Andrew Taylor

Canon have recently released an addition to their entry level range of Digital SLRs. I own the 350D (Digital Rebel XT) which is the successor of the 300D (the original Digital Rebel – now discontinued). The 400D (XTi) was until a few days ago the top model in this range.

The Canon EOS 450D (XSi) is an enhancement on the 400D with a range of new features, including live preview allowing you to use the LCD screen to frame your shot instead of the viewfinder. This includes an optional contrast detection auto focus method, which apparently is slow but potentially very accurate. Using the default phase detect AF causes the mirror to flip down every time you refocus, thus blacking out the LCD temporarily. The live histogram function the former AF mode offers could assist in preventing over- or under-exposed shots before you actually press the shutter release. Having to check the histogram after taking a photo and adjusting the exposure can be tedious so this is a useful feature. One disadvatage of live preview is that the sensor gets warm if used for this for a long period of time, which can introduce noise into your resultant shot.

DPReview have three very interesting and informative (the usual high standard) articles on the new 450D:

• Press release and specs
• Brief hands-on
• What’s new and changed

Bob Atkins also has a comparison of the 400D, 450D and 40D. Looking at the photographs of the new model, it appears to be larger than the 400D, which in turn is quite a bit larger than the 350D. I think I would still prefer the 350D given the choice, due the small size which fits my hands better. Though obviously the quality, features and resolution of the 400D and 450D are tempting!

The 350D also has a seperate mono LCD screen for the indicators such as exposure, timer mode, remaining shots, flash, AF mode, metering etc. This has a orange backlight enabled by a button for night-time shots. I prefer this to the single (though larger) screen on the 400D and 450D which displays these setting when preparing for your shot, and shows the resultant photo after the shutter release has been pressed.

It’s interesting that Canon have released the 450D which appears to be closer to the more pro models that Canon produce (40D, 30D, 5D, 1D). Looks like they’re providing a stepping stone for users who want to upgrade their models to the higher end of the range, given that the 450D contains a number of features already found in the 40D.

Update: Digital Photography Review have posted a full review of the 450D

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