Tuesday, June 17, 2008

Canon update

Canon announces 1000D entry-level dSLR and Speedlite 430EX II flash
Canon launched the affordable EOS 300D in 2003, and over the years, has improved considerably to become the 450D today. Due to increasing competition by other manufacturers to provide budget cameras, Canon announced the 1000D - a dSLR sitting beneath the 450D in the lineup to compete with the likes of the Nikon D60. Hoping to replicate the success of the 300D back then, this camera is both affordable and has a good feature set. Essentially, it is saddled between the 400D and 450D.


It has many features of the 450D, but in a lighter less expensive package. According to dpreview: “The EOS 1000D is a small camera with a big idea: the supreme adaptability and image quality of the EOS system, in an accessible, affordable package,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “For anyone ready to take the next step in creative photography, it offers the perfect entry point to the world of D-SLR.”

Features:
-10.1 MP sensor (1.6 crop factor)
-DIGIC III image processor
-EOS Integrated Cleaning System
-7 point AF (as opposed to 9 points on 400D/450D)
-2.5" LCD with Live View
-SD/SDHC memory cards
-3fps continuous shooting until card is full
-Compatible with EF/EF-S lenses

The features are actually quite good, and in some ways better than my 400D, such as Live View and DIGIC III. I think Canon has a camera well positioned to take on it's main competitor - the D60.

Apart from the 1000D, Canon also announced a revision to their mid-range external flash unit, the Speedlite 430EX II. This new flash offers 20% faster recycle times and a new quick release similar to that of the 580EX II. Now mounting and dismounting is so much easier, thankfully! Also, there can be full control of the flash via the camera's menu system of compatible EOS cameras, like the 40D.

Great stuff Canon!

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