After it’s announcement at PMA earlier this month, Canon has launched their new compact digital SLR in the US – the EOS 450D also known as EOS Digital Rebel XSi. Contrary to rumours, it does not replace the EOS 400D, but sits alongside in Canon’s line of entry-level dSLRs.
This is how the 450D looks in comparison with the 400D:
Upon looking at it, you can immediately tell that it sports a larger LCD screen (3 inches) compared to the 400D. Also, its body is slightly redesigned and has a more comfortable grip. One of the few important upgrades is the change from Compact Flash to Secure Digital (High Capacity) Cards and the addition of spot metering, which the 400D lacks. A new kit lens is distributed with the 450D, which is a redesigned version of Canon’s 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens with an addition of an image stabilizer. The benefit of this is that the processed image is stabilized even before it enters the camera.
Here is a complete list of specifications and new features for the EOS 450D:
- 12.40 megapixels CMOS Sensor
- DIGIC III Processor
- SD memory card, SDHC Memory Card
- JPEG, RAW (14-bit Canon original), RAW+JPEG Image Formats
- Improved 9-Point Auto Focus
- Automatic and manual AF point selections
- Larger viewfinder
- Up to 1600 ISO with the ISO reading in viewfinder
- 3.5 fps Continuous Shooting Speed
- Spot metering
- Larger, higher capacity battery (500 shots maximum in a single charge)
- 3″ LCD with Live View
- New Kit Lens with IS (Image Stabilizer)
In the US, the body will cost $799, while packaged with the IS Kit Lens is $899. In Europe, its €749 and €849 respectively.