Canon EOS 450D review

It's easy to look at the Canon DSLR product line and slot the cameras into ‘beginner', ‘intermediate', and ‘advanced' categories. But to call the Canon EOS 450D (also known as the EOS 450D) a beginner or starter DSLR is a misnomer. The Canon EOS 450D is an incredibly capable camera that just happens to be small, and it yields great images.

We've never been a fan of the smaller Canon bodies because they've always felt cramped in the hand. With the EOS 450D, Canon made a number of tweaks to the camera's body and handgrip, making it more comfortable to hold and use than previous Rebels. If you're looking for a lightweight, comfortable camera, the Canon EOS 450D is hard to beat.

The Canon EOS 450D also sports some important interface changes. The ISO control is now a single button located behind the shutter release. With the control in this new position, you can very easily access ISO with your shutter finger, without ever taking your eye from the viewfinder.

Because the in-viewfinder display now shows ISO, you can easily make ISO tweaks while looking through the camera. The Canon EOS 450D also has a larger LCD than previous Rebels, which means some buttons have had to be moved. But all essential controls (Program Shift, Exposure Compensation, and ISO) are easily accessible while shooting.

The camera still lacks a dedicated status screen. Instead, the LCD is used for regular camera status. Fortunately, a proximity detector automatically disables the screen when you look through the viewfinder. Personally, I prefer a dedicated top-mounted display, as it's easier to see, less intrusive in low light, and less of a battery drain.

The Canon EOS 450D has a 12-megapixel sensor and a Digic III image processor; the previous Rebel model, the EOS Rebel XTi, had a 10-megapixel sensor and a Digic II processor. The new hardware produces image quality that is top notch, and the camera performs great in low light, even at ISO 1600.

Live View allows you to use the LCD as a viewfinder. As with the EOS 40D, focusing in Live View is a bit cumbersome. The Canon EOS 450D provides two focusing modes when in Live View, and both are fairly slow. But if you're shooting over-the-head or tripod-mounted shots, or are in any other situation where getting your eye up to the viewfinder is a problem, Live View is a welcome addition.

You can buy the Canon EOS 450D body only, or purchase a kit that includes a new 18-55mm lens. Small and lightweight, this lens is far superior to Canon's previous 18-55mm lens. It offers very good sharpness but is not plagued by the chromatic aberration (colour fringing) troubles of its predecessor.

Most importantly, the lens now includes Canon's excellent Image Stabilization technology. With stabilization, you'll be able to shoot handheld in more situations, without worrying about camera shake softening your images.