Canon EOS 300D / Digital Rebel (2003–2005)
The first sub-$1,000 digital SLR, bringing DSLR photography to enthusiasts.
Overview
The Canon EOS 300D, known as the Digital Rebel in North America, was announced on August 20, 2003, with a black version following on November 1, 2004. Manufactured by Canon, this digital SLR marked a turning point in accessible digital photography. It was positioned as an entry-level model below the professional EOS 10D and succeeded the film-based EOS 3000V (Rebel). Marketed as the world's first digital SLR under $1,000, it helped expand the DSLR market to a broader audience of photography enthusiasts.
Specifications
| Image size | 3,072 x 2,048 pixels |
| Image sensor | 22.7 x 15.1 mm (APS-C) |
| Lens compatibility | Canon EF mount (compatible with all EF lenses) |
| Standard lens close focus | 0.28m (for the EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens) |
| ISO speeds | 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 (ISO 1600 is a pull setting) |
| Shutter | 1/4000 - 30 seconds, Bulb |
| X-sync | 1/200 sec |
| Flash | Built-in pop-up flash, GN 13 (ISO 100, m) |
| Viewfinder | Pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.8x magnification |
| Image recording | JPEG, RAW (CR2), or RAW+JPEG simultaneously |
| Color spaces | sRGB and Adobe RGB |
| Battery | Li-Ion BP-511 / BP-512 / BP-514 |
| Weight | 645g (22.7 oz) body only |
| Dimensions | 142 x 99 x 72.4 mm (5.6 x 3.9 x 2.9 in) |
| Storage | CompactFlash (Type I or II), supports Microdrive |
| Continuous shooting | 2.5 frames per second, up to 4 frames in RAW or 14 frames in JPEG |
| Autofocus | 7-point TTL (f/5.6 cross-type center point) |
| Metering | 35-zone Evaluative, Center-weighted average, Partial (9%) |
| White balance | Auto, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, Fluorescent, Flash, Custom |
| BULB exposure | Maximum approx. 2.5 hours (as rated in manual) |
Design
The EOS 300D features a plastic body with a "titanium gray metallic finish" (available in silver or black) and includes an orientation sensor for automatic image rotation. It has a depth of field preview button and uses Canon’s EOS autofocus system, first introduced in 1987.
Context
At launch, the EOS 300D competed with the Nikon D70, Canon EOS 10D, Nikon D1H, and Kodak 14n. It was succeeded by the EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT in February 2005. Upon release, it received praise for its image quality and value, often compared favorably to more expensive professional models, though critics noted its slow continuous shooting buffer and less bright pentamirror viewfinder. The camera is credited with popularizing digital SLR photography among enthusiasts.
Market
The EOS 300D was originally priced at $899 with an 18-55mm lens or $799 body-only. It was marketed as the first digital SLR under $1,000, a key factor in its broad appeal and market impact.
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