My experience is limited to three small format cameras (currently Fujifilm Finepix F11), also I have had for almost two weeks, a Nikon D80 owned, these but returned because the dust sensitivity was here especially (probably an exception), also appeared pixel problems (a total failure, several chromatic aberration).
Actually I wanted to remain loyal to Nikon, but it had to be a camera with dust removal; but current tests with the Nikon D60 do not show that this is a more favorable level of D80. So I tended to only excellent for obsolescence Canon EOS 400D, but why save on the wrong end? Certainly, this model will soon fall in price, but I intend to use the camera for several years, so I slammed, because even before a lot of praise was heard. Current tests (no surreptitious which journals) encouraged me to take this step. I bought the remainder at the local dealer; nothing against Amazon, etc., but the price was comparable, in particular with accessories, and I can possibly change locally - but let everyone decide for themselves.
The first test (always in comparison to the D80, which I as the only possibility of comparison have been): brightens great, crisp shooting indoors, the flash m. E. not quite as good, but is fully adequate. ISO values up to 400 I have tried so far, image noise I can (almost) never feststellen- great performance. Outdoor shots also work fine resolution, especially the natural color reproduction is striking.
The large 3-inch display is very well done with the high resolution, Live View is in my view, for a "real" SLR photographers (I still want to be) rather unnecessary, but what is probably slow in the new models standard. The EOS 450D but consumed in Live View noticeably more power, a battery can therefore make fewer images (with 50% flash use lt 190 photos. Manual). In addition, the whole does not work (!) In the Basic Zone modes, so for the beginner can not live View z. B. use the fully automatic range.
Just that would have been desirable to see the picture before triggering can, but there are the viewfinder. And is, moreover, very good. Various information is provided in the viewfinder that can be read in the manual. It should be noted the 9-point auto focus is. What does that mean? Max. Nine points light up in the viewfinder, usually just a few. These are the ones that provide the image in each area to "sharp". Quick one recognizes that not always work and it is sometimes better off, manual focusing. But that is precisely the challenge that we eventually leaves the fully automatic range and the other challenges. But in order to be reasonably SLR professional, but you certainly need a few years - everyone has started off small.
Among the objectives: for a good week, I had the camera only with the ES-S 18-55 mm lens: most of the pictures are well done, but also with a stabilizer that does not mean that photos are not blurred! A tripod I have already ordered, because a steady hand and stabilizer are good, but there are particular with the 55-250 mm lens with new challenges, the (z. B. night shots with longer exposure times) to ensure a perfect picture. It should be noted also that allowing "small" lens prima wide-angle shots. Distortions that bother me, I do not currently found.
Now I got resupplied and the EF 55-250 mm lens. Suitable for light camera anyway and this is more of a lightweight, screwed no one will have to dislocate the arm. The whole set thus remains men's and women's fit! And the photos (so far only daytime images). Wow, for my purposes, it is sufficient first of quite a while. Great zooms are possible, as there is a stabilizer is used, I have experienced so far in ambidextrous leadership of the camera does not shake. The focal length range is considerable. Professionals like smile at the lens mild, but if you know no HDTV, PAL is the television sometimes very good, i .e. you can certainly increase. If I wanted to have something better, I would have with a Nikon D300 also determined to do more. With a more expensive lens at the beginning of my estimated budget had been but significantly topped. That is why the Canon 450D will be so interesting for beginners. A great device that will make you forget rather quickly his recent digicams.
Alone illustrates the physical comparison of 22.2 x 14.8 mm large sensor with the puny size of conventional sensors, why here a 12.2 million-pixel (effective) model exists, for the noise only at higher ISO ranges is relevant.
Another reason that satisfies me is that I previously had no dust problems, the removal of any remaining dust when the camera works so otherwise is a commercially available blower for more stubborn cases recommended or CAUTION in dusty environments. Pixel failures I have at div. Test photos also can not detect.
More can certainly tell, but others as well as more competent reviewers are sure to express yet.
For me, a Best Buy. A note still for housing: these acts no longer quite so cheap plastic because it was used a little more noble, yet it can a D80 or Comparable and especially expensive cameras do not quite hold a candle. But by the great feel and the material related lower weight this shortcoming is very well balanced.
