Gear Help Me Buy My next Canon D-SLR

next Canon D-SLR

We take a PhotoPlus reader to Attitude Customs motorbike workshop in Southampton to try out the latest Canon D-SLRs

Help me buy my...

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anon 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. From the 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, the addition of Live View, Picture Styles, Creative Modes, HD video, faster burst rates, and major improvements to durability, too. When choosing an upgrade, or your rst 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 nd Canons entry-level range consisting of the EOS 1000D, 450D, 500D and 550D more than ample. If you are upgrading and are after a camera that can handle difcult 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 agship range consisting of the EOS-1Ds Mark III and the EOS-1D Mark IV will be for you. PhotoPlus reader Ian Drury is planning on upgrading his 400D and wants to nd out what Canon models are available within his price range. We paid a visit to Attitude Customs in Southampton to photograph some amazing motorcycles being rebuilt, and nd out exactly what ve of the best Canon D-SLRs are capable of

THE EXPERT
Name: Carly Drew Camera: Canon EOS 400D
Having got her hands on every Canon EOS to pass through the PhotoPlus office, Carly knows everything there is to know about these amazing pieces of digital SLR technology.

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THE READER
Name: Ian Drury Camera: Canon EOS 400D
Ian 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.

Canon EOS 500D (Rebel T1i)

Weight Body type Memory card type Sensor size LCD size (pixels) Megapixels Max burst rate Viewnder type Custom functions Body-only price 480g Stainless steel/ polycarbonate resin SD, SDHC APS-C Fixed 3in (920k) 15.1 3.4fps Pentamirror 13 custom functions with 39 settings 440

Canon EOS 550D (Rebel T2i)

530g Stainless steel/ polycarbonate resin SD, SDHC, SDXC APS-C Fixed 3in (1040k) 18 3.7fps Pentamirror 12 custom functions with 36 settings 600

Canon EOS 60D

755g Aluminium/ polycarbonate resin SD, SDHC, SDXC APS-C Vari-angle 3in (1040k) 18 5.3fps Pentaprism 20 custom functions with 59 settings 810

Canon EOS 7D
820g Magnesium alloy CompactFlash APS-C Fixed 3in (920k) 18 8fps Pentaprism 27 custom functions with 70 settings 1,160

Canon EOS 5D Mk II
810g Magnesium alloy CompactFlash Full frame Fixed 3in (920k) 21.1 3.9fps Pentaprism 25 custom functions with 71 settings 1,630

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Gear Help Me Buy My next Canon D-SLR

Canon EOS 500D (Rebel T1i)

Web: www.canon.co.uk Price: 440
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.

Ian says Using the 500D felt like a

smooth and easy transition from my 400D, 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 ddly, and difcult to store them safely once several were lled up.

70
Good quality; lightweight; inexpensive; three-inch LCD with Live View Confusing button layout; fiddly SD cards; other entry-level models more appealing

Canon EOS 550D (Rebel T2i)

Web: www.canon.co.uk Price: 595
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 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 viewnder magnication. When photographing the bike details, I found the 18-megapixel sensor ideal for producing high-quality, clear close-ups.

87
Sturdy body; comfortable to use; high-resolution LCD and sensor HD video seems unnecessary; low burst rate; only 0.87x viewfinder magnification

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Canon EOS 60D

Web: www.canon.co.uk Price: 810
Carly says Canons latest release

CONSIDER THIS
EF versus EF-S
If you own lots of lenses that you plan to use with your new Canon D-SLR, you will need to consider if they will actually t. 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.

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.

Ian says Its easy to see why the

60D 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 oor 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.

HD video
Putting 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 lmmakers, many are ditching their video rigs in favour of the highquality video that the 5D Mark II produces.

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Articulated LCD; clear controls; great ISO sensitivity; good with longer lenses Insubstantial body; not CompactFlashcompatible; midrange burst rate (5.3fps)

Canon EOS 7D
Web: www.canon.co.uk Price: 1,160
Carly 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.

A weighty issue
The 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 signicantly heavier due to the larger build and number of complex features they have. If you mainly shoot handheld or are used to smaller cameras, then an entrylevel camera may be more comfortable for you, but if you prefer to use a tripod or monopod when youre shooting, a prosumer camera should be no problem at all.

Ian says The rst 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 difcult 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 bodyonly, though, the price is out of my budget, but I think its a worthy purchase if I decided to specialise in action photography.

78
Magnesium alloy body; 8fps shooting; 19-point autofocus; CF-compatible Expensive; heavy; not full frame; same pixel count as the entry-level 550D

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Gear Help Me Buy My next Canon D-SLR

Canon EOS 5D Mark II

Web: www.canon.co.uk Price: 1,630
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 ash, the reasoning being that anyone forking out for such a pro-spec camera is likely to be using a hotshoe ashgun, too.

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 tted 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 additional custom function options in its place.

83

21.1Mp full-frame sensor; magnesium alloy body; stunning image quality; uses CF cards Fewer custom functions; slower burst rate; no flash; EF lens-compatible only; pricey!

IANS VERDICT
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 it seems 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 also impressed me, as it was comfortable and intuitive to use, even for long periods of time. I dont cower in fear at the price, either!

Want one-to-one advice on choosing a piece of kit? Email the details of wh at youre looking for, along with you address and phone num r ber, to photoplus@futurenet.c om and put Help Me Buy in the subject line.

NEED OUR HELP?

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MEET THE WHOLE FAMILY

THE BUDGET BABY
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.

Take a look at Canons current EOS collection and nd the right D-SLR for you
THE TENTATIVE TODDLER
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 rm favourite with amateur wildlife and landscape photographers, its a good camera if you plan on making photography a serious hobby.

THE BOMBSHELL
Canon EOS 60D
18 megapixels DIGIC IV image processor SD, SDHC and SDXC compatible Simplied 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 ip-out LCD enables all different kinds of shooting possibilities, and makes HD video recording a lot easier too.

THE REBELLIOUS TEENAGER

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.

THE AWKWARD ADOLESCENT

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.

THE THRILL SEEKER

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-re 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.

THE CHARMING BACHELOR

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.

THE BIG BROTHER

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!

THE DADDY
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.

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