Canon 450D/Rebel XSi announced

Canon today announced the successor for their entry-level DSLR, EOS 450D/Rebel XSi. The new 450D features a 12.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor, a larger 3” LCD screen with Live View and 9-point AF system. The new entry level camera has some features imported from higher level cameras like DIGIC III image processor, 40D style menu and new features that enable flash control from the camera. Using the DIGIC III image processor raw files are encoded using 14 bits delivering better details.

The new Live View mode introduces Live AF, an autofocus mode that can be used during the live view mode, a big improvement from higher class 40D.

The camera also introduces the long-awaited spot metering mode covering 4% of the image.

At least, but not least important, the retail price for the body will be $799.

The EOS 450D features:

• 12.2 Megapixel CMOS sensor
• Canon’s EOS Integrated Cleaning System
• 3.5 frames per second
• 3.0” LCD with Live View shooting
• 9-point wide-area AF system with f/2.8 cross-type centre point
• Picture Style image processing parameters
• DIGIC III image processor
• Digital Photo Professional RAW processing software1
• Compact and Lightweight body
• Fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites

7D launching on 24th on January along with a replacement for 400D/Rebel XTi

Canon Sweden executive Robert Westin says the launch of the new Canon products will happen on January 24th.
Along with the long expected EOS 7D, Canon is expected to launch a successor to 400D/Rebel XTi. As with 5D this camera also reached it's end of 18 month marketing cycle and during the winter holidays we saw great promotions for 400D/Rebel XTi also.
We already saw older 350D/Rebel XT not being promoted anymore and the expectations are that the 400D/Rebel XTi will replace the 350D/Rebel XT on the entry-level market to compete against Nikon's D40x.
The replacement for 5D must come due to the Nikon's introduction of their first full-frame DSLR back in August 2007. Also the 50, released in August 2005, is becoming obsolete, even though the price dropped quite a bit.
Another segment where we are expecting news is in the lens lineup.

Canon 7D on it's way?

Everybody is waiting for a new full-frame DSLR from Canon to be released at PMA 2008. There were numerous speculations about the new features that it will include. It seems like Canon already registered it's new UPC code for 7D. So there is no 5d Mk II, were jumping to 7D.

The rumors are spreading with the following specs:

it is said to have the spec as below

-12MPx
-5fps,Up to 21 RAW files
-dust removing system
-15-point TTL CMOS sensor
-Center point additionally sensitive with lenses of F2.8 or faster
-96% frame coverage
-Magnification: 0.71x
-3.0 " 640×480 TFT LCD (920,000 pixels)
-ISO 50-3200 extended to 12800 and 25600
-DIGIC III, 14-bit
-Firewire 800 port
-Canon EF lens mount (not EF-S)
-Live View Mode
-The Body Is Much Identical to 5D, Could Share The Handgrip
-Surprisingly cheap, US: $ 1,899

The surprising thing about this is the price. If it's going to be confirmed this will place this camera as an entry-level for full frames forcing the prices of Nikon to drop.