[Dave]

Canon today announces its latest D-SLR, the EOS 1000D. Featuring a 10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor, 7-point wide area AF system and up to 3fps continuous JPEG shooting until the memory card is full, the EOS 1000D represents a more affordable entry point to the world of EOS cameras – whilst taking full advantage of over 70 years of imaging expertise. (Press release : Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 10 June 2008)



With the lightest body of any digital EOS camera, the EOS 1000D incorporates a range of technologies used in Canon’s professional EOS-1 series cameras, including the DIGIC III image processor, and Live View mode. For straight-from-the-box shooting, the EOS 1000D is available with a Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS lens – which includes 4-stop image stabilisation, ensuring superb performance even in low-light conditions.

“The EOS 1000D is a small camera with a big idea: the supreme adaptability and image quality of the EOS system, in an accessible, affordable package,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe. “For anyone ready to take the next step in creative photography, it offers the perfect entry point to the world of D-SLR.”

Features at a glance:

* 10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor
* EOS Integrated Cleaning System
* 7-point wide-area AF system with f/5.6 cross-type centre point
* Up to 3 frames per second
* 2.5” LCD with Live View shooting
* DIGIC III image processor
* Compatible with SD and SDHC memory cards
* Compact and lightweight body
* Digital Photo Professional RAW processing software
* Fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites
Designed to deliver more

As with all EOS models, key components for the EOS 1000D are designed and manufactured in-house to work with each other for the ultimate image quality. A 10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor – with larger pixels for smooth, low-noise images – offers sufficient resolution to produce prints in sizes up to A4, even when cropping your image. To protect images against the effects of sensor dust, the EOS 1000D includes the EOS Integrated Cleaning System, which combats dust in three separate ways: reducing, removing and repelling.

The EOS 1000D also features a DIGIC III image processor, as used in Canon’s professional D-SLR models. This allows continuous shooting until the SD or SDHC memory card is full, at speeds of up to 3fps – with the number of shots limited only by the size of the card. DIGIC III also delivers superior image rendering, rapid operation and virtually instant start-up times.
Intelligent focus and flash

For shots where fast focusing is needed, the EOS 1000D features a 7-point wide area Auto Focus system, capable of locking onto a subject in a fraction of a second. A cross-type central focus point continues to operate effectively even when used in lower-light and lower-contrast settings. Also included is E-TTL II, Canon’s distance-linked flash exposure system found in professional EOS models.

Effortless ease

Weighing just 450g, the EOS 1000D is Canon’s lightest D-SLR to date, with a compact, ergonomic body designed for comfortable handling. A bright 2.5” LCD screen lets users instantly review images for composition, sharpness and focus – or, thanks to a wide viewing angle, instantly share shots with friends. The LCD also provides access to a fast, easy-to-read menu system, which uses tabs to avoid unnecessary scrolling. Inherited from the latest EOS models, the menu system includes direct control over external devices such as Speedlite flash units.

Photo quality in every situation is aided by 12 custom functions, including Auto Lighting Optimizer - which corrects brightness and contrast during image processing, while improving skin tones in portraits by ensuring correct exposure for faces. Photographers can also enable additional noise reduction for shots captured at high ISO speeds.
Live view

For shooting situations where using the viewfinder is impractical – or where a tripod is used – users can switch to Live View mode, which displays the scene as a smooth, 30fps video feed on the LCD. An optional grid line and histogram display can be selected to help with shot composition and exposure. Two AF modes are available for use with Live View: Quick AF, which momentarily flips the camera’s mirror to engage the AF sensor, and Live AF, which uses contrast information for compact camera-style focusing.

Software

The EOS 1000D is supplied with a comprehensive software suite that provides all the necessary tools for managing and processing images. This includes Digital Photo Professional (DPP), a powerful RAW converter that provides complete RAW image processing control. DPP also integrates with camera features such as Dust Delete Data and Picture Styles. The supplied Picture Style Editor software can be used to create custom Picture Styles for fine control over colour display. The camera also comes with EOS Utility, Image/Zoom Browser and Photostitch.

[Dave]

Straight from the Canon site :-

The Canon EOS 1000D: gateway to your creativity



Lightweight, affordable and intuitive to use, the 10.1 Megapixel EOS 1000D offers the simplest way yet for aspiring photographers to enter the world of digital SLR photography.

The Canon EOS 1000D is the perfect D-SLR camera for anyone looking to get creative with photography. It lets you carry on shooting wherever you are, from dark interiors to evenings spent outdoors. Capturing the vibrancy on a street, or once-in-a-lifetime holiday shots, is made easy by the camera’s ability to shoot at up to 3 frames per second. Plus, for shots of kids or friends at a party, the wide area auto focus system has 7 separate points to capture their most active moments.

The EOS 1000D’s bright 2.5” LCD screen rewards instantly with a detailed review of every shot, which can be shared with friends thanks to a wide viewing angle. With Live View mode, the screen can even be used to compose shots, or to easily auto focus in the style of a digital compact camera. And for total shooting flexibility, the EOS 1000D is compatible with Canon’s range of lenses and EX-series Speedlite flashes – the broadest in the world.

Pricing & Availability
The EOS 1000D is available from the end of July priced at the following;
EOS 1000D body only £499.99 / €649.99 RRP inc. VAT
EOS 1000D 18-55mm IS lens kit £579.99 / €749.99 RRP inc. VAT.

Features at a glance:

* 10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor
* 7-point wide-area AF system
* Up to 3 frames per second
* 2.5” LCD with Live View shooting
* Ultra-compact and lightweight body
* Compatible with SD and SDHC memory cards

[Dave]

So what do the Canon bods think of this camera ?

[silkstone]

Too expensive at £500, but if prices drop it would be a good alternative to a 'bridge' camera with something like a Tamron 18-250.

[Steve]

As Silky says its too expensive, especially since there is nothing really exciting here spec wise. Sure it has everything that you are likely to need but there is nothing extra to make someone want to buy it over previous models.

It would have been nice to see Canon release a 5DmkII, the demand for that is massive.

[JMitchell]

Can't really see the benefits of this vs. the 450D to be honest....

[Rob Barron]

This doesn't seem a logical step to me either. I know it will sell well below the RRP but it still doesn't seem necessary when there are still ample stocks of 400Ds out there selling for £350 new complete with kit lens and a 4Gb memory card.

This seems to be a response to the variety of price points that Nikon have for their consumer dSLRs but I can't see why anyone would buy the 1000D on the spec I am seeing here unless it could be bought for £100 less than the 400D and I have my doubts you'll see them at £250 with a lens!

Oh well, be interesting to see if it does take off. Not convinced it will.

Cheers,
Rob

[john crossley]

Originally Posted by Steve

It would have been nice to see Canon release a 5DmkII, the demand for that is massive.

You might not have to wait too long if this rumour is right.

New Canon 5D Mark II and 1D Mark IIIn Rumor - June 2008 | Photography Bay

[Steve]

Until I see an official press release from Canon I won't believe it, the rumours have been circulating for over two years now about a replacement and some have been from far better sources.

All I can say is when it does appear (and it must at some point), it better had been worth the wait

[fionaB]

I also do not see the logic behind this new camera......... the 400D is sitting at a fabulously reasonable price and hte 450 not far behind it.......... i cant see what the 1000D has to offer that cant be had in the other newer XXXD cameras.
mind you having just been a D-SLR user for a year what do i know

Fi

[Sonsey]

Originally Posted by Rob Barron

This doesn't seem a logical step to me either. I know it will sell well below the RRP but it still doesn't seem necessary when there are still ample stocks of 400Ds out there selling for £350 new complete with kit lens and a 4Gb memory card.

Originally Posted by fionaB

I also do not see the logic behind this new camera......... the 400D is sitting at a fabulously reasonable price and hte 450 not far behind it.......... i cant see what the 1000D has to offer that cant be had in the other newer XXXD cameras.

I believe the 1000D is set to replace the 400D as the latter is more expensive to produce and thus Canon don't make as much money selling it at it's current price point as they will with this new release. The 1000D's price should quickly fall in line with where the 400D's is currently I would think (perhaps even a bit less), certainly by Christmas if not before.

[silkstone]

It's getting to be like with soap powder. Not sure if this is out of date, but there used to be just two major manufacturers of soap powder, each with a huge number of different brand names. It didn't matter very much what was in the boxes - they found that every new product took some market share away from their competitor, even if it was identical to one of their other products apart from a new fancy box.

It's not quite the same thing here because the 1000D is a bit different, but it looks as if both Canon and Nikon are introducing more 'budget' models which don't bring anything new to the party but may just grab some more market share.