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Canon Rebel Comparison Review

The Canon EOS Digital Rebel (called Canon 300D in some regions) is a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera that was revealed to the public in August 2003 and is equipped with an APS-C sensor. It offers a resolution of 6.3 megapixel.

camera

Is the Canon Rebel a good camera? The Rebel has a Camera Elo of 812. This rating puts the Rebel below average of all digital single lens reflex cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (APS cameras), the Rebel also ranks below average. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 2.5-star performance rating. – Well, the Canon Rebel is more than 20 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2003.

Headline Specifications
Canon Rebel
Digital single lens reflex
Canon EF mount lenses
6.3 MP, APS-C Sensor
no Video
ISO 100 - 1 600
Optical viewfinder
1.8 LCD, 118k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
2.5 shutter flaps per second
400 shots per battery charge
142 x 99 x 72 mm, 649 g

Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.

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Body comparison with a credit card

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size of the Canon Rebel vis-à-vis a credit card. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All width, height and depth dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Canon Rebel vs credit card front
Rebel versus credit card top view
Rebel and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Canon Rebel alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
#   Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon Rebel 142 mm 99 mm 72 mm 649 g 400 n Aug 2003 899ebay.com
2.
 
Canon T7i 131 mm 100 mm 76 mm 532 g 600 n Feb 2017 749ebay.com
3.
 
Canon T6s 132 mm 101 mm 78 mm 565 g 440 n Feb 2015 649ebay.com
4.
 
Canon T4i 133 mm 100 mm 79 mm 575 g 440 n Jun 2012 849ebay.com
5.
 
Canon T3i 133 mm 100 mm 80 mm 570 g 440 n Feb 2011 599ebay.com
6.
 
Canon T1i 129 mm 98 mm 62 mm 520 g 400 n Mar 2009 799ebay.com
7.
 
Canon XTi 127 mm 84 mm 65 mm 556 g 370 n Aug 2006 799ebay.com
8.
 
Canon XT 127 mm 94 mm 64 mm 540 g 400 n Feb 2005 899ebay.com
9.
 
Canon 20D 144 mm 106 mm 72 mm 770 g 700 n Aug 2004 1,499ebay.com
10.
 
Canon 10D 150 mm 107 mm 75 mm 850 g 500 n Feb 2003 1,999ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D70 140 mm 111 mm 78 mm 679 g 400 n Jan 2004 999ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Canon Rebel was launched in the US market at a price of $899. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

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Check Rebel offers at
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Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

The imaging sensor is at the core of digital cameras and its size is one of the main determining factors of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Furthermore, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more possibilities to use shallow depth-of-field in order to isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tent to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

The Canon Rebel features an APS-C sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.6. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Canon Rebel among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability.

Canon Rebel sensor measures

For most cameras, data on sensor performance has been reported by DXO Mark. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
#   Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Canon Rebel APS-C 6.3 3072 2048none21.010.854455
2.
 
Canon T7i APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/60p23.713.1158680
3.
 
Canon T6s APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p22.612.091570
4.
 
Canon T4i APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.711.272262
5.
 
Canon T3i APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.111.579365
6.
 
Canon T1i APS-C 15.1 4752 31681080/20p21.711.566363
7.
 
Canon XTi APS-C 10.1 3888 2592none22.111.066462
8.
 
Canon XT APS-C 8.0 3456 2304none21.810.863760
9.
 
Canon 20D APS-C 8.2 3504 2336none21.911.072162
10.
 
Canon 10D APS-C 6.3 3072 2048none21.110.957157
11.
 
Nikon D70 APS-C 6.0 3008 2000none20.410.352950
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.
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It should be noted that unlike many modern cameras, the Rebel does not provide the possibility to capture videos.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the Rebel has an optical viewfinder that provides a field of view of 95% and a magnification of 0.55x. The adjacent tables list some of the other core features of the Canon Rebel along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
#   Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Canon Rebeloptical n1.8 / 118 fixed n 1/4000s 2.5/s Y n
2.
 
Canon T7ioptical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 6.0/s Y n
3.
 
Canon T6soptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
4.
 
Canon T4ioptical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
5.
 
Canon T3ioptical n3.0 / 1040 swivel n 1/4000s 3.7/s Y n
6.
 
Canon T1ioptical n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 3.4/s Y n
7.
 
Canon XTioptical n2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
8.
 
Canon XToptical n1.8 / 115 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
9.
 
Canon 20Doptical Y1.8 / 118 fixed n 1/8000s 5.0/s Y n
10.
 
Canon 10Doptical Y1.8 / 118 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
11.
 
Nikon D70optical n1.8 / 130 fixed n 1/8000s 3.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One convenient feature of the Rebel is the presence of an on-board flash. While this built-in flash is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light to brighten deep shadow areas.

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Connection comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS Digital Rebel and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
#   Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Canon RebelY- / ----1.1---
2.
 
Canon T7iYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YYY
3.
 
Canon T6sYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
4.
 
Canon T4iYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
5.
 
Canon T3iYmono / monoY-mini2.0---
6.
 
Canon T1iYmono / mono--mini2.0---
7.
 
Canon XTiY- / ----2.0---
8.
 
Canon XTY- / ----2.0---
9.
 
Canon 20DY- / ----1.1---
10.
 
Canon 10DY- / ----1.1---
11.
 
Nikon D70Y- / ----1.0---
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Further information on the features and operation of the Rebel can be found in the free online Canon Rebel Manual or on the Canon support site.

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Expert reviews

While the specs-based evaluation of cameras is instructive in revealing their potential as photographic tools, it says nothing about, for example, the handling, responsiveness, and overall imaging quality of the Rebel in practical situations. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased. This is why expert reviews are important. The table below summarizes the assessments of some of the best known camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).

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Review Scores
#    Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon Rebel......+ +.... Aug 2003 899ebay.com
2.
 
Canon T7i4.5/5..3.5/580/1004.5/54/5 Feb 2017 749ebay.com
3.
 
Canon T6s5/5+..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 649ebay.com
4.
 
Canon T4i4/5+ +..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2012 849ebay.com
5.
 
Canon T3i3/5o..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2011 599ebay.com
6.
 
Canon T1i..+ +..74/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2009 799ebay.com
7.
 
Canon XTi..+ +..+ +o4/5 Aug 2006 799ebay.com
8.
 
Canon XT..80/100..+ +o.. Feb 2005 899ebay.com
9.
 
Canon 20D......+ +.... Aug 2004 1,499ebay.com
10.
 
Canon 10D......+ +.... Feb 2003 1,999ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D70......+ +.... Jan 2004 999ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Hence, a score should always be seen in the context of the camera's market launch date and its price, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Canon Rebel FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the Rebel.

What technology is the imaging sensor in the Canon Rebel based on?

The camera has a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor at its core.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Canon Rebel?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 1600.

What is the life expectancy of the shutter in the Canon EOS Digital Rebel?

Canon does not publish a shutter rating for the Rebel. Yet, shutters in comparable cameras from other manufacturers are said to be good for at least 50 000 actuations. It should be noted, though, that this number represents a Mean Time before Failure. The shutter might fail earlier, or it might last longer. Anyway, in order to exhaust an expected shutter life of 50 000 shots over, say, three years, one would have to take about 50 pictures each and every day.

Does the Canon Rebel feature an autofocus assist light?

Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.

What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with the Canon Rebel for flash photography?

The Rebel's flash sync speed is 1/200 sec.

Which battery does the Canon Rebel use?

The camera gets its power from the BP-511 (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Is there a vertical grip available for the Canon Rebel?

Yes, Canon offers the BG-E1 as an optional accessory to facilitate shooting in portrait orientation and to provide additional battery power.

Camera to camera comparisons

In case you are interested in seeing how this camera compares to another one, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Canon Rebel
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Canon EF mount lenses
    Launch Date August 2003
    Launch Price USD 899
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 22.7 x 15.1 mm
    Sensor Area 343 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 27.3 mm
    Crop Factor 1.6x
    Sensor Resolution 6.3 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 3 072 x 2 048 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 7.38 μm
    Pixel Density 1.84 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability no Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 1 600 ISO
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 55
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 21.0
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 10.8
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 544
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 95%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.55x
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Size 1.8 inch
    LCD Resolution 118k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen
    Touch Input No touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking Feature
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 2.5 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy50 000 actuations
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse Photographyno Intervalometer
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium CF cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 1.1
    HDMI Port no HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi
    Body Specs
    Battery Type BP-511 power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)400 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 142 x 99 x 72 mm
    (5.6 x 3.9 x 2.8 in)
    Camera Weight 649 g (22.9 oz)

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