It's about time Canon updated their consumer line of DLSR cameras, this year we'll see an update to the highly acclaimed Canon 400D, it's latest sibling the Canon 450D will sport the ever popular Live View! A first in Canon's line of beginner DLSR models! This most notable feature will greatly help when taking photos at high or low and awkward angles.

A comparison between the Canon 450D and the aging Canon 400D

Other than that there's a megapixel bump to 12.2 megapixels, though we can probably ignore this upgrade to the new sibling. A more distinct improvement is the use of Canon's DIGIC III image processor. The DIGIC III processor ensures superior image rendering and rapid response times, with an almost instant 0.1 start up. Image data is processed at 14 bits for Delivering a burst rate of 3.5 frames per second, the DIGIC III processor works with the image buffer to handle up to 53 JPEGs (6 in RAW) without interruption.

Notable Canon 450D features:

• 12.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor
• Canon’s EOS Integrated Cleaning System
• 3.5 frames per second
• 3.0” LCD with Live View shooting
• 9-point wide-area AF system with f/2.8 cross-type centre point
• Picture Style image processing parameters
• DIGIC III image processor
• Digital Photo Professional RAW processing software1
• Compact and Lightweight body
• Fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites

There's also an addition of Spot Metering, a long sought after metering mode that gives photographers greater control over exposure in tricky lighting situations such as taking shots of the moon! The Live View mode is displayed as a smooth, 30fps video feed on the 3.0” LCD, which is 50% brighter than the screen of its predecessor. For a more comprehensive review please visit: http://www.dpreview.com/news/0801/08012403canoneos450d.asp#specs.