Thread: .:Canon 450D (aka Rebel XSi):.

Well I've had my 450D for one week and over two thousand clicks, so far and I absolutely LOVE it. I'm so happy that its my first dSLR. Currently I have the Canon 18-55 IS kit, nifty fifty 1.8, and Sigma 70-300 APO Macro lenses.

Prior to purchasing the camera, I had listed why I thought 450D > 400D:

Originally Posted by from my old thread

XSi pros(in my order of most important to least)
Live View
Viewfinder (larger, brighter)
LCD
AF
feel in hand (iso button too)
SD cards (have SD, don't have any CF)
battery
-/+ 3 EV
14bit Digic III

After using the camera I want to point out what I really enjoy about the new 450D.

1. The pictures are stunning. I shoot mostly in RAW+JPEG just for the ease and flexability, but even the JPEG shots have amazing detail. The Digic III does a great job in a hurry. Colors are very true to life. Images with the nifty fifty and sigma are super sharp. The IS kit lens is good, but I only seem to use it for UWA.

2. Noise is very low even at high speeds. I mainly shoot at 100, but its nice to know that the pictures are still very good at 1600. The camera also has a wonderful NR.

3. The viewfinder is large. ISO in the viewfinder also helps a lot. The 450D viewfinder is much brighter than the 400D, I compared both at BestBuy, one on each eye

4. ISO button up top is so nice. Other buttons are laid out well and easy to access.

5. After a week of shooting 1,200 pictures, I recharged the battery since I was going to be gone for the weekend. I'm sure I could get around 1,500 to 2,000 per charge.

6. The LCD is large and easy to view, I know it has crappy resolution, but it is good enough to look down and make sure the last shot was in focus. In the day and age when bigger is better, its a huge LCD for a dSLR.

7. Nice to have spot metering on the new 450D, it really helps in those difficult lighting situations.

I suprisingly have not used the Live View much. The contrast based AF on LV that works like a P&S, does a great job on focus, but lacks in speed. It does use the * button to AF, so that's something Ben will like (I still default to half shutter AF, but do try the * from time to time). I'm sure it will be very useful for tripod/studio based work.

Speaking of AF, many have had issues with the auto AF picking the incorrect point. I shoot with the center AF point & recompose, so this does not really affect my shooting style.

The biggest problem with the 450D is I feel it takes Canon out of the entry level dSLR game. While it beats the competitors, its coslty. Hopefully the rumors of a Canon 1000D, a new entry dSLR, will be true.

Just a few points I wanted to add from another review:

Originally Posted by dpreview

The new sensor is superb, and from a resolution point of view puts the EOS 40D to shame without losing any of the high ISO performance that has been Canon's trump card for so long. . . .

The EOS 450D feels like a mature product, it is capable of superb results (even if it's actually now good enough to reveal the limitations of the cheaper EF-S lenses) and it has a feature set that offers an excellent balance between beginner-friendly ease of use and the manual control / customization demanded by those wanting something a little more serious. That said, you really need to be using primes and pro-level zoom lenses to really see what the sensor is capable of.

Reading that really makes me want to get some L glass

In conclusion, the 450D is a VERY capable dSLR. I don't think I'd suggest it to someone who shots a P&S on [] mode, but if you know your way around a camera it would make a first body that should last a while.

Current Reviews
The Digital Picture
DP Review
Steve's Digicams

Originally Posted by PhatheadWRX

It does use the * button to AF, so that's something Ben will like .

Nice write up, now add some pics already.

add some pics!!! I have pics all over this site and on my Flickr. I already feel like a post whore ie, Daniel LOL








^ handheld

I wouldn't call it costly; The kit price is just as much as the XTi was a year ago, and now it comes with the IS lens (right?). I'd say it's still a bargain.

Here is a run down of the current prices of the "entry" level:

Canon 450D - $800
Sony Alpha 350 - $800
Pentax K200D - $630
Nikon D60 - $600
Olympus E520 - $600
Canon 400D - $550
Olympus E420 - $500


The 450D is definately up there in cost. At least the Sony comes with built in IS and tiltable LCD screen.
BUT resolution/shot comparisons put the 450D on top - http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/CanonEOS450D/

It's brand new, a year from now it'll be a lot cheaper.

I'm happy with my Sony A100 for $440, but if I had really known I could pull the trigger whenever I would've picked up an XTi kit for under $500. Still, very satisfied with MY THINGS!

You look like you're getting great pictures with this camera, so good for you! Does dpreview explain the difference between Sony's on-board anti-shake vs Canon's IS in lens?

Originally Posted by wrxfactor

Does dpreview explain the difference between Sony's on-board anti-shake vs Canon's IS in lens?

canon says lens IS is better because it's specifically designed for the FL and it keeps the body as simple as possible (they said the same about sensor cleaning FWIW). You only pay for it on the lenses that need it, but you pay for it with each lens....

In body people will tell you it's a better system because it makes ANY LENS IS... They will also say it's not complicated and it won't break.

Basically the in camera IS is the budget solution. It's better than nothing and costs much less. But in lens is a better solution since it's lens specific but it's also much more expensive. I'd prefer in camera to nothing, but in lens is better than in camera if it's affordable.

I forgot to add in my review that I LOVE the menu on the 450D. Its the same setup ad the 40D, with the quick access My Menu.

Another improvement over the 400D.

Well I've had this camera for two whole months as of today. 9,700 actuations, 117GB, and 700+ shots on my Flickr later and I'm still in love.

I know the 40D, 5D, and 1D are all GREAT cameras, but I see this one lasting me for a while.

until the shutter jumps out of the camera and kicks you in the nuts in protest

I emailed Canon Support to see what the shutter life is for the XSi. Here was their response:

Thank you for writing to us. We value you as a Canon customer and
appreciate the opportunity to assist you with your inquiry into the
shutter of the Rebel Xsi.

Unfortunately, there is not a procedure available that would be able to
display the number of past shutter actuation. After speaking to a
senior level technician it has been determined or explained that the
information you are requesting isn't published information. If there is
any other way I could assist you with your concern, please don't
hesitate to contact me.

Estimates are given once the camera reaches the service center and has
been examined by a technician. The service center will send you an
repair inquiry via email informing you of the cost of repairs. I
sincerely apologize. If you would like to send the camera to the repair
facility, below you will find the information to do so.

What a cop out.

The XT, XTi, and 20D have a 50k shot shutter life. 30D, 40D, and 5D are 100k shutter life. I'm assuming (hoping) I get at least 50k shots out of my shutter.

Originally Posted by PhatheadWRX

I emailed Canon Support to see what the shutter life is for the XSi. Here was their response:


What a cop out.

The XT, XTi, and 20D have a 50k shot shutter life. 30D, 40D, and 5D are 100k shutter life. I'm assuming (hoping) I get at least 50k shots out of my shutter.

At the rate you're going, that's what... 6 months?

Godspeed, French

Does it have 'the wheel'?

Just curious.

Thank you for writing to us. We value you as a Canon customer and
appreciate the opportunity to assist you with your inquiry into the
shutter of the Rebel Xsi.

Unfortunately, there is not a procedure available that would be able to
display the number of past shutter actuation. After speaking to a
senior level technician it has been determined or explained that the
information you are requesting isn't published information. If there is
any other way I could assist you with your concern, please don't
hesitate to contact me.

Estimates are given once the camera reaches the service center and has
been examined by a technician. The service center will send you an
repair inquiry via email informing you of the cost of repairs. I
sincerely apologize. If you would like to send the camera to the repair
facility, below you will find the information to do so.

I spy grammar error





I've been looking at the XSi and I can't justify the price even if I sell my XTi. One day.....We'll see.

actually at my current rate, 50k pics would be 8 more months from now. But I'm slowing down, I doubt I'll continue to take 5k pics/mo (avg 160+ day).

Jay what is "the wheel"? the one on the back?
No joystick or wheel on the back, just directional pad with quick access

interesting differences on the LCD layout between that and the XTi

yep, you lose the dedicated buttons on the left but they are incorporated on the right

400D & 450D

I mean the scrolley wheel like the x0d series, 5d, and 1d's

It has one on top, not on the back

It's slightly bigger than the XTi too, never realized that

nah, that's not what he means.... we have that wheel, too.

I figured he meant the back one, but I was confused when he asked again after posting the pic of the back. I kind of prefer those back dedicated buttons, once you learn them its super easy to change modes with the camera to your eye. I know the better series have the dedicated buttons and screen up top.

Its just a hair bigger, but it feels much better in hand. The angle of the shutter release is much more finger friendly. The grip is a different material, but almost the same size as the 400D though

It's threads like this that make me want to sell my Sigma and go to the dark side.

Originally Posted by PhatheadWRX

I figured he meant the back one, but I was confused when he asked again after posting the pic of the back.

the back thumbwheel really comes into its own when you're shooting M. i can't imagine doing it any other way (though i haven't had to try).

the front wheel on the xti changes all the M settings :shrug:

Today is 1 year with my XSi. Still loving it. Took shot 34,720 today (~425 GB saved)

damn, dude, that's pretty impressive.
You have me beat for 2006 through 2009....

Wow. You could stick them all into a movie of your life for the last year.

Originally Posted by PhatheadWRX

Today is 1 year with my XSi. Still loving it. Took shot 34,720 today (~425 GB saved)

were any of those shots keepers?

i kid, i kid.

but damn dude, your finger must be so tired.

Originally Posted by shelloflight

were any of those shots keepers?

i kid, i kid.

but damn dude, your finger must be so tired.

haha, wow that sure is a lot. My d50, d300, and point and shoot combined don't have that many shots

Woot!!! the-digi-pic got word from Canon that the shutter life on the 50D, 450D (XSi), 500D (T1i), and 1000D (XS) are all rated for 100,000 clicks. That's up from 50,000 on XT and XTi. Guess I don't need to start saving up as soon as I thought

So I've been shooting with the XSi for a whopping 3 days now. GOD DAMN is the lack of a rear wheel frustrating.... Especially when you combine it with the fact it doesn't have any custom settings so every day at work I have to dial in the CWB and M settings, then I get home, forget, miss some shots, then have to dial it back.

JUST giving me the wheel and custom settings would make this a very nice body though. It's SO small/light/compact now.

Originally Posted by jacobsen1

So I've been shooting with the XSi for a whopping 3 days now. GOD DAMN is the lack of a rear wheel frustrating.... Especially when you combine it with the fact it doesn't have any custom settings so every day at work I have to dial in the CWB and M settings, then I get home, forget, miss some shots, then have to dial it back.

JUST giving me the wheel and custom settings would make this a very nice body though. It's SO small/light/compact now.

You have to set the CWB every time you turn it on?

or you mean you have to set it for a particular environment?

Originally Posted by Blazin

You have to set the CWB every time you turn it on?

or you mean you have to set it for a particular environment?

you have to set it for each new environment. So if I'm in my light booth I need a setting for that, if I'm in my office, another setting, and at home a third. Typically I use AWB for everything BUT the lightbox at work. But on the 5Dii (and 40D before it) it had C1, C2 and C3. I'd set each mode for something (C3 was my lightbox at work setting).

So, with the rebel, I just have to set it to CWB instead of my normal AWB, but I also have to switch to Manual, 1/90th, f/8, JPEG, yadda yadda. With the C# modes, you just spin the dial and it remembers EVERY setting (including custom functions) you told it to.

So it's just slow and a PITA, that's all.

Originally Posted by jacobsen1

you have to set it for each new environment. So if I'm in my light booth I need a setting for that, if I'm in my office, another setting, and at home a third. Typically I use AWB for everything BUT the lightbox at work. But on the 5Dii (and 40D before it) it had C1, C2 and C3. I'd set each mode for something (C3 was my lightbox at work setting).

So, with the rebel, I just have to set it to CWB instead of my normal AWB, but I also have to switch to Manual, 1/90th, f/8, JPEG, yadda yadda. With the C# modes, you just spin the dial and it remembers EVERY setting (including custom functions) you told it to.

So it's just slow and a PITA, that's all.

Well isn't that fannnncy.. talk about consistency

Originally Posted by jacobsen1

GOD DAMN is the lack of a rear wheel frustrating....

I have to agree...

Before I knew about the wheel, I loved the rebel. Now I'm totally spoiled with almost every control I need at my finger and thumb tip. I rarely rarely ever have to go into menus anymore.

Thanks for converting me Ben

Originally Posted by PhatheadWRX

I have to agree...

Before I knew about the wheel, I loved the rebel. Now I'm totally spoiled with almost every control I need at my finger and thumb tip. I rarely rarely ever have to go into menus anymore.

Thanks for converting me Ben

I can't use an XTi now, the no wheel thing confuses the hell out of me.

the one thing it will do though is teach you to use the top little dial/wheel more in your x0D or xD...

Just ordered one of these to try my hand at SLR photography once again. My previous camera was an EOS 1N, which I sold to chkltcow when I gave up on film. Quick question: is a class 4 memory card (e.g., SanDisk Ultra II) fast enough so that it doesn't become the bottleneck in continuous shooting on this camera?

Those cards are all I use on my 5D and don't have issues.

What happened to French anyways? He must be working on a major court case.