Canon's popular entry-level APS-C DSLR with 12.2MP sensor and Live View — a huge seller in its era.
The Canon EOS 450D (Rebel XSi in North America) launched in 2008 as Canon's consumer APS-C DSLR. It was a massive commercial success, introducing many photographers to interchangeable-lens cameras with an approachable design and competitive specification.
The 12.2MP APS-C CMOS sensor delivers clean images to ISO 800 with acceptable noise at ISO 1600. 9-point AF system with a centre cross-type point. 3.5fps burst rate. Live View was a new addition for this generation. DIGIC III processor handles image processing.
Compact plastic body at 475g. 3-inch fixed LCD at 230k dots. SD card slot. Built-in flash. EF and EF-S lens mount compatibility. Battery grip BG-E5 available. Spot metering added — missing from the predecessor 400D.
Extremely common and very cheap used. Shutter rated for 100,000 actuations. Check for sticky shutter — a known issue on some early units. The 550D is a worthwhile step up with video and more resolution. Ideal first DSLR if Canon EF lenses are already available.