Digital Background – Digital Photography

By Wayne Rasku

Canon has some really great igital single lens reflex (DSLR) cameras. In fact there are two excellent Canon EOS Digital Rebel cameras to choose from. They are the Canon Rebel 450D XSi and the Canon Rebel 500D T1i.

Usually, they are referred to as Rebel XSi and Rebel T1i, OR Rebel 450D and Rebel 500D. The lower number – 450D – is the older of the two cameras, meaning it was released before the 500D. Canon came up with a numbering system for their Rebel line of cameras which began in 2003 with the Rebel 300D. Each successive camera has been named with the addition of 50 to the name.

OK, so what makes these DSLRs good gifts? Here are a few reasons to consider:

• Great image quality. This line of cameras has always been rated at the top of the entry level category for image quality. The quality is nearly as good as the much more expensive models.
• Inexpensive price. These are not Point-and-Shoot cameras, so you must expect to pay more than you would for compact digital cameras. However, prices have dropped way down below the $1000 price tag of the original Rebels.
• DSLR capabilities. What more can be said. Every budding photographer dreams of the day he or she will be able to switch camera lenses to get the perfect picture. Photographers are like golfers when it comes to gear – the newest gear will improve their “game”.

Which of the two Canon EOS Digital Rebel cameras you choose is really dependent on only a couple of things.First is price – there is approximately $150 difference between the two cameras. The T1i is the more expensive model because of two very important considerations. HD Video and Creative Auto.

Second is HD Video and Creative Auto. No, this is not a typo. The two features that make the Rebel T1i cost more than the XSi are the reasons for buying the T1i rather than the XSi. If that does not make sense, consider this. Almost all point and shoot digital cameras have video capability, and they have an LCD screen with a preview of the photo that is about to be taken. Not all DSLRs have these two features. In fact the Rebel XSi does not, but the T1i does have them. Actually, Creative Auto is a lot more technologically sophisticated than a live view on the LCD screen, but suffice it to say that the photographer you are thinking of will really appreciate it.

Hopefully, this brief overview of Canon EOS Digital Rebel cameras will be of help in your decision. There is much more detail at http://www.digital-photographic-resources.com.

Nikon and Canon have always been competitors in the digital imaging race for the longest time and once again, these imaging giants have come up again with their latest entry-level offerings through Canon’s EOS 500D and Nikon’s D3000. These cameras are mainly targeted at consumers who are ready to switch from their compact digital cameras to a DSLR.

Canon’s latest entry-level model, EOS 500D has 15.1 megapixel imaging resolution using its APS-C sized CMOS sensor proves to be outstanding in low light and produces images with incredibly low noise. Nikon’s D3000 starts with a conservative 10.2 megapixel but with its CCD sensor gives very good results at ISO 800. At low light shoots, the D3000 can still deliver acceptable images at ISO 1600. New budding photographers must be reminded that images with higher resolution means higher MBs hence lesser pictures on your SD.

Another feature that is commonly considered is auto-focus. Consumers who recently switched from compact are accustomed to this function and might find manual focusing a bit of a challenge on certain shooting modes. The Nikon D3000 has a new 11-point AF system with Multi-CAM 1000 autofocus sensor module giving the D3000 better frame coverage compared to previous entry-level models 3-point AF. Complimenting the AF feature is Nikon’s exceptional EXPEED image processor that accurately processes images. Meanwhile, Canon 500D has precise 9-point auto-focus systems for guaranteed high-accuracy in focusing and images are processed by DIGIC 4 Imaging Processor’s 14-bit A/D conversion that ensures images are processed without compromising fine details and accurate colour reproduction. An added-feature on the Canon is the capability to record videos. This is ideal for new switchers since this feature is similar to the compact digital camera. The EOS 500D offers video recording and playback in Full HD using HDMI connection. However, shooting at 1080p records gawky clips and it is recommended to use 720p which puts to waste the HD capacity.

Both cameras uses SD and SDHC compatible and they both have 3.0″ LCD displays. However, only Canon has a Live View capability making shooting in awkward angles easier. One advantage that Nikon offers with the D3000 is their on-camera guide which is highly recommended for new photography enthusiasts. This feature can be selected from the top Exposure Mode/Scene Mode dial and has three sections namely 1) Shoot, 2) View / Delete and 3) Set-Up which gives teaches the user on how to set-up and use the D3000.

Comparing prices, the Canon 500D’s suggested retail price of SGD$1,199 is for body only or SGD$2,099 for the EOS Kit II with 18-55mm lens while the Nikon D3000 with AF-S DX VR 18-55mm is more economical at SGD$988.

These two new cameras are both user-friendly and easy to use. So choosing between these two products can be a little bit tricky, either you look for features, you consider the price or whatever your preference is – choose Nikon or Canon.

More articles: http://www.getcamera.com

Digital Background