Canon EOS 450D Digital Rebel XSi review

Canon EOS 450D - First Impression Video by DigitalRev

Canon EOS 450D Digital Rebel XSi Camera - New EOS 450 DSLR

Canon EOS 450D review

Canon EOS 450D (Rebel XSi) review by What Digital Camera

Canon EOS 450D Rebel XSi - Setting a Custom White Balance

Canon EOS 450D Productvideo

Canon EOS 450D Unboxing

Canon EOS 450D Rebel XSi - Customizing my Menus Settings

MEGAPIXLAR - Video Capture Canon EOS 450D

If you've yet to enter the digital SLR market and fancy going Canon, there are a number of features here on the Canon 450D that will appeal, not only that, it's actually a very good camera that performs well if not a little flat for our liking, something that can be fixed easily in Photoshop.

Compared to the Nikon 60D and the Olympus E series its probably down to personal preference as to what you are comfortable using and if you've got any lenses within that family.

However those upgrading from a previous Canon digital EOS SLR offering would be better to save up the extra cash and go for the 40D.

Online prices currently put them around £80 apart after you take in Canon's current £100 cashback offer. Okay so you don't get a lens with the 40D body, but then if you're upgrading you've got this sorted already.

Our verdict then? 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.

Almost nonchalantly efficient in every way, the 450D is an understated slice of photographic genius

The 450D's superb sensor makes it the best choice if quality is your priority.

Conclusion - Pros

* Superb resolution, good per-pixel sharpness (especially in raw files)
* Good tonal response and dynamic range
* Trademark Canon CMOS noise free images, remain detailed even at high sensitivities
* Optional high ISO NR removes all chroma noise
* Viewfinder bigger and brighter than predecessors
* New features (live view, spot metering, MyMenu, Highlight Tone Priority, 14-bit raw) lift it above the typical 'entry level' and move closer to 40D territory
* Improved continuous shooting, 3.5 fps and better buffering
* Feels very fast and responsive in use
* Good battery life
* Compact, sharp stabilized kit lens (though it can't match the sensor's superb resolving capabilities)
* ISO indication in viewfinder (finally!)
* Lots of external controls including new ISO button give instant access to commonly changed functions
* Contrast-detect focus in live view (though see cons, below)
* Bright, clear 3.0-inch screen and clear, logical menu system

Conclusion - Cons

* Average automatic white balance performance, still very poor under incandescent light
* Limited exposure compensation range (+/- 2.0 EV)
* Contrast detect AF so slow it's useless for most types of photography
* Metering has tendency to overexpose in very bright, contrasty conditions
* Default JPEG output may be a little 'over processed' for some tastes (raw far more flexible)
* Flash must be up for AF assist lamp (although AF is good even in low light)
* Automatic AF point selection unpredictable (use center AF, it's safer)
* Occasional total focus failures (in our case only 5 or 6 shots in almost 2000)
* New Auto Lighting Optimizer doesn't really seem to do anything
* No mass storage USB support
* A little pricey

So with the new 450D / XSi you get a number of worthwhile upgrades over its predecessor beyond the inevitable increase in resolution and screen size.

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.

The Canon EOS450D is a robust lightweight SLR camera that provides an impressive 12.2 mega pixels with image stabilising lens. Image quality is generally excellent and images are useable up to ISO1600 and tend to maintain good detail. The camera's screen works well and battery life is excellent. Overall this is an appealing camera offering excellent value for money, and a number of features that should suit experienced amateurs as well as experts. An area where this camera could be seen as lacking is in the lens region, however there are a huge range of other lenses that will work.. these will increase the initial cost. If you want a genuinely excellent SLR camera with full manual controls and image stabilization, then this is highly recommended!