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Expert Recommendation
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Overview
Though it’s no longer the newest Canon Rebel series model, the Rebel XT still produces the best high-ISO images in the entry-level market, delivering cleaner and more detailed images than any of its competitors. Combined with Canon’s new 18-55 IS lens, the package delivers the best low-light SLR on the market, all for a lower price than most other basic SLR kits.
My Best In Class Pick
Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT (Body Only)
Though it’s been around longer than any other DSLR camera on the market, the Canon Rebel XT is a classic camera that still shares the same sensor technology as Canon’s newest cameras, delivering unrivaled image quality and high-ISO ability even today. Combined with the 18-55 image-stabilized lens, the Rebel XT should have nearly no problems avoiding camera shake and even freezing fast-action motion in low-light situations.
Canon’s 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 IS lens provides a typical 29-88mm (3x) zoom range - great for everyday photography, although a little lacking on the long end for something like sports, which is typical for most SLR kit lenses. The f/3.5-5.6 aperture range is typical for a basic zoom lens.
Comparison with Nikon D60 (with 18-55mm VR Lens)
With its superb high-ISO ability, greater lens compatibility, and cheaper price, the Rebel XT beats out the Nikon D60 in every single category.
Comparison with Pentax K200D (with 18-55mm Lens)
With better high-ISO performance and a slightly cheaper price, the Rebel XT is the hands-down best choice for pure low-light performance. However, the K200D includes a few useful features not specific to low-light, including a more advanced autofocus system, weather-sealed body for rainy or dusty conditions, and an in-body IS system that will help to reduce camera shake with all lenses, not just the kit lens.
Pros
- +Superb high-ISO
- +Image-stabilized lens
Where to buy
Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT (Body Only)
Recommended with
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Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS SLR Lens$162.25 @ Amazon.com
- Highly Recommended at DPReview.com
- Dave's Pick at Imaging-Resource.com
- Rated Excellent by CNET.com
Comparing My Best In Class Pick with Other Good Choices
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| Price | $949.00 | |||
| Size (W x H x D) | 5.0 x 3.7 x 2.5 in. | 5.0 x 3.7 x 2.5 in. | 5.2 x 3.7 x 2.9 in. | |
| Weight (without batteries) | 17.0 oz | 17.5 oz | 22.2 oz | |
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Min Focal Length (35 mm equivalent)
The 35 mm equivalent focal length is a measure that indicates the angle of view of a particular combination of a camera lens and the sensor size. The term originates from the time when the vast majority of photography was done with 35 mm film. On any 35 mm film camera, a 30 mm or less lens is considered a wide-angle lens.
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29 mm | 27 mm | 27 mm | |
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Max Focal Length (35 mm equivalent)
The 35 mm equivalent focal length is a measure that indicates the angle of view of a particular combination of a camera lens and the sensor size. The term originates from the time when the vast majority of photography was done with 35 mm film. Larger max focal lengths make distant objects appear more magnified.
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88 mm | 83 mm | 83 mm | |
| Optical Zoom | 3.0x | 3.0x | 3.0x | |
| Important low-light features | ||||
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Image Stabilization Available
Image stabilization features are designed to reduce the blur that results from normal, minute shaking of a lens due to hand-held shooting. However, image stabilization does not prevent motion blur caused by the movement of the subject or by extreme movements of the camera.
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Yes | Yes | Yes | |
| Image Stabilization Type | Lens Shift | Optical (lens shift) | Sensor Shift | |
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Max Aperture (wide-angle)
The aperture refers to the size of the opening in the lens that determines the amount of light falling onto the sensor. The maximum aperture (wide-angle) is the largest possible size at the wide-angle limit of the zoom lens. The lens aperture is usually specified as an f-number, the ratio of focal length to effective aperture diameter. A lower f-number denotes a greater aperture opening, which allows more light to reach the image sensor.
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f/3.5 | f/3.5 | f/3.5 | |
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Max Aperture (tele-photo)
The aperture refers to the size of the opening in the lens that determines the amount of light falling onto the sensor. The maximum aperture (tele-photo) is the largest possible size at the tele-photo limit of the zoom lens. The lens aperture is usually specified as an f-number, the ratio of focal length to effective aperture diameter. A lower f-number denotes a greater aperture opening, which allows more light to reach the image sensor.
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f/5.6 | f/5.6 | f/5.6 | |
| Battery Life | 400 shots | 500 shots | 550 shots | |
| High ISO quality | Superb | Good | Good | |
| Overall Low-light Rating | Superb | Good | Good | |
Nikon D60 (with 18-55mm VR Lens)
The D60 is Nikon’s entry-level DSLR, a basic camera with most of the typical abilities of an SLR camera, though it misses a number of key advanced features.
The D60’s high-ISO ability is above average - you’ll be able to freeze motion and get fairly clean photos in low-light situations, although the images aren’t nearly as detailed as the class-leading Canon cameras. The D60 kit also features an image-stabilized lens, helping to reduce camera shake for static scenes as well.
The D60’s 18-55 f/3.5-5.6 VR lens covers a 27-83mm zoom range, which is just fine for everyday photography, although it’s not really long enough for things like sports. The f/3.5-5.6 aperture range is typical for a basic zoom lens.
The one weak point of the D60, is its lack of an in-camera autofocus motor, which will prevent users from autofocusing with a number of Nikon lenses, including most of Nikon’s large aperture prime lenses that are suited for low-light situations. If you plan on simply taking snapshots and never upgrading to newer equipment, the D60 will be a fine fit, but if you may be interested in learning more photography or eventually graduating to more advanced equipment, you’re better off looking elsewhere for a camera you can learn and grow with.
Comparison with Pentax K200D (with 18-55mm Lens)
The D60 lags far behind the Pentax K200D’s extensive featurelist, which includes a far more advanced autofocus system, weather-sealed body, and in-body IS system that works with all lenses, not just the kit lens. In terms of pure low-light ability, however, the Nikon D60 comes out slightly on top due to its’ more stronger noise reduction, which loses some detail but delivers cleaner and more usable out-of-the-box images than the K200D.
Pros
- +Above average high-ISO
- +Image-stabilized lens
Cons
- -Incompatible with some Nikon lenses
Where to buy
Nikon D60 (with 18-55mm VR Lens)
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Best Price:
$949
See It »
Specifications
- Zoom: 3.0x
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Resolution: 10.2MP
- Max ISO: 3200
- Easy to Use: No
- Highly Recommended at DPReview.com
- Dave's Pick at Imaging-Resource.com
- Rated Very Good by CNET.com
Pentax K200D (with 18-55mm Lens)
The Pentax K200D is a full-featured entry-level SLR camera. While it’s not class-leading, the K200D offers good high-ISO quality, producing images that tend to be grainy but also extremely detailed. The K200D also features a built-in image-stabilized sensor system which helps to reduce camera shake no matter what lens is used.
The K200D’s 18-55 lens offers a 27-83mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom range, which works great for general photography but doesn’t get close enough if you want to shoot long-range subjects like sports. The f/3.5-5.6 aperture range is typical for a basic zoom lens.
Pros
- +Above average high-ISO
- +Image-stabilized sensor
Where to buy
Pentax K200D (with 18-55mm Lens)
Specifications
- Zoom: 3.1x
- Image Stabilization: Yes
- Resolution: 10.2MP
- Max ISO: 1600
- Easy to Use: No
- Highly Recommended at DPReview.com
- Dave's Pick at Imaging-Resource.com
- Rated Very Good by CNET.com
How It Works
You tell us your budget, intended uses, and desired features. We show you personalized recommendations from unbiased experts to quickly identify the best digital camera for you.
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How to Pick Digital Cameras
- For Travel Photos
- For Photos of Children or Pets
- For Action or Sports Photos
- For Photos in Low Light
