and if so, is it a bad thing?I've used most of the digital SLR cameras on the market today. With the entry level line, I've used the Nikon D40/D40x, Pentax K100D Super, Canon Digital Rebel XT, the Olympus E-510, Canon Digital Rebel XT, and the Digital Rebel XTi. From my experience, the Canon Rebel series is the worst I've ever worked with, sorry to say. I know I'm going to get a lot of thumbs down, but for me, this is the truth.
Let me back up and say, the Canon Rebel series was not built with build quality in mind. The image quality is quite amazing, but as far as the body goes, it feels like a toy; in no way is this an exaggeration. This holds true with the film models to the now, with the XTi. The older model, the Digital Rebel XT was the right size, but the body was so light and cheap, I almost thought it was a joke at first, no offense. The layout was all wrong, and I found it a struggle to work with. When I tried out the Digital Rebel XTi around a year later, I was hoping Canon fixed this major problem.... I could not be any more wrong. The XTi grew even smaller, harder to hold, and even lighter. Now, lighter is always good, but not to this extent. When I saw it sitting on the shelf, I had to make a double take; it was very, very small. In the hands, the XTi was extremely hard to hold and use. It was so bad, my fingers started to ache. :(
The interanal structure is just as good as any other camera of its class, and the image quality is very good as well. The only problem is its poor build quality.
The Nikon D40/D40x, the Pentax K100D Super, and the Olympus E-510 all are small, but feel sturdy and well built. The Canon Rebel seems to be the only exception. It's also strange since the next step up, the 40D, is quite sturdy, strong, and well built. That is a great camera, I must say.
In conclusion, if want great image quality, get the Digital Rebel XTi. If you want great image quality wrapped in a strong, sturdy body, look somewhere else.No more than any other camera in that price range. Unless you're really rough on your cameras, it's not really an issue - if you are, bump up to a more solid camera - but be prepared to spend near double.Pretty much all camera's at that level are mostly plastic. Don't abuse it and it'll be just fine.most canons at that price is plastic on the outside and plastic on the inside. only the more expensive canons are plastic on the outside and metal on the inside.