Digital Help

Making The Move From A 35mm SLR To A Digital SLR
Q. Now that the camera makers offer digital SLRs with
8-megapixel quality at affordable prices, it is time to shift from film to digital. Some questions, however, remain in my mind.
1. I currently use a Canon EOS Rebel G with a zoom lens that is easy to use and provides quality results. Will this lens also work on the new EOS Digital Rebel XT? Are there any
serious limitations?
2. In the past, when I purchased a lens, I have always purchased a "UV protector" to go over the front of the lens. I continue to believe that protection for the front element of the prime lens is still important, but is a UV protector best for a digital camera?
3. When shooting film I (on occasions) use a polarizer. With a digital camera is there still a need for using a polarizer?
4. In addition to a lens protector, a polarizer, and a cable release are there any other important items I should consider when I purchase my first digital camera?
I apologize for these unsophisticated questions, but I usually only buy a new camera about once every 20 years.
Lou Albers

A. 1. Your Canon EOS Rebel G lens should work with the EOS Digital Rebel XT. But remember that the XT's smaller than full 35mm frame sensor size makes the lens half again as long, so setting a 50mm focal length will be like using 75mm on a 35mm film camera. I would definitely recommend getting the XT with the "kit" 18-55mm Canon lens. It adds little to the price while providing a practical zoom range and good image quality.
2. The only protection of value afforded by a UV filter over a lens is to the profit margin of the seller. If hit, glass filters over a lens can shatter and drive shards into the front element of the lens. Use the Canon lens cap when the camera is not in use, and a Canon lens shade for your lenses provides more protection from damage and assures you don't get lens flare that can ruin image quality.
3. Polarizing filters are just about the only effect you cannot apply after shooting a picture using Photoshop editing. However, not all polarizers work with digital, so be sure to purchase one recommended for use with your new digital camera.
4. The two essential accessories beyond those you mentioned are CompactFlash memory cards. I prefer smaller 512MB cards because they provide about the most storage per dollar spent, and it allows having at least two, just in case you misplace one. The other accessory I find essential is a USB Reader to use to download images to a computer from the CompactFlash cards.
Good luck, and enjoy.