Last update 22 April’09 – Review and Sample Photos @ CNET
Canon EOS 450D|Digital Rebel XSi is a 12.2 megapixel DSLR and it features a 3 inch LCD, 9 point auto focus, and it has an ISO range from 100 to 1600.
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Read More Reviews – (updated 22 April’09)
CNET
“Though it’ll run you a few bucks more than competitors such as the Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 or the Nikon D60, the Canon EOS Rebel XSi will deliver slightly better performance and noticeably better photo quality in return, making it a worthwhile trade-off.”
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Photozone
“The 9-point wide-area AF offers a convincing performance and delivers fast and accurate results. The high quality, big 3.0” LCD is very useful in order to judge the exposure accuracy of the images. The Live-View mode works fine although a little on the slow side and the usage is slightly more awkward than necessary because the button for focusing is different from the shutter release button.”
Photo.net
“The performance is perhaps closer to the 40D than to the XTi. Resolution is measurably higher, though the difference in practice is quite small. Noise appears to be a little higher, perhaps because of the smaller pixels.”
Video Review at HotTech
PCAuthority
“Where the 450D excels is as a platform for more expensive lenses, either from Canon itself or third parties such as Sigma and Tamron. The reason for that is the superb CMOS sensor, which delivers better high-ISO results and the best rendition of detail of any camera this month.”
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Bob Atkins
“The image quality is surprisingly close to that the the EOS 40D and EOS 50D, but the cost is significantly lower. Of course it has fewer features too, such as a smaller ISO range, no rear Quick Control Dial, a slower continuous drive rate, a smaller buffer etc. I think the EOS 40D and EOS 50D are better cameras.”
MacWorld
“The XSi delivers image quality that’s identical to Canon’s EOS 40D, but for almost $350 less. What are you giving up if you go for the XSi? The 40D has a faster burst rate (five frames per second versus the XSi’s three), more customization, the ability to change ISO in fractional stops, and one or two other high-end options.”
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DevHardware
“The camera lacks in terms of design and aesthetic quality. One would have hoped that the XSi would have come with an improved grip and feel after the bad reviews of its predecessor, the XTi, on this topic.”
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DigitalTrends
“It’s very easy to recommend the Canon Rebel XSi. It’s a fast-focusing, speedy D-SLR that delivers excellent photos both indoors and outside.”
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DigicamReview and they write -
” Image quality is good – with excellent colour, with high levels of saturation and contrast. Noise is acceptable higher than average compared to the competition, but is low up to ISO400 and detail is good.”
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ThinkCamera reviews the Canon EOS 450D | Digital Rebel XSi and they write -
“There are one or two minor hiccups; live view arguably being the biggest. The LV system uses contrast-detection autofocus, which is from the ‘accurate, but glacial’ school. It’s perfect for tripod-based still life or macro shots of non-moving things, but it falls way behind the more useful systems found in current Olympus and especially Sony DSLRs.”
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Shutterbug reviews the Canon EOS 450D | Digital Rebel XSi and they write -
“In all, I was very impressed with the Canon EOS Rebel XSi and would wholeheartedly recommend it to someone looking for a good camera and lens combo in that price range. I came to know its inner and outer workings very quickly, thanks to a very smart design and layout.”
Overall, Review was Favorable: 
ImagingResource reviews the Canon EOS 450D | Digital Rebel XSi and they write -
“Canon has done it again. The Rebel XSi is a strong upgrade to an already excellent and rightfully popular digital SLR. Image quality, performance, and utility have only improved, which makes the Canon Rebel XSi an easy Dave’s Pick, and a great value for anyone looking to get better pictures.”
Overall, Review was Favorable:
LapTopMag reviews the Canon EOS 450D | Digital Rebel XSi and they write -
“Though Canon has already produced a pair of decent if unspectacular successors to the original digital Rebel, the new XSi is the first model that offers a definitive leap forward. With a more comfortable design, faster overall speed, and improvements in image quality, the XSi is an entry-level digital SLR that looks and acts like a more advanced model.”
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TrustedReviews reviews the Canon EOS 450D | Digital Rebel XSi and they write -
“If the Canon EOS 450D is intended to be an entry-level camera then it is going to have some problems. It is too expensive, and requires too much user input to get the best from its outstanding image quality. Where it may win however is for the undoubtedly significant number of people wishing to upgrade from an EOS 300D or 350D, who already have some Canon lenses and so can buy it body only, avoiding the disappointing kit lens.”
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PhotographyBay reviews the Canon EOS 450D | Digital Rebel XSi and they write -
“I highly recommend the Rebel XSi for anyone shopping for a DSLR in the entry-level range. It’s a great camera that has a number of advanced features with which you can grow as a photographer.”
Overall, Review was Favorable:
PCAuthority reviews the Canon EOS 450D | Digital Rebel XSi and they write -
“For first-time users, the likes of Nikon’s D40 or Canon’s own 350D are a better choice, at nearly half the price of the 450D. But for a compact, feature-laden DSLR that isn’t going to see the rough and tumble of serious amateur use, the 450D has addressed our criticisms. It adds up to a very fine camera for the money.”
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ComputerActive reviews the Canon EOS 450D | Digital Rebel XSi and they write -
“It may sound complex, but operation of the 450D is in fact easy enough to allow a novice to take better pictures from day one. However, we’d advise starting with the image-stabilized 18-55mm zoom lens kit option – look for ‘IS’ in the lens name – as this will help avoid the occasional soft image resulting from hand wobble.”
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LuminousLandscape reviews the Canon EOS 450D | Digital Rebel XSi and they write -
“If you’re someone that is either partial to Canon cameras, or already have a higher end model, a set of lenses, and are seeking another camera body that’s small and light weight, yet without serious feature limitations, then the Canon XSi may well be the camera that you’ve been looking for. As we have seen, image quality (at least within its ISO range) is on a par with anything else on the market, and better than most in this price range.”
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ConsumersElectronicNet reviews the Canon EOS 450D | Digital Rebel XSi and they write -
“Opening the box I was surprised at how compact this camera is. Adding on the optional 18-55 IS (Image stabilized) lens makes for an easy to always have on hand camera that gives exceptional images considering its price. The construction isn’t on par with the much more expensive Canon cameras like the 40D but for the majority of consumers who want to step up from their pocket-sized cameras into something with more capability and control, the Rebel XSi is worth a good look.”
Overall, Review was Favorable:
DCResource reviews the Canon EOS 450D | Digital Rebel XSi and they write -
“Straight out of the box, the Rebel XSi’s photo quality is a mixed bag. The biggest problem I have with the photo quality is that JPEGs are way too soft at default settings, especially if you’ve seen how they look in RAW mode. The good news is that you can increase the sharpness with the Picture Styles feature, and get much better results. Exposure was very good and colors were accurate. The XSi is a superstar when it comes to noise performance: there’s minimal noise, even at ISO 1600. In low light, noise is more present, though photos are usable through ISO 800 without any retouching. While purple fringing wasn’t an issue, the XSi does have a bit of redeye problem, and there’s no removal tool on the camera.”
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RegHardware reviews the Canon EOS 450D | Digital Rebel XSi and they write -
“We were most impressed with the continuous shooting mode and the sport mode – both functions really lock onto the subject and capture fast-moving objects. Close-up shooting was impressive too. We think that if you’re new to digital SLR photography or on a tight(ish) budget, you’ll like this camera.”
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PCWorld reviews the Canon EOS 450D | Digital Rebel XSi and they write -
“The Canon Digital Rebel XSi stands out as a versatile digital SLR that is easily navigable on the surface but also offers powerful options, some that you may never even get to. Once you get the hang of the basics, this camera has the depth to take things further.”
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PCAdvisor reviews the Canon EOS 450D | Digital Rebel XSi and they write -
“Be that as it may, the Canon EOS-450D is a fine performer. The only real problem is price. The 450D sits uncomfortably close to the 10Mp EOS 40D. With the maker’s current cashback offer, the better-quipped semi-pro model can be had for roughly the same price. If it wasn’t for the (probably short-term) anomaly, the Canon EOS-450D would easily score a higher rating.”
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DigitalCameraInfo reviews the Canon EOS 450D | Digital Rebel XSi and they write -
“The XSi is more of an evolution than a revolution; the new features it adds over previous Digital Rebels are useful (and generally well executed), but none of them add that much to the experience of using the camera. The live view makes point-and-shooters feel more at home, but focusing in that mode is a pain, as the camera has to flip the mirror back up to meter. The increase in resolution is also nice, but 10 to 12 megapixels is not a huge leap. And the optical image stabilization on the kit lens is definitely a good addition, but there are plenty of other SLRs that offer similar features. So, nothing in the XSi screams out for XTi users to upgrade.”
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DigicamHelp reviews the Canon EOS 450D | Digital Rebel XSi and they write -
“the XSi is fast and responsive, produces quality images with astounding color, and is feature packed!
The XSi looks and feels heavy to me but not when I’m acutally using it. It is a delight to use and is very fast and responsive. Buttons and dials are intuitively placed and the menu system is good. The optical viewfinder is large and bright, which is important to me because I use viewfinders a lot.”
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PhotographyBlog reviews the Canon EOS 450 and they write -
“Image quality is on a par with the EOS 400D, with noise-free images up to ISO 800 and a very usable fastest speed of 1600, so usable that I don’t understand why the EOS 450D doesn’t also offer ISO 3200. Chromatic aberrations are kept to a minimum and colours are accurate thanks to the new 14-bit processing – the only minor negative is the soft JPEG images, which may put off users more suited to sharper point and shoot cameras. Performance is also excellent, with no shutter-lag to speak of and fast processing times even when shooting in RAW mode. The 3.5fps continuous shooting mode is a little faster than the EOS 450D’s predecessor, although in RAW mode the total number of possible consecutive shots has dropped from 10 to 6. Finally the EOS 450D is slightly more expensive than the EOS 400D was at launch, and the older model is still being offered as a budget option, so if you don’t need the enhancements offered by the 450D, it’s definitely worth considering a camera that is after all only 18 months old.”
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DPReview reviews the Canon EOS 450D | Digital Rebel XSi and they write -
“Canon may no longer be the automatic choice for the entry-level SLR user, and I possibly wouldn’t recommend it over a Nikon D60 or Olympus E-420 for absolute beginners or anyone wanting ‘point and shoot’ access to well optimized JPEG ouput. But if you want to move to the next level of image quality and performance, and are prepared to take control of parameters (and ideally shoot raw) to get the best possible results, the EOS 450D is an easy recommendation.”
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ePhotozine reviews the Canon EOS 450D | Digital Rebel XSi and they write -
“Canon have been leaders in the entry level DSLR market for years and with the EOS 450D I can’t see them losing their position anytime soon. The camera is packed with features and playing with it more and more reveals extra bits to try out.
It’s a fun camera and very easy to use. If you’re a learner looking for a camera to develop your knowledge and skill with, you don’t have a sack of cash and need an easy mode opt out for when it all gets too much, this is a great camera for consideration.”
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DPExpert reviews the Canon EOS 450D | Digital Rebel XSi and they write -
“Once again an entry level DSLR is let down by its kit lenses. However we did take the camera to an outdoor wedding and used the 55-250 lens exclusively and the combination was better than competent. Focus is a little erratic and the image stabilization isn’t very effective. But in the areas that mattered – keeping fine detail in white dresses and black suits – the output was exemplary. Fortunately at weddings the epitome of sharpness is not what’s wanted, rather a little softening of the fine details flatters the bride, and that’s what we got. The shutter is loud during the quiet bits of the service!”
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CreativePro reviews the Canon EOS 450D | Digital Rebel XSi and they write -
“It’s a Winner – Canon has done a great job with the XSi. There was no holding back on high-end features, and the improvements to the body and features are very smart. The XSi is a great camera for the money.”
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PopPhoto reviews the Canon EOS 450D | Digital Rebel XSi and they write -
“This brings us to the $340 question (the difference in price between the XSi and Canon’s 40D): What does the higher-priced camera give you? A much tougher metal body with excellent weathersealing, beefier innards including a 150,000-cycle shutter, a smoking burst rate of 6.5 fps, user-changeable focusing screens, and ISO 3200. Shooters who are tough on their stuff will want the 40D, no question.
But, given the capabilities of the Rebel XSi, as well as its price, it’s one very sweet deal.”
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The Digital Picture has reviewed the Canon EOS 450D | Digital Rebel XSi and they write -
“The number of people moving up to digital SLR cameras has been amazing – but so are the images these cameras can deliver. Even compared to the not-very-old Canon Rebel XTi / 400D, the Canon EOS Rebel XSi / 450D delivers better image quality from a more attractive body with more features … I’m very pleased (actually somewhat surprised) with the improvements delivered by the Canon EOS Rebel XSi / 450D. It will be a worthwhile upgrade for many XTi / 400D owners – it is a lot of camera for the money for anyone purchasing it.”
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GoodGearGuide has reviewed the Canon EOS 450D | Digital Rebel XSi and they write -
“A solid improvement on the EOS 400D, Canon’s EOS 450D adds a bucket-load of new features, including 14-bit A-D, a faster burst mode and Live View. Sitting in between the 400D and 40D in price, it offers a compelling option for users looking for the middle ground between the two.”
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LetsGoDigital has reviewed the Canon EOS 450D | Digital Rebel XSi and they write -
“After testing the Canon EOS 450D I am really satisfied with the camera. It is a perfect camera for everybody. If you are just starting with (digital) photography or if you are a bit more experienced, and whether or not you switch from a compact camera, the Canon 450D enables you to take excellent pictures. Moreover, it comes at an extremely affordable price. Canon live up to their reputation by delivering another excellent digital SLR camera. Not only as far as technique is concerned but also because it is the perfect camera for everybody, for the advanced photographer, or even for the pro to use it as a second (leisure time) camera to shoot in practice. Let it be clear; the Canon EOS 450D is a top model!”
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DigitalTrends has reviewed the Canon EOS 450D | Digital Rebel XSi and they write -
“We hate to sound like a skipping Internet audio stream, but it’s very easy to recommend the Canon Rebel XSi. It’s a fast-focusing, speedy D-SLR that delivers excellent photos both indoors and outside. At 12.2-megapixels, the camera also has more than enough resolution for huge prints, and you can just shoot in auto or tweak images as much as you’d like. Units further have an integrated cleaning system that shakes the dust off the sensor every time you power on and off. In short, the camera handles well, is simple to use and the supplied stabilized lens is icing on a yummy cake. If Canon’s engineers would just toss Live View in the trash can—or copy Sony’s version—they’d have close to the perfect sub-$1,000 D-SLR.”
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StevesDigicams has reviewed the Canon EOS 450D | Digital Rebel XSi and they write -
“The Canon EOS Rebel XSi | EOS 450D is whole lot of camera for an entry-level model. It’s stellar performance and superb image quality offer a lot to the first-time dSLR user. The 12-megapixel sensor means you can print gorgeous 11 x 17 enlargements on a color printer. We were happy the XSi now uses the popular SD and SDHC memory cards, and thankful for the addition of the EOS Integrated Cleaning System. Plus, the included software suite allows you to manage or even change the look of your digital photographs with the enhanced Picture Style technology. With a street price of US$799 or less for the camera body, Canon’s Rebel XSi | EOS 450D offers an outstanding value for the impressive level of technology incorporated into this camera.”
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DigitalCameraReview has reviewed the Canon EOS 450D / Digital Rebel XSi and they write -
“Expectations for the XSi were admittedly high, and hence the opportunities for Canon to come up short in the court of public opinion were numerous. In spite of this high bar, the XSi will unquestionably win converts to Canon with its (still) excellent AF system, super-smooth CMOS sensor with very impressive high ISO performance, and (for some users, at least) reasonably functional live view system. Default image processing is perhaps a little bland, though the opportunities to fine tune it are among the best found on an entry-level DSLR. Great lens and flash selections, an interface that works well for those who like dedicated controls for nearly every function, and plenty of opportunities for customization will further entice serious shooters looking for a lot of power on the cheap.”
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PhotoReview has reviewed the Canon EOS 450D / Digital Rebel XSi and they write -
“The test camera’s ability to record subtle tonal nuances was impressive and output quality was high enough to produce excellent prints. Files captured in CR2.RAW format and converted into TIFF format with Canon’s Digital Photo Professional software had the best colour accuracy and the red saturation was better controlled, making it easier to produce natural-looking prints.”
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CameraLabs has reviewed the Canon EOS 450D / Digital Rebel XSi and they write -
“Indeed this appeal to more demanding photographers extends throughout the 450D / XSi’s entire feature-set, including the bigger viewfinder, 14-bit conversions, lower noise at high sensitivities, quicker continuous shooting, PC remote control software and the inclusion of mirror lockup and depth of field previews. For newcomers to DSLRs, these are esoteric features which are easily trumped by Sony’s quicker Live View and tilting screen, but experienced or technical DSLR photographers will greatly appreciate them and gravitate toward the Canon.”
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Pocket-lint has reviewed the Canon EOS 450D / Digital Rebel XSi and they write -
“If your new to the digital SLR world and want Canon go for it. If you’re looking to upgrade and 400D users don’t worry you don’t have to yet, go for the more powerful 40D it offers much more for your money and should last you a lot longer.”
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OutBackPhoto has reviewed the Canon EOS 450D / Digital Rebel XSi and they write:
First conclusions:
* Excellent high ISO noise behavior
* Live View is very well implemented
* Viewfinder is much improved over the Rebel XTi/400D.
* Canon Rebel XSi/450D has full support for AEB (Auto Exposure Bracketing)
* Excellent value for the money
Overall we are very pleased by these results from the Canon Rebel XSi/450D.
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CNET has reviewed the Canon EOS 450D / Digital Rebel XSi and they write -
“Though it’ll run you a few bucks more than competitors such as the Sony Alpha DSLR-A200 or the Nikon D60, the Canon EOS Rebel XSi will deliver slightly better performance and noticeably better photo quality in return, making it a worthwhile trade-off.”
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Specifications
[Official Canon Specifications]
Owners Manual
Press Release
Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 24 January 2008: Canon today launches its latest D-SLR, the EOS 450D. Featuring a 12.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor, EOS Integrated Cleaning System, 3.0” LCD with Live View mode and a new 9-point AF system, the model presents consumers with an unprecedented level of image quality and versatility at this end of the market.
The EOS 450D employs features already proven in Canon’s professional EOS-1 series cameras, including the DIGIC III image processor and a redesigned menu system that enables features such as direct control of Speedlite flash units from the camera LCD. A choice of 13 custom functions allows the photographer to customise the camera to their shooting style.
“The EOS 450D bears the fruits of more than 20 years of ongoing investment into EOS,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe. “This camera continues Canon’s policy of taking technologies proven in the professional arena and putting them within reach of a wider market of amateur photographers.”
The EOS 450D features:
* 12.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor
* Canon’s EOS Integrated Cleaning System
* 3.5 frames per second
* 3.0” LCD with Live View shooting
* 9-point wide-area AF system with f/2.8 cross-type centre point
* Picture Style image processing parameters
* DIGIC III image processor
* Digital Photo Professional RAW processing software1
* Compact and Lightweight body
* Fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites
The EOS quality advantage
With all key components developed and manufactured in-house, EOS offers photographers a unique quality advantage. The EOS 450D’s specially designed 12.2 Megapixel sensor employs Canon’s high-sensitivity, low-noise CMOS technology to produce richly detailed images with minimal grain. The DIGIC III processor ensures superior image rendering and rapid response times, with an almost instant 0.1 start up. Image data is processed at 14 bits for Delivering a burst rate of 3.5 frames per second, the DIGIC III processor works with the image buffer to handle up to 53 JPEGs (6 in RAW) without interruption.
Built for better photos
The EOS 450D is designed to make photography a fluid experience for photographers of all levels and experience. Housed in a compact body that weighs less than 475 grams, the camera features an improved grip design that provides a natural, ergonomic fit with the user’s hands. A large, bright viewfinder makes image composition clearer and more comfortable. The menu system inherited from professional EOS cameras uses a simplified tab structure that does away with scrolling. It includes a user-defined My Menu tab for instant access to frequently used settings.
Several custom functions are available to optimise the quality of photos captured in a range of situations. Highlight Tone Priority boosts the dynamic range at the highlight end, providing better tonal detail from wedding dresses, cloudy skies and other bright objects. The new Auto Lighting Optimiser corrects brightness and contrast during image processing, while improving skin tones in portraits by ensuring correct exposure for faces. Photographers can also enable additional noise reduction for shots captured at high ISO speeds.
Live View
Available for the first time on a Canon consumer D-SLR, Live View mode makes it easier to shoot from awkward angles, such as ground-level macro shots or when shooting from a tripod. The image from the Live View mode is displayed as a smooth, 30fps video feed on the 3.0” LCD, which is 50% brighter than the screen of the EOS 400D. A grid line display and live histogram can be selected to help with shot composition and exposure. While focusing, the photographer can zoom in on specific details with up to 10x magnification of the image displayed on the LCD screen. Two types of auto focus are available: Quick AF flips the camera mirror momentarily to engage the AF sensor; Live AF uses the image contrast data to focus – a method familiar to anyone upgrading from a compact digital camera.
For studio environments, remote Live View lets the photographer compose, adjust settings and capture the shot from a PC using the supplied EOS utility software.
Other improvements
The EOS 450D complements its headline features with a host of smaller improvements that enhance the photographic experience. The viewfinder now displays all key exposure information including ISO speed. The addition of spot metering (4% of viewfinder) allows for greater control over exposure in tricky lighting conditions. PictBridge functionality has been expanded so that photographers can correct horizons and add picture effects before printing. A new high capacity battery extends shooting time on a single charge to a maximum of 500 shots.
Software
The EOS 450D is supplied with a comprehensive software suite that provides everything the photograph needs to manage and process images. This includes Digital Photo Professional (DPP), a powerful RAW converter that provides complete RAW image processing control. DPP also integrates with camera features such as Dust Delete Data and Picture Styles. The supplied Picture Style Editor software can be used to create custom Picture Styles for fine control over colour display. The camera also comes with EOS Utility, Image/Zoom Browser and Photostitch.
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Sounds like it’s time to upgrade my 350XT…
Nice camera. Better than 400D.