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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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We help you choose new kit

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



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


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.


NEEDOURHELP?

Wantone-to-oneadviceonchoosingapieceofkit?

Emailthedetailsofwhatyourelooking for,alongwithyouraddressandphonenumber,[email protected] HelpMeBuyi

nthesubjectline.

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PhotoPlus January 2011 | 111


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.

THE BUDGET BABY

THE THRILL SEEKER

THE BOMBSHELL THE REBELLIOUS TEENAGER THE AWKWARD ADOLESCENT

THE BIG BROTHER

THE TENTATIVE TODDLER

THE CHARMING BACHELOR

THE DADDY

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