newbie

I am not a photographer but I developed a huge interest on it. I just wanted to know what the difference was between a Digital Rebel XT and an S3 IS? Are they completely different? Which is best for starters? Any other recommendations for someone like me, who's interested in developing photographic skills? TIA

A rebel XT is a digital SLR which you can change lenses on the front. A S3IS is considered a point and shoot which has a fixed lens. You get all your zoom from the fixed lens on the front of the S3IS, but with the REbel XT, the zoom depends on what kind of lens you have attached to the camera. So yes they are completely different! I started off my photography hobby with a Canon A610 compact point and shoot and now am looking at upgrading to the XT. I can't wait to get more versatility from a DSLR!

There are other significant differences as well - the S3IS uses an electronic viewfinder, and a DSLR like the XT uses an optical viewfinder. You have far more control over how your camera meters, exposes and internally processes the photo with a DSLR, and there is a far greater range of accessories available for a DSLR.

Mark

Ok, I understand. Thanks, I'm just learning little by little. In your opinion which type would be best for someone like me who is just learning and knows very little? Thanks

Ohh that is a really really tough question. Only you would truly know that answer to that. The xt does have a full auto settings in which you can 'point and shoot' but you might find your self being limited to your photography by what lenses you have. What do you think you'd like to photograph?
Some people are perfectly happy with a high end point and shoot, some reach their limit and can't get any more out of a point and shoot and go for a DSLR. Others like to have both a DSLR and a point and shoot and I've even known a person who went straight to a DSLR.