Just received the new XTi from Rich Pinto at Photo Village. My first impressions...
(1) The larger rear display is stunning, & highly readable even in full sun.
(2) The body is noticably smaller. I have medium hands, & the grip is slightly smaller than I'd prefer. If I'd designed the body, I'd have increased the grip about 10%.
(3) Contrary to a couple reviews I've read, the viewfinder is bright. Pleasant is perhaps a more apt description.
(4) Camera build is solid, excellent quality.
(5) Menus are clean, & for the most part, logically organized.
(6) From off to on, startup time blazes: no objections. It's fast. Turn it on, & it's ready before you can get the viewfinder to your eye.
(7) The sensor that turns the display on & off as it encounters your eye works in the background w/o being obtrusive. In fact I am unaware of it, & comment only because several reviewers have commented about disliking this feature. I had expected to have to disable the sensor (done through the menu options), but I find I like the feature quite a lot.
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A picky impression: the "Rebel XTi" logo on the front right of the body is unfortunately tacky--never something that would appear on a Leica or even more expensive Canon--but it is easily hidden w/ blk photographer's tape.
(9) Last, the automatic internal cleaning sensor is startling until you realize what the noise is. A reasonably loud "clunk". I'm pleased to be able to say that I now hardly notice it. What a cool device.
Frst impressions? A definite overall 9 out of 10, if not stronger. Early this morning I examined three RAW shots in PS2 taken at 200 (one at 400) ISO: virtually noise free. I'll be surprised if I don't love this little camera.
