350d Rebel XT

350D is basically a very good 8MP APS-C sensor that comes with a lightweight body. It is a great DSLR for birding, especially if you don't need the 5fps capability of the 20D/30D. 350D+EF400mm f/5.6L is probably the lightest super telephoto prime birding combination for SLR users. Even though 350D officially only supports AF with lenses that have max aperture of f/5.6 or wider, it does focus reasonably well with a non-reporting 1.4x TC at f/8.

There are two weaknesses for this body:
1. Ergonomics are not the best. Changing the aperture in Manual mode is somewhat painful. However, for birding, I almost always use Av mode and let the camera pick the shutter speed.
2. Servo AF is weak. Especially when the background is not clear (e.g. blue sky).

I bought this Camera Kit about 1 year ago and am very happy with it. I took all my bird pix with it.
Now I am looking forward for the 400D/RebelXTi and will buy one as soon as it comes out, and I will still retain this XT as my second body.

I have got the camera since June 2nd and up to now I\'ve taken nearly 2000 shots (!). I like it very much.
* The only problems I\'ve faced are the adjustments you can take. This camera is my upgrade from an EOS 50 (analog) and I was used to adjust things like single or multi shot, AF modus, exposure measure, etc. as I wanted. But here you can either change everything or none.
Also the EF-S 18-55mm which comes as kit, really, isn\'t a high quality lens. I\'ve repeatedly experienced problems with chromatic aberration in the outer parts of the image when shooting at wide angle.

Rsum: The 350D body is great, the kit-lens not that much & there\'s always something better!

I\'ve got the black version with 18-55mm lens.

*Although comments will be made against the camera due to its size, chances are, you\'ll get used to it, I accualy prefer its small size and waight, it does help to keep the overall size and waight of my kit down.

#Using the auto power off feture helps to save battery life, theres no need to move the power switch, just press the sutter to turn back on.

I bought the 350d from Jessops as it was local. I have nothing but praise for the camera it was well worth the upgrade from my 300d. The fire up time is excellent, the extra FPS are worth it especially for birds in flight. The extra pixels do make a difference even though its only a small amount over the 300d. My photo\'s have picked up a notch and I only changed the body nothing else. For anyone wandering whether to upgrade from the 300d but find the 20d just out of their reach you won\'t be disappointed.

i got mine with the canon bag and 18-55 lens, and it is the silver version. 529, bargain for a quality camera. read the reviews and look at the pictures taken with this, you will soon be sold!

I use the 20D and 300D prior to adding the 350D, and the Rebel XT has all the following features that I miss in the older 300D:

1. AI servo in creative modes (this is essential for flying birds)
2. 3 fps, deeper buffer (at least 14 jpeg LF) and instant on

The extra 2 MP is a bonus, as it affords more cropping possibilities.

I\'m happy to note too that the 350D , like its older sibling (300D), can have limited AF at f/11 using an f/5.6 lens + a \"dumb\" 2x TC (e.g. 400 5.6L + Tamron 2x TC). The four outer horizontal points work in good light and contrasty subjects. However, the center, top and bottom are dead at this small aperture. This is the main reason why I don\'t carry two 20Ds - I need the ability to still have AF if I opt to snap on a 2x TC.

With a cheapo Tamron 1.4x TC, the 350D (same as the 20D and 300D) focuses well at f/8.

The light weight is a boon to me during long birding hikes, as I normally carry 2 setups - 20D + 400 5.6L for fliers, and 350D + 100-400 L IS for lower light pics.

The only major advantages of the 20D over the 350D, as far as my bird shooting is concerned, are:

1. 5 fps vs 3 fps - the 20D has better chances to catch a nice wing position of a flying bird.

2. 1/250 sec vs 1/200 sec x-sync - I find that I have considerably more success hand holding the 400 5.6L at 1/250 than 1/200 sec if I need to preserve the power of my flash, without going to HSS mode.

3. Even deeper buffer of 23 minimum vs 14 minimum - when shooting at fliers, you might be surprised how fast 14 frames can be used up.

Here\'s some pics of the 350D in the field, as well as some birds taken with it:

http://www.pbase.com/liquidstone/350d_xt

Cheerps,