Archive for the ‘Canon EOS 400D’ Category

Buying digital cameras with Dust Control

Wednesday, October 29th, 2008

Dust spots on your D-SLR’s sensor appear as tiny black specks on the image. When photographers change lenses, dust can enter the camera and lodge on the filter or protective glass that covers the sensor. These dust spots can show up as dark blotches in subsequent shots. A camera with Dust Control Systems will prevent dust from settling on your camera’s sensor which is exposed to the elements every time you take the lens off. This technology is only found in interchangeable-lens DSLR cameras, such as Canon 450D, Canon 50D and so on, where it is a virtual necessity.

Olympus was the first camera manufacturer to install dust-reduction technology in its DSLR cameras, with a special Supersonic Wave Filter (SSWF) system that vibrates the filter in front of the sensor to dislodge dust. The dust collects in a tray below the sensor, which is cleaned when the camera is serviced. Other manufacturers have followed with similar systems - but they may only be included in one or two models.

Some manufacturers combine the vibrating filter with anti-static materials in the camera’s mirror box, while Canon adds a Dust Delete detection/removal system via software. Only Canon’s system deals effectively with dust that becomes ‘welded on’ when a camera with dust on its sensor is moved between low and high humidity.

Listed below are a part of the latest digital SLR cameras that include dust control systems.

 

CAMERA

RELEASED

MP

OTHER FEATURES

Canon 400D

Oct. 2006

10.1

Picture Styles

Canon 450D

April 2008

12.2

Stabilized lens

Canon 50D

Oct,2008

15.1

DiG!C 4 Image Processor

Canon 40D

Sept. 2007

10.1

Fast consumer SLR

Nikon D60

March 2008

10.2

Smallest and lightest Nikon

Nikon D300

Nov. 2007

12.3

Fast consumer SLR

Nikon D700

June 2008

12.1

51-point autofocus system, Active D-Lighting image processing

Nikon D90

Sep 2008

12.3

HD video mode

Olympus E-410

June 2007

10

Live view, small and light

Olympus E-420

May 2008

10

Smallest and lightest SLR

Olympus E-510

July 2007

10

Live view, image stabilization

Olympus E-3

Nov. 2007

10

Flip-out LCD

Sony DSLR-A100

March 2008

14.6

Weather sealing

Sony DSLR-A100

July 2006

10.2

Built-in stabilization

Sony DSLR-A200

Feb. 2008

10.2

Built-in stabilization

Sony DSLR-A300

May 2008

10.2

Flip-out LCD

Sony DSLR-A350

April 2008

10.2

Flip-out LCD

Sony DSLR-A700

Dec. 2007

12.2

Built-in stabilization, fast

 

 

Find the best Canon DSLR camera (Part I)

Monday, September 1st, 2008

Canon produces a wide variety of digital cameras, ranging from the tiny point & shoot ELPH series to their immensely-popular line of digital SLRs. Canon digital cameras receive consistently high ratings from consumers who are impressed by their solid construction and high-quality images. Maybe you want to find the best Canon digital SLR to suit all of your photographic needs. But which one to buy? Ah, there’s the rub. With this digital SLR camera review, we will cover the most valuable Canon digital SLRs to give you some guides.  

Canon Consumer Cameras

Canon EOS Rebel XT (350D)

For convenience, ease of use and no-compromise SLR performance, look no further than the EOS Digital Rebel XT. Featuring Canon’s Digital Trinity - an 8.0 Megapixel CMOS sensor, Canon’s own DIGIC II Image Processor and compatibility with over 50 EF Lenses-the new Digital Rebel XT has an all new lightweight and compact body, improved performance across the board and the easiest operation in its class, simplifying complex tasks and ensuring the perfect shot every time. With intuitive simplicity, powerful performance and unprecedented affordability, the Rebel XT is the EOS digital camera for everyone. Its compact size, light weight, speed, responsiveness, and excellent image quality make it a nearly ideal entry-level digital SLR and travel camera. Its only flaw is its ergonomics especially for those with heavy lenses and large hands. Despite the flaws in ergonomics, it is a digital SLR camera worth considering.

Canon EOS Rebel xTi (400D)

Compared to 350D, improvements include:

• 10.1 megapixel sensor

• EOS Integrated Cleaning System

• 2.5 inch, 230,000 pixel LCD with 160 degree viewing angle

• Improved interface

• Better grip

• Greater buffer depth of 27 Large/Fine JPEGs or 10 RAW frames

• Folders that will hold up to 9,999 images

• Picture Style settings for quick color mode changes

• More precise 9-point AF system

• Faster image processing

• Improved Print/Share functions

• Photo editing functions plus index print options

• Custom auto-rotation

For an entry-level-priced Digital SLR, the Canon EOS Rebel XTi / 400D has more features than most entry-level-priced Digital SLR buyers will ever use - and has performance and image quality to satisfy many professional needs. Overall, I’m pleased with this DSLR.

Canon EOS Rebel XSi (450D)

Canon Rebel XSi Key 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 center 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 Speedlights

• Uses SD/SDHC memory cards, not CF

Even compared to the not-very-old Canon Rebel XTi / 400D and the new Canon EOS Rebel XS /1000D, the Canon EOS Rebel XSi / 450D delivers better image quality from a more attractive body with more features.

Canon EOS Rebel XS (1000D)

Canon 1000D is the true successor to the best-selling EOS 400D / Rebel XTi and positioned below the EOS 450D / Rebel XSi which was launched six months earlier. The Canon EOS 1000D is very similar to both the previous 400D model and the current, more expensive 450D, borrowing key features from both cameras.

The Canon EOS Rebel XS / 1000D Main Features:

• 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor

• 3 frames-per-second frame rate

• 7-point auto focus with f/5.6 cross-type center point

• EOS Integrated Cleaning System

• 2.5-inch LCD with Live View mode

• DIGIC III processor

• Digital Photo Professional RAW processing software

• SD/SDHC card slot

• Picture Styles processing

• Compact and lightweight

• Compatible with Canon EF/EF-S lenses and EX Speedlites

To be continued…

What’s New and Changed of Canon 450D

Saturday, August 23rd, 2008

Canon 450D is the latest baby of Canon EOS SLR family. It is quite a hit in digital SLR cameras market. So maybe many Canon fans want to upgrade their 300D, 350D or 400D to 450D. But do you know what’s new and what’s changed of Canon 450D?

For the camera body, the newborn baby is noticeably lighter and smaller than all of his brothers which make him more portable. What’s more, the 450D adds a rubber layer on the grip and on the thumb rest at the back of the camera which is also a welcome change for many people. 

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This younger brother also features a new 12.4 megapixel sensor (12.2 million effective pixels). Compared with his oldest brother-300D, it is a big jump. But to 400D, it’s not a significant difference. Additionally, in the entry-level canon DSLR family, 450D is the first to use the SD (Secure Digital) format. So it won’t be too costly to get new cards for this camera. It is also the first digital SLR from Canon family to have Multi-shot self timer mode which allows you to capture multiple photos every time you activate the self-timer. Another feature that has made its way down from its brother is ‘Highlight Tone Priority’ which alters the way that the camera meters a scene. This means it captures and retains more information in the bright areas of the image at the risk of more noise in the shadows.
 
One of the most obvious external differences between the 450D and its brothers is the huge 3 inch LCD screen. It’s great to look at and makes pixel-peeping much more fun to do. Another outstanding improvement is the bigger and brighter viewfinder (compared to the 400D). If you need to peer through the viewfinder at long periods of time just to capture that perfect image, this new feature is great helpful.

The 450D adds an extra level of noise reduction when shooting at the camera’s highest sensitivity settings. Comes at the expense of continuous shooting speed so has been made optional. A regular criticism of Canon’s Rebel range has always been the lack of a spot metering mode. But different from his brothers, we are delighted to see spot metering appear on the 450D. The 450D’s DIGIC III processor handles the sensor’s data in 14-bit. What’s more, it departs from its brothers by using a new battery. The new, larger, LP-E5 battery has a capacity of 1080mAh, rather than 720mAh. This will be particularly useful given the greater power demands that live view brings.

Compared with its brothers, the new 450D looks like a real improvement in terms of features and usability. It is worthwhile upgrading your camera to the 450D.

Tips on Buying A Digital Camera

Wednesday, August 20th, 2008

There are many varieties of digital cameras in the market, so you can really get confused what exactly you need. Arriving at the store to find rows of shiny digital cameras with a huge array of features and vastly different price tags can be overwhelming, so do some research before you head to the store. Read about digital cameras and familiarize yourself with the features available and the meanings of buzzwords like pixels, optical zoom and memory. Here are some tips for buying a digital camera.

1.Megapixels

To many people, the megapixels is the most important on buying a digital camera. But, in fact, megapixels are not everything. A greater number of megapixels won’t always mean better photos. Listed below is a summary of what you can expect from different resolutions:

1.0 Megapixel: Perfect for up to 6″x4″ prints

2.0 Megapixel: Perfect for up to 6″x8″ prints

3.0 Megapixel: Perfect for up to 8″x12″ prints (A4)

4.0 Megapixel: Perfect for up to 10″x15″ Prints (A3)

5.0 Megapixel: Perfect for over 10″x15″ Prints.

Canon 400D has 10 megapixels, but to many people, it isn’t necessary. I suggest you think about the usage of your images and make your selection based on that.

2. Zoom

With Digital Cameras you will hear about two types of zoom, Optical Zoom and Digital Zoom. Optical zoom allows you to zoom in on your subject without losing quality. Digital zoom will let you take pictures from a distance, but your quality will suffer the more you zoom in on a subject. Optical zoom is definitely worth considering for all kinds of pictures – even just the casual ones. 3.LCD

Many of the LCD screens on camcorders don’t perform well in bright sunlight, making it next to impossible to see what you’re recording. There are little visors you can get to shade the LCD screen from the sun, but that’s also one more thing to carry. If you can find a camcorder with a great LCD screen, you’ll be better served. The new Canon 450D has large 3″ LCD screen. It’s great to look at and makes pixel-peeping much more fun to do.

3. Lens

Unless you’re working to a tight budget, your next priority should be a zoom lens. Just as with 35mm compacts, the standard lens on a digital camera generally has around a 38mm equivalent focal length. This makes it very difficult to fill the frame with your subject and show any real detail, and a zoom means you can get in much closer.

4. Storage card

Storage cards come in different shapes and sizes. The first thing you need to know is which card your digital camera takes. Read the manual that came with your camera or visit the manufacturer’s Web site to ensure that you know what type of card is right for your camera. The larger the memory capacity on the card, the more pictures you can store on it. Naturally, the higher the storage capacity, the higher the price will be. The speed of the storage card is also an important consideration. Storage cards with faster speeds are often labeled as a “pro series” card, as they’re sought after by professional photographers who might want to hold down the shutter button to take multiple shots at once. Faster storage card speeds are also ideal for shooting video because they will capture the maximum frames-per-second for smoother motion.

5. Think about the “extras”

Besides the camera itself, you’ll find most stores stocked with a number of accessories which including camera case, spare batteries/recharger, filters (and other lens attachments), tripods/monopods, external flashes, reflectors and so on. Some retailers will bundle such extras with cameras or will at least give a discount when buying more than one item at once. Keep in mind though that what they offer in bundles might not meet you needs.

The above is my advice on buying a digital camera. I hope it will be helpful.

Top six 10 megapixels digital cameras

Tuesday, August 19th, 2008

Here is my thorough research of the top rated 10 megapixels digital cameras:

Nikon D80

The Nikon D80 digital SLR camera provides photographers with many benefits of the popular D200 with a cheaper under-$1,000 pricetag. It features 10.2 megapixels, instant startup, in-camera image retouching and high-speed continuous shooting. It has a high-resolution processing engine designed to streamline and accelerate performance, and use less power. Nikon boasts that the D80 can shoot up to 2,700 images on one battery charge.

Canon400D

Canon EOS 400D’s 10.1 megapixel sensor employs the same outstanding CMOS image quality advantage of its big brothers in the professional EOS 1 range. Super sensitive in low light and virtually noise free, CMOS is also fast and power efficient. For consistently pristine results, a complete dust prevention and cleaning system works to keep the EOS 400D’s sensor spotless. A combination of technologies reduces, repels and removes dust and includes a Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit that shakes dust from the sensor with each power on. Reviewing your work is a delight with the super bright 2.5″ 230k pixel display. Photos feel crisper, richer and more saturated, while a 160° viewing angle makes for easy at-a-glance checking and sharing. Shoot at 3 fps for continuous bursts of up to 27 large JPEG images (10 RAW): like shooting a whole roll of film in a single burst. Switching between Picture Style presets is like being able to change film mid-roll to achieve different color response and Black & White effects. Sharpness, contrast, color tone and saturation are individually adjustable. Select from one of nine fixed focusing points across the scene for fast, accurate focusing - even with off-center subjects and ‘rule-of-thirds’ compositions. DIGIC II is a tiny super-computer that renders colors with precision, accuracy and speed. Fast and power efficient, DIGIC II also delivers instant 0.2 second start up time.

Nikon Coolpix P5000

Nikon P5000 offers a sensor resolution of 10 megapixels coupled to a Nikkor-branded 3.5x optical zoom lens with optical vibration reduction — a useful addition that helps avoid blurring caused by camera shake in low light situations. There’s also a sizeable 2.5 inches LCD display with anti-reflective coating on the Nikon P5000, and both Shutter- and Aperture-priority modes plus a true Manual mode to help unleash your creative side. If you prefer ease of use (or you might share the camera with a less experienced photographer), you’ll be happy to know that the Nikon Coolpix P5000 can do all the work — just put it in full Auto mode, or one of 16 different Scene modes. The Nikon Coolpix P5000 is a good camera and would’ve gotten a higher grade if there weren’t issues with responsiveness—saving files as well as focusing. At a low price, it’s definitely worth considering.

Nikon D60

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Are you looking for a real digital SLR that’s easy to use? Do you want mobility without sacrificing capability? Would you like simple operation and enough features to step forward creatively? If so, then get to know the Nikon D60.The Nikon D60 offers a 10-megapixel APS-H sensor and an optically stabilized lens, all for an excellent, entry-level price. As always, Nikon has designed the D60’s body within an inch of perfection, and the camera has all the prosumer features that you’d expect of DSLR, including a fast burst-mode and full RAW support. Image-quality wasn’t quite as exemplary as the camera’s particulars - there were some major diffraction issues - but overall detail, color, and noise were excellent, and Nikon’s ‘D-Lighting’ remains a great dynamic-range booster. All in all, the D60 could be a superb introduction to DSLRs.

Canon 40D

The EOS 40D, a 10-megapixel D-SLR targeted to serious photographers. This camera is targeted for anyone looking at the older 10-megapixel Nikon D80 or the newer 12.2MP Sony alpha DSLR-A700, a camera I liked a great deal. In other words, it’s for those more than willing to go beyond Auto and make the most of a sophisticated imaging capture device (a.k.a camera). How advanced is the 40D? Rather than the usual 3 frames per second, this one cranks off 6.5 fps up to 17 huge RAW files before it stops for a breather. If you shoot in smaller JPEGs, you can crank off 100 shots. If your child is a budding athlete, this D-SLR will capture him or her in full stride. The Auto Focus system has been beefed up for quicker response (Canon claims it’s 30 percent faster than the EOS 30D) plus it has Live View so you can use the larger 3-inch LCD to frame your shots. All these things sound great on paper but it’s in the real world your camera gets its workout. And that’s exactly where we took it…

You really can’t wrong buying the Canon EOS 40D. Photo quality is very good, there are a ton of manual adjustments, it feels right—and then there’s that startling 6.5 fps burst mode. It’s like stepping on a Porsche’s gas pedal and enjoying the ride. Although on the expensive side, if you’re serious about photography, give it a long look.

Nikon Coolpix P80

The Nikon Coolpix P80 can take photos at 18x zoom, but, ironically, it’s most competitive at more standard zoom ranges. Photos at 18x tended towards hazy colors and loss of resolution, as do all ultrazoom cameras, but photos taken at more reasonable zooms turned in much better results. The P80 is also aided by D-lighting and distortion correction, both of which can go a long way in making good photos great, and its manual mode is the best we’ve outside DSLRs. We’re still not sold on the ultrazoom niche, but the P80 performed so well at everything else that it might be a moot point. Think of it as a solid compact that also doubles as a telescope.

Canon 1000DVS Canon 400D/450D VS Olympus E-520/ E-420 VS Nikon D60

Tuesday, August 12th, 2008

Canon has been losing ground in the DSLR market recently. The Canon EOS 450D is a good camera but it is too expensive to be considered an entry-level model. Canon announces the EOS 1000D/Rebel XS as Canon’s new- entry DSLR and the successor to the EOS 400D/XTi to recapture the market. Featuring a 10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor, 7-point wide area AF system, up to 3fps continuous JPEG shooting until the memory card is full, and the lightest body of any digital EOS camera, the EOS 1000D incorporates a range of technologies used in Canon’s professional EOS-1 series cameras, including the DIGIC III image processor, and Live View mode. For straight-from-the-box shooting, the EOS 1000D is available with a Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS lens – which includes 4-stop image stabilisation, ensuring superb performance even in low-light conditions. With many rivals from Sony, Nikon, Pentax and Olympus, most people may wonder how it compares against other models and here is my comparison.

Canon 1000D VS Canon EOS 400D

 

 At first glance the 1000D looks exactly like the 400D. Sharing the same core specifications of 10.1 Megapixel resolution, 3fps continuous shooting for JPEGS and a 2.5in 230k pixel monitor, the 1000D’s noteworthy changes include the addition of Live View and a switch from CF to SD memory cards. It’s also lighter and the teeniest bit smaller than the 400D, as well as offering a large increase in the maximum number of shots taken in burst mode. Puzzlingly, the 1000D only offers 7- point AF system whereas both the 400D and 450D have nine.

Canon 1000D VS Canon EOS 450D

450D as the model above the 1000D, it features a number of worthwhile benefits over the 1000D. These include a bigger LCD(3 in. VS 2.5 in.), Greater resolution(12 MP on the XSi / 450D VS 10 MP on the XS / 1000D), Higher number of AF points(XSi / 450D has 9 VS the XS / 1000D which has 7), Better center AF point sensitivity, Better burst rate, Spot metering, an IR sensor for remote control, 14-bit processing/RAW files, Highlight Tone Priority, better viewfinder. What I want to say is the 1000D shares the same Live View system and stabilished kit lens while coming in at a cheaper price.

Canon EOS 1000D VS Olympus E-520

The Olympus E-520 is 1000D’s strong rival. The obvious differences are: The 1000D has more AF sensors ( 7 over the E-520’s 3); E-520 has 250% exposure compensation and more white balance options, more metering options, and more JPG compression options; E520 has only 5 more FPS in JPG but does much better in continuous RAW images; E520 uses CF cards, and 1000D has SD for flash media. E520 has a slightly bigger screen.

Canon EOS 1000D VS Olympus E-420

Both the Canon and Olympus are light in weight and light in cost, yet offer adaptability and image quality of a digital SLR in an accessible, affordable package. But the EOS 1000D isn’t the lightest DSLR camera on the market; nor is it the cheapest. That prize goes to the Olympus E-420, which has a body weight of 380 grams, measures 129.5 x 91 x 53 mm. In terms of specifications, the two cameras are very similar, with the E-420 offering more in the way of customizability but possibly losing out on brand recognition and shelf-space to the Canon. And Olympus uses the Four Thirds System, which has a sensor size that is 20% smaller than Canon’s sensors and the E-420 lacks Live View support.

Canon 1000D VS Nikon D60

The Nikon D60 shares the same 10 Megapixel resolution, 3fps continuous shooting, 2.5in 230k pixel monitor and like the 1000D / XS also comes in an optional kit with a stabilised 18-55mm lens. So far, again so similar, but the new Canon sports several benefits, starting with Live View. The 1000D / XS may have lost two AF points from its predecessor, but that still gives it five more than the basic 3-point system of the D60.
The D60 does however continue to be one of the friendliest DSLRs on the market, while additionally boasting one of the most foolproof metering systems in its class. It may be lacking Live View and a more sophisticated AF system, but the superb metering and friendliness count for a great deal in the entry-level market.

Conclusion: It makes sense to buy the XS / 1000D if you’re just beginning photography and don’t have a set target on how advanced you want to get with your photography. The money saved can go towards purchasing an external flash, accessory or a better lens and this is the better approach to take for budding photographers.

Canon 400D Versus Canon 450D

Saturday, August 9th, 2008

 

The Canon EOS 450D was introduced into market in January 2008. I’m sure there will be lots of people asking “Should I get a Canon 400D(XTi) or 450D(XSi)” or “Should I upgrade from my 400Dto a 450D”? Here is the comparison between Canon 400D and 450D which shows what’s new and what’s change of the 450D.

1. The Camera Body

The 450D is noticeably lighter than the 400D, around 75g lighter. The Dimensions of 400D is 127 x 94 x 65mm( 5 x 3.7 x 2.6in), 450D: 129 x 98 x 62 mm (5.1 x 3.9 x 2.4 in).  Despite its smaller size, the grip on the 450D is reported to be much better built than the 400D models.

The 450D adds a rubber layer on the grip and on the thumb rest at the back of the camera. The larger grip is also a welcome change for any people. It feels more comfortable. The plastic used in 450D is similar to the ones on the Sony A100 and EOS 350D. Some people feel coarse and a little cheap, and they think the 400D plastic is slightly smoother, more glossy. The 450D takes out the neon green “Power” LED light. In its place is the new ISO Button. You press it once, then turn the main dial to adjust the ISO. Then half-press the shutter to set the ISO. You can now change the ISO setting on the fly, without taking your eyes off the viewfinder.

2. LCD

The first thing you’ll notice when you look at the back of the 450D is the large 3″ LCD screen (400D 2.5in). It’s great to look at and makes pixel-peeping much more fun to do. Avoid frustration from having to try to make out details on a small screen.

3. Live View

The 450D introduces an additional, contrast-detection Autofocus capability when you’re shooting in Live View mode. Many people are excited with this new feature.

4. Viewfinder

An outstanding improvement is the bigger and brighter viewfinder (compared to the 400D). It really makes a lot of difference if you need to peer through the viewfinder at long periods of time just to capture that perfect image (such as in wildlife photography).

5. Sensor

The 450d has a 12 MP Sensor( 400D:10 Mp). Does 12 MP have benefits over 10 MP? In fact, it’s not a big deal. The jump from 10MP to 12MP is smaller (+20%) than the jump from 8MP to 10MP was (+25%), so for the most part it won’t be a significant difference.

6. ISO Performance

The 450D JPEG turns out much nicer than 400D’s. The noise level of the 400D is notably higher than the noise level of the 450D at ISO 1600 even when viewed fit-to-screen. The difference between the amount of noise (grain) just becomes more obvious when the images are viewed at 100%. Clearly, the 450D has the upper hand in this category.

7. Multi-shot self timer mode

The 450D is the first digital SLR from Canon to have this feature. This allows you to capture multiple photos every time you activate the self-timer. Imagine being able to shoot a continuous series of group shots with yourself in it - very handy indeed for photographing such moments.

8. Memory Card

The 450D also switched from the CF card (400D) format to SD. It’s a good thing memory cards are not too expensive anymore because it won’t be too costly to get new cards for this camera.

The new 450D looks like a real improvement over the 400D in terms of features and usability.

Canon 450D VS Nikon D80

Tuesday, August 5th, 2008

Canon and Nikon have both been around competing with each other since the early 1900s. Both Canon and Nikon offer excellent low-priced digital cameras to the photographers. Nikon’s D80 was the 400D / XTi’s nemesis, offering classier features for only a small increase in price. So with about $100 between Nikon D80 and Canon 450D, how does it measure-up to the new EOS 450D / XSi which has adopted a similar approach?

Featuring 10.2 Megapixels resolution, 2.5in screen, Nikon D80 also offers a host of advanced features, negligible shutter lag, and a battery charge lasting for up to 2700 shots. It’s more power than the average shutterbug will ever need, but this impressive camera is perfect for the action photography. But the major advantage of D80 over many Canon Cameras is the better AF system and Commander mode which allow you to control Nikon Speedlights without a separate wireless trigger such as Canon’s ST-E2 Speed-light Transmitter. In addition, Nikon D80 along with many other Nikon DSLRs has an AF assist lamp which does not need to raise flash for AF.

But as an older model though, the D80 is missing out on several modern features. The Canon offers Live-Preview (which means you see your subject on the LCD before you take the picture, like on normal digital cameras, and most DSLR’s do not offer this yet, only the newest) , as well as a larger LCD (3 inches on the Canon and 2.5 on the Nikon), and is 12.2 megapixels versus the Nikon’s 10 megapixels. 

Also, the Canon uses a more advanced CMOS sensor while the Nikon uses a CCD sensor.  The higher end Nikon’s use CMOS, but the mid level use the less preferred CCD, as the CMOS sensor is more sensitive, more accurate, and gives larger print sizes (i.e. the sensor costs more).

The Nikon offers an 11 point Multi-CAM1000 autofocus, while the Canon offers a 9 point Multi-BASIS TTL (which in some reviews, appears to be better than the 11 point Nikon.

And the Canon can do 3.5 frames per second up to 53 images (in jpeg) or 6 (raw).  The Nikon can only do 3 frames per second up to 23 images (jpeg) or 6 (nef).

So with regards to the question of which one is better, I’d base my decision on whether the ergonomics/viewfinder (of the D80) is more important to me, or the features and compactness (of the 450D) is more important to me, along with which company has my preferred lens selection..

Digital Camera Reviews Canon 400D, Canon 450D, Nikon D300

Monday, August 4th, 2008

There are many cameras on the market, but choosing a best one is a little difficult. Here we take a look at three popular cameras.

Canon 400D-The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi offers an unbeatable combination of performance, ease-of-use and value. It has a newly designed 10.1 MP Canon CMOS sensor plus a host of new features including a 2.5-inch LCD monitor, the exclusive EOS Integrated Cleaning System featuring a Self Cleaning Sensor and Canon’s Picture Style technology, all in a lightweight, ergonomic body. The Digital Rebel XTi is proof positive that Canon continues to lead the way with their phenomenal digital SLRs. Great features packed in to a great size and at just the right size this camera has everything going for it. You cannot go wrong with this one.

Canon 450D-For stunning photography with point-and-shoot ease, look no further than Canon’s EOS Rebel XSi. The EOS Rebel XSi brings staggering technological innovation to the masses. It features Canon’s EOS Integrated Cleaning System, Live View Function, a powerful DIGIC III Image Processor, plus a new 12.2-megapixel CMOS Sensor and is available in a kit with the new EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens with Optical Image Stabilizer. There’s 14-bit A/D conversion. It’s got a 4% spot meter.  The EOS Rebel XSi’s refined, ergonomic design includes a new 3.0-inch LCD monitor, compatibility with SD and SDHC Memory cards and new accessories that enhance every aspect of the photographic experience.

Nikon D300- With Great performance and class-leading photo quality, The D300 isn’t built for rookies used to the wonders of a point-and-shoot, but hard-core DSLR users who know their way around a nicely loaded DSLR. Nikon D300 features exclusive EXPEED Image Processing System with a new 51-point auto focus system, two new LiveView shooting modes and Nikon’s 3D Focus Tracking feature. It reacts with lightning speed, powering-up in a mere 0.13 seconds and shooting with an imperceptible 45 millisecond shutter release lag time. It is also capable of shooting at a rapid six frames per second and in continuous bursts can shoot up to 100 shots at full 12.3 megapixel resolution. D300 features a new Active D-Lighting mode that, when enabled, provides remarkable real-time highlight and shadow correction with optimized image contrast.