. It's difficult for me to hold the camera, as I have large hands. The EOS 20D and 30D (again, they are the same size) are much better--.72 in wider, .5 in taller. That doesn't sound like much, but it makes a huge difference. I have a 35mm Rebel 2000 that is more like the EOS 20D/30D in size, but, even then, I need to use the optional battery pack/grip to make it tall enough to securely hold it and be able to operate the controls.

For those not in the US, the new Rebel XTi is called the 400D. The previous model was the Rebel XT/350D. No idea why the inconsistency.

Apart from the extra megapixels this doesn't seem much of an upgrade. Guess thats what happens when you're already the market leader.

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richbowen wrote:
Apart from the extra megapixels this doesn't seem much of an upgrade. Guess thats what happens when you're already the market leader.

From the XT, no, but from other brands, it may be enough of an incentive to move, and for people like me, using a D30 still (not the 30D, but tho original dSLR from Canon--3mp) it may be a good replacement, although, I admit that I'm more attracted to the 30D.

-Jon

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richbowen wrote:
Apart from the extra megapixels this doesn't seem much of an upgrade.

Hmm, I forgot about the dust sensor cleaning. That is pretty neat.