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Canon Rebel XTi (400D) dSLR - Updated Review

November 15, 2007 by debbie T | Digital Photography

I have been using the Canon Rebel XTi dSLR camera for approximately three months, so I wanted to write an updated review on its pros and cons, along with a few other recommendations.

Purchased so far:

Bottom line, I adore this camera! No, I haven’t mastered this camera’s abilities and features by any means, and I still have a lot to learn, but I do not regret my purchase.

What do I like & dislike about the XTi?

I love the available 9 AutoFocus points. Actually, if there were more AF points, I would love it even better. In other words, you can never have too many AF points!! It is easy to set a manual focus point, and I use that option a lot, when auto-focus just won’t focus precisely where I want.

I love the 10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor. Photos are large, so I can easily crop smaller, and not lose much detail.

The Canon XTi fits well in my hands, it is easy to hold in one hand while walking, although I do use a neck strap for busy shoots.

I have become acclimated to the settings and buttons; most times, I can blindly fiddle with the AF points, but I still usually look at the back of the camera for adjustments to ISO, WB, etc. In manual mode (M), it is a bit awkward to change the aperture; you must hold down the Av button, while spinning the finger wheel. I know a lot of cameras (like the Nikon D80) have two separate wheels, which would have been nice. I don’t use manual all that often, so for now, it is not a hassle.

What about the Anti-Dust self-cleaning sensor? I don’t know enough about it yet, but so far, I haven’t had any dust issues, at least that I know of. I change my lenses very quickly and carefully to try to keep dust and particles out. Most say that the Canon self-cleaning sensor is bunk, but I guess I am glad I have it.

Battery life is excellent. I haven’t had any issues at all, and I shoot for days without worrying. The battery life indicator is clearly visible on the LCD, so you always know your status. And when on the charger, it charges very quickly.

I was initially excited about the large 2.5inch LCD screen, and yes, it is gorgeous. But truthfully, photo playback on a screen that size never looks as good as it will on your computer screen.

Lenses and Other Accessories

I found a passion for macro photography, so purchasing the Canon 100mm f/2.8 USM Macro lens was a perfect choice for me! Absolutely not one speck of regret there! If you are into macro, this lens rocks! NO doubt!

I got my feet wet by using the Canon 50mm f/1.8 prime lens. This lens is cheap ($80 and under) and allows you to really learn about depth of field and exposure. This lens was rarely off my XTi until I got the 100mm, and it still is my “walk-around” lens. It fits on the camera easily, and it’s light-weight to carry. Not bulky at all.

You will need a good camera bag. I opted for the Crumpler 5 Million Dollar Home camera bag. It probably is not worth the extra expense, but I like this bag, and it looks COOL. It doesn’t scream “Steal me, I am a camera bag,” and I can fit my 100mm attached to the XTi inside, along with the other two lenses. It does get heavy, so I don’t usually cart around the extra lenses when I am constantly walking around all day. The strap is long, and I carry it across my shoulder/chest and walk. The only complaint is that the velcro on the front flap is super strong, so it isn’t easy to lift without really pulling on it. It shouldn’t be a complaint, since it is good protection from someone you don’t want easily opening the bag.

Since the camera is constantly being taken in & out of my bag, hung around my neck, or used so often in so many places, I am afraid of damaging the LCD screen. I purchased a box of Promaster LCD Screen Protectors. There are other LCD protection products that I might look into in the future, but for now these clear pieces of film do the job.

They are a huge pain to apply to the screen without bubbles and/or creases (and finger prints), but it is better than getting scratches on the LCD. When applying the film, don’t use the guides on the back; it only will allow you to cut one film per screen, so you will waste the rest. Cut the film yourself, and you’ll get more than one protector piece. It might take you more than one try to adhere the film to the screen. Take your time.

Filters?

I purchased a cheap UV filter for the Canon 50mm lens because I thought it was the smart thing to do; I was following the advise of a lot of “experts” that recommend getting a UV filter to protect your lens from breakage or scratches.

I barely used it once. I now heed the advice of others that say that UV filters are not needed; unless you get an expensive high quality UV filter, it will just distort your photos. They say that lenses are built strong enough, with the glass element built far enough into the lens, that a protective filter is not necessary. Plus, I am super careful with my camera, so fingers crossed that I won’t have any trouble.

What I really need to get is a polarizing filter, and/or a neutral-density filter. Those will be more useful.

Training? How to learn to use the XTi

Also, I think a training video is essential for a newbie that has no idea about dSLR cameras and how they work. I purchased the Blue Crane Digital Canon Rebel XTi/400D training DVD, and I watched a few chapters. It was very helpful, and I really need to watch the rest.

I think the problem is I am happy with my photography skills at the moment, so I have become complaisant and a little lazy. But I know there is a whole lot more that I could be utilizing with the XTi. And I could even be using some of the settings incorrectly!

What would I do differently?

I love the Canon XTi camera, no doubt about it. Do I still think about the Nikon D80 (my 2nd choice)? Yes, sure, especially when I am on Flickr, and I see a beautiful photo taken with the D80. I admit I sometimes get a slight pang of envy.

Then I think about how much money I saved, and I know eventually I’ll move up to a more advanced camera. I don’t regret my decision to purchase the Canon XTi, but I do regret my hasty decision to purchase one of the lenses.

If I were to do it all over again, I would have purchased the XTi, with the Canon 50mm f/1.8 prime lens and that’s it!

The Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 lens was the lens I purchased instead of the kit lens. Looking back, I should have waited to see what kind of photography I enjoyed before putting any money into extra lenses.

Don’t get me wrong, the Tamron is a great lens, but it was a hasty decision because I never use it. It is a shame, because the $400 might have been better spent on a different lens, such as a tele-zoom or wide angle. Yes, I am glad I have the lens instead of the Canon kit lens, and I don’t know that I wouldn’t have purchased it eventually anyway…but I think it would have been wiser to wait.

Well, I think that is it for now. Enjoy your Canon XTi, if you decide to purchase!

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There are 4 comments

Hi,
I just ordered a 400D and a Tamron 17-50mm 2.8. This is going to be my first DSLR. I intuitively wanted to go in for just the canon 50mm 1.8, so i could learn photography and then decide a lens. but read good reviews about the tamron. and there was none which talked about just purchasing the prime lens to begin with.
do you suggest selling off the tamron and picking up a 50mm1.8 instead. even i have to figure out my fotography style.
also please post your review on a few more sites, especially the 50mm as the kit lens!
it might help many new camera enthusiasts.

thanks.
ramnik bansal

Comment by Ramnik Bansal on February 21st, 2008
Thanks Ramnik,

I appreciate your comments.

No, don’t sell the Tamron. Keep it. It is a good lens, and I use it all the time now. I just wish that I waited because I might have chosen a different lens. But I would never sell it now that I have it!!

Have fun with your new camera! You will enjoy it I think!!!

Comment by debbieT on February 21st, 2008
your response helped me reaffirm my decision about spending >400$ on a kit lens as a dslr newbie.
Just waiting for the camera to arrive!:-)

thanks and keep posting more of your experiences and learnings!

Comment by Ramnik Bansal on February 22nd, 2008
Thanks Ramnik!

Come back and post in a few weeks and let me know how you like the camera.

Oh and I finally finished watching the Blue Crane XTi learning DVD (link listed in article) last weekend. It really helps a lot with the advanced features of the camera.

I will have to go back and watch a few segments again, but I highly recommend it for those that are brand new to dSLRs.

Comment by debbieT on February 22nd, 2008