Although Canon defined the entry-level market several years ago with the Eos 300D, the company has lost some ground over time with strong models from arch rival Nikon, and more recently Sony and Olympus. Be that as it may, the new 10.1megapixel Eos 1000D replaces the hugely popular Eos 400D, adding Live View and the Image Stabilised 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens from the mid-range Eos 450D. Other features from the slightly pricier 450D include the adoption of the smaller SD/SDHC memory card format, the longer-lasting 1080mAh rechargeable battery, and handy Auto-ISO option and menu. Sharp-eyed users will also note the 1000D features the upgraded main menu, standardising the system across Canon's range of DSLRs.
Apart from the slightly squared-off head, which houses the pop-up flash and penta-mirror arrangement, the new Eos looks very much like the older 400D. Viewed from the rear, there's the same 2.5in 230,000-pixel LCD, but it lacks the handy proximity sensor to switch off the distracting data-screen when holding the camera to the eye.
We were also a little shocked to note the addition of a modified lens mount. Although it's accepted practise to use polycarbonate lens mounts on kit lenses, the 1000D is the first DSLR to feature a part-polycarbonate lens mount. While this helps reduce the overall weight, down to just 502g for the body, we can't help but feel the reduced durability may be one step too far. Time will tell, but it's likely to lessen its appeal to creative professionals. To the company's credit though, the 1000D fits the left hand better than the earlier 400D, and it's much more comfortable to use for longer periods with some of the heavier, bulkier pro-level lenses.
Unfortunately, the viewfinder optics are based on the 400D rather than the 450D, which means the viewfinder image is quite small by comparison. Another backward step is the seven-point AF system. With the loss of two-focus detection points, the auto-focus system appeared less reliable in our tests to the extent where we felt more comfortable opting for the centre-AF area and recomposing for off-centre subjects. We've no complaints with the viewfinder display, the data is clearly visible and now includes the selected ISO speed setting on a permanent basis.
The 1000D has a reasonably effective automatic sensor cleaning system, but the headline feature is the addition of Live View. Somewhat surprisingly, it isn't enabled by default, instead the option is buried in the menu. It has both phase and contrast detection options, but the latter is tardy for all but tripod-based operation.
We like the usual options, such as being able to move the focus frame to any point on the LCD and magnify the image up to 10x for precise focus, and you can do the same with the 1000D tethered to your Mac using the bundled software. But for all that, the system is not as effective for day-to-day use as the Live View systems seen on the new Sony or Olympus models.
Shot to shot times are good: with the camera set to Jpeg capture it easily maintains the quoted 3fps for the capacity of the SD card, but drops to just 1.5fps for about five frames when shooting Raw.
If you think all this all means we don't rate the 1000D, then you would be mistaken. The Live View and AF niggles aside, the new Eos is as much fun and just as inspiring to use as the outgoing model, and picture quality is superb. We did, however, notice the occasional tendency to overexpose in bright, high-contrast conditions, and indoors the auto white-balance struggled to correct warm tungsten lighting. But both points are a small price to pay. Noise levels are very well-controlled and the maximum ISO 1600 setting will, for many users, be entirely usable.
The decision to bundle the 1000D with the new image stabilised 18-55mm kit lens adds to the price overall, but it's a better performer optically and adds a very effective anti-shake capability to the package. Ultimately, the Eos 1000D isn't perfect, but it offers a good combination of features and great picture quality at a sensible price.
Verdict
Needs Mac OS X 10.3 or 10.4
Author: Kevin Carter
MacUser Online