Wishlist: Canon EOS 450D / Digital Rebel XSi

Ah yes, the Canon EOS 450D / Digital Rebel XSi. Seemingly caught between the entry level dSLR's and the more expensive semi-pro options, this is probably going to end up being the best-selling camera of 2009. Why? Image quality.

Let's take a look.

Full review at cameralabs.com.

(It always makes me chuckle when in reviews they comment on the slowness of contrast-detect Auto-Focus systems, try a Bridge camera then you'll know what slow is!)

To check out the image quality on the 450D, Digital Rebel XSi, there's examples at DPreview, and it's also worth looking at one of the 450D Flickr user groups.

If you're looking for a new dSLR (like I hope to be next year), and aren't tied into a particular lens system, there's a lot of competition and confusion between the different brands and models. The 450D seems to sit very nicely above the entry level models, but below it's semi-pro cousins.

As of November '08 you can get a Nikon D40 (no image stabilisation on kit lens, no dust system) for about £240, a Sony Alpha 200 (poorer image quality at higher ISO's) for about £270, a Nikon D60 (no exposure bracketing, no AF on older lenses) for about £330, a Canon 1000D (no spot-metering) for about the same, then the 450D comes in at around £440.

It's then a big jump to the semi-pro Canon 40D (immense build quality, 6 frames per second shooting speed) at £750, or the Nikon D80 (no image stabilisation on kit lens, no dust system) at £560.

So with the 450D / Rebel XSi Canon have aimed the specification above the entry level dSLR's, but below the advanced consumer / semi-pro, and it really hasn't got a competitor from Nikon until they bring out a replacement to the D60.

The 450d comes with the new, improved EF-S 18-55mm IS f/3.5-5.6 non USM Lens Kit, a big step up from the kit lens that came with the 400D, it's got a bigger and better rear screen, live view, a larger optical view finder, faster shooting at 3.5 frames per second, depth of field preview, spot-metering and 14 bit RAW processing.

Reviewers have been impressed with the image quality from the sensor - comparing it favourably with, and sometime better then, the results from the 40D. Obviously to get the best out of it more expensive glass is required - but Canon are noted for their excellent lenses, as long as you can afford the price tag.

The images that I have looked at have struck me with the detail and clarity even at high ISO's (it goes up to 1600) - which is perfect for when buying the cheaper, non IS L Canon Glass.

450D - top kit, great image quality, do I want one? Too right!

Cheers, Rob.

Comments

[Andrew Jones]

I bought the 450d last night i have only had a small time to play with it but what a camera i love it already well worth the money and well worth the time it took me to save for it (i'm only 16 so not much money coming in). I would highly recommend this camera to anyone.

[Rob_Nunn]

Well done for saving the cash, you'll get fantastic images!

[The Laddie]

God I sooooo want mine now!!!