Canon EOS 450D with 18-55mm IS Lens
Posted on June 2, 2008
Filed Under Digital Camera Reviews |
Take a 12.2 megapixel sensor and put it into a lightweight and simple to use body, and you’re on to a winner. As the EOS 450D reaches the shelves, Canon hopes to see it make a significant impact on the entry-level market. Keep an eye on Debenhams digital camera for further information and updates.
At around £600 for the body, the 450D is already good value. Then stick the Canon 18-55mm IS lens into the mix as a boxed kit for around £650 and it’s even better value.
The camera itself not only has a good resolution sensor with the protection of the EOS integrated cleaning system, it also offers features like 3.5 frames-per-second performance and Live View. In Live View mode, the large and bright 3 inch LCD screen and the clear viewfinder make framing your images really easy. There are nine AF points in the viewfinder and focusing is fast. Its DIGIC III processor also features in Canon’s range-topping EOS-1Ds MkIII.
Navigating the menu is easy. A handy summary shows some key set-up details in a quick view display.
The controls are well laid out and labelled. We did, however, need to reach for the manual to see which button enabled Live View; we assumed it was the display button but it wasn’t. The set button actually brings Live View to life. It doesn’t offer autofocus though, just like many other current DSLRs.
A range of picture style modes can be used to force the camera’s colour tone. These include modes for subjects like portraits, landscapes and black & white - not to be confused with the creative function modes. These modes, which are accessed on the command dial, set the shutter speed and aperture for scenarios like portraits and landscapes.
We tested the camera with the kitted 18-55mm IS lens. The IS (image stabilisation) system certainly comes in useful and is well worth the extra £50 or so. The 450D is blessed with a good exposure system and the metering handles almost all lighting very well. It even managed to control contrast to good effect, but back lighting did cause some problems with some burnout.
The ISO range is modest, only extending to ISO 1600 but the 450D handles noise levels with impressive results. The small, yet efficient, built-in flash does more than just fill the space on top of the camera, it gives well-balanced lighting for both fill-in and indoor work. It is limited by distance, but it’s still a convenient tool. The picture style modes are useful and you can also specify three user pre-set style modes.
There is a lot to like about the EOS 450D and it will certainly be a popular choice in the £600 price arena. There will be competition from the Nikon D60 and others, but in the past Canon has done well in this market.
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