Canon 450D / Digital Rebel XSi Camera

The Canon 450D is known as the Rebel XSi in the USA and EOS Kiss X2 in Japan. This article will refer to it as the 450D. Specifications are believed to be identical for the different territories. This Knol provides information, specifications and a personal view of the current 'entry level' camera from Canon.

 

The 450D was announced as a successor to the 400D (Digital Rebel XTi in the USA) in January 23, 2008. The camera was released in March that year in Europe and April in North America. It is the fourth in a series of affordable digital SLRs from Canon, who redefined the market in 2003 with the 300D (Digital Rebel). At the time, the 300D took the sensor from the professional and expensive EOS 10D and put it in a plastic body with a more basic specification, but at a dramatically lower price. Subsequent models have improved the specification from the 300D's 6 megapixel sensor to 12 megapixels in the 450D which is powered by Canon's latest Digic III Processor.

In response to competition particularly from Nikon in the consumer price bracket, the 450D is now no longer Canon's entry level model, having been joined by the 1000D in July 2008.

 

 

My first step into the DSLR world was the 350D, which was a revelation. I learned the creative possibilities of being able to control depth of field, exposure in difficult conditions and selecting the right lens for each job. After that (and some 12,000 photos) an upgrade to the latest Canon was inevitable. Having skipped a generation, the 450D feels dramatically different to the older model. For a first time DSLR user, the camera is closer to the current range of compacts in feel - with a large LCD screen and Live view that make it initially handle like a 'grown up' point and shoot. However, these consumer friendly touches hide the usual steep learning curve of DSLR ownership. Step away from the fully automatic modes and the buttons spread over every surface of the camera's body present the user with a bewildering set of options. That's the whole point of moving away from point and shoot cameras though, so if getting to grips with f-stops and aperture settings sounds like too much of a challenge, this might not be the camera for you.

 

With some of the learning curve already climbed whilst using my 350D, the controls of the 450D are far less daunting. They've also evolved into a better experience. Little touches like a dedicated button for setting ISO values, and an ISO display in the viewfinder solve some of the niggles that tripped me up on the older camera. Better metering options help keep exposure under control. A bigger viewfinder, which automatically disables the LCD when used is also welcome. Burst mode is just a little bit faster, delivering three and a half images each second - still not enough to eliminate the need for some level of skill (or luck), but a noticeable improvement all the same. The self cleaning sensor (introduced on the 400D) is a reassuring addition, though dust has caused very few problems on my older camera despite switching between three lenses throughout it's lifespan. None of these are dramatic changes, but each helps and is an entirely logical step up from previous models.

 

The change to SD-cards for storage is a mild irritation having collected a useful set of CF cards for the 350D, but memory cards are not expensive so this is hardly an issue. The larger battery also makes the set of spares bought for the 350D redundant, which is more frustrating as it's helpful to have at least one battery in reserve. However, I've so rarely run out of charge whilst using the older camera that I will be happy to live with the change for a while until I can buy some spares. Similarly the battery grip has changed, but unless you're planning serious studio work I would suggest it's not really necessary for the majority of owners.

 

To a new user, the camera is slick, very responsive and has a depth of functions that will keep you exploring it's abilities for quite a while. Some of the clever features that you might want to use for such things as long exposures are hidden away in Canon's usual slightly obscure 'Custom functions' menu, which drops any pretence of helping first time users. However, important settings are usually just a button press away and the various semi-manual modes allow you to explore creatively whilst the camera holds your hand. The higher price point is a bit of a disappointment, putting a cost on the advances made, but this is an excellent camera that produces very satisfying images and makes excellent use of Canon's fantastic range of lenses.

 

Sample images can be found on

 

        PBase: Browse PBase Galleries for Canon 450D images

 

The EOS 450D feels like a mature product, it is capable of superb results... and it has a feature set that offers an excellent balance between beginner-friendly ease of use and the manual control / customization demanded by those wanting something a little more serious.

 

The Canon EOS Rebel XSi 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.

Since its release Canon have issued two firmware updates, the most recent is available here. Details of this update are:

 

Firmware Update Version 1.1.0

This update (April 2009) applies to cameras with firmware up to version 1.0.9 and incorporates the following improvements:


Full link: http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosd/firm-e/eosdigital4/firmware.html

This update (September 2008) applies to cameras with firmware up to version 1.0.4 and fixes the following issues: