New Canon EOS 450D Offers No Surprises

As most expected, this year's PMA will see a new wave of digital single lens reflex cameras pounding the consumer, semi-professional and professional beaches. Canon is one of the manufacturers taking advantage of this event and the first model from the biggest DSLR manufacturer is the new EOS Rebel Xsi, also known as 450D.

Upgrading on the existent 400D, the 450D comes with a 12.2 megapixel CMOS sensor, 14-bit A/D conversion and DIGIC III processor and Live View function, some of these being previously seen on advanced and professional DSLRs, like the EOS 40D and EOS 1D Mark III.

According to the press release, the "inclusion of the 14-bit A/D process means the Rebel XSi camera records up to 16,384 colors per channel and allows the camera to produce images with finer and more accurate gradations of tones and colors". Also, the optional Highlight Tone Priority and High-ISO Noise Reduction, first introduced in 2007 with the EOS-1D Mark III, will further improve images taken in more "harsh" (read high contrast and/or high noise) conditions.

Since it's part of the trend, the Rebel Xsi is also fitted with a new 3-inch LCD monitor that supposedly features a broadened color gamut.

The "trendy" Live View function has been improved with the addition of a new "Live Mode" contrast-detection AF function that allows the camera to focus automatically during Live View without lowering the reflex mirror. Previous EOS models only had manual focus and phase-detection AF capabilities in Live View mode.

The AF system has also been improved with a cross-type AF measurement at the center that provides enhanced precision with lenses having maximum apertures of f/2.8 or faster. Additionally, this model is also able to capture 3.5 frames per second for bursts of up to 45 images in large/fine JPEG mode and 6 frames in RAW mode and is touted as the "fastest firing Rebel".

Unfortunately for those looking to upgrade their 350D or 400D cameras, the 450D ditches the CF cards for the SD and SDHC memory cards. In fact, Canon states in the press release that the 450D is "the perfect upgrade for users already equipped with SD cards from point-and-shoot model cameras". So, there you have it, the 450D is not seen as a replacement for existing DSLR users, but for point and shooters and bridge camera owners who want to upgrade to DSLRs.

Battery wise, the EOS Rebel XSi camera utilizes Canon's new high-capacity LP-E5 lithium ion battery pack, which provides 50% more exposures per charge than earlier models, or at least that's what Canon claims.

The EOS 450D is expected to ship in April 2008 in two versions: one body-only configuration which includes a rechargeable battery pack and charger, USB and video cables, a neckstrap, an EOS Solutions Disk CD, and a 1-year Canon U.S.A., Inc. limited warranty, available for $799.99 and one with the EF- S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens, priced at $899.99.

All in all, the new camera offers a set of features that will be enough for all beginners and most advanced users, but fails to drop any jaws as the new tricks it can perform have been seen before in previous models.

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