September 24, 2006
10.2 Megapixel Canon EOS Rebel XTi
Well, Gizmodo passed along the info on the XTi and after a month of rumination, we're now the proud owners of a new 10.2 megapixel Canon Rebel XTi. We've taken a couple hundred photos in the last 24 hours just trying it out and viewing the incredible 3888x2592 pixel images.
The package came with an 18-55mm lens, camera strap, battery, and battery charger (and the obligatory 1lb. manual, software CDs, and USB cable). So far, I've just been using the Windows Scanner and Camera image import feature, and been darn pleased.
Oh and unboxing? Yeah, like I'm going to document the opening of this new camera with the old one? Nah. Besides, I was in too much of a hurry to open it and get the first pix on the CF card!
All of my previous lamentation about the point and shoot cameras aside, I'm very, very impressed with this camera. The included lens is a good general purpose one, if a bit short on the focal length. I've already swapped it out for a 28-80mm lens with the 70-300mm in reserve. With an onboard, pop-up flash, I'll not need to use my Speedlite flash too often, but then again, it does not hurt to be prepared! Speed-to-focus is incredible and with a 3-shots-per-second rapid fire mode, we've been having fun taking photos of the kids playing on the swingset and running across the yard.
Battery charge time has been pretty good, too. The charger has a collapsable/folding outlet prong, meaning it can be plugged directly into the outlet without messing with more wires. That does, of course, mean you need an open wall outlet or a Squid outlet... regular power strips will not be very well utilized with this charger.
I've got to say, I was a bit impulsive when I bought the camera (and the 2GB CF2 card to go with it). I realized it would be a couple of bills, but I'm very pleased with the camera. It'll keep the EOS collection growing (Started with an EOS 630 lo those many years ago) and the lens collection in use.
For a full-size sample image taken with the new XTi, see: The Dog (4.36 MB).
More writeups and photos soon.......
Posted by MEK at September 24, 2006 12:51 PM