EOS 450D prototype launched

Just yesterday, dpreview reported that Canon announced a new compact digital SLR, the EOS 450D (Digital Rebel XSi), which is an upgrade to the current 400D. Together with that, there will be a new battery grip (BG-E5) too.


As can be seen, the new body is noticeably bigger and hence has a better grip, which is always a good thing considering how minute the 400D is now. Also, built quality has improved, e.g. metallic hot shoe mount and strap handles.

Here are the main new features:
- 12.2MP CMOS sensor (Up from 10.1MP)
- EOS cleaning system & Picture Styles (already present in 400D)
- Improved 9 point AF
- 3-inch LCD with Live View (I like that!)
- Larger viewfinder (I like that too!)
- DIGIC III imaging processor (400D uses DIGIC II)
- SPOT METERING (oh, one of the biggest improvements!)
- SD/SDHC cards instead of traditional CF (I dislike this change)
- Redesigned menu layout (including My Menu as seen in 40D)
- ISO setting displays in viewfinder and ISO button
- New high capacity battery
- Highlight Tone Priority (from 40D)
- Auto Lighting Optimiser (boosts shadows after shooting)

What's still missing...
- ISO 3200!

For full article, click here.

I think that there are significant improvements, many borrowed from its larger sibling the 40D, but more could be done... Nonetheless, I'm excited.