Canon Digital SLR Camera

2009-08-06T23:21:00.000-07:00

Canon EOS 450D Digital SLR Camera
12 Megapixel , 3.0" LCD , USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface
With EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Image Stabilizer Lens
Canon EOS 350D is sold as Canon EOS Digital Rebel XSi in USA

Canon launches its latest D-SLR, the EOS 450D (Canon Digital Rebel XSi in America). Featuring a 12.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor, EOS Integrated Cleaning System, 3.0” LCD with Live View mode and a new 9-point AF system, the model presents consumers with an unprecedented level of image quality and versatility at this end of the market. The Canon EOS 450D employs features already proven in Canon’s professional EOS-1 series cameras, including the DIGIC III image processor and a redesigned menu system that enables features such as direct control of Speedlite flash units from the camera LCD. A choice of 13 custom functions allows the photographer to customise the camera to their shooting style.

On the surface a very similar camera to the EOS 400D, however there are a range of significant improvements; twelve megapixel CMOS sensor, 3.0" LCD monitor, Live View with both AF modes (contrast-detect and passive), 14-bit processing and RAW, spot metering, improved AF, 3.5 fps continuous shooting, a larger viewfinder, SD/SDHC storage and a new higher capacity battery. All in all a fairly impressive range of usage oriented improvements and refinements.

“The EOS 450D bears the fruits of more than 20 years of ongoing investment into EOS,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging, Europe. “This camera continues Canon’s policy of taking technologies proven in the professional arena and putting them within reach of a wider market of amateur photographers.”

The EOS 450D features:

12.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor
Canon’s EOS Integrated Cleaning System
3.5 frames per second
3.0” 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 software
Compact and Lightweight body
Fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites

Salient Features for Canon EOS 450D
EOS quality advantage:
With all key components developed and manufactured in-house, EOS offers photographers a unique quality advantage. The Canon EOS 450D’s specially designed 12.2 Megapixel sensor employs Canon’s high-sensitivity, low-noise CMOS technology to produce richly detailed images with minimal grain. The DIGIC III processor ensures superior image rendering and rapid response times, with an almost instant 0.1 start up. Image data is processed at 14 bits for Delivering a burst rate of 3.5 frames per second, the DIGIC III processor works with the image buffer to handle up to 53 JPEGs (6 in RAW) without interruption.

Bright viewfinder:
The Canon 450D is designed to make photography a fluid experience for photographers of all levels and experience. Housed in a compact body that weighs less than 475 grams, the Canon EOS 450D features an improved grip design that provides a natural, ergonomic fit with the user’s hands. A large, bright viewfinder makes image composition clearer and more comfortable. The menu system inherited from professional EOS cameras uses a simplified tab structure that does away with scrolling. It includes a user-defined My Menu tab for instant access to frequently used settings.

Several custom functions are available to optimise the quality of photos captured in a range of situations. Highlight Tone Priority boosts the dynamic range at the highlight end, providing better tonal detail from wedding dresses, cloudy skies and other bright objects. The new Auto Lighting Optimiser corrects brightness and contrast during image processing, while improving skin tones in portraits by ensuring correct exposure for faces. Photographers can also enable additional noise reduction for shots captured at high ISO speeds.

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Live View:
Available for the first time on a Canon consumer D-SLR, Live View mode makes it easier to shoot from awkward angles, such as ground-level macro shots or when shooting from a tripod. The image from the Live View mode is displayed as a smooth, 30fps video feed on the 3.0” LCD, which is 50% brighter than the screen of the Canon EOS 400D. A grid line display and live histogram can be selected to help with shot composition and exposure. While focusing, the photographer can zoom in on specific details with up to 10x magnification of the image displayed on the LCD screen. Two types of auto focus are available: Quick AF flips the camera mirror momentarily to engage the AF sensor; Live AF uses the image contrast data to focus - a method familiar to anyone upgrading from a compact digital camera. For studio environments, remote Live View lets the photographer compose, adjust settings and capture the shot from a PC using the supplied EOS utility software.

Other improvements:
The Canon EOS 450D complements its headline features with a host of smaller improvements that enhance the photographic experience. The viewfinder now displays all key exposure information including ISO speed. The addition of spot metering (4% of viewfinder) allows for greater control over exposure in tricky lighting conditions. PictBridge functionality has been expanded so that photographers can correct horizons and add picture effects before printing. A new high capacity battery extends shooting time on a single charge to a maximum of 500 shots.

Software:
The Canon 450D (Canon Digital Rebel XSi) is supplied with a comprehensive software suite that provides everything the photograph needs to manage and process images. This includes Digital Photo Professional (DPP), a powerful RAW converter that provides complete RAW image processing control. DPP also integrates with camera features such as Dust Delete Data and Picture Styles. The supplied Picture Style Editor software can be used to create custom Picture Styles for fine control over colour display. The camera also comes with EOS Utility, Image/Zoom Browser and Photostitch.

Brief Features
12.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor
Canon’s EOS Integrated Cleaning System
3.5 frames per second
3.0” 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

Standard Accessories for Canon EOS 350D
Canon EOS 450D Digital SLR body
Canon EF-S 18 - 55 IS mm F3.5 - F5.6 lens
Eyecup (attached to camera)
Lithium-Ion battery pack
Battery charger
Neck strap
USB Cable
Video Cable
Manuals and Software

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Technical Specifications for Canon EOS 450D
IMAGE SENSOR
Type:22.2 x 14.8mm CMOS
Effective Pixels:Approx. 12.2M
Total Pixels:Approx. 12.4M
Aspect Ratio:3:2
Low-Pass Filter:Built-in/Fixed with Self Cleaning Sensor Unit
Colour Filter Type:Primary Colour

IMAGE PROCESSOR
Type:DIGIC III
LENS
Lens Mount:EF/EF-S
Focal Length:1.6x Multiplication with EF lens fitted
FOCUSING
Type:TTL-CT-SIR with a CMOS sensor
AF System / Points:
9 AF points (f/5.6 cross type at centre, extra sensitivity at f/2.8)
AF Working Range:EV -0.5 -18 (at 23°C & ISO100)
AF Modes
AI Focus
One Shot
AI Servo
AF Point selection:Automatic selection, Manual selection
Selected AF Point Display:
Superimposed in viewfinder and indicated on LCD monitor
Predictive AF:Yes
AF Lock:
Locked when shutter button is pressed half way in One Shot AF mode
AF Assist Beam:Intermittent firing of built-in flash
Manual Focus:Selected on lens

EXPOSURE CONTROL
Metering Modes:
TTL full aperture metering with 35-zone SPC (1) Evaluative metering (linked to all AF points) (2) Partial metering at center (approx. 9% of viewfinder) (3) Spot metering at center (approx. 4% of viewfinder) (4) Center weighted average metering
Metering Range:EV 1-20 (at 23°C with 50mm f/1.4 lens ISO100)
AE Lock
Auto: Operates in 1-shot AF mode with evaluative metering when focus is achieved
Manual: By AE lock button in creative zone modes
Exposure Compensation:+/- 2 EV, 1/2 or 1/3-stop increments
AEB:+/- 2 EV, 1/2 or 1/3-stop increments
ISO Speed Equivalent:
AUTO(100-800), 100, 200, 400, 800, 1600 (in 1-stop increments) ISO 200-1600 in Highlight Tone Priority (C.Fn II -3)

SHUTTER
Type:Electronically-controlled focal-plane shutter
Speed:
30-1/4000 sec (1/2 or 1/3 stop increments), Bulb (Total shutter speed range. Available range varies by shooting mode)
Shutter Release:Soft touch electromagnetic release

WHITE BALANCE
Type:Auto white balance with the imaging sensor
Settings:
AWB, Daylight, Shade, Cloudy, Tungsten, White Fluorescent light, Flash, Custom. White balance compensation: 1. Blue/Amber +/-9 2. Magenta/ Green +/-9
WB Bracketing:
+/-3 levels in single level increments 3 bracketed images per shutter release. Selectable Blue/Amber bias or Magenta/ Green bias.

COLOUR MATRIX
Type:Two types of colour space, sRGB and Adobe RGB.

VIEWFINDER
Viewfinder:Eye-level SLR (with fixed pentamirror)
Coverage (Vertical/Horizontal):Approx. 95%
Magnification:Approx. 0.87x ¹
Eyepoint:Approx. 19mm (from eyepiece lens center)
Dioptre Correction:-3 to +1 (1/m) (dioptre)
Focusing Screen:Fixed
Mirror:
Quick-return half mirror (Transmission: reflection ratio of 40:60)
Viewfinder Information:
AF information (AF points, focus confirmation light), exposure information (shutter speed, aperture value, ISO speed (always displayed), AE lock, exposure level/compensation, spot metering circle, exposure warning, AEB), flash information (flash ready, high-speed sync, FE lock, flash exposure compensation, red-eye reduction light), white balance correction, SD card information, monochrome shooting, maximum burst
Depth of Field Preview:Yes
Eyepiece Shutter:On Strap

LCD MONITOR
Monitor:
3.0" TFT, approx. 230K dots Live View Mode with selectable grid.
Coverage:Approx. 100%
Brightness:Adjustable to one of seven levels

FLASH
Modes:Auto, Manual Flash On/Off, Red-Eye Reduction
HotShoe / PC terminal:Yes/ No
X-sync:1/200sec
Red-eye Reduction:Yes
Flash Exposure Compensation:+/- 2EV in 1/2 or 1/3 increments
Flash Exposure Bracketing:Yes
Flash Exposure Lock:Yes
Second Curtain Synchronisation:Yes
Built-in Flash Range:
Coverage up to 17mm focal length (27mm equivalent)
Guide Number (ISO 100, metres):13
External Flash:
E-TTL II with EX series Speedlites, wireless multi-flash support

SHOOTING
Modes:
Auto, Portrait, Landscape, Close-up, Sports, Night Portrait, No Flash, Program AE , Shutter priority AE, Aperture priority AE, Manual, A-DEP
Photo Effects:
Monochrome (selected from the "Picture Style" menu) with options for Filters and Toning Effects.
Drive Modes:Single/Continuous
Continuous Shooting:
Max. Approx. 3.5fps. (speed maintained for up to 53 images (JPEG)¹, 6 images (RAW))²

RECORDING PIXELS / COMPRESSION
Image Size:
(LF) 4272x2848, (LN) 4272x2848, (MF) 3088x2056, (MN) 3088x2056, (SF) 2256x1504, (SN) 2256x1504, (RAW) 4272x2848
Compression:
Fine, Normal, RAW (14bit, Canon original RAW 2nd edition)

FILE LENGTH
Still Image Format:
JPEG (Exif 2.21 [Exif Print] compliant) / Design rule for Camera File system (2.0), Digital Print Order Format [DPOF] Version 1.1 compliant
RAW+JPEG Simultaneous Recording:
Yes (RAW + Large JPEG only)
File Numbering:
(1) Consecutive numbering
(2) Auto reset
(3) Manual reset
Processing Parameters:
6 Preset 'Picture Styles' with 3 User defined settings

OTHER FEATURES
Custom Functions:13 Custom Functions with 34 settings
LCD Panel (EL) Illumination:N/A
Water / Dust Resistance:No
Sound Memo:No
Intelligent Orientation Sensor:Yes
Histogram:Brightness: Yes RGB:Yes
Playback Zoom:1.5x - 10x
Display Formats:
(1) Single image with information (2 levels)
(2) Single image
(3) 4 image index
(4) 9 image index
(5) Jump Display
Image Erase Protection:Erase protection of one image at a time
Image Erase:
Single image, All images on card, Checkmarked images, Unprotected images
Self Timer:Approx. 2 or 10 sec.
Menu Categories:
(1) Shooting menu
(2) Playback menu
(3) Setup menu
(4) My Menu
Menu Languages:
English, German, French, Dutch, Danish, Portuguese, Finnish, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Spanish, Greek, Simplified Chinese, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, Korean, Russian, Polish, Hungarian, Czech
Firmware Update:Update possible by the user.

INTERFACE
Computer:USB 2.0 Hi-Speed (Mini-B)
Other:Video output (PAL/ NTSC)

MEMORY CARD
Type:SD card, SDHC card

PHYSICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Body Materials:Stainless Steel/Plastic
Operating Environment:0 – 40 °C, 85% or less humidity
Dimensions:128.8 x 97.5 x 61.9 mm
Weight (body only):Approx. 475g

Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 Image Stabilizer Lens
First introduced in August of 2007, the Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens is Canon’s answer to consumer demand for a high-quality yet affordable optically image stabilized lens and is included as the standard lens in the Rebel XSi kit configuration. The lens features the wide-angle to mid-range zoom flexibility of its non-IS predecessor with the significant advantage of Canon’s true optical, lens-shift image stabilization system that yields up to a full four stops of image-shake correction. The EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-55.6 IS zoom lens sells separately , but when customers purchase the lens kit version of the Canon EOS 450D by paying the difference from the price of the body-only kit. Canon is offering the lens kit at this discount so that more customers can enjoy the benefit of a lens based image stabilizer system.

The higher performance provided by Canon’s lens shift IS system (compared with the in-camera body sensor shift type offered in some competitive SLRs) includes the ability to optimize the lens performance for specific shooting situations such as low light, long-zoom or movement while shooting (or virtually any combination of the three). What’s more, the photographer can see the optical image stabilization effect in the viewfinder. As the image already appears steady in the viewfinder or on the screen through the Rebel XSi Live View function, better framing and composition is possible allowing the photographer to concentrate on the best shot more comfortably.

Appealing background blur:
The Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS lens also incorporates a circular aperture. This helps create an even background blur when depth of field is minimised, giving photographers more creative options for portraiture and similar types of photography.

Super Spectra coatings:
The Canon EF-S f/3.5-5.6 IS employs Canon’s patented Super Spectra coatings to suppress flare and ghosting – more prone to occur with digital cameras due to reflection off the image sensor. By increasing light absorption, coatings reduce reflections off lens element surfaces to deliver crisp, undistorted images with natural colour balance.

E-TTL II flash integration:
The new Canon EF-S lens transmits distance information to the E-TTL II flash system of all current model digital EOS cameras, improving flash exposure metering when used in conjunction with Canon’s range of EX Speedlite flash units. In keeping with Canon’s Kyosei philosophy of living in harmony with the environment, the lens features only lead-free glass.