As was predicted, Canon has launched its latest DSLR, the EOS 450D – or – for our American brethren, the Digital Rebel XSi.
A replacement for the 400D, that’s been getting a little long in the tooth, the new model features a 12.2-mega pixel CMOS sensor, EOS Integrated Cleaning System, a 3-inch LCD (that’s 50% brighter than the one on the 400D) and now with Live View – the debut of such tech on a consumer model from Canon, and a new 9-point AF system.
The camera also ditches the compact flash card format in favor of SD.
The DIGIC III image processor and a redesigned menu system is borrowed from Canon’s EOS-1 pro-level range while a choice of 13 custom functions allowing the user to customize the camera to their shooting style will please enthusiasts.
The EOS 450D features:
- 12.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor
- Canon’s EOS Integrated Cleaning System
- 3.5 frames per second
- 3.0-inch LCD with Live View shooting
- 9-point wide-area AF system with f/2.8 cross-type centre point
- Picture Style image processing parameters
- DIGIC III image processor
- Digital Photo Professional RAW processing software1
- Compact and Lightweight body
- Fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites
Other improvements over the earlier model include a more lightweight body (the 450D weighs less than 475 grams), an improved grip design, a new high capacity battery good for 500 shots, 14-bit processing and RAW, expanded PictBridge functionality, more rapid response times and spot metering.
The EOS 450D Body only is priced at £599.99 and the EOS 450D plus a 18-55mm lens kit is £679.99. Both are available from March 2008 in the UK.
For our international readers, the body-only cost in the US will be $799, with complete with 18-55mm lens kit costing $899. European pricing comes in at 749 euros for body only and 849 for the kit.
source:sky