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106 | PhotoPlus January 2011
Canon spends years developing
the technology for its D-SLRs,
determined to push the limits of
what can be achieved photographically,
and more recently extending to the
realms of HD movie recording. Fromthe EOS D30, released back in 2000, to
the brand-new EOS 60D, each camera
has been packed with innovative
features that have paved the way for
later models to follow. When exploring
the range of digital SLRs Canon has
produced, they may all look broadly
similar, with their black bodies and
silver-and-white detailing, but there are
subtle but important differences.
The current range consists of nine
cameras, but there have been almost
30 in total. Over the years, we have seen
an ever-increasing megapixel count, theaddition of Live View, Picture Styles,
Creative Modes, HD video, faster
burst rates, and major improvements
to durability, too. When choosing an
upgrade, or your first Canon EOS, you
will need to take all of these features
into account and balance that with what
you plan on shooting with your new
camera, along with keeping a careful
eye on sticking to your budget.
If you want an easy-to-use,
lightweight D-SLR that can be packed in
a bag and taken anywhere, you will find
Canons entry-level range consistingof the EOS 1000D, 450D, 500D and
550D more than ample. If you are
upgrading and are after a camera
that can handle difficult shooting
conditions, the prosumer range, made
up of the 60D, 7D and 5D Mark II, will be
right up your street. If you plan on going
pro, then the high-quality flagship range
consisting of the EOS-1Ds Mark III and
the EOS-1D Mark IV will be for you.
PhotoPlusreader Ian Drury is
planning on upgrading his 400D
and wants to find out what
Canon models are availablewithin his price range. We
paid a visit to Attitude
Customs in Southampton to
photograph some amazing
motorcycles being rebuilt,
and find out exactly what
five of the best Canon
D-SLRs are capable of
We take a PhotoPlus reader to Attitude Customs motorbike workshopin Southampton to try out the latest Canon D-SLRsnext Canon D-SLR
GearHelp Me Buy My next Canon D-SLR
THEEXPERT
Name:Carly DrewCamera:Canon EOS 400DHaving got her hands on every Canon EOS to pass through
thePhotoPlusoffice, Carly knows everything there is to
know about these amazing pieces of digital SLR technology.
Help me buy my...
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PhotoPlus January 2011 | 107
Name: Ian DruryCamera:Canon EOS 400DIan is 44 and lives in Norfolk. With a
passion for custom hot rods and
motorcycles, he loves photographing
these old-school machines using his
400D, but feels its time to upgrade so he can
capture better detail and more vivid colours.
THEREADER
Canon EOS 500D
(Rebel T1i)
Canon EOS 550D
(Rebel T2i) Canon EOS 60D Canon EOS 7D Canon EOS 5D Mk II
Weight 480g 530g 755g 820g 810g
Body typeStainless steel/polycarbonate resin
Stainless steel/polycarbonate resin
Aluminium/polycarbonate resin
Magnesium alloy Magnesium alloy
Memory card type SD, SDHC SD, SDHC, SDXC SD, SDHC, SDXC CompactFlash CompactFlash
Sensor size APS-C APS-C APS-C APS-C Full frame
LCD size (pixels) Fixed 3in (920k) Fixed 3in (1040k) Vari-angle 3in (1040k) Fixed 3in (920k) Fixed 3in (920k)
Megapixels 15.1 18 18 18 21.1
Max burst rate 3.4fps 3.7fps 5.3fps 8fps 3.9fps
Viewfinder type Pentamirror Pentamirror Pentaprism Pentaprism Pentaprism
Custom functions13 custom functions with39 settings
12 custom functions with36 settings
20 custom functionswith 59 settings
27 custom functionswith 70 settings
25 custom functionswith 71 settings
Body-only price 440 600 810 1,160 1,630
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Canon EOS 500D (Rebel T1i)Web: www.canon.co.uk Price: 440
Canon EOS 550D (Rebel T2i)Web: www.canon.co.uk Price: 595
GearHelp Me Buy My next Canon D-SLR
Carly says The 500D is an
excellent camera for those who are
new to D-SLRs, but also a great
upgrade for those who have been using the
350D or 400D. It features HD video
recording capabilities, but it isnt quite up to
spec, only offering 1080p resolution at a slow
rate of 20fps. However, stills photography
with this camera is good, with a
15.1-megapixel sensor that replicated the
colour and detail of the motorcycles very well.
The lightweight feel of this camera makes it
easy to use, even with heavier lenses.
Carly says As the most recent
entry-level D-SLR in Canons range,
the 550D is full of features borrowed
from the higher-end D-SLRs, including full
HD video and a 1040k pixel three-inch LCD.
We found that the 550D produced great
results, and the standard 18-55mm IS kit lens
worked well on the 550D capturing good
clarity images. Its ideal for landscape, still-life
and portrait fans, as the 3.7fps continuous
shooting doesnt quite stand up to the
speed of sports and action photography.
Ian says Using the 500D felt like a
smooth and easy transition from my400D, yet the difference in quality
was amazing! The three-inch LCD not only
made it much easier to review my photos but
it also comes with Live View, which gave me
more options for shooting. The different
layout of the buttons on the back was quite
confusing, however, and I found it hard to get
used to. I also found using the smaller SD
cards quite fiddly, and difficult to store them
safely once several were filled up.
Ian says For the price, I was really
impressed with the 550D. The
stainless steel and polycarbonate
resin body felt sturdy, and although slightly
heavier than my 400D, it still felt comfortable
to use. Again, the button layout took getting
used to and felt awkward for quick
adjustments. Im not a fan of video recording
being added to SLRs, and would prefer to
have a faster burst rate or better viewfinder
magnification. When photographing the bike
details, I found the 18-megapixel sensor ideal
for producing high-quality, clear close-ups.
Good quality; lightweight; inexpensive;three-inch LCD with Live View
Confusing button layout; fiddly SD cards;other entry-level models more appealing
Sturdy body; comfortable to use;high-resolution LCD and sensor
HD video seems unnecessary; low burstrate; only 0.87x viewfinder magnification
70%
87%
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Magnesium alloy body; 8fps shooting;19-point autofocus; CF-compatible
Expensive; heavy; not full frame; samepixel count as the entry-level 550D
Articulated LCD; clear controls; great ISOsensitivity; good with longer lenses
Insubstantial body; not CompactFlash-compatible; midrange burst rate (5.3fps)
78%
91%
Ian says Its easy to see why the60D is aimed at prosumers the
controls are logically laid out, the
larger body is easy to hold, and longer lenses
feel in proportion. The rotating LCD enabled
me to use it above my head to capture all of
the garage, and near to the floor to make the
motorcycles look towering and monstrous!
But I wouldve thought that the 60D would
use CompactFlash cards (it uses SD cards),
considering its aimed at enthusiasts.
Carly says Canons latest release
is the 18-megapixel EOS 60D, which
supersedes the 50D, and sits just
below the 7D. The articulated LCD and
redesigned controls are the major physical
improvements, but the polycarbonate body
seems like a step in the wrong direction for
those used to heavier bodies. The increased
ISO sensitivity proved really useful in the
darker areas of the garage, keeping noise to
a minimum even at ISO6400. With the cost
plummeting from its original SRP of 1,200,
this is an ideal camera for semi-pro
photographers and videographers alike.
Canon EOS 60DWeb: www.canon.co.uk Price: 810
Canon EOS 7DWeb: www.canon.co.uk Price: 1,160Carly says The Canon EOS 7D is a
great all-round D-SLR. With a
hard-wearing magnesium alloy
body, 18-megapixel sensor, 8fps continuous
shooting and 19-point autofocus system, its
easy to see why this is the EOS of choice for
sports and wildlife photographers. Yet, it also
held its own in our tests, performing well at
high ISOs and at a full range of exposures.
Over 1,000 may seem a high price for an
APS-C format sensor though.
Ian says The first thing I noticed
about the 7D was how heavy it is!
When combined with a fast lens,
such as the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8 IS
USM lens, it was even heavier and really
difficult to hold for long periods of time.
The high burst rate would be particularly
appealing for capturing bikes and hot rods
on track days, and a PC socket is a small
addition that makes a big difference when
doing studio shoots with lights. For body-
only, though, the price is out of my budget,
but I think its a worthy purchase if I decided
to specialise in action photography.
EF versus EF-SIf you own lots of lenses
that you plan to use withyour new Canon D-SLR,
you will need to consider
if they will actually fit.
APS-C (1.6x crop factor)
cameras will take both
Canon EF and EF-S
lenses, but full-frame
cameras will only accept
EF lenses. Make sure
you check the details
on third-party lenses;
those designed for small
sensors will produce
distortion and vignetting
on full-frame cameras.
HD videoPutting HD video on
a stills camera has
been a divisive
subject, however
it looks likes
its here to stay.
In fact, the HD
video feature has
become so popular
with professional
filmmakers, many are
ditching their video rigsin favour of the high-
quality video that the
5D Mark II produces.
A weighty issueThe Canon Rebel series
(400D, 500D, 550D)
are considered to be
entry-level cameras,
and are therefore
lightweight and easy to
use. Prosumer cameras
(50D, 60D, 7D, 5D Mk II)
are significantly heavier
due to the larger buildand number of complex
features they have. If you
mainly shoot handheld
or are used to smaller
cameras, then an entry-
level camera may be
more comfortable
for you, but if
you prefer to
use a tripod or
monopod when
youre shooting,
a prosumer
camera should beno problem at all.
CONSIDER
THIS
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Carly says The 5D Mk II straddles
the line between prosumer and
pro models, offering a full-frame
21.1-megapixel sensor, magnesium alloy
body and EF lens compatibility. Whereas
the 7D offers a lot in the way of high-speed
shooting, the 5D Mark II has a slower burst
rate (3.9fps) and fewer custom functions,
but a whole range of high-quality features
that are perfect for big landscape, nature or
portrait photographers. Unlike all the other
D-SLRs tested here, the 5D has no built-in
flash, the reasoning being that anyone
forking out for such a pro-spec camera is
likely to be using a hotshoe flashgun, too.
Canon EOS 5D Mark IIWeb: www.canon.co.uk Price: 1,630
IANSVERDICT
83%21.1Mp full-frame sensor; magnesium alloybody; stunning image quality; uses CF cards
Fewer custom functions; slower burst rate;no flash; EF lens-compatible only; pricey!
I really enjoyed visiting Attitude
Customs in Southampton it
was great to see the bikes being
restored and try out lots of new Canon
D-SLRs at the same time! I thought
that the 500D produced clear and
sharp results, as well as being really
lightweight and comfortable, but itseems too similar to my 400D. The
7D, on the other hand, felt almost the
opposite, as it was heavy but packed
with features. As I like to take my time
with my photos, functions such as the
high burst rate and HD video would
rarely be used.
The 5D Mark II is a brilliant
introduction to full-frame cameras,
but having to invest in EF-only lenses
and pay the hefty 1,630 price
tag for the body puts it wildly out
of my budget! The 550D is a good
compromise between the lower- and
higher-end D-SLR models, offering
some fantastic features at a small
price, but it was the 60D that really
blew me away. Not only is the rotating
LCD incredibly useful, but the clear
and easy-to-use controls make it
simple to switch between functions in
just seconds. The feel of the 60D alsoimpressed me, as it was comfortable
and intuitive to use, even for long
periods of time. I dont cower in
fear at the price, either!
Ian says This D-SLR is a serious bit
of kit! I havent had chance to try a
full-frame sensor camera before,
but using the 5D Mark II made me realise just
how much focal length you lose at the
wide-angle end on lenses fitted to crop-factor
SLRs like 550D. I really liked being able to get
more of the garage within the frame, and
when used with a macro lens, it produced
staggeringly high-quality results from the
ultra-high-resolution 21.1Mp sensor. Again,
I feel the HD video capability is a bit of a waste
for me, and I would have loved additionalcustom function options in its place.
GearHelp Me Buy My next Canon D-SLR
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We help you choose new kit
Canon EOS 60D
18 megapixels
DIGIC IV image
processor
SD, SDHC and
SDXC compatible
Simplified interface
Full HD video
Aluminium and polycarbonate resin body
810 body-only
When the 60D was launched earlier this year
(superseding the 50D) it really turned heads
and LCDs! The vari-angle flip-out LCD enables
all different kinds of shooting possibilities, and
makes HD video recording a lot easier too.
Canon EOS 500D (Rebel T1i)
15.1 megapixels
DIGIC IV image
processor
SD and SDHC
compatible
ISO up to 12,800
1080p video
450 body-only
The 500D is a fantastic camera but its release in
2009 was rather awkwardly timed. With the
excitement building over the feature-packed
higher-end Canons, the 500Ds went a little
over-looked. But the camera speaks for itself,
producing clear and crisp images every time.
Canon EOS 550D (Rebel T2i)
18 megapixels
DIGIC IV image
processor
SD, SDHC and
SDXC compatible
Full HD video
Stainless steel and
polycarbonate resin body
595 body-only
Packed with an 18Mp sensor, full HD video, a
smart 3:2-ratio LCD and a rugged metal and
plastic body, the powerful little 550D closes the
gap between the basic and advanced, while still
maintaining the simplicity of an entry-level SLR.
MEET THE WHOLE FAMILYTake a look at Canons current EOS collection and find the right D-SLR for you
Canon EOS 1000D (Rebel XS)
10.1 megapixels
DIGIC III image processor
2.5-inch LCD (230k pixels)
SD and SDHC compatible
300 body-only
Released in 2008, the 1000D is a great
basic camera with an appealing price
tag. Sitting at the entry-level end of the
Canon EOS D-SLR spectrum, its features are limited compared to its older
brothers and sisters, but this makes it simple to use and easy to get stunning
shots from the still-reasonable 10.1 megapixel sensor.
Canon EOS 450D (Rebel XSi)
12.2 megapixels
DIGIC III image processor
SD and SDHC compatible
430 body-only
Sitting happily between the basic
1000D and the higher spec 500D,
the 450D boasts more than just an
increase in megapixels. It also has 13
custom functions with 34 settings, 3.5fps shooting and a large, clear three-inch
LCD. A firm favourite with amateur wildlife and landscape photographers, its a
good camera if you plan on making photography a serious hobby.
Canon EOS-1D Mark IV
16 megapixels
Dual DIGIC IV image processors
CompactFlash, SD, SDHC
and external media
Full HD movie recording
ISO up to 102,400
10fps continuous shooting
3,400 body-only
The 1D Mark IV is pro sports photographers
camera of choice. Its 16Mp APS-H sensors
1.3x crop factor is something of a halfway house between APS-C and full-frame,
marking it out as the maverick of the EOS family, but it has a super-fast 10fps
frame rate, and with an incredible ISO102,400, you can literally shoot in the dark!
Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III
21.1 megapixels
Dual DIGIC III image processors
CompactFlash, SD, SDHC
and external media
ISO up to 3200
14-bit colour depth
4,500 body-only
Considering that the 1Ds Mark III was
released in 2007 and lacks the now
compulsory HD video, it still holds up as one
of the best D-SLRs available for pro landscape and portrait photographers.
With the much-coveted full-frame sensor, photos from this Canon are superb,
with the possibility for extra-large prints with no loss of quality.
Canon EOS 7D
18 megapixels
Dual DIGIC IV image processors
CompactFlash compatible
Full HD video
8fps continuous shooting
Hotshoe and PC socket
Magnesium alloy body
1,160 body-only
The ultimate Canon for action photographers, the rapid-fire 7D comes with an
impressive array of features that make it fast (8fps) and precise (19-point cross
type AF system). An improved and sturdier chassis will reassure action sports
photographers, and the included PC socket is good news for studio snappers.
Canon EOS 5D Mark II
21.1 megapixels
DIGIC IV image processor
Full-frame sensor
CompactFlash compatible
Full HD video
3.9fps continuous shooting
ISO up to 25,600
1,630 body-only
With its full-frame sensor and excellent image quality, the 5D Mk II is the EOS
D-SLR that many photographers lust after. Hitting the sweet spot between
high-quality stills and HD movie-recording, this Canon is packed with features
while remaining an easy transition upwards from the mid-range cameras.
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