Canon EOS 350D

Canon EOS 350D Review

The Canon EOS 350D is certainly stylish-looking, and is exceptionally responsive, with the type of imagine quality you would expect from even more professional devices. It is also smaller and lighter than the model that came before it, the EOS 300D, and is quite possibly one of the smallest digital SLRs going. This might not be such a good thing, however, for those looking for perhaps a more solid grip, or for those looking to use a heavier (or simply more impressive) lens.

The EOS 350D does give the user impressive creative controls, with an 8-megapixel CMOS sensor, as well as the Canon Digic II processing engine.

As stated, the image quality delivered by the device is excellent - especially for the price - and the images are incredibly detailed and vivid. It may lack some of the features provided on some of the solider and more expensive devices such as the Nikon D90, but the EOS 350D is streets ahead in terms of dynamic range and resolution.

In terms of design the EOS 350D is ultra-compact and very light for an SLR device. Without a lens attached the device weighs only around 482g, making it one of the two most compact Digital SLR devices on the market.

Due to its wonderful compactness the device would certainly be ideal for travel, although it seems perhaps slightly less comfortable for more prolonged usage. The textured grip is not especially comfortable for those with more average-sized hands and, due to the fact that space is rather limited, it can be easy to press buttons by accident.

The majority of the controls are, however, well laid out, with a secure power switch located away from the general "finger area". On the rear of the device you will find a pad featuring four-way directional keys which are designed to facilitate rapid ISO, auto-focus, metering mode and white balance adjustments. There is also a control dial to be found on the top of the camera's grip, which is for changing shutter and aperture speeds and can, in combination with one of the rear-placed buttons, be used for exposure compensation.

The device is capable of simultaneously recording both raw as well as high quality JPEGs, and the whole process can also be streamlined by changing the custom settings of the device. Users can choose from four exposure modes and six standard scene options, including portrait, close-up, night portrait, landscape and flash off. There is also a classic black and white setting for those looking for a more nostalgic photo appearance.

The 350D's speed is excellent as well, with an almost instantaneous start-up. It is possible to switch on and get a shot out in around 0.3 seconds. Continuous shooting speed for JPEG was, however, not quite so impressive. The LCD is sharp, but can be more difficult to make out in open sunlight.

Canon EOS 350D Pros

• Best image quality in its class
• Great value for money
• Incredibly fast start-up
• Highly responsive

Canon EOS 350D Cons

• Body is not especially ergonomic
• Lens provided is rather unimpressive