Canon EOS 450D Review (90%)
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
First Impressions
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.
Handling
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.
Image Quaility
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.
Features
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.
Conclusion
The Canon EOS 450D is an excellent camera offering a wide range of features at a competitive price.
If I had to pick some niggles then the Live View is awkward to find and could have been better. A point that doesn't get missed on newer models such as the EOS 50d and EOS 5D Mark II which both have a dedicated button to get into Live View.
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Canon EOS 450D (Body only) £439.99
Canon EOS 450D + 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens £479.99
Canon EOS 450D + 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens VALUE Bundle £544.99
Canon EOS 450D + 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Ultimate Bundle £778.99
Canon EOS 450D Twin Lens Bundle £579.99
Canon EOS 450D Value Bundle £573.99
