Camera giants launch prosumer sequels   |  July 12, 2005  

Canon EOS Digital Rebel XT and Nikon D70s

Canon’s Digital Rebel was a market success, and the company’s new Rebel XT is also hitting good reviews. The previous camera was 6.3 megapixels, the new one is 8.0 and it’s a little smaller as well. It shoots at three frames per second with a 14-frame burst, its shutter runs up to 1/4000 second and it sports seven-point auto focus. With an 18 to 55mm lens the XT sells for $1,300.

From Nikon we have the D70s, the sequel to the popular D70, Digital SLR Camera of the Year in 2004. Operating at 6.1 effective megapixels, three frames
per second, five-point auto focus and a top shutter speed of 1/8000 second, its resolution is a little less than the Canon but its shutter is faster. Sold with an 18 to 70mm lens the D70s retails for $1,600.

If you’re shopping for a prosumer camera, ignore the specs on these two — they are close enough to make no difference. Instead, try each at a camera shop. The Nikon is heavier and feels a little more solid, the Canon is lighter and therefore easier to carry all day. Choose the one that feels better to you.