The success story and a first impression

On 20 August 2003 Canon surprised the world with the EOS 300D, the first, affordable even for amateurs, digital SLR. At that time, truly a revolution, not for nothing was this 6 megapixel camera outside of Europe, the term "Digital Rebel". The successor model from 2005, the EOS 350D, an 8 megapixel sensor, a new, faster image processor, the DIGIC II and a design change in direction was small and black mainly. With the EOS 400D was not only the update to 10 megapixels, but also finally a larger, more useful TFT and an automatic sensor cleaning. The true "revolution" of the EOS 400D was for me, however, the vastly improved auto focus, which now sat on the technique of semi-professional EOS 30D.

I photograph since 1997 digital (eg Canon PowerShot G2) and had from the aforementioned series, the EOS 350D and the EOS 400D in use and have made with these cameras thousands of photos before I switched on the EOS 40D. The EOS 450D I will mainly use it as a backup camera.

The Canon EOS 450D was the expected 2 megapixel upgrade, like all its predecessors, bringing it now has a total of 12 megapixels, the size and format of the CMOS sensor (22.2 * 14.8 mm) has been retained as expected. The EOS 450D also received Canons latest image processor, the DIGIC III with more performance, a three inch display with Live View mode, an improved 9-point autofocus system, a spot metering and numerous detail improvements.

Slightly annoyed, I me of Canon's swing away from the CompactFlash (CF), towards SD and SDHC, because now my memory cards between the EOS 40D and EOS 450D are no longer interchangeable. What good is that? Also, the LP-E5 battery is a new development, which can now boast more capacity. To summarize, you can say "solid technology and more of everything", the big wow factor for me was made, however. Newcomers can access safely again here, because the current models from the market leader Canon are always state-of-the-art. But now to my first impressions ...

The feel of the EOS 450D has an overall good impression. I have a feeling that they can keep a little better than their predecessors. The arrangement and number of buttons is very well chosen, and I always miss the convenient dial my EOS 40D in practice. Well, maybe that is introduced in the EOS 500D. The Live View is ideal for taking photos of static objects. Although I personally prefer looking through the viewfinder with SLR, which was luckily also improved markedly in the EOS 450D and is now almost at the level of semi-professional Canon. The accuracy autofocus is impeccable, which I now realize immediately any improvements to the EOS 400D, as you would probably test times more intense. The continuous shooting speed was obviously increased with the EOS 450D, but that is not relevant for me personally.

As a big plus, I feel that the current ISO setting in the EOS 450D in the viewfinder is visible. For me it is now and then happens is that I have inadvertently not reset by the high ISOs again and thereby numerous pictures were fuzzy unnecessary. From the image quality produced, I can immediately identify any significant improvements over the EOS 400D, which indeed has already produced excellent results. For the discerning Normalfotografierer differences 10-12 megapixels should not be particularly significant in practice. Unless one is a so-called "Pixelpeeper". ;-)

My opinion: Again 5 Star -> The Canon EOS 450D is a successful evolution of the EOS 400D, which has adapted to the features offered by the competitors. Newcomers can buy this camera without hesitation, both DSLR novices and serious amateurs will quite at home with the operation. Who really wants to push the limits of a camera in this class, of course, quickly lands in the manufacture raw images, which subsequently on PC with software (Bibble, Lightroom, etc.) must be digitally developed.

For the purchase of a Canon DSLR is speaking also good, extensive and attractively priced Lens program the digital leader. I would like here to draw attention in particular to the Canon lenses designated with the symbol "USM". These lenses focus quickly and virtually silent. A (red) "L" for luxury features Canon's high-end lenses.

And one more note as an apt conclusion: The lens of the EOS 450D kit is now offered with an IS (Image Stabilizer = optical anti-shake in the lens), which I think is a very good idea. For many beginners in particular fight, without knowing it, with blurred images caused by camera shake as a result of too long exposure. Since I already have a range of lenses from Canon, I have the IS kit lens but can not test. In professional circles is usually scolded on (Canon) kit lens, but in the photographic practice, these lenses provide very good results. In particular, if you look at the value for money. In this respect, the Canon kit lenses are ideal for solid introduction and orientation - before it is really expensive.