Very good camera for the money

This camera offers a good value in the used market. I've been using Canon cameras for over 30 years and I've been pleased with all of the bodies I've owned. This camera is no exception.

My two complaints about the camera are it's size and the burst rate. My hands are large and I find that small size and controls can be a little awkward. I've got a 1DmkII that is considerably larger and (to me) easier to handle. The burst rate/buffer while not bad for the $$$, are on the slow side and I found myself waiting on the buffer to clear while shooting high school football.

This camera won't ever replace my 1D, but it is great as a light little camera to grab and go when I don't need the buffer burst of the 1D and won't more than a "point and shoot." The image quality is very good and the features (and accessories) are way more than adequate.

I've also purchased a Canon XT Digital Rebel for my daughter and it seems to be virtually the same camera, just has XT on the front instead of 350D.....

All in all, if you are ready to move up from a "point and shoot," this camera is great starting place. If you're looking for a second (or third) CANON body that is very compact and light, this is a good choice. If you're looking to get into shooting professionally, this isn't a great choice.

As others have stated, I also recommend purchasing an upgrade lens over the stock 18-55mm that Canon chose to package this guy with.

Great camera for the money

This camera (aka Rebel XT) is a terrific value. It is essentially the same camera as the 20D, but with plastic body. The thumb controls are a bit different on the Rebel, and not as easy to use as the 20D, but that's the only difference we can see. 8.5 megapixel is the same sensor as the 20D, and the Digic I processor controls exposure and auto focus the same as the pro cameras of this vintage. Pictures are what you would expect from a pro camera. We have used this camera for an Infrared conversion by LDP, and the results are stunning. We can shoot handheld with available light, and the camera will now focus on the infrared spectrum. Exposure is tough in IR, sometimes off by as much as 2 stops from the meter -- both directions! -- and a couple of quick reference shots are essential for proper exposure. Use the histogram for evaluation. We have also removed the anti-aliasing filter in addition to the IR blocking filter, which increases resolution. What we have now is a real IR Hotrod, for about $750 total.

Canon EOS Rebel - a great intro into the DSLR world!

This camera may be 3 or 4 years old but it still delivers the goods. It's 8.2 megapixel sensor and legendary Canon quality make it a 'çamera for all'with it's varied shooting modes and sophisticated controlabilty. You can use it like an advvanced 'point and shoot' or have full control with various auto modes or even full manual. despite it being a couple of models behind the current Digital rebel series it is still a capable performer and the current EOS Rebel XS doesn't really offer much advantage for double the price. Sure you get an extra 2 megapixels and a larger view screen - but the Rebel XT (EOS 350D) is a proven and capable performer. I highly recommend this as a first DSLR. Bravo Canon!

Great value for money, great lowcost starting camera.

Great dSLR camery body for getting started into taking real photos.
Size is 3/5 for my hands, but if you prefer a body small sized to Your packpack or having smaller hands than this is 5/5.
Features is also 3/5 because it is an older model. No liveView, no sensor cleaning, but with CHDK You can get an even smarter camera then the 20D! (not the AF speed but timelapse, shuttercount, spot metering(!) )

Excellent beginner-DSLR

I originally picked up the XT for two reasons, one - I wanted an upgrade from the point & shoot junk, and two - this particular camera had a lot of astronomy add-ons/compatibility and I've been wanting to hook a camera up to a telescope.

A month or so in now, I find myself taking the thing everywhere. It's a perfect size for a DSLR, pictures are fantastic (especially for it's age & resolution) and my particular one came with a fantastic SIGMA lens.

I think I may not have been as excited if I had bought one with the factory freebie lens, but having the slightly-stronger strength of the SIGMA and the lightning-fast focus speed is great for portraits as well as some building/architecture shots. I've taken some awesome pictures of the Capitol here by simply standing on the sidewalk.

I do wish the exposure shutter length could be set longer than 30 seconds for my night-sky photography, my son's Nikon 3100D will go quite a bit longer - 5 minutes I think, but I realize that is a miniscule concern for most - and thus the one-point off for features. On the other hand, I spent about $600 on the Nikon for my son's birthday, and less than $200 on my Canon.

If you need digital video - this is not it.. there is no video feature, look at the aforementioned Nikon with it's commercial/advertisement-grade 1080p capabilities... but for a basic DSLR that is easy to learn to use, this is definitely it.