Point and Shoot Ease meets SLR Flexibility

I recently purchased the Digital Rebel 300D w/EF-S 18-55mm lens kit as my first Digital SLR. Prior to this purchase we had been using a 2MP Kodak Easy Share digital and my old AE-1 Manual Focus Canon 35mm SLR. The Digital Rebel has become an immediate replacement for both cameras.

For my wife, a very novice photographer, the Basic automatic modes on the Rebel are perfect. The Fully automatic mode would have been plenty for her but the preset modes help ensure she can get the best quality pictures every time. She loves the fact that she can let the camera do all the work. The only thing she misses about the old Kodak is the ability to compose a frame using the LCD.

For me, a more experienced photographer, the advanced features on the Camera are great. The digital Rebel allows me the flexibility that I demand for some of the more creative work I do. The Aperture and Shutter priority modes are awesome features I wish I had on the AE-1. I've found myself in the full manual mode many times as well though, shifting through ISO, White balance, Shutter Speed and Aperture settings. I've not been disappointed yet.

So here are my grades:

Features: A-
The Digital Rebel is loaded with custom settings and automatic vs. manual choices. The menu system is easy to navigate and not over-stuffed with options. The rear panel has a lot of buttons but with a little practice on the camera you get the hang of what's where pretty fast. The only things really missing from this camera are the ability to compose frames using the LCD screen and a PC (Post Connector) terminal for off camera flash control. In a model that's geared toward the general consumer market however, that's not surprising.

Lens: A-
The EF-S 18-55mm lens is a solid performer like most Canon lenses. Light collection is great at all aperture settings. There is no notable distortion throughout the entire focal range. With the Camera's 1.6x focal length multiplier, the 18-55mm gives you a good range of wide angle to telephoto on the same zoom lens (28-88mm). The only downfall of the the lens is the cheap feeling of the focus ring. When in manual focus it just feels loose or almost like it's broken. The rest of the lens feels solid and durably built but the focus ring seems almost as though it were an afterthought in the design. However, the lens does focus quickly and accurately in AF modes and has no problems holding focus in MF modes.

Picture Quality: A
I have yet to be disappointed by this camera in the picture quality department. With the ability to adjust white balance and ISO settings all it takes is a little forethought to get the most outstanding photos imaginable. Even in the fully auto modes, the camera does a solid job of adjusting levels under most light conditions.

Performance: A
The Digital rebel is a photographer's best friend. The AutoFocus performance is quick and accurate under most lighting conditions. It struggles a little in low light but the focus assist beam takes care of that nicely. Shutter response is immediate at all times. Image transfer thanks to the DIGIC chip is very very quick, sub 2 secs at the largest highest resolution JPEG settings. Built-in flash coverage is fairly impressive and except at the widest focal lengths is sufficient for most compositions.

Value: A+
This is the big one right here. You can pick-up the Rebel with EF-S lens kit for around $869 if you look a little. The combination of features, quality and flexibility make that price a steal. You get everything you pay for an more.

Overall: A
The Digital Rebel is a terrific camera for anyone from a novice point-and-shooter to the more advanced semi-professional. Canon has really refined this camera into a perfect mix of ease and flexibility. It works out great in my family given the mix of photographic abilities. I wouldn't rate the Rebel as a true Professional class camera, however, with the exception of studio use, I can't think of task it couldn't handle.

The Canon EOS Digital Rebel - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.