Can I use old camera accessories with a new DSLR camera?

Question

I found a good price on a Rebel X. It comes with a flash and a couple lenses. Could I use those accessories with most new DSLR cameras? Would I be limited to Canon cameras?

Answer

Rebel X (EOS-500/Kiss XS without pop-up flash) is a fairly recent entry level body. It uses EF lens mount, so the lenses should work fine with current Canon DSLRs. The flash hot-shoe is also compatible with current models, although Rebel X did not support E-TTL. The flash will work on a Canon dSLR, but the features it will offer depend on the flash and cannot be determined from model number of the body. Any EX-series flash can be used with E-TTL metering.

The lenses can be used on Canons, and any other camera system (e.g. micro four thirds) that has adapters for Canon EF lenses (with limitations imposed by the adapter). The flash can be used in manual mode with any modern dSLR (except Sony/Minolta); advanced features, if there are any, can only be used on a Canon.

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