Canon's first affordable APS-C DSLR with a compact body, hugely popular with beginners.
The Canon EOS 350D, sold as the Digital Rebel XT in North America, was launched in February 2005 as the successor to the EOS 300D — Canon's first sub-$1,000 DSLR from 2003 that had opened the consumer DSLR market. The 350D improved on the 300D with an 8MP sensor (up from 6MP), a more compact and ergonomic body, and reduced shutter lag. Canon marketed it at launch as the world's lightest digital SLR. It sold in large numbers through 2005-2006, helping establish the EF-S lens ecosystem and Canon's Rebel/xxxD line as the standard entry-level DSLR format.
The 8MP APS-C CMOS sensor pairs with the DIGIC II processor; at ISO 400 and below the output is clean and usable, with noise increasing significantly above that. The 7-point AF system has one central cross-type point; the remaining six are line-sensitive only, adequate for static and slow-moving subjects. Burst shooting runs at 3fps with a buffer of approximately 5 RAW frames. Storage uses CompactFlash Type I or II — less common in current workflows than SD, though still obtainable. Video is not available; the 350D is a stills-only camera, consistent with DSLRs of the era. The fixed 1.8-inch rear screen is very small by contemporary standards. At 485g with battery the body is compact and light for a DSLR. The NB-2LH battery is shared with the 400D; third-party alternatives are widely available.
As a working camera the 350D is now significantly limited for modern photography requirements. The 8MP resolution produces usable output at standard print and screen sizes; for social media, A4 prints, and web delivery the output is adequate. The AF system handles static subjects well with the centre point. Battery condition is the primary concern — NB-2LH cells are aging and may hold a fraction of original capacity. In good light with a sharp EF or EF-S lens, image quality is pleasant with Canon's characteristic colour rendering. The mechanical shutter and 3fps burst are the practical shooting limits.
On the used market the 350D is available for very little and is primarily of interest as an introduction to the Canon EF mount or as a collector piece. CompactFlash cards must be sourced separately. Check the CF card slot for bent pins, the shutter mechanism for smooth operation, and battery health. The 400D (2006) and 450D (2008) offer marginal improvements; the 550D or 600D provide substantially more capability at a modest premium. For learning manual exposure and lens handling, the 350D is a functional and inexpensive starting point.