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Does this advanced broad-spectrum AF SLR live up to the Rebel's userfriendly reputation?
Canon's line of 35mm EOS Rebel AF SLRs began in 1990 primarily as bridge cameras to entice point-and-shooters to enter the glorious AF SLR world. The original Rebel had simple features and an easy operating style requiring minimum camera-owner decision making.
From the 1990 Rebel through the Rebel II (1992), Rebel X (1994), and Rebel G (1996), the cameras have added features and sophistication while, amazingly, Rebel prices have actually decreased.
Since our last test of a Rebel (the previous model, the Rebel XS) dates back some four years (July '94), we thought it more than high time we checked out the latest Rebel, the highly popular G introduced two years ago.
Now, with layers of automation and capabilities, particularly in the exposure and autofocus areas, the Rebel no longer seems to be solely tyro oriented. It apparently has grown into a broad-spectrum camera with appeal for first-time SLR owners, serious amateurs, and even for pros needing a budget-priced, reliable, versatile backup camera body. Can it fill all three pairs of photographers' shoes?
While we've been talking about the Rebel G as a single camera, actually there are two versions. The Rebel G QD, which sports a quartz databack and a jazzy black-and-chrome paint finish, plus a comparatively drab, less-expensive, all-black G sister minus databack. Ergo you can save about $40 and be more unobtrusive if the databack loss is unimportant. Since all other features are the same with the two models, from here on we'll discuss them as one.
If you're familiar with other EOS cameras, you'll immediately notice the G's minimal number of dials, buttons, and wheels. It's far more compact and, at 12 ounces (body only), is the lightest 35mm AF SLR going, thanks in large part to its all-polycarbonate body, including lensmount, and the use of a mirror prism viewfinder rather than an all-glass one. Controls are well marked and fall conveniently under your fingers, most even when the camera is held at eye level.
The designers have managed to strike an appealing balance between the current rage for retro-style knobs and what we found are well-thought-out electronic controls. Topside, on the left, is Canon's familiar Command...