Hi guys, I'm considering buying the EOS Rebel XT in the marketplace as my first foray into the DSLR world but I don't know if it's any better than my current camera. I've got a Sony DSC-H300 but given the difference in release times I can't seem to find any real comparisons (other than spec lists, but other than MP rating, it doesn't mean a lot to me). Any advice?
Within reason, most DSLR cameras will be better than a compact/bridge camera. The MP numbers are relevant to some degree, but most DSLR cameras have bigger sensors and better low light capabilities that compact models. Really, the MP number is a e peen business, and only really determines overall print size - in fact, more pixels may reduce low light ability. When I used to sell digital backs in the early 2000s, a 35mm film sized sensor with 6MP would be good enough for a poster and al for £20K+! I don't know either camera in detail (just had a quick look at the DSC-H300 on the web to get an idea), but £60 for a camera and lens isn't going to hurt if you don't like it. The Canon has a fixed rear screen, it looks like the Sony one is articulated - this may be a problem or not. DSLR viewing is still nicer [IMHO] than almost any (affordable) camera with an electronic viewfinder, and you have a huge range of lenses to swap onto the Canon, as it's interchangeable. Newer models will have more pixels (helpful for larger prints if you need), and more features - stuffs they think you need!
The "Rebel XT" is the US name for the UK "Eos 300D", if you're spec sheet chasing? As Arboreal says, there's a huge range of lenses, as Canon have not changed their mount system for 25 years or so.
Four? Four? When I started, with digital cameras we had a stupidly expensive Apple Quicktake at VGA res... The only other half decent affordable ones were Olympus Cameda compacts at VGA res using Smart Media cards. Nikon [we were a Nikon Pro Dealer] only had PCMCIA cards, and we didn't have any laptops then. Never saw the first DSLR, the Kokak F3 based DCS monster with shoulder pack, but did sell a Nikon E2 camera a couple of times that was pre D1...wow happy days while film still thought it had a future /MontyPython Four Yorkshiremen Just remembered the Canon Ion... Went to the launch day for it at the Williams factory museum next door to the factory in Didcot. It was actually analogue IIRC, saving on a proprietary tiny floppy disc. BTW, enjoy the EOS noiz! I see you've said yes to it!
Just looked up Rebel XT, 8MP. More than enough! But if the lens was also from 2005, upgrade to a nifty-fifty will go a long way. I'm still perfectly happy and prefer to use my X100, 12MP. I sold my Canon 5D mark 2 and all its kits because I got more enjoyment using the X100. The ONLY reason I purchased the mirrorless X-E2 was because I wanted more perspective variety in my photos, the X100 is a fixed prime lens. But I still use X100 more.
