Canon EOS 1000D (Rebel XS)

Canon today announced the introduction of the Canon EOS 1000D (Rebel XS), a new entry-level digital camera that puts Canon SLR technology such as an Optical Imaged Stabilized lens and easy-to-use professional features into the hands of emerging photographers. Consumers looking to take their photography a step further and begin shooting with a DSLR are promised to find the transition easier than ever with the Canon EOS 1000D.

Ideal for a wide range of photographers from first-time digital SLR users to veteran photo enthusiasts, the new Canon EOS Rebel XS camera was designed to embody what customers have come to expect from the EOS Rebel series — a fast, non-intimidating, lightweight, easy-to-use camera that produces excellent images and starts emerging photographers off on the right foot. Immediately, photographers will take notice of the camera’s Optical Image Stabilized kit lens for crisp focus, compensating for camera shake from unsteady hands or a moving vehicle.

At first sight, the Canon EOS 1000D looks exactly like the EOS 400D. The latter will disappear from the assortment as of now. A logical decision, considering the 400D and 450D are very closely related. With the introduction of the Canon 1000D, Canon create room and offer the consumer a full digital SLR with an appealing price tag. And it is the price that gives this SLR the right to exist. Don’t expect any innovations or spectacular improvements, as these are more likely to happen at the Photokina show. Looking at the EOS 1000D, you could come to the conclusion that it is a stripped down version of the EOS 450D, because as a camera the Canon EOS 1000D leans closely towards its ‘predecessor’ the EOS 400D and the actual model; the EOS 450D.

Canon EOS 1000D Review - Matt Grayson takes a first look at the Canon EOS 1000D digital SLR. The brand new entry level model designed for beginners to photography and compact users looking to move into DSLR territory.

With the lightest body of any digital EOS camera, the EOS 1000D incorporates a range of technologies used in Canon’s professional EOS-1 series cameras, including the DIGIC III image processor, and Live View mode. For straight-from-the-box shooting, the EOS 1000D is available with a Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS lens – which includes 4-stop image stabilisation, ensuring superb performance even in low-light conditions.

The Canon EOS 1000D incorporates an APS-C size (22.8 x 14.8 mm) CMOS sensor with 10.1 million pixel images and Canon’s proprietary DIGIC III image processor to help deliver higher levels of imaging performance and responsiveness. It also has Canon’s proprietary EOS Integrated Cleaning System, which features both hardware and software-based dust removal technology. Additionally, weighing less than 1 lb./450 grams, the Canon EOS 1000D is the lightest body in the EOS digital series camera line-up.

The Rebel XS incorporates an APS-C size (22.2 x 14.8 mm) CMOS sensor with 10.1 million pixel images and Canon’s exclusive high-performance DIGIC III image processor to help deliver high levels of imaging performance and responsiveness. It also has Canon’s exclusive EOS Integrated Cleaning System, which features both hardware and software-based dust removal technology. Additionally, weighing less than 1 lb./450 grams, this camera is the lightest body in the EOS digital series camera lineup.

The EOS Rebel XS camera is compatible with Canon’s extensive lineup of more than 60 EF and EF-S lenses, including the Image Stabilizer-equipped EF-S18–55mm f/3.5–5.6 IS, which is included in the camera’s standard zoom lens kit package. The Canon Rebel XS will be available in black or silver coloured body variations.

Featuring a 10.1-Megapixel CMOS sensor, 7-point wide area AF system and up to 3fps continuous JPEG shooting until the memory card is full, the EOS 1000D represents a more affordable entry point to the world of EOS cameras. It slots into the model line-up beneath the 450D and is known as the Digital Rebel XS in the U.S.

The Canon EOS 1000D is the lowest specification DSLR in the range so technically, it won’t be as good as the EOS 450D. The main differences are the lower 10Mp resolution of the EOS 1000D and only a 7-point AF system. There’s also a lack of spot metering, smaller 2.5in LCD screen, slower 3fps and only 12bit RAW compression compared the EOS 450D’s 14bit compression.

Canon announced this week that it would be adding a new D-SLR camera to its line in the U.S. and other countries. The new camera will be the Canon EOS Rebel XS.

Canon is attempting to help make the potentially awkward transition from point-and-shoot digital camera to more advanced digital SLR technology easy with its new entry-level EOS Rebel XS DSLR. The camera combines SLR technology with consumer-friendly features, like Live View, that will help raise the comfort level of doubtful consumers.

The EOS 1000D is supplied with a comprehensive software suite that provides all the necessary tools for managing and processing images. This includes Digital Photo Professional (DPP), a powerful RAW converter that provides complete RAW image processing control. DPP also integrates with camera features such as Dust Delete Data and Picture Styles. The supplied Picture Style Editor software can be used to create custom Picture Styles for fine control over colour display.

Yet another major change (improvement) in the Canon EOS Rebel XTi / 400D revolves around the new, larger, brighter, 2.5″ LCD display. The new LCD is 40% brighter than Canon’s prior 2.5″ LCD displays featured in the 1D II N, 5D and 30D and features a wide 160 viewing angle. The LCD is definitely nice, but at the highest brightness settings (brightness level is set using a menu option), gamma is increased enough to make exposure hard to determine. Use the histogram for this purpose.

The new LP-E5 battery pack (also used by the 450D) is physically smaller than the EOS 400D’s, but has a higher capacity of 1080mAh. Also new is the change from CompactFlash to SD memory cards, which with bigger, faster and cheaper SD cards available, makes perfect sense for the beginner market that Canon is targeting. If you have never used a digital camera before, or you’re upgrading from a more basic model, reading the comprehensive but relatively easy-to-follow manual before you start is a good idea. Thankfully Canon have chosen to supply it in printed format, rather than as a PDF on a CD, so you can also carry it with you.

Tags: canon eos, canon eos rebel, canon slr, digital slr, dslr, entry level model, eos rebel, logical decision, matt grayson, optical image, photo enthusiasts, photographers, photokina, predecessor, price tag, professional features, rebel, right foot, stripped down version, time digital, unsteady hands