Can anyone shed some light on the model Canon Rebel XS. I saw an advertised price of $250 for thanksgiving sale. Since i don't have any idea on SLR's and I'm contemplating my first purchase, I would appreciate your opinions.

thanks, Raj

-- Rajkumar (rmadhuram@yahoo.com), November 23, 2001

Answers

For $249.95, plus shipping, you can get the Reble 2000 at B&H Photo. A cheap lens (28-80mm) will set you back another $90. The Rebel XS is two model's back in features & design. Used, it's worth maybe $150. New, no more than $200. Of course if it has a lens on it...

-- Jim Strutz (j.strutz@gci.net), November 23, 2001.

I have the Rebel X. It's the same camera without the pop-up flash. Although I use an Elan IIe now, I still really like my Rebel X. Over years of abuse, the little Rebel X has proven an extremely reliable, resiliant, and durable camera. The Rebel X/XS models pre-date the Rebel G and Rebel 2000. The $250 price for the Rebel XS should include the lens. The Rebel 2000 as a body only (without lens) sells for $250. The Rebel XS has all the standard features, plus some extras such as a 9.5% partial meter and manual film speed override. Where the Rebel XS differs from the newer Rebel 2000 is that the Rebel 2000 has depth-of-field preview and is compatible with Canon E- TTL flash. Also, the Rebel 2000 is slightly smaller than the Rebel XS, which may or may not be a good thing. If you have medium to large hands, the Rebel XS may be more comfortable to hold. I personally think the slightly larger size of the Rebel XS is a good thing.

The Rebel XS is an excellent starter camera. I still use my Rebel X. The nice thing about Canon is that any combination of their bodies and lenses will operate with complete compatibility and functionality. A few years from now you can buy Canon's latest $2000 Image Stabilizer telephoto lens and still use the Rebel XS with it, and everything will work perfectly.

-- PeterP (pphan01@hotmail.com), November 23, 2001.

I just bought a Rebel 2000 for $220. After researching every where. I think I paid very good for it. So $250 fot RebelXs is too much.

-- Lilian Perez (lilianlp@yahoo.com), December 15, 2001.