Well I think you just got 1 out of a million. you are the first person to
get one that went dead, never heard of it. it's your choice if you would
like to just replace it with the same or get a different camera. I have hade
my XT for a while and love it never had any problems with it and the photos
are lovely. am sure others with the XT will tell you the same. again it's
your choice. good luck...

Vince...

I recently purchased a Canon Rebel XT.  I enjoyed using the camera for about
a week, until it started acting unreliable (pushing the shutter button - it
wouldn't take a picture, strange icons, like "busy" would appear and stay on
until restart).  About a day later, it died completely and I returned it.

The question is, should I buy another of the same?  Is there a known
reliability issue with this camera?  I haven't seen reference to reliability
issues in the reviews.

Thanks in advance.

I read several Canon forums and will say that your problem is unusual.  All
in all, it has so far proven to be very reliable.

It's a conspiracy, Mr. Stone.  This is how it works:  anyone who
reviews a Canon camera, and notes reliability issues or other negative
aspects of the equipment, is hunted down by the Canon Assassination
Methods Extreme Reaction Agency - CAMERA) to be dealt with.

Sadly, your report here in r.p.d.s-s will likely count as a negative
review.  Fortunately, the Agency members who will be visiting can you
shortly will be compelled to demonstrate mercy if you show them a
receipt for a new camera, as well as utter a solemn promise to speak
only Goodness about Canon equipment for the remainder of your life.

I would consider upgrading, or get a different brand.

The Rebel EOS has (not sure about the XT) a **plastic** piece that actuates
the autofocus submirror. Mine broke at 2 months out of warrantee and 9000
clicks. Two local camera shops said the topic is starting to show up in the
repair tech world, as more and more of the Rebel's are starting to break
this part. The higher end camera's (Canon) have a metal piece, not plastic.
The reviews said that the Rebel was the same as the higher end camera's
except the plastic body and some firmware disabled - this isn't entirely
true. -------   If the XT has a plastic part  -------- you might get 10,000
clicks, maybe 30,000. I got 9k. BTW, its a $200 fix. I would spend the $200,
or a little more, now, and get a better camera.

For you Rebel users (entry level digital SLR camera's in general) out there,
STOP tossing out hundreds of clicks left and right, indiscrimately with your
gig CF cards and all. Your camera is a time bomb and it won't last as long
as you think.

my opinion - David A.