dSLR Dad

Canon has released a firmware update for the Canon EOS Rebel XSi/450D dSLR Camera. According to Canon, this firmware update, Version 1.1.0, incorporates the following fix:

• Supports the AF assist beam feature of the new flash, Speedlite 270 EX, which is scheduled to be released in April 2009.

You can download firmware version 1.1.0 from Canon Global.

I wrote about Popular Photography Magazine’s comparison of the top five affordable dSLR Cameras last fall after the Photokina 2008 trade show. Their article evaluated each camera on the merits of image Quality, Ease of Use, Control, and System Flexibility.  What’s interesting now, after the PMA 2009 Trade Show has concluded, all but one of these cameras (the Olympus Evolt E-520) are still the top affordable dSLRs from each manufacturer. Actually, since the Olympus Evolt E-620 will cost $100 more than the most expensive dSLR in this roundup once it is released, maybe they should just re-publish the entire article for the May 2009 issue?  The contestants are (in alphabetical order):

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This year’s Black Friday ads are beginning to pop-up around the internets.  The only question that remains for any dSLR Dad:

Will I be able to find a good deal standing in line when it’s dark and freezing cold outside, or should I just order online?

Best Buy is offering two different Nikon D40 and Canon EOS Rebel XSi dSLR camera combinations for sale.  For comparison, I have included both Amazon.com and B&H Photo Video prices at the time of this publication: (more…)

Popular Photography Magazine has a comparison review for you dSLR Dads of five, sub-$900 dSLR Cameras.

Five affordable DSLRs vie for honors in the “step-up” class. If you’re a serious shooter looking to move on up to a better DSLR — with more resolution, faster firing, advanced features like in-camera image fixes and live view — but have been scared off by the $1,000 price barrier, fear no more. An entire class of DSLRs has appeared at this intermediate level, none of them more than $900, street — with a kit lens. And every one of these five comes with image stabilization right out of the box, through either a shifting image sensor or moving elements in the included lens.

Their judgment criteria included image quality, ease of use, camera controls, and system flexibility.  For those of you who want to skip ahead, here are the results:

1. 1. Canon Digital Rebel XSi 23 points
   2. Nikon D60 17 points
   3. Pentax K200D (tie) 15 points
   4. Sony Alpha A350 (tie) 15 points
   5. Olympus Evolt E520 dSLR w/ 14-42mm f/3.5-5.6 Zuiko Lens 10 points

You can read the entire article over at PopPhoto.com.

Well, the PMA2008 products are finally starting to roll out. Today, Canon U.S.A., Inc. has announced the brand new Canon EOS Rebel XSi (450D). The Rebel XSi replaces the very popular Canon Digital Rebel XTi (400D). New and upgraded features include:

• New 12.2 megapixel APS-C size Canon CMOS sensor
• Enhanced 14-bit A/D conversion
• DIGIC III image processor
• 3-inch, 230,000 pixel LCD monitor with a broadened color gamut.
• Larger Viewfinder, should be similar to 30D (long overdue for the Rebel series)
• Improved autofocus sensor. The center f/2.8 AF sensor is now cross-type.
• 3.5 frames per second frame rate. With bursts of up to 45 images in large/fine JPEG mode and 6 frames in RAW mode (the buffer size is a little disappointing).
• Advanced Live View function. The EOS Rebel XSi adds a new “Live Mode” contrast-detection AF function that allows the camera to focus automatically during Live View without lowering the reflex mirror (sounds similar to Nikon’s).
• SD / SDHC Card slot (XTi had Compact flash)
• 4% spot metering now available.
• The Kit now includes the new Canon EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Zoom Lens.

The Canon Digital Rebel XSI Camera with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens is now available for pre-order at Amazon. (more…)