... The EOS 450D feels like a mature product, it is capable of superb results (even if it's actually now good enough to reveal the limitations of the cheaper EF-S lenses) and it has a feature set that offers an excellent balance between beginner-friendly ease of use and the manual control / customization demanded by those wanting something a little more serious...."

...the Canon EOS 450D is very similar to the previous 400D model - an all-plastic but well-built, intuitive and very responsive DSLR - with some thoughtful improvements that make an already excellent camera even better. ..."

... I've only worked with the Digital Rebel XSi and the 18-55IS and 55-250IS for a few hours at this point, taking around 180 shots. Overall I have a favorable impression of both the cama and lenses and together I think they would make a very capable kit for someone just getting into DSLR photography. The XSi seems simple enough for anyone to use at the default settings, but offers a large degree of manual control for those who want to move beyond the basics. ..."

... At this point in the review Uwe thought that the ISO noise levels were excellent, liked the way the Live View was implemented, and thought that the camera was an excellent value for the money."

... As far as its specifications are concerned the Sony Alpha 350 does not come across as a camera aiming solely at the amateur. Although the frame speed is a tad on the stingy side with 2 frames per second. On the other hand, how often do you actually use the top speed? The 14 Megapixels image sensor and the BIONZ processor have to guarantee perfect pictures with many details. Moreover, you can use Carl Zeiss lenses on the Sony A350. And Carl Zeiss is a brand with a considerable name. ..."

... little changes aren't a problem if the original package was good, and the XTi was a great camera. So the XSi is a great camera as well; it is easy to use and shoots great photos. It may not be a mold-breaking revolution, but it's a good upgrade to the XTi and a great camera in its own right. ..."

... We hate to sound like a skipping Internet audio stream, but it's very easy to recommend the Canon Rebel XSi. It's a fast-focusing, speedy D-SLR that delivers excellent photos both indoors and outside. At 12.2-megapixels, the camera also has more than enough resolution for huge prints, and you can just shoot in auto or tweak images as much as you'd like. ..."

[For those upgrading the 450D] offers outstanding performance, superior picture quality and a useful level of control and versatility that will be a good progression from their existing camera. However the semi-useful Live View, larger screen and slight increment in resolution don't offer enough of an advantage over the EOS 400D to make that upgrade worthwhile."

... the XSi does provide decent value for money; it has more resolution than the A200 and produces overall better quality images than the Nikon D60. So, although it is not the cheapest SLR on the market, it provides decent value for money for those who don't mind spending a bit more than the minimum. ..."

Our 'hands-on preview' articles are essentially the first half of a review which will at least give you a taste for the design and operation of the camera, full review to follow within the next two weeks. ...

... The XSi is a superstar when it comes to noise performance: there's minimal noise, even at ISO 1600. In low light, noise is more present, though photos are usable through ISO 800 without any retouching. While purple fringing wasn't an issue, the XSi does have a bit of redeye problem, and there's no removal tool on the camera.. ..."

... In terms of image quality, Canon has struck a sensible balance between marketing demands of increasing the resolution, while attempting to maintain noise levels. As our results pages show, there may not be much difference in the real-life detail recorded by 10 and 12 Megapixel DSLRs, but at least the noise levels remain pretty much matched to the earlier 400D / XTi – which gives both cameras an advantage over the Sony A350 which appears noisier than the Canons at higher sensitivities. The 450D / XSi also seems to avoid the underexposures which affected its predecessor, while the 14-bit conversion and RAW files give you plenty of latitude for tonal adjustments. We would however say the 450D / XSi's default output could benefit from a little boost in sharpening. ..."

... Regardless of the other entries in the XSi's pro and con columns, it delivers hands-down, best-in-class photo quality, surprising given the higher-resolution sensor. It does tend to underexpose - I rarely use exposure compensation, but bumped it up a stop for many of my shots with the XSi - and you might need to kick the sharpness settings up a little to your taste. ..."

... In spite of this high bar, the XSi will unquestionably win converts to Canon with its (still) excellent AF system, super-smooth CMOS sensor with very impressive high ISO performance, and (for some users, at least) reasonably functional live view system. Default image processing is perhaps a little bland, though the opportunities to fine tune it are among the best found on an entry-level DSLR. ..."