Introduced in 2005, the Canon EOS 350D (Rebel XT) combined an 8MP CMOS sensor with Canon's DIGIC II processor in a compact DSLR body. It offered a 7-point AF system, 3 fps continuous shooting, CompactFlash storage and compatibility with EF/EF-S lenses. While discontinued and superseded by Canon's later DSLRs and, more recently, its mirrorless EOS R line, the 350D can still serve as an inexpensive teaching camera or platform for older Canon lenses.

What the Canon EOS 350D (Rebel XT) is

The Canon EOS 350D - sold in the U.S. as the Canon Rebel XT - is an entry-level digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) introduced by Canon in early 2005. It pairs an 8.0-megapixel CMOS sensor with Canon's DIGIC II image processor and an optical pentamirror viewfinder. At the time it offered DSLR image quality in a smaller, lighter body aimed at hobbyists moving up from compact cameras.

Core design and how a DSLR differs

A DSLR uses a mirror and pentaprism/pentamirror to show the scene through the lens directly in the viewfinder. When you press the shutter, the mirror flips up and the image falls on the camera's image sensor (in this case a CMOS chip), producing a digital file instead of a frame of film. That optical-through-the-lens view is the practical advantage many users sought in DSLRs: what you see in the viewfinder closely matches what the sensor records.

Key specifications and features

  • Sensor: approx. 8.0 MP CMOS. 3:2 aspect ratio.
  • Processor: DIGIC II image processor.
  • Continuous shooting: advertised at 3 frames per second with a multi-image burst capability (14-frame JPEG burst reported in original Canon materials) .
  • Autofocus: 7-point AF system with selectable modes.
  • Shutter: up to 1/4000 sec; bulb and X-sync around 1/200 sec.
  • Viewfinder: eye-level pentamirror with ~95% coverage and ~0.8x magnification 1.
  • Storage: CompactFlash (Type I/II).
  • LCD: ~1.8-inch TFT with roughly 115,000 pixels.
  • Compatibility: Canon EF and EF-S lenses and most EOS accessories of the era.

How it compares today

The 350D is functionally obsolete for many modern workflows but remains useful as a low-cost way to learn DSLR basics or to collect and shoot with older Canon glass. Since 2008-2020 the camera market shifted strongly to mirrorless systems; Canon now emphasizes its EOS R mirrorless line and RF lenses. Modern electronic viewfinders (EVFs) have largely solved the early issues of lag, low resolution, and poor low-light visibility that once made optical viewfinders more attractive.

Buying and support notes

Canon discontinued the 350D years ago. You can still find used bodies and accessories through second-hand markets. Firmware updates are no longer available from Canon, and battery and memory card formats differ from contemporary models, so plan on sourcing compatible CompactFlash cards and legacy batteries if you intend to shoot with one.

Where to read detailed contemporary reviews

Established review sites that originally covered the 350D still host archives: DPReview and Steve's Digicams among others. These archives are useful if you want original comparisons and lab measurements.
  1. Confirm the exact continuous-shooting burst capacity (14 JPEG frames cited in legacy materials) and list whether that applies to JPEG only or RAW/JPEG combinations [[CHECK]].
  2. Confirm the viewfinder magnification and coverage numbers (0.8x magnification and ~95% coverage) against Canon's original technical specifications [[CHECK]].

FAQs about Canon EOS 350D

Is the Canon EOS 350D still a good camera to buy?
It can be a useful, low-cost option for learning DSLR fundamentals or using legacy EF/EF-S lenses. However, it lacks modern features (high-ISO performance, live view, video, Wi-Fi, current lens mounts) and requires CompactFlash cards and legacy batteries.
How does the 350D differ from modern mirrorless cameras?
The 350D uses an optical viewfinder and a mirror mechanism, while modern mirrorless cameras use electronic viewfinders and no mirror. Mirrorless models typically offer better high-ISO performance, faster AF in many situations, video capabilities, and more advanced connectivity.
What lenses work on the 350D?
It accepts Canon EF and EF-S lenses. EF lenses designed for full-frame will work; EF-S lenses (designed for APS-C) are compatible as well.
Where can I find original reviews and measurements?
Archived reviews remain on sites such as DPReview and Steve's Digicams, which covered the 350D extensively at launch and provide original lab tests and comparisons.

News about Canon EOS 350D

It’s been 20 years since the revolutionary Canon Rebel XT DSLR changed the world for millions of entry-level photographers - Digital Camera World [Visit Site | Read More]

Canon EOS 350D review: Canon EOS 350D - CNET [Visit Site | Read More]

Canon EOS 350D Digital SLR Review - ePHOTOzine [Visit Site | Read More]

Canon EOS 350D review - stuff.tv [Visit Site | Read More]

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Canon EOS 350D review - TechRadar [Visit Site | Read More]

Canon dusts off EOS 400D to fend off DSLR rivals - Amateur Photographer [Visit Site | Read More]