Don’t forget, you can watch the Canon 1000D video review.
In June 2008, Canon launched a new breed of digital SLR camera to the market. Aimed at those new to SLR photography, the Canon 1000D was an entry level camera that came with an attractive price tag. In America, the Canon 1000D is called the Digital Rebel XS. A step up from the hybrid cameras such as the Canon Powershot, the Canon 1000D offers the ability to use Canon’s range of lenses (EF and EF-S mount) but doesn’t have some of the higher level functions that the mid-range to professional cameras possess.
Canon 1000D Specification
The Canon 1000D is a 10.1 megapixel camera offering 7 focusing elements. It weighs 502grams, making it lighter that most other digital SLR cameras, the reason for this being 2 fold; firstly, it’s slightly smaller than most other SLRs and secondly it is predominately made out of plastic. So it stands to reason it’s not the sturdiest of cameras and probably won’t stand up to repeated drops onto a hard surface. The button layout on the 1000D has been very well thought out. The ISO button is excellently placed directly behind the main selector wheel allowing the user to easily switch between ISO levels whilst looking through the viewfinder (The ISO range of the Canon 1000D is 100-1600). The same can be said for switching between focusing elements.
Canon 1000D sample photos
Below are a few examples of photos taken with the Canon 1000D using a Canon EF 50-200mm, Sigma AF 70-300mm and Canon EF 15mm Fisheye lens. These photos are un-edited and hopefully will provide a good idea of the sort of picture quality that can be expected when using this camera. Pictures are typically sharp and clear, although not as bright in colour as those taken with a Nikon D80 as demonstrated in our Nikon D80 review.
Alternative Cameras to the Canon 1000D
In February 2011, Canon launched the 1100D (or Digital Rebel T3 in the states), the successor to the 1000D offering an extra 2 focusing elements to 9 and 12 megapixels. This has naturally made the 1000D slightly cheaper as a result. Within a similar price range would be a slightly older prosumer level camera such as the Canon 40D (launched in 2007), offering superior build quality and more capabilities.
Canon or Nikon?
Canon’s main competitor in the digital SLR market is typically Nikon. Both makes of camera produce excellent photos and generally they have the same functions across the board. It is generally a question of personal taste as to which make of camera you prefer, and it’s advisable to go into a shop and try the different makes of camera to get an idea of which camera suits you better.
Overall
For someone new to SLR photography, the Canon 1000D would be an ideal choice; an easy to use camera which is light and portable and allows the use of Canon’s range of lenses. For someone already used to SLR photography and with a similar budget, an older prosumer level camera which has the benefits of superior build quality and improved capabilities might be more suitable.
8/10
Current best price for the Canon 1000D
