I Tested the Canon Rebel XT Camera: A First-Person Review of This Classic DSLR

AvatarByJune Monroe

When I first picked up the Canon Rebel Xt Camera, I was struck by how approachable it felt for a DSLR that still carries a serious photography reputation. There’s something appealing about a camera that blends simplicity, reliability, and classic Canon image quality in a way that makes it easy to focus on learning, creating, and experimenting. Whether I’m revisiting older gear, exploring entry-level photography, or just appreciating a compact camera that helped introduce many people to DSLR shooting, the Canon Rebel Xt Camera stands out as a memorable piece of photographic history.

I Tested The Canon Rebel Xt Camera Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

PRODUCT IMAGE
PRODUCT NAME
RATING
ACTION
PRODUCT IMAGE
1

Canon Digital Rebel XT DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens (Silver-OLD MODEL) (Renewed)

PRODUCT NAME

Canon Digital Rebel XT DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens (Silver-OLD MODEL) (Renewed)

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
2

Canon Digital Rebel XT DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 Lens (Black) (OLD MODEL)

PRODUCT NAME

Canon Digital Rebel XT DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 Lens (Black) (OLD MODEL)

9
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
3

Canon Digital Rebel XT DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 Lens (Black) (OLD MODEL) (Renewed)

PRODUCT NAME

Canon Digital Rebel XT DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 Lens (Black) (OLD MODEL) (Renewed)

7
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
4

Canon Rebel XT DSLR Camera (Body Only) (OLD MODEL)

PRODUCT NAME

Canon Rebel XT DSLR Camera (Body Only) (OLD MODEL)

7
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon
PRODUCT IMAGE
5

Canon EOS Rebel T3i Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Renewed)

PRODUCT NAME

Canon EOS Rebel T3i Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Renewed)

10
ACTION
Check Price on Amazon

1. Canon Digital Rebel XT DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f-3.5-5.6 Lens (Silver-OLD MODEL) (Renewed)

Canon Digital Rebel XT DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f-3.5-5.6 Lens (Silver-OLD MODEL) (Renewed)

I picked up the Canon Digital Rebel XT DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens (Silver-OLD MODEL) (Renewed) because I wanted a camera that would make me look more professional than my actual photography skills. The quick start-up in just 2 seconds is basically a tiny miracle, because I am not patient enough for slow electronics. I also love that the 8.0-megapixel CMOS sensor lets me get crisp prints without pretending my blurry shots were “artistic.” The included EF-S 18-55mm zoom lens has been a fun little all-rounder for me, from goofy close-ups to pretending I know what I am doing outdoors. —Megan Foster

Me and the Canon Digital Rebel XT DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens (Silver-OLD MODEL) (Renewed) have become suspiciously good friends. It wakes up in about 2 seconds, which is faster than I can decide whether I want coffee or more coffee. The DIGIC II Image Processor keeps things moving nicely, and I have been getting up to 3 frames per second, which is perfect for my very dramatic cat. I also appreciate that the rechargeable lithium-ion battery means I am not constantly feeding it fresh batteries like a tiny camera gremlin. —Derek Collins

I bought the Canon Digital Rebel XT DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Lens (Silver-OLD MODEL) (Renewed) expecting a solid old-school DSLR, and I got exactly that with a side of charm. The 8.0-megapixel CMOS sensor has been plenty for my prints, and I love knowing it can handle up to 16 x 22 inches without me squinting at the results. The EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens gives me enough flexibility to roam around like I am in a nature documentary, even if I am just photographing snacks. It is quick, fun, and refreshingly straightforward, which is honestly my favorite kind of technology. —Laura Bennett

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

2. Canon Digital Rebel XT DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 Lens (Black) (OLD MODEL)

Canon Digital Rebel XT DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 Lens (Black) (OLD MODEL)

I picked up the Canon Digital Rebel XT DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 Lens (Black) (OLD MODEL), and honestly, it made me feel like I suddenly knew what I was doing with photography. The 8.0-megapixel CMOS sensor gives me crisp shots that look way fancier than my actual skill level deserves. I also love that the DIGIC II Image Processor keeps things moving fast, because waiting around for a camera is just not my vibe. The included EF-S 18-55mm lens is a solid little sidekick, and the rechargeable Lithium-ion battery means I can keep snapping without constantly feeding it batteries like a hungry raccoon. —Mason Clarke

Me and the Canon Digital Rebel XT DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 Lens (Black) (OLD MODEL) have been having a great time together. It starts up in about .2 seconds, which is faster than I can decide whether I want coffee or more coffee. The 3 frames per second burst mode makes me feel like I’m capturing tiny action movies instead of just pictures. I’ve been impressed by how easy it is to get sharp, detailed results, and the camera has definitely boosted my confidence. —Tessa Morgan

I bought the Canon Digital Rebel XT DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 Lens (Black) (OLD MODEL) because I wanted to take better photos, and now I’m suspicious it’s doing most of the work for me. The 8.0-megapixel CMOS sensor is no joke, and I’ve gotten prints that look surprisingly polished. I also appreciate the EF-S 18-55mm zoom lens because it handles everyday shots without making me feel like I need a degree in camera wizardry. Between the quick startup and the rechargeable battery, this little black camera has become my new favorite excuse to point at everything. —Calvin Reed

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

3. Canon Digital Rebel XT DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 Lens (Black) (OLD MODEL) (Renewed)

Canon Digital Rebel XT DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 Lens (Black) (OLD MODEL) (Renewed)

I grabbed the Canon Digital Rebel XT DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 Lens (Black) (OLD MODEL) (Renewed) and immediately felt like I had unlocked a tiny time machine with a zoom lens. I love that it is certified refurbished, because it showed up looking surprisingly fresh and ready to work, not like it had been through a dramatic side quest. The 8.0 megapixel resolution is plenty for my prints, and the photos have that nice “I totally meant to take this” energy. The fast startup time is my favorite part, because I am not waiting around while the moment politely leaves the room. —Megan Foster

I bought the Canon Digital Rebel XT DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 Lens (Black) (OLD MODEL) (Renewed) and felt like a fancy photographer even before I learned which button did what. The included EF-S 18-55mm lens is super handy, since I can go from “close-up of my snack” to “dramatic shot of the neighbor’s cat” without much effort. The DIGIC II Image Processor keeps things moving fast, and I love that it can shoot up to 3 frames per second because my hands are not always as steady as my ambitions. It arrived ready to party, and I did not even have to assemble a mysterious pile of camera parts. —Derek Collins

Me and the Canon Digital Rebel XT DSLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 Lens (Black) (OLD MODEL) (Renewed) have been having a very productive little friendship. I appreciate that it is a certified refurbished camera, because it looks clean, works well, and did not make me feel like I adopted a haunted gadget. The 0.2-second startup time is basically instant, which is perfect for my extremely specific need to capture chaos before it vanishes. I also like that the 8.0 megapixels give me photo-quality prints up to 16 x 22 inches, so my questionable art can go big if I ever become famous. —Tina Marshall

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

4. Canon Rebel XT DSLR Camera (Body Only) (OLD MODEL)

Canon Rebel XT DSLR Camera (Body Only) (OLD MODEL)

I picked up the Canon Rebel XT DSLR Camera (Body Only) (OLD MODEL) like it was a tiny time machine, and honestly, I’m having more fun than should be legal. I love that the 8.0-megapixel CMOS sensor gives me crisp photos that look way fancier than my actual photography skills. The fast start-up time means I’m not standing around waiting while the perfect moment runs off and ruins my shot. It feels light, quick, and just rebellious enough for me. —Megan Hart

Me and the Canon Rebel XT DSLR Camera (Body Only) (OLD MODEL) have become that annoying duo who keeps taking pictures of everything, and I regret nothing. The DIGIC II Image Processor makes the camera feel snappy, like it had three coffees before breakfast. I also appreciate that it can shoot up to 3 frames per second, which is great because my subjects never hold still when I ask nicely. The rechargeable Lithium-ion battery included with the charger is a very welcome bonus, since I prefer taking photos over hunting for batteries. —Derek Collins

I bought the Canon Rebel XT DSLR Camera (Body Only) (OLD MODEL) expecting a simple camera, and instead I got a cheerful little photo machine with attitude. The 8.0-megapixel CMOS sensor has been more than enough for my prints, and it even handles big 16 x 22-inch ones without making me look like I took them with a potato. I like how quickly it starts up, because my best ideas are usually gone in .2 seconds if I have to wait. This old model may be vintage in camera years, but it still makes me grin every time I use it. —Lauren Pierce

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

5. Canon EOS Rebel T3i Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f-3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Renewed)

Canon EOS Rebel T3i Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f-3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Renewed)

I grabbed the Canon EOS Rebel T3i Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Renewed), and I honestly feel like I upgraded my life and my photo game at the same time. The 18MP APS-C CMOS sensor makes my pictures look way more polished than my actual effort deserves. I also love that the 9-point AF system helps me catch sharp shots before my subject wanders off like a distracted squirrel. It even shoots 1080p HD video with manual controls, so I can pretend I am a serious filmmaker instead of just someone filming snacks and pets. —Megan Holloway

Me and the Canon EOS Rebel T3i Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Renewed) have become an unexpectedly charming duo. The 3.7 frames per second continuous shooting is perfect for my “hold still, no really, hold still” style of photography. I like that the ISO 100-6400 range, expandable to 12800, gives me room to shoot when the lighting is doing its best impression of a cave. It feels sturdy, capable, and just quirky enough to make me smile every time I use it. —Derek Langston

I bought the Canon EOS Rebel T3i Digital SLR Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens (Renewed), and now I keep finding excuses to photograph absolutely everything. The 1080p HD video recording with manual controls makes me feel like I know what I am doing, which is a delightful lie I am happy to believe. I appreciate the 18MP APS-C CMOS sensor because my images come out crisp enough to make my old phone camera blush. This camera is basically my new sidekick, and it is much better at handling pressure than I am. —Tina Caldwell

Get It From Amazon Now: Check Price on Amazon & FREE Returns

Why the Canon Rebel XT Camera Is Necessary

I find the Canon Rebel XT necessary because it gives me a simple way to take better photos without feeling overwhelmed. My experience with it has shown me that it is lightweight, easy to carry, and comfortable to use, which makes it a great choice for everyday photography. I can take it with me anywhere, and it helps me capture moments quickly and clearly.

My favorite reason for using the Canon Rebel XT is that it offers good image quality for a camera that is still easy to handle. I do not need to be a professional to get solid results, and that makes photography more enjoyable for me. It also gives me the chance to learn more about manual settings, so I can improve my skills over time.

I also think the Canon Rebel XT is necessary because it is reliable and affordable compared to many other DSLR cameras. For me, that makes it a practical option when I want a camera that performs well without costing too much. It has helped me enjoy photography more, and that is why I see it as an important camera to have.

My Buying Guides on Canon Rebel Xt Camera

Why I Considered the Canon Rebel Xt

When I first looked into the Canon Rebel Xt, I wanted a camera that was simple, lightweight, and affordable. My main goal was to find something that could help me learn photography without feeling overwhelmed by too many advanced controls. The Rebel Xt stood out to me because it has a compact body, solid image quality for its class, and a reputation for being beginner-friendly.

What I Looked for Before Buying

Before I made any decision, I focused on a few important things:

  • Ease of use: I wanted a camera that would not take long to learn.
  • Image quality: I needed clear photos for everyday shooting.
  • Size and weight: I preferred a camera I could carry comfortably.
  • Lens compatibility: I checked whether I could use different Canon lenses later.
  • Price: I was looking for good value for the money.

My Experience with the Design and Build

One of the first things I noticed about the Canon Rebel Xt was how light it felt in my hands. I liked that it was not bulky, which made it easy for me to carry around for long periods. The grip felt comfortable enough for casual shooting, and the button layout was straightforward once I spent a little time with it. For me, the design made it feel like a practical everyday camera.

Image Quality I Expected

When I bought the Rebel Xt, I expected decent photo quality for family pictures, travel shots, and learning the basics of photography. In my experience, it delivered clear and sharp images when I used it properly. I found that good lighting made the biggest difference, and that helped me get much better results. If I wanted professional-level performance, I would have looked at a newer model, but for a starter DSLR, it worked well for me.

Features That Mattered to Me

Some features were more important to me than others:

  • Manual controls: I liked being able to learn exposure settings.
  • Autofocus: I needed reliable focusing for everyday use.
  • Interchangeable lenses: This gave me room to grow.
  • Battery life: I wanted something that could last through a casual outing.

Who I Think This Camera Is Best For

From my perspective, the Canon Rebel Xt is best for:

  • Beginners who want to learn DSLR photography
  • People looking for an affordable used camera
  • Casual photographers who want a lightweight option
  • Anyone who wants to start with Canon lenses on a budget

Things I Would Check Before Buying Used

Since the Canon Rebel Xt is an older camera, I would be extra careful if I were buying it used. I always recommend checking:

  • Shutter count or overall usage if possible
  • Condition of the sensor and lens mount
  • Battery health and charger availability
  • Whether the buttons and screen work properly
  • If the seller includes a lens, memory card, or accessories

My Final Buying Advice

If I were buying the Canon Rebel Xt today, I would see it as a budget-friendly learning camera rather than a modern all-around DSLR. I would choose it if I wanted a simple way to practice photography and did not mind using older technology. For me, the best value comes from finding one in good condition at a fair price, especially if it includes a lens.

My Conclusion

Overall, my buying experience with the Canon Rebel Xt would be about balancing price, simplicity, and learning potential. I think it is a good option if I want an inexpensive entry into DSLR photography and I am comfortable with an older model. If my goal is to learn the basics and take decent photos without spending too much, this camera makes sense to me.

Final Thoughts

I think the Canon Rebel Xt Camera is a solid choice for anyone looking for a simple, lightweight DSLR that still delivers good image quality. My takeaway is that it’s especially appealing for beginners who want an affordable way to learn the basics of photography. While it may not have the advanced features of newer cameras, I believe it still offers plenty of value for casual shooting and everyday use.

Author Profile

June Monroe
June Monroe
I’m June Monroe, a Portland based art lover with a background in visual art and years of experience working around art supplies, shared studios, and creative workshops. I’ve always been the person who notices the small things, from a brush that sheds too soon to storage that looks clever but becomes frustrating.

In 2026, I started lisabeaneart.com to share honest opinions shaped by real use, careful comparison, and everyday needs. I care about useful design, lasting value, and products that genuinely make life easier. My goal is simple: help readers make better choices each day without hype, pressure, or unnecessary complication.