Which Canon digital SLR? Your heart's set on a Canon. How do you choose?

Not everyone is brand-loyal when buying a dSLR. If you've already chosen Canon — whether it's because you already have some lenses, friends who are brand-enamored or have simply had good experiences with the company's point-and-shoot models — here's some help selecting the right model.

On a general note, if you're budget is tight, and unless there's a specific feature or performance level you need from a particular model, it's usually a good idea to save money on the body and spend it on a better lens.

  • If you're on a tight budget, you don't have much of a choice, and the EOS 1000D is the least expensive of the lot. But given the relatively small price difference between the 1000D and the 40D, it might be worth bumping up a class for the spot meter (big as it is) and larger LCD.

  • For most hobbyists, vacation shooters as well as non-pro business users buy the 450D. In everyday use, the differences between it and the 40D are pretty minimal; it delivers comparable, and occasionally better, performance and photo quality, for up to AU$850 less.

  • If you need a better-constructed, dust-sealed body or an extra stop (ISO 3200 versus ISO 1600) of latitude then go with the 40D. It also makes sense if you're a pro looking for an inexpensive supplementary body that can take CF cards, or have very specific feature needs, like a faster flash sync speed (1/250 sec vs. 1/200).

  • If you want the least expensive full-frame option, usually for compatibility with older lenses, your only choice is the 5D. However, rumours abound that Canon will be announcing the long-awaited update to this model in Spring, so you may want to wait — either for the new model, or a price drop.

  • If you need the fastest model with the best high-ISO performance and/or ultimate customisability opt for the 1D Mark III.

  • If you're a pro who needs the highest resolution possible, blow your budget on the the 21-megapixel 1Ds Mark III.
Canon EOS 1000D

Editors’ rating: 7.2

Canon EOS 1000D

The Canon EOS 1000D is a good entry-level dSLR, but only its photo quality stands out among the competition.

Canon EOS 450D

Editors’ rating: 7.8

Canon EOS 450D

It doesn't stand out for its feature set or design, but the Canon EOS 450D delivers on performance and photo quality.

Canon EOS 40D

Editors’ rating: 8.1

Canon EOS 40D

Great photo quality and excellent continuous-shooting performance are just two of the Canon EOS 40D's many attractions in the digital camera marketplace.

Canon EOS 5D

Editors’ rating: 7.9

Canon EOS 5D

A decent midrange digital SLR camera built around a superb sensor, the Canon EOS 5D delivers great images and the familiar 35mm-film-format shooting experience for a comparatively low (though still hefty) price.

Canon EOS-1D Mark III

Editors’ rating: 9.3

Canon EOS-1D Mark III  Editors' choice

Canon's EOS 1D Mark III offers a luxurious cocktail of high-resolution, extremely low noise, blazingly fast burst shooting, abundant customisation, and a build quality and ergonomic design among the best you'll find in today's camera market.

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III

Editors’ rating: 9.0

Canon EOS-1Ds Mark III  Editors' choice

The 1Ds Mark III marks another high-end success for Canon, though you'll need a lot of spare cash if you want to own this ground-breaking camera.

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canberra_photographer
canberra_photographer
11/06/2008 05:00 PM

Okay, 9.3 for the 1D mkIII that has the busted auto-focus but a flat 9 for the near perfect Ds. Sense make not.

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