Canon EOS1000D Rebel DSLR (Rebel XS)
Canon Rebel New Contender In The Entry Level DSLR Stakes
The Canon EOS1000D does not break any technological ground; rather the size and cost of the package are the new Canon’s main features. Canon stressed this as positive, that the EOS100D incorporates features found on larger, more expensive models in their extensive range of DSLR cameras.
“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.”
The EOS1000D has yet to be announced in North America, so prices and alternative name are still unclear. It seems likely the new camera will inherit the Canon Rebel tag as this is the usual North American naming scheme for Canon’s entry-level model DSLRs.
The EOS100D is not unusually small; it is about the same size as other compact entry level DSLRs. This is not surprising or a real drawback, as the camera body needs to a certain size so it s comfortable in a photographers hands.
Features at a glance:
- 10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor
- EOS Integrated Cleaning System
- 7-point wide-area AF system with f/5.6 cross-type centre point
- Up to 3 frames per second
- 2.5” LCD with Live View shooting
- DIGIC III image processor
- Compatible with SD and SDHC memory cards
- Compact and lightweight body
- Digital Photo Professional RAW processing software
- Fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites
Canon are talking up the EOS1000D’s connection with the professional level models, however this camera is not a 1D at a bargain price.
What You Do Not Get
The optical viewfinder is only the pentamirror common in other entry level DSLRs while the up market Canons use the optically superior pentaprism viewfinder.
There are only 7 Autofocus sensor points compared to up to 45 in a 1Ds MkIII.
The maximum shooting rate is a class average of 3 frames per second compared to Canon’s best of 10 frames per second.
The LCD screen is a small 2.5’’ where 3” is now more common. This smaller size becomes more critical when using the live view function.
Image Stabilization(IS) is only available with special lenses. There is kit lens version with IS but as sign of things to come a Rebel XSi camera packages with an 18-55mm IS lens is usually $100 dearer than packages with a plain 18-5mm lens. There are increasing numbers of DSLRs with IS in the camera body allowing existing lenses to benefit from IS, keeping lens costs down.
What You Do Get
The EOS100D still uses current technology already proven in use around the world.
There are some nice features such as the A-DEP shooting mode. This is a simple way for landscape photographers to use the Hyperfocal focus principle. In this mode the photographer focuses on two points, the near point and far point. The camera then adjusts the focus to a point in between and sets the aperture so the scene between the two points is in focus.
The EOS100D has one of Canon’s 10.1M CMOS sensors that are renowned for excellent low light performance and use less power than equivalent CCD sensors.
Power comes from a rechargeable Li-ion battery and these are generally superior to AA batteries found in some other entry level DSLRs.
Worth Looking At?
While the Canon EOS1000D is not a revolution in DSLR technology, it still is quality camera with more than enough proven features to produce high quality images. Coupled with Canon’s wide range of excellent lenses the EOS1000D is a serious contender for your first DSLR.
Update for USA
Expected to ship in August 2008 the Canon name for it in North america is the Rebel XS camera and is available in a zoom lens kit version, which includes the EF-S18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS zoom lens, a rechargeable battery pack and charger, USB and video cables, a neckstrap, an EOS Solutions Disk CD, and a 1-year Canon U.S.A., Inc. limited warranty. The new camera's estimated retail price is $699.99.
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