A release of a new entry level reflex from Canon is always an event and the arrival of the EOS 450D is no exception.  Canon no longer solely battles its rivals in terms of prices and this new camera has an interesting technical sheet (to say the least) with a new CMOS 12 million pixel sensor, 3.5 i/s burst mode and a large 3 inch screen.

Handling

If the EOS 450D is a small sized reflex, we have to admit that handling is more enjoyable than previous models even if the materials used for construction still seem as light and fragile.  The finish on the handle is pleasant and enables a good grip even it is a bit undersized.
Our eyes are immediately attracted to the 3 inch screen (230,000 pixels) which takes up a good part of the back of the camera.  It offers comfortable display with large viewing angles and good brightness.  Also, besides its menus and reviewing photos, it’s now possible to directly aim on the screen.  You therefore have two focusing systems.  The first and fastest requires lowering the mirror to use the reflex’s classic autofocus.  The second acts by contrast detection (like on compacts), although it’s much slower and can only be used on fixed subjects.  The good news is that the optical viewfinder gains in comfort (better enlargement) and brightness compared to previous models.  Even if it isn’t yet ideal, the effort is more than admirable.  Autofocus has also been improved but the differences are only noticeable with bright lenses (f/2.8) with the central cross collimator.  With the kit lens (18-55 mm IS), autofocus is fast in good lighting conditions and only slightly hesitant in more delicate conditions.  Given that there is no AF assistance lamp, we have to settle for the blinking flash (a bit too strong) to help out with autofocus.  Finally, very fast in startup, the EOS 450D manages 3.5 i/s in burst mode.  However, the speed decreases enormously if noise reduction is activated.

Image quality

Of course, it’s the new CMOS 12 million pixel sensor that had all of our attention.  It has higher definition than that of its bigger brother, the EOS 40D.  With a sensor surface that is still as large (APS-C format or 22.2 x 14.8 mm), the size of photosites is therefore once again reduced.  This is a configuration for which we could expect the worst; however it isn’t the case and electronic noise is well controlled up until the highest sensitivities.  Without being revolutionary, the EOS 450D has an excellent signal/noise level while at the same time increasing definition.  The bright light mode also is new and allows keeping detail in the lightest areas.  As for colors, they are accurate and we only had a problem with rather random automatic white balance indoors.  If the EOS 450D does not have an integrated stabilization system, it now comes with a high performance 18-55 mm IS (optical stabilization).

Compared to the competition

Even if it is significantly more expensive than other entry level cameras (Nikon D60, Alpha 200 or Olympus E-510), the EOS 450D imposes a new standard of 12 million pixels.  It’s a definition that enables widening the gap between its main rivals.  Some like the K200D, have other advantages that make them stand out like extraordinary finishing touches.  Or as usual, some competition can come from another camera in the manufacturer’s line, in this case the EOS 40D.  It has more "serious" construction and nicer ergonomics.