Canon EOS 450D | Digital Rebel XSi

Latest - Review by GoodGearGuide (added 09 May ’08)

Canon EOS 450D | Digital Rebel XSi features:

• 12.2 megapixel
• 3 inch LCD
• 9 point auto focus
• ISO 100 - 1600

Read More Reviews - (updated 09 May ‘08)

GoodGearGuide
LetsGoDigital
DigitalTrends
StevesDigicams
DigitalCameraReview
PhotoReview
CameraLabs
Pocket-lint
OutBackPhoto
CNET

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.”

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!”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.

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.”

Sample Photos

[Sample Photos at Imaging-Resource]
[Sample Photos at LetsGoDigital]
[Sample Photos at StevesDigicams]
[Sample Test Photos at CameraLabs]
[Sample Test Photos at Pocket-lint]
[Sample Test Photos at CNET]

Specifications

[Official Canon Specifications]

Owners Manual

[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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