By Matthew Henry

SYDNEY: Canon will complement its popular EOS 400D digital single lens reflex (DSLR) camera with the new EOS 450D as the brand continues its bid to capture first-time DSLR owners in the $110 million-and-growing category.

The 450D adds a higher image resolution CMOS sensor at 12.1 megapixels and a 3.0-inch LCD with Live View feature allowing users to frame their shot with the 3.0-inch LCD screen instead of the optical viewfinder – an increasingly common feature in DSLRs.

Positioned to appeal to the growing number of digital camera owners moving up to DSLRs, the EOS 450D will be available in April for a price yet to be confirmed.

With 19 per cent market value growth from January to November 2007, compared with the same period a year earlier, the DSLR segment has outpaced the digital still camera category which has grown at around 13 per cent.

DSLR uptake has been largely driven by users switching up from compact digital cameras to gain greater creative control of their photographs.

“The EOS 450D is a high-quality, feature-packed digital SLR and is very easy to use,” said Canon Australia product manager – digital SLR, Chris Macleod.

“It’s also lightweight and compact, making it easy for people to enjoy creative photography.”

Other features include nine-point autofocus, 3.5 frames per second shooting and the EOS integrated cleaning system.