Canon responds -- Digital Rebel XTi (or 400D outside the US)

[priller]

Body appears to be very similar to current Rebel XT (350D). Big changes are:

-- 10.1 MP sensor
-- 2.5" LCD
-- Lots of anti-dust measures (more on that below)
-- $899 with kit lens


More on the anti-dust measures:

The EOS Digital Rebel XTi employs what Canon calls the Self Cleaning Sensor Unit. The technology keeps the low pass filter in front of the camera’s sensor clean by using ultrasonic vibrations to shake dust off the surface. The vibrations are activated for one second each time the camera is turned on or off, or via a command in the menu.

The dust that shakes loose from the filter falls onto an adhesive strip that captures it, so it won’t float back onto the filter.

Just in case a speck or two remains, Canon also offers a fallback. Users can activate the Dust Delete Data function, which maps the size and place of any remaining dust. The mapping information is attached as metadata to subsequent photos. Once users transfer the photos to a computer, they can apply a dust delete function which subtracts the dust image from the photo.

Canon also applies a couple of other simple techniques to reduce the potential for dust to ruin a photo, including treating the filter with an anti-static charge to help prevent dust from sticking to it. Canon also used new materials in the body cap and shutter that are less likely to produce dust particles during use.

Looks like they put some real effort into the anti-dust measures. Nikon really should have done something like this with the D80. :(

[ET Awful]

1. Hmmm, the anti-dust feature doesn't sound at all different from that

used by Olympus.

Personally, what I would like to see is a Nikon (preferably a D200/metal body, as opposed to the polycarbonate of the D80) with a Minolta/Sony anti-shake/dust removal system.

Now THAT would be drool worthy :P

[regnaD kciN]

2. It looks like 10 MP is the new 6 MP...

;-)

[Blue_In_AK]

3. That anti-dust thing sounds cool.

I wish I had that. I have anxiety attacks every time I have to clean my sensor.

[bvar22]

4. This camera may be the best value on the market.

This camera body with a "good" Canon lens should be capable of superb High Quality digital photos.

The Rebel XT (8MP)with US Waranty (Body Only) is being advertised on the Inet for under $500.
I couldn't find an XTi (10mp) Body Only Price. (IMHO, avoid "Kit" lenses).

[Touchdown]

5. I think Nikon did.

As far as I know, the D80 is a stripped down version of the D200, with a modified D50 body and an SD card slot. The sealed sensor chamber in the D200 should have made the transition, as they said that all their future cameras will have this. ...just got back from looking at the specs. It says nothing there like it does with the D200. This is what the D80 doesn't say...

"Durable, Magnesium alloy (Mg) body: Nikon's advanced technologies and mechanisms are housed within a rugged, lightweight magnesium alloy chassis and body ready for the most rigorous of assignments. Additional sealing for dust and moisture add to the D200's strength."

http://www.nikonusa.com/template.php?cat=1&grp=2&productNr=25235#

D80
http://www.nikonusa.com/template.php?cat=1&grp=2&productNr=25412

That kind of sucks!

The dust delete feature is very nice though. Does Canon's software have to be used for this, or is it a PS plug-in?

[priller]

6. I think it is Canon software

[Placebo]

7. I might sell my D50 to get this...

it looks awfully good! :9