Digital SLR Cameras
Review of the Canon EOS 600D
Tuesday December 6th, 2011 3:12 pm
The Canon EOS 600D was released by Canon in the spring of 2011 and boasts an impressive array of features making it an ideal choice for those looking for an entry level camera to digital SLR photography.
The standout features are an impressive 18 megapixel image sensor, full HD movie mode, wide 9 point auto-focus, and fold out lcd screen to make taking photographs even easier.
The Canon 600D is without a doubt a good entry level camera for those looking to enter the digital SLR market. The current price point puts it just above the £600 mark with the bundled lens, so for those looking for a point and shoot casual camera the Canon 600D is probably a little on the expensive side and there are cheaper alternatives available.
For those who are interested in the 600D or are maybe looking for a way into the more serious side of photography then this camera is a great starting point. One of the advantages of a dSLR camera is the greater range of options when shooting photographs and the Canon 600 doesn't disappoint.The menu system makes getting started very easy and after a few minutes most users should be able to figure their way around changing a few of the basic options.
Whilst the 600D makes it easy to get started with the bundled lens and auto mode the true reason for buying a dSLR camera in our minds is the greater number of options you have available. The 600D is available to purchase in two packages, body only which works out around £100 less expensive, and bundled lens. You may wish to purchase the body only option if you already own other compatible lenses or you know a little bit about the various Canon EOS Lenses however if this is your first Canon dSLR camera then we'd recommend sticking with the default lens to get you started which is more than adequate.
Image Quality of the Canon 600D
In our tests we were very impressed with the overall image quality of the Canon 600D. The camera boasts an impressive ISO range which ensures it performs well in darker environments. Images are captured at an impressive 18MP (mega-pixels) so can be very easily printed without loss of quality on photographs.
Other Things You May Need with the Canon 600D
Of course when you buy a digital SLR camera you're only really taking the first steps on what could be a very expensive but also rewarding road. The Canon 600D uses compact flash SD cards which aren't supplied with the camera so you'll need at least one of these. Also given the size of the captured images you'll want to be aiming at least 8GB or higher. Secondly, you'll want to protect your camera when out and about so you'll need some type of camera bag or carry case for it.
Posted in reviewsTags: Canon , Canon 600D , Canon EOS 600D , Digital SLR Cameras , 18MP Cameras
Canon EOS 450D Review
Tuesday December 6th, 2011 1:12 pm
The Canon EOS 450D is an entry level dSLR offering an impressive range of features at a competitive price.
Key features include:
- 12 megapixel resolution
- Live View
- Canon sensor cleaning technology
- 3.5 fps continous shooting
- DIGIC III image processor
The Canon EOS 450D was released in June 2008.
On first inspection the camera feels sturdy and is small enough to fit comfortably in most adult hands. It has the same black colour as other dSLR's and has a hand grip on the right side (I wonder why no one makes dSLR's for left handed people?)
The body is made from a toughened plastic and feels more robust than earlier models in the line such as the Canon EOS 350D.
The rear of the camera is dominated by the large full colour LCD screen used for the display of both processed images and information on the settings. This is a departure from the 350D for example which used a separate LCD for settings information and takes a little getting used to.
To make room for the larger screen the buttons have been moved around a bit from the 400D but are still easily accessible.
The EOS 450D is not too large and so fits comfortably in an adult hand. The camera is also light enough that it can easily be carried, something that's important when out and about away from the car.
Likewise when fitted with a telephoto lens the lower weight means that it's easier to hold the camera steady when zooming in on far away subjects.
A downside of the lower weight is that the camera can become front heavy when fitted with large lenses making camera shake more likely. The in built image stablization helps here but you'll probably find a tripod or other support useful in such situations.
With a 12 megapixel resolution the 450D is at the current top end of its target market. The new 3" LCD screen is bright and clear and controls allow you to zoom quickly in and out to check the image.
The CMOS image sensor processes your photographs quickly and the APS-C sensor has a crop factor of 1.6 which is comparable to other cameras in this class.
The Canon EOS 450D comes with a full range of standard modes designed to help the novice photographer take great images from the start. These modes are easily selected using the dial on the top of the camera and the EOS 450D takes care of the rest.
Should you wish to begin experimenting then a range of creative modes are also available. The standard creative modes which assign priority to the Aperture, Shutter Speed, and ISO are here along with the full creative mode allowing you to play with a number of settings at the same time.
Tags: Canon 450D , Digital SLR Cameras , 12MP Cameras