Canon EOS 450D

Introduction
I bought the Canon EOS 450D a couple of months ago as my first SLR - and i can honestly say its an absolute pleasure to use. For someone like me who is a total novice in photography terms (but very willing to learn!) this camera is superb.

Ease of use
My friend and I researched SLR cameras for hours to try to find a camera for me. I can only be described as a beginner but I wanted to take the plunge and do some 'real' photography. The EOS 450D seemed to have everything I was looking for - and it is everything I was looking for. It is a very light, yet sturdy camera that fits comfortably in my hands. The large LCD screen is very sharp which is especially useful when you are trying to change settings, and i was surprised by how quickly i learned what all of the buttons did and also how quickly i was able to take a half decent picture - without the auto setting on!

Features
The mode dial is split into two zones which is very handy when you are trying to learn. The basic zone, where you can move the dial to a setting, for instance 'portrait', then you point and shoot and the camera does everything for you and the creative zone where you can choose for instance, M for Manual exposure or Av for Aperture priority and you can set the picture up for yourself. Once you have mastered the basics of what most of the buttons do and how best to get a half decent picture, the creative zone is where you need to head for to learn more about getting the perfect shot. However, i've found its always nice to know that i can go back to the basic zone if i get confused and my shots are not coming out the way i want them to!

One of my favourite features of this camera is the self timer and multiple shots function. You can set the camera up for a shot with a 10 second or 2 second delay then take up to 10 multiple shots - fantastic if you want to photograph some kind of motion shot.

Picture Quality
Since having the Canon 450D i have also purchased a 'nifty' fifty lens too. I have taken numerous photographs with both lenses with this camera and i can honestly say that the picture quality is top notch. The colour, contrast and sharpness of the pictures never fails to amaze me - sometimes i can't even believe i've taken them! Absolutely fantastic.

Reliability
I have only had the camera for a few months now but i've never had any problems with it. It came with a Canon battery and once it has been fully charged it seems to last for absolutely ages! I've got no grumbles at all about it.

Conclusion
I can honestly say that this is one of the best purchases i have ever made and i love this camera. For someone like me who was nervous about spending the money on an SLR even though i was a beginner I am very glad i went for it. I am thrilled with how easy this camera is to use and cannot believe that after only a few months i'm really starting to get some great pictures with it (now that i know more about what i'm doing!). Since buying this camera i've bought the 'nifty fifty' and am purchasing another lens this week (for sport photography) - which just goes to show how much I like using it. If you are looking for an SLR, whether you are a beginner or someone looking to upgrade your present camera i would highly recommend that you take the Canon EOS 450D very seriously because it is an absolutely amazing camera for the money.