450d18-55_large2As a first-time DSLR user, the various buttons and controls on the Canon 450D seemed all too daunting at first glance and the bulky build with its jutting handle was not something I was familiar with from taking pics with a compact camera.

After reading through the easy-to-read “pocket guide”, which conducts us beginners through the process of inserting the battery, memory card, and attaching the lens, the camera was set up for a quick start.

Initially the camera felt heavier than what I was used to and made my hands feel full but not uncomfortable as my hands automatically fell into the ergonomic grooves and protrusions on the camera with ease. I was also a little worried that I wouldn’t be able to access all the settings smoothly and efficiently while shooting, especially since my hands are quite small. Canon must have considered me when designing the 450D as most of the essential buttons are within easy reach of my thumb, index and middle finger. The main rotary dial on the top, right side of the camera, which changes the mode of the camera, should be easy for most to turn with their thumb when in the “shooting” position, but I had to use my thumb and index finger to get a good enough grip to be able to switch through the modes. The mode dial lets you change between Full Auto and Program Auto as well as portrait, landscapes, macro, sports and night scene.

Program Auto is similar to Full Auto, in that it automatically selects shutter speed and aperture for standard exposure, but the difference is that you have the option to adjust these settings manually, allowing for more creative control over exposure. Live View, burst mode, red-eye removal and custom functions can be set in this mode. You can also choose have the flash on or off.

In Live View mode you use the LCD, instead of the viewfinder, to frame compositions. Auto focus as well as burst mode does not work in Live View. I preferred using Live View as opposed to looking through the viewfinder to capture the scene as I felt less strain on my eye, from being able to keep both my eyes open while using the 450D’s large, 3inch LCD.

Pressing the display button shows the camera setting screen and pressing it again will make it disappear. The sensor between the viewfinder and the LCD detects if your eye is close to or approaching the viewfinder and automatically turns the display screen off to prevent glare from the screen from affecting your eyes. In my opinion, I don’t see this as a huge benefit, but it if you did find the glare uncomfortable, it would save you time through not having to exit the display screen manually before shooting.