Canon Digital SLR
Here is a review of three of the top Canon DSLRs

Canon EOS 50D

Features - Very Good

Price - Moderated

The Canon 50D is the latest in the Canon line. It has alot of upgrades from its predecessors, starting with the 10D,20D,30D and most recently the 40D. Below is a summary of its biggest improvements:

• 15.1 MP sensor
• wide ISO range of 100 to 3200 and expandable to 6400 and 12,800
• expanded raw settings; small, medium or large
• vignetting correction to correct for aberations in certain canon lenses
• live view
• creative auto mode

List price is $1400 - body only

PRODUCT : Canon EOS 50D Full Specifications

DESCRIPTION : Canon's new EOS 50D bridges the gap between the novice and the seasoned pro with a perfect combination of high-speed and quality. It features an APS-C sized 15.1-megapixel CMOS sensor for tremendous images, new DIGIC 4 Image Processor for fine detail and superior color reproduction, and improved ISO capabilities up to 12800 for uncompromised shooting even in the dimmest situations. It features a refined 3.0-inch Clear View LCD (920,000 dots)monitor, supercharged Live View Function with Face Detection Live mode, plus a number of new automatic Image Correction settings and HDMI output for viewing images on an HDTV.

Features

* New 15.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor with improved noise reduction, wide range ISO 100-3200 (H1: 6400, H2: 12800), 14-bit conversion for smooth color tones and gradations.

* Next generation DIGIC 4 Image Processor for faster processing, 6.3 fps up to 90 JPEGS using UDMA CF cards; 60 consecutive JPEGS or 16 RAW using standard CF cards.

* 3.0-inch Clear View LCD(920,000 dots/VGA) with multiple coatings for improved viewing and smudge-resistant protection.

* Enhanced Live View shooting includes Face Detection Live mode.

* 9 cross-type high-precision sensors for accurate target subject acquisition and diagonal center cross-type AF point with f/2.8 and faster lenses.

* New Lens Peripheral Illumination Correction setting to automatically even the brightness across the image.

* Updated EOS Integrated Cleaning System with a fluorine coating for better resistance to dust.

* Creative Auto goes a step beyond full auto with on screen setting display.

* HDMI (High Definition Multimedia Interface) output for displaying full high-resolution images on a High Definition TV.

* Compatible with over 60 Canon EF/EF-S lenses and most EOS System accessories.

Canon Rebel XSi

Type - Pro 1

Features - Good

Price - Low

The new Canon EOS Rebel XSi is the fourth in its very popular Digital Rebel series. Because of its remarkable features based on its low price, I recommend this camera most often to those just starting out. Here is a line up of whats new from its predecessor:

• all black camera body
• larger LCD
• new Live View system
• dust reduction
• 12.2 MP
• image stabilized kit lens
• more battery capacity
• new control scheme

  List price is $799 with 18-55mm IS lens.

  Canon EOS Rebel XSi Full Specifications:

  The Canon EOS Rebel XSi Digital Camera incorporates a number of high-end functions and technology found in Canon's professional SLR models. These include an improved autofocus sensor, enhanced 14-bit A/D conversion, an advanced Live View function and the proprietary DIGIC III image processor (which ensures that the fine details and natural colors of the images are optimally recorded and manages the camera's efficient energy consumption and high-speed signal processing performance).

  * Product Description: Canon EOS Rebel XSi - digital camera

  * Product Type: Digital camera - SLR

  * Dimensions (WxDxH): 5.1 in x 2.4 in x 3.9 in

  * Weight: 16.8 oz

  * Color: Black

  * Supported Flash Memory: MultiMediaCard, SD Memory Card, SDHC Memory Card

  * Sensor Dust Reduction: Yes

  * Sensor Resolution: 12.2 Megapixel

  * Lens Aperture: F/3.5-5.6

  * Focus Adjustment: Automatic, manual

  * Min Focus Range: 9.8 in

  * Focal Length: 18 mm - 55 mm

  * Optical Zoom: 3 x

  * Camera Flash: Pop-up flash

  * Red Eye Reduction: Yes

  * Microphone: None

  * Viewfinder: Optical - eye-level mirror pentaprism

  * Display: LCD display - TFT active matrix - 3" - color

  * Supported Battery: 1 x Li-ion rechargeable battery - 1080 mAh ( included )

Canon 5D Mark II

Type - Pro 3

Features - Excellent

Price - High

The Canon 5D Mark II was probably the most anticipated new pro SLR camera. It is a huge improvement from the 5D and much less expensive than the Canon 1D Mark III.

Here is a summary of its outstanding features

• 21.1 MP
• shoots HD video full frame
• 3.9 FPS
• ISO range of 100-6400 expandable to 12,800 and 25,600
• improved low light performance
• live view shooting

List price is $2700 body only

Canon EOS 5D MkII: Full Specifications

* Canon EOS 5D MkII Resolution: 21.1Mp

* Sensor size: 36x24mm full frame

* Sensor type: CMOS

* Image size: 5616x3744

* Aspect ratio: 3:2

* Focus system: TTL-CT-SIR

* Focus points: 9 point AF plus 6 assist AF points

* Crop factor: 1.0x

* Lens mount: EF (excludes EF-S lenses)

* File type: JPEG, RAW, sRAW1, sRAW2

* Sensitivity: ISO100-6400 (expandable toISO50, ISO12,800 and ISO25,600)

* Storage: Compactflash

* Focus types: One-shot, AI servo, AI focus

* Metering system: TTL full aperture

* Metering types: Evaluative (selective AF point), Partial (approx 8% of centre), spot (approx 3.5% of centre),centre-weighted

* Exposure compensation: /-2 EV in 1/2 or 1/3 step increments

* Shutter speed: 30sec-1/8000sec

* Frames per second: 3.9fps (max 78 images in JPEG or 310 with UDMA card, max 13 images in RAW)

* Flash: Built-in, hotshoe for external EX speedlite

* Flash metering: E-TTL auto flash

* Flash sync speed: 1/200sec

* Image stabilisation: Lens based

* Integrated cleaning: EOS integrated cleaning system with fluorine coating

* Live view: Yes, 100% coverage

* Viewfinder: Optical, pentaprism type with approx 98% coverage

* Monitor: 3in TFT LCD 920,000dot (307,000px)

* Interface: USB 2.0

* Power: LP-E6 Li-Ion battery

* Size: 152x113.5x75mm

* Weight: 810g

Click here to return from the Canon Camera review page to camera reviews page


Click here to return from the Canon Digital SLR page to the home page


Click here to go to the online course