XT, when to buy?

[Alessandro7]

I am thinking about buying my first DSLR and have looked at the XT, Evolt E-500, Konica-Minolta 5D and the Pentax *ist. So far, the XT and E-500 are at the top of my list. I like the size of the XT and of course, Canon's excellent image quality. My sole disappointment w/ the XT now is the rather small LCD (1.8) and low pixel count. I hope the XT replacement will have a 2.5 LCD and at least 200,000 pixel screen. Other than this simple requirement, the XT seems just fine the way it is.

 

[macshark]

The new model may be introduced in August, or September. However, given that the sales of XT is still pretty good, Canon may also decide to wait until Feb 2007.

The price of the XT body will probably drop about $100 once the new model is introduced, but there won't be a $100 rebate.

If you need a camera in August, you don't have a lot to lose by buying now.

 

[macshark]

Even with a larger 2.5" LCD, you still cannot judge the quality of a 8MP image. However, a larger display will give you more space for a better (and hopefully more accurate) histogram and a slightly more useful size image in histogram mode.

On the other hand, given the form factor of the 350D, a 2.5" LCD pretty much implies that the separate LCD for the info display will go away.

 

[DJL1]

My guess of "improvements" for the new entry level Canon:
1) Token higher resolution (8.2 MP?)
2) One large and brighter LCD?
3) "Picture Style" image parameter (it makes sense to add this down the line)
4) Flash sync improved from 1/200 to 1/500 (one can only hope)
5) A token price drop $50 or so.

6) Continuous live LCD view ala Olympus E-330; I would love this, but I don't think they have space or price point to cram it in.

I'll also be first in line to buy it, if I don't have to wait too long.

 

[Lemming51]

I've read a lot of threads about the 18 months cycle for Canon and
the possibility of a replacement for the XT in August. I can't wait
to buy my first DSLR (the XT of course) but now I have the
following questions:

• how sure are we that the XT will be replaced in August?

It's just a guess. As your stock broker should tell you: "Past performance is no indicator of future results."

• if it does, is it beginning or end of August?

Maybe. If not, then maybe September. Or October. Or ...

For people who have experience with Canon:

• what is the likely price range of the replacement?

MSRP of the replacement is likely to be lower than the MSRP of the older model. But with respect to actual selling prices, the new one will initially sell for a bit higher price than the current model is selling for. After a few months it'll drop to be the same or lower.

• how low will the price of the XT drop?

In what time frame? When the replacement becomes available, the price will likely drop $50-$100. Wait long enough and it'll eventually it will be worthless. ;-)

I am just trying to figure out if I should take advantage of the
Canon $100 rebate befor July 15 or if I should wait for August? I
am expecting my first child for end of August so I can't wait to
get my hands on a DSLR to get up to speed before he gets here but I
don't want to buy too early and miss a better deal.

If it is everything you need, buy it now (or next month) and learn how to use it so that you are ready when you need it. Whether it later becomes cheaper or is replaced by another model doesn't really affect you, or the use and value you get out of the camera. Buyer's remorse is a waste of time and emotion.

 

[Tim B]

Congratulations on your upcoming child! Ours is due in November. I want to get a 430EX speedlight for the event so I can bounce the flash off the ceiling.

Something to keep in mind is what I experienced when I waited for the 300 to be replaced, the price didn’t drop as fast as I thought it would. And once I read about the advantages the XT offered, I decided to spend the extra money for the newer XT for the features.

 

[Chez Wimpy]

4) Flash sync improved from 1/200 to 1/500 (one can only hope)

but they "can't" do this because it would outclass the 30D...

6) Continuous live LCD view ala Olympus E-330; I would love this,
but I don't think they have space or price point to cram it in.

right, but again this a feature, that while not requested by the prosumers, would still "outclass" the higher-end model - and until it comes standard in the 30D line, I can't see it happening here.

--
-CW

 

[cerebral_mamba]

I got myself the XT a few days back as I am a newbie. Unless you have a camera and are happy with it, there really is no point missing the summer for the following reasons:

1. The lenses are the real money sucker.. the body truly pales in comparison.

2. I am supremely positive that after I learn to use the camera thoroughly and indeed find myself loving photography, my next upgrade will be the upgrade of the 30D and not the XT upgrade.

3. As a beginer, I sincerely doubt if the new XT is going to make any significant difference... its the photographer and hardly the camera that matters most.

4. My lenses and accessories already cost twice the camera body .

But, if you are in no hurry, then I would definitely wait for an upgrade.

Sujith