Canon EOS 1000D Hands on Preview Here at Park Cameras we have been lucky enough to see this exciting entry level Digital SLR in the flesh, and therefore have been able to preview this new D-SLR from Canon.

Anyone who has used Canon’s previous 400D or 450D SLR will be immediately familiar with the way the EOS 1000D handles. It’s incredibly small and light but has a reassuring stability, and all the controls fall comfortably under your right hand thumb or forefinger. Despite this being Canon’s new entry level camera it is clear that they have refused to compromise on either style or technology.

The first detail anyone will probably look at is the pixel count, which on the EOS 1000D is 10.1 million. As we have seen from the EOS 40D and the 400D which have exactly the same resolution this is enough to print great quality A3 images or allow for cropping and comfortably printing at A4. The sensor is protected by the proven EOS Integrated Cleaning System which helps to keep the sensor free from dust and more importantly your images too.

The EOS 1000D incorporates the DIGIC III processor, a leading technology found across Canon’s D-SLR range which ensures the camera is as responsive as any in the Canon range. Image playback is immediate on the 2.5” screen which also utilises the increasingly popular Live View system which has been included across the 450D, 40D and 1D series models currently available, and is a new addition over the 400D that this camera replaces. A nice feature of the live view system is the optional gridline overlay which helps you to compose your pictures on the LCD screen and can assist with keeping your horizons straight. This Live View system actually operates in two different modes, Quick AF and Live AF. The Quick AF system flips the mirror down to let the camera autofocus in the usual manner so it is very responsive but this does result in the screen blacking out while the mirror is down. This mode would be most useful when hand-holding the camera. The Live AF mode uses contrast detection in the way that a compact camera does which allows you to see the image coming into focus on the LCD. This method of auto focus is much slower and is better suited to use on a tripod but is ideal for situations that require macro photography. When shooting at macro distances the depth of field is often very shallow and accurate focusing can be an issue. Canon has ensured that the EOS 1000D is able to magnify the image during Live View up to 10x so you can adjust the point of focus extremely precisely.

The 400D could shoot JPEG images at 3 frames per second but was limited to a maximum of 27 frames, whereas the EOS 1000D has improved on this by providing the same shooting speed that is only limited by the capacity of your card. With compatibility with SDHC memory cards you could shoot continuously for thousands of frames should you need to. A fast shooting rate would be ineffective if the camera couldn’t autofocus quickly and accurately, so it’s good to see that Canon haven’t crippled their entry level camera with an inferior focusing system. It uses 7 separate AF points with the central point being an extra sensitive cross type sensor. If you are in low light conditions it really is noticeable how much difference a cross sensor makes in allowing the camera to shoot where many others may not be able to.
The included 18-55mm IS lens is the same as is supplied with the 450D and seems to perform well with the AF system on the EOS 1000D.

It really seems that Canon have included just about every feature you could hope for in their entry level camera. It has the usual array of scene modes from fully manual, to fully automatic, or a range of semi automated modes in between. You can select between a 35 zone evaluative metering mode, a partial 9% centre, or a centre weighted mode with a range of +/- 2.0ev. The ISO range extends from 100-1600, the shutter speed can be selected between 30 seconds and 1/4000 of a second with an optional bulb mode. When it comes to white balance there is an Auto mode, 6 presets, and a custom setting where you can take your own reading. The Picture Style options which have been included offer 6 different presets or 3 user defined profiles to help create print ready images right out of the camera. There are 12 custom functions and you can even choose whether you would like your menu in simplified or traditional Chinese!

Considering that there are many different menu options the system is very easy to navigate, especially to anyone familiar with  EOS cameras .If anyone with an EOS body wants a smaller and lighter camera for travelling for example they should have no trouble navigating all the different options. In the past Canon would arrange the menu on one long list which meant it was necessary to scroll through to find what you’re looking for. The new layout uses tabs across the top that are logically arranged and this is a much faster system for finding the setting you are after.

I can imagine this camera being very successful for Canon and when it is released at the end of July I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s hard to get hold of for a while, especially at a recommended retail price of £499.99 for the body so it’s worth getting your orders in as soon as possible. If you do choose to pre-order with us you can be sure of a competitive price and we don’t take a payment until the cameras are ready to ship so there is no commitment required from you.

Guillaume de Basly,

On Behalf of Park Cameras Ltd.

For detailed specification on this new D-SLR from Canon, and to place an order, please click here.

Please Click Here for Canon EOS 1000D Image Samples

Canon EOS 1000D compared against EOS 450D and EOS 400D.