Photo answers review
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The latest D-SLR from Canon, the EOS 1000D, represents a new line in Canon’s D-SLR range, hence the breakaway from the usual three-digit naming convention. The EOS 1000D is intended to build upon the success of the EOS 400D and, although Canon is keen to stress the 1000D isn’t a direct replacement for the 400D, the older model will be phased out over time. January 2008 saw the unveiling of the 450D, so will another competitively-priced Canon D-SLR confuse the market? Canon hopes not, and its strategy sees the new lower-priced EOS 1000D aimed at those wanting to make the step up from a digital compact to a D-SLR, while aiming the 450D more at the photo enthusiast looking to invest in an advanced D-SLR system.
So what does the EOS 1000D have to offer, and if you’re considering buying an entry-level D-SLR, is it the camera for you?
Features & build
There’s no radical design overhaul to accompany the new four-digit line, but the Canon EOS 1000D is the smallest and lightest EOS to date, although the difference between the size of the 1000D and 450D is fairly marginal. Layout and button placement is very similar to the 450D, with the main difference being the smaller 2.5in LCD screen. There is a predominantly plastic finish, as you’d expect at this price point, but the build is solid enough, using a metal lens mount on the camera (but not on the supplied ‘kit’ lens).
Unfortunately, the Canon EOS 1000D doesn’t utilise the same rubberised material on the grip or rear thumb rest as the 450D, and as a result, the finish is a little less refined. Canon has used the same 10.1Mp sensor from the 400D, making the 1000D a lower resolution alternative to the 12.2Mp 450D, though whether this is important or not depends on you. 10 megapixels is plenty for A3 prints however, unless you intend to make dramatic crops.
The image processor has been updated, and the 1000D now uses the same DIGIC III processor used in Canon’s pro D-SLR range. Another significant improvement over the 400D is the inclusion of Live View, and on the 1000D it features a selectable grid display, and two focusing modes; Live Mode and Quick Mode. Live Mode uses contrast-detect AF that works in the same way as a compact, and on the 1000D the LCD can be magnified by either five or ten times to assist accurate Live Mode focusing. Quick Mode works by flipping up the mirror to engage the AF sensor and allowing the lens to focus normally. It’s faster than Live Mode, although the Live View feed is temporarily interrupted.
The focusing system features seven selectable AF points, as opposed to nine on the 450D, and the central target uses the more accurate cross-type sensor for better focusing in low-contrast conditions. The lack of Image Stabilisation (IS) on the 400D was starting to make it look dated compared to new releases – Canon IS lenses were available of course, but you didn’t get one as part of the package. Canon has addressed this now, and the 1000D comes with an 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS lens as standard, offering the ability to shoot at shutter speeds up to 4-stops slower than normal and still get sharp pics.
Canon’s EOS Integrated Cleaning System combats dust with the use of anti-static materials and high-frequency vibrations to shake dirt from the sensor at start-up. The ISO range is the same as the 450D, and extends between ISO 100 and 1600. Unfortunately there’s still no High or Extended ISO setting, which would allow you to further increase the sensitivity. The Canon EOS 1000D remains compatible with the full range of Canon EF and EF-S lenses, so there’s access to over 60 different lenses in the Canon range, plus all the third-party models on top.
Performance & handling
The Canon EOS 1000D is intuitive and comfortable, thanks to the well-placed button layout that allows you to quickly make changes to key settings. If you do have to delve into the menu system, though, the interface remains very similar to previous EOS models, grouping options into different tabs and negating the need to scroll down endless lists to find the setting you want. Despite the lack of rubber, the 1000D’s grip still allows you to get a sturdy purchase on the camera, and the AF is fast and accurate – especially with the central AF point. Although there are less AF points than on the 450D, the seven existing targets are nicely spread out. The 18-55mm IS lens handles well, too. Build isn’t pro quality, but the action is smooth through the zoom range and the IS produces sharp shots at slower shutter speeds.
One feature missing from the 1000D is spot metering, although with the Evaluative, Partial and Centre-weighted options, there’s plenty to help you get accurate exposures. Alongside the creative and manual exposure modes, there’s a range of Scene modes. In these, however, you can only capture JPEGs, with RAW only reserved for creative modes. For continuous shooting there’s mixed news; the frame rate for JPEGs is 3fps, and the 1000D will continue until the card is full. On the flip side, the RAW rate is a sluggish 1.5fps, and you can only shoot five frames before the buffer slows.
Image quality
The 1000D produces sharp, detailed images with well-saturated colours. In good light, exposures were spot-on with good detail in the darker and lighter shades, although in high-contrast conditions using Evaluative Metering the highlights tended to become blown-out. The 1000D doesn’t offer a specific high dynamic range function to combat this, but we found we got better results using Partial Metering in these kinds of situations.
ISO performance was strong with Noise controlled well up to ISO 800, and those well-saturated colours were retained at all sensitivities. At ISO 1600, Noise became more pronounced – particularly in the shadows – but the more offensive chromatic Noise can be effectively reduced by using Custom Function 4 – High ISO Speed Noise Reduction.
Verdict
If you like the EOS layout and are thinking about getting into the world of D-SLR photography but find the 450D just beyond your budget, then the Canon EOS 1000D could be for you. The £440 price tag sets the 1000D nicely within the entry-level price range and, with the inclusion of an effective Live View system and an IS ‘kit’ lens, Canon has introduced a great model that meets today’s high-spec, low-price market.
Specification
Price (RRP): £440 (with 18-55mm IS lens)
Resolution:10.1Mp (3888x2592)
Metering: Evaluative, Partial,
Centre-weighted
Lens mount: EF/EF-S
Focusing: 7-point wide area selectable AF
Burst mode: 3fps unlimited JPEG,
1.5fps 5 RAW
Write times: 2.5 secs (RAW), 3 secs (JPEG)
ISO range: 100-1600
Monitor: 2.5in LCD, 230k Dots,
Live View and selectable grid
Anti-dust: Yes; Canon EOS Integrated
Cleaning System Weight: 450g
Dimensions: (WxHxD) 126 x 97 x 62mm