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As many Canon fans are awaiting an announcement on an updated full frame EOS 5D Mark II, Canon have come out with an update to its entry level DSLR - the XSi (450D).

The camera features a twelve megapixel CMOS sensor, 3.0″ LCD monitor, Live View with both AF modes (contrast-detect and passive), 14-bit processing and RAW, spot metering, improved AF, 3.5 fps continuous shooting, a larger viewfinder, SD/SDHC storage and a new higher capacity battery.

    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
    DIGIC III image processor
    Compact and Lightweight body

The step up in improvements from the 400D to the 450D is much larger than what progress was made in the previous installment when Canon replaced the 350D with the 400D. Live View is slowly making its way across the whole line, along with 14-bit RAW, and a 3.0″ LCD monitor. These are too expected in the next edition of the 5D.

As a body targeted at those moving up from point-and-shoot camera, the megapixel count is something un-educated buyers take into account. While 12.2 megapixels stuffed into such a small sensor might not be so forgiving on noise at ISO 800 and above, it does sound impressive for Canon’s most affordable DSLR.

The Canon XSi is expected to start retailing in March 08.