Canon EOS 450D - Expert Reviews

Review summary: Are 12MP, two flavors of Live View, and an Image Stabilized kit lens enough to keep Canon in front in the fiercely competitive entry DSLR market?

Review summary: The only excess is of good stuff.

Review summary: With its long-running Rebel series of consumer DSLRs, Canon has earned a reputation for cranking out new models on a consistent timetable that are rarely revolutionary, and yet often set the pace for the entry-level market nonetheless.

Pros: Low-noise sensor raises the bar for entry-level DSLRs ; Loads of JPEG processing control in camera ; AF system still among the best ; Lots of customizability

Cons: Camera doesn't feel as nice as it is ; Revised kit lens still not so hot ; Live view may or may not be useful ; Default processing not as vibrant as some competitors

Verdict: a fairly mature live view implementation aimed to entice shooters to step up from compact point-and-shoots. As one of the clear market leaders, expectations are always high for Canon, but early murmurs of significant refinements to the Rebel formula ...

Review summary: Canon's EOS 450D - or Digital Rebel XSi as it's known in North America - is the company's latest DSLR and the successor to the hugely popular EOS 400D / Rebel XTi. Announced towards the end of January 2008, just a few days before the annual PMA show, ...

Pros: Good handling and image quality., Decent viewfinder and accurate Live View., Kit includes stabilised lens., PC remote control software supplied., Good handling and image quality., Decent viewfinder and accurate Live View., Kit includes ...

Cons: Live View not as fuss-free as Sony A350., Screen fixed in position, unlike A350., Some may find it too small and light., Live View not as fuss-free as Sony A350., Screen fixed in position, unlike A350., Some may find it too small and light.

Verdict: As the successor to the best-selling DSLR of the last 18 months, there's no doubt Canon's new EOS 450D / Rebel XSi will shift by the bucket-load. There's equally no doubt Canon has made many improvements over the earlier 400D / XTi which together add ...

Review summary: The EOS 450D (+ 18-55 mm IS) overcomes certain defects of previous models (narrow optical aiming, stabilization) and places the bar rather high. It's a new reference for entry level reflexes.

Pros: - CMOS 12 million pixel sensor, - Very good image quality (noise control, colors), - Large bright 3 inch screen, - 18-55 mm IS lens in the kit is stabilized, - LiveView aiming

Cons: - A single control dial, - Autofocus in Live View not that great, - Construction is a bit light, - No wireless flash system, - Sensitivity limited to 1600 ISO