When will Canon replace XT?

[Claudius]

It seems that the XT is the best fit for me, but I would have said that about the 300D, and would have been very sorry to buy one a week before the 350D came out!! So, does anyone know when the replacement for the 350D will come out?

Claudius

[Bluedog]

maybe this Fall.

[noyjimi]

If they keep on an 18-24 month cycle, it would be much later this year to early next year.

[JTL]

Most activity will be clustered around Photokina in September and PMA in March...it's a pretty good bet that something will be announced at either...but remember, there could be a six month wait after any annoucement...and you could be out doing a lot of shooting between now and then instead of waiting around...

And think about it. What do they add that won't cannibalize the 30D? How different can it be from what it already is? What would make more sense is a lower end model that slips in BELOW the XT...that's where I'm putting my bet! ;)

[timmciglobal]

My bet?

March and some new 10 or 12 megapixel or ISO 6400. Either/or.

Tim

[ReF]

seeing how the rebel line is usually based off of the current x0D, and the type of improvements the of the 30d over the 20d, i don't really see that there will be much to improve on the new rebel. maybe a deeper buffer, ISO in 1/3 stops, and a slightly better viewfinder. more than that and they'll loose 30d sales. i'm thinking like JTL in that they will slip in a model at the low cost end to compete directly the d50 and other lower cost dslrs. probably will be announced this fall in keeping with their cycles.

[Rhys]

It'd be hard to see how they could improve the XT. My guess is that they'll either add a 2nd dial (for truly independent aperture/shutter control) or put AA battery capability into it (which would be very welcome).

[24Peter]

...or put AA battery capability into it (which would be very welcome).
I'd never in a million years want that built into the camera itself - increased size and weight would be counter-productive to me and a step backwards. I picked up a second battery for the XT for like $14 ( http://sterlingtek.stores.yahoo.net/cannbbatpace.html) and in 15 months and 32,000 photos never worried once about enough battery life. I get 500-600 shots on a charge from the Canon battery (and I chimp often :eek: ). If you really want to be able to use AA batteries, get the battery grip.

[Rhys]

The Pentaxes all take AA batteries, which, for an occasional photographer is of more importance.

[some guy]

once you venture into SLR, it is expected one would pay through the nose on those fancy Li-Ion batteries. :) However many people found good batteries in ebay for cheap.
My batteries have not died on me in any occassion so far and that included an all day event shooting of Dragon Boat racing last weekend. Then again, I don't always keep looking at the LCD screen unlike the P&S folks. hehehe. Battery consumption is minimal when the colour LCD is not used. :)

Judging from the ho-hum release of the 30D, I am not expecting any WOW :eek: XT replacement this fall. Like others said it will cannibalize on 30D sales. This can be dangerous as other players like Sony are coming out with some attractive feature-set dSLR.

[Claudius]

Excellent, thanks very much for all the great feedback. You all have helped me make up my mind - I'm going to go get my camera :D

Claudius

[mgl]

I'm looking for an XT but I think it seems likely that it will be replaced this fall. Canon is offering a $100 mail-in rebate currently, always a sure sign a company is clearing inventory.

[KurtB]

I guess I better hold off buying my 5D and my 70-200 (any flavor), and a new Speedlite as well - Canon is offering rebates on those items also...:rolleyes:

Rebate does not indicate replacement. The XT is probably safe until next spring. By then, the 30D sales should have peaked and droped, and they will need a new "hype" to push.

[Rhys]

There's always something cheaper or better or cheaper and better around the next corner :p

[JTL]

I guess I better hold off buying my 5D and my 70-200 (any flavor), and a new Speedlite as well - Canon is offering rebates on those items also...:rolleyes:

Rebate does not indicate replacement. The XT is probably safe until next spring. By then, the 30D sales should have peaked and droped, and they will need a new "hype" to push.You are most likely correct. We are ready for the "next generation" to be unveiled...but to those who think they should wait...why not wait forever? As Rhys said, there will always be something new. Don't buy anything and you'll always be assured of never having "old" technology!

[mgl]

Yes, if you need one, you should buy. Same with a computer or cell phone purchase. But if you have a working camera or cell phone or computer that will get the job done even though you really want a better one, you should hold off if it seems time for the item to be upgraded unless you're wealthy. With 18-24 months cycles and it being 16 months since the XT was announced...

The XT's LCD was large when it was introduced, now it's tiny. That's the same size as my S2 IS which I bought a year ago. The newer S3 IS has a 2" LCD and the XT replacement will undoubtably have a 2 or 2.5" like a lot of the competition. I assume a replacement will also add image stabilization.

If I had to buy now, I'd be torn between the XT and the Nikon D50. I have a couple of Nikon lenses from my film SLR. But I love Canon cameras and I'd love to buy an XT 2.