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).
- For the best performance and highest resolution plus an extra stop of usable high sensitivity (ISO 6,400 versus ISO 3,200) under AU$2000, the 50D occupies Canon's dSLR midrange for a few hundred more than the 40D.
- 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.
1%
1%
