A great camera for SLR "newbies"
Written: Feb 06 '01 (Updated Feb 06 '01)
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Pros: Versatile, easy to use
Cons: Not enough features for some advanced users
The Bottom Line: The Rebel G is a good camera, versatile and loaded with features. However, some limitations make the camera better for beginners than advanced users.
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| bioguy's Full Review: Canon EOS Rebel G 35mm Film Camera |
The typical buyer for the Canon EOS Rebel is someone new to single-lens reflex, or SLR, cameras. SLR cameras have many advantages over cheaper point-and-click models, including more focusing options and the ability to change lenses.
For someone making the move from point-and-click to SLR, the Rebel G is a great choice. The Rebel G is an extremely versatile camera. It has several different operating modes, ranging from fully automatic to fully manual, with several steps in between. In full automatic mode, the camera will set the optimum focus, aperture, shutter speed, flash, etc., making the camera as easy to use as a point-and-click (but the photos will look better).
However, where the Rebel G really shines is in its "creative modes." Aperture priority mode lets you decide which aperture is best for you, and the camera automatically adjusts the shutter to ensure a perfect exposure. Likewise, shutter priority mode works the same way. Other specialized modes are macro-mode (for close-ups), night-time mode, portrait mode, and manual mode (one can adjust all the variables, just like an old-fashioned camera).
There are many other useful features including partial metering, exposure compensation, autoexposure bracketing, multiple exposure option, red-eye reduction, and self-timer.
Whichever mode is used, the viewfinder displays important information to help ensure a perfect picture. A warning displays if the image is out of focus, or if the shot will be over- or under-exposed.
Moving beyond features, the image quality is excellent. Without any real knowledge of f-stops, aperture, etc., you can easily take great photos. It can be difficult, however, to get perfectly sharp focus because the autofocus is not always perfect (especially in low light) and the Rebel G's focusing screen doesn't have a focus aid.
While the camera is versatile and easy to use (once you learn the locations of various buttons), this camera has several drawbacks and limitations. Some limitations won't really affect amateur users and other limitations can be overcome by buying additional accessories.
The standard lens that typically comes with a Rebel G kit (it was EF 28-80 3.5-5.6, but may have changed since I last checked) is not a very good lens. I recommend buying the camera body and lens separately and buying a better lens than included in the kit. I bought the EF 28-105 3.5-4.5 lens, and the extra half-stop of light makes a significant difference).
Other minor drawbacks: Autofocus is sometimes rather slow; the built-in flash is not good at short distances because the lens casts a shadow; it can be very tedious to use the focusing point selector; there is no depth-of-field preview (making it a bit of a challenge to use aperture priority mode); continuous film advance is a slow 1 frame per second; the focus screen does not have a focus aid and the screen cannot be changed; mid-roll rewind does not leave a film leader.
Despite the limitations mentioned above, the Rebel G is a lot of camera for the money and I recommend it as a great choice for an amateur. My Rebel G has given me two years of enjoyment and I plan to continue using it for at least a couple more years before upgrading to a higher-end Canon. Canon has a stellar reputation and makes great cameras, and the Rebel G is no exception.
Recommended:
Yes
Amount Paid (US$): 240 (body)
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Epinions.com ID:
bioguy
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Location: San Jose, CA
Reviews written: 14
Trusted by: 1 member
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