Second opinions

One of my co-workers has a Rebel XT that simply stopped operating. Checked lenses, batteries and grip with another Rebel...no problem.

He is now debating whether to send to Canon or simply buy a new camera. As he has indicated that money isn't a real issue, I suggested that he save the repair money (camera out of warranty) and put it towards the newer technology. Sound advice or no? I think other opinions would make him feel better about the decision.

What do they use the camera for? If it is for outdoor use, then I would suggest purchasing a 40D, especially since they probably already have some good canon lenses to pair with it. It is much more rugged then the XT, feels better with a telephoto lens attached, and has the new dust removal system. The XSi is similar, if they do not care about the build quality and extra 3 fps of the 40D. Either way, I would recommend upgrading from the XT since it has probably reached the point where it is time to move on.

An XT probably isn't worth repairing. But, strangely enough, broken cameras seem to go for surprising amounts on Ebay. I guess some guys are fixing them.

In that situation I'd probably see what I could get. Making it clear in the auction that the camera is broken, of course.

-js

40Driggs wrote in post #5873920
What do they use the camera for? If it is for outdoor use, then I would suggest purchasing a 40D, especially since they probably already have some good canon lenses to pair with it. It is much more rugged then the XT, feels better with a telephoto lens attached, and has the new dust removal system. The XSi is similar, if they do not care about the build quality and extra 3 fps of the 40D. Either way, I would recommend upgrading from the XT since it has probably reached the point where it is time to move on.

number six wrote in post #5873926
An XT probably isn't worth repairing. But, strangely enough, broken cameras seem to go for surprising amounts on Ebay. I guess some guys are fixing them.

In that situation I'd probably see what I could get. Making it clear in the auction that the camera is broken, of course.

-js

Thanks for the responses.......I din't recommend a specific replacement to him, just pointed out the relative strengths of different bodies....i.e. IQ, fps, EFS lenses, etc.

Yes, I have seen "broken bodies" going on Ebay and will offer that up as part of the solution also. My whole point to him is based on what I guess the repair cost would be for the XT, he would be able to upgrade for just a little more, relatively speaking of course.

I wouldn't waste cash getting it fixed - go for something new, and eBay the old one as a broken camera for parts/ spares .

An XSi / 450D would be so sweet!

Sunbeast, by chance did you remove the CF card and try that in the other Camera?
I had a card go bad and it killed the camera too, I had to replace the card and then restart that camera to get it to work!

Yeah, tried changing the CF card...no go.

First...

Shut off the camera and remove BOTH batteries. Let the camera "rest" for an hour or so and then reinstall batteries, cross your fingers and try to start up the camera. Miraculously this occasionally works.

If it doesn't work, sell the camera on eBay and buy either a new 40D or a refurbished 30D at $640 with free shipping from Adorama.

number six wrote in post #5873926
An XT probably isn't worth repairing. But, strangely enough, broken cameras seem to go for surprising amounts on Ebay. I guess some guys are fixing them.

In that situation I'd probably see what I could get. Making it clear in the auction that the camera is broken, of course.

-js

I sold my old 20d that was broken on ebay and got alot more money then I ever thought I would...lol I was very pleased...definitely give ebay a try You might be surprised

one thing you might have a look at, both CF card door & battery door on a 350D have tiny interlock switches that shut off power when opened - presumably the 300D is the same. Check that the switches have not broken.
I bought a broken 350D just to pull apart as to see how difficult an IR modification would be. Managed to break it more than it already was (one of the interlock switches actually) then onsold it for parts. Person buying it knew by the ad description that I'd had it apart & it wouldn't be worth repairing but he wanted some bits...

joeseph wrote in post #5876154
one thing you might have a look at, both CF card door & battery door on a 350D have tiny interlock switches that shut off power when opened - presumably the 300D is the same. Check that the switches have not broken.

Yes, it is.

-js

Just wanted to double check, several mentions of the batteries here... But are you sure that in addition to the main, rechargeable battery the little "button" battery was also replaced with new, or swapped with a known good one? A lot of folks aren't even aware the little battery is in there.

amfoto1 wrote in post #5878750
Just wanted to double check, several mentions of the batteries here... But are you sure that in addition to the main, rechargeable battery the little "button" battery was also replaced with new, or swapped with a known good one? A lot of folks aren't even aware the little battery is in there.

Yes, he was advised of the possibility even before he approached me......it seemed that I was his last resort....which was desparate indeed....

If money isn't an issue I would actually fix the XT, use it as a backup. I love having my XTi in my bag. Its small and light and don't even feel it, but its nice to have it there in case I do need it.