Canon EOS 1000D / Rebel XS
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Written by Gordon Laing
Outdoor resolution - Canon EOS 1000D / XS vs 450D / XSi vs 400D / XTi
Canon EOS 1000D / XS results : Outdoor resolution / Studio resolution / High ISO Noise / Noise Reduction
Canon EOS 1000D / XS with Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS |
Canon EOS 450D / XSi with Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS |
Canon EOS 400D / XTi with Canon EF-S 18-55mm | ||
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f8, 100 ISO |
f8, 100 ISO |
f8, 100 ISO | ||
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f8, 100 ISO |
f8, 100 ISO |
f8, 100 ISO | ||
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f8, 100 ISO |
f8, 100 ISO |
f8, 100 ISO | ||
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f8, 100 ISO |
f8, 100 ISO |
f8, 100 ISO |
Canon EOS 1000D / Rebel XS: JPEG versus RAW
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We photographed the scene here in the EOS 1000D / XS’s RAW plus Large Fine JPEG mode, allowing us to directly compare images created from exactly the same data. Below are crops taken from the original JPEG file alongside the RAW version, processed in Canon’s supplied Digital Photo Professional 3.4 software using the default settings (Sharpness of 3). We’ve seen a similar effect with other recent Canon DSLRs, where default JPEGs can appear relatively soft and RAW conversions look like a veil has been lifted. The high contrast buildings can cause sharpening artefacts on most cameras, but even then there’s few who wouldn’t prefer the RAW conversion below right – and this is using the default settings with the supplied software, so required minimal effort. So unless you prefer the subdued look of the default JPEGs, you may wish to increase the in-camera sharpening by a notch or better still, shoot in RAW instead. Then you’ll really see what the 1000D / XS is capable of. Now let’s look at the EOS 1000D / XS’s resolution in a studio environment. |
Canon EOS 1000D / XS JPEG with Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS |
Canon EOS 1000D / XS RAW with Canon EF-S 18-55mm IS | |
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f8, 100 ISO |
f8, 100 ISO |
Canon EOS 1000D / XS results continued…
Outdoor resolution / Studio resolution / High ISO Noise / Noise Reduction
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To compare real-life performance we shot the same scene with the Canon EOS 1000D / XS, EOS 450D / XSi and the EOS 400D / XTi within a few moments of each other using their best quality JPEG settings, 100 ISO sensitivities and default processing options. The 1000D / XS’s High ISO Noise Reduction and Auto Lighting Optimiser were set to their default OFF and Enable settings respectively.
We tested each camera with their respective kit lenses and the focal length of each adjusted to deliver the same field of view. The lenses were set to f8 in Aperture Priority mode for optimum sharpness.
The image above was taken with the Canon EOS 1000D / XS at a sensitivity of 100 ISO, using the EF-S 18-55mm IS kit lens at 23mm f8; the original Large Fine JPEG file measured 4.49MB. The crops are taken from the upper left, centre, lower right and left of centre, and are presented at 100%. The 450D / XSi crops show a slightly smaller area due to its slightly higher resolution. Note the 450D / XSi required -0.3 EV of exposure compensation to match the 1/250 exposures of the 1000D / XS and 400D / XTi.
The 1000D / XS and 400D / XTi share the same sensor and image processing, so it’s no surprise to find them delivering essentially the same results below. Any minor difference you can see is down to variations in the kit lenses supplied with each sample and the presence of the Auto Lighting Optimiser on the 1000D / XS.
Compare either camera against the ‘higher-end’ EOS 450D / XSi in the middle column though and you’ll see greater differences. The 450D / XSi crops may show a slightly smaller area due to its higher pixel count, but there’s no greater detail in there – indeed the crops from this sample appear noticeably softer than the two 10 Megapixel models which flank it. The greatest softness in the third row is down to a poor copy of the kit lens with our 450D / XSi sample, but the other crops are still lacking the clarity of the models to either side.
We’ve noticed this before when testing the 450D / XSi, but it appears to be down to modest in-camera sharpening rather than any fundamental issue with the camera or sensor. Boost the sharpening a little on the 450D / XSi or better still, shoot in RAW, and you can achieve far better looking results. But the bottom line is the 10 Megapixel Canon DSLRs are delivering better-looking images using the default settings, and that’s even taking our 450D / XSi lens sample into consideration.
The new 1000D / XS can also greatly benefit from shooting in RAW as you can see by scrolling to the bottom of this page. Alternatively if you want to skip straight over to some stricter conditions, head on to our EOS 1000D / XS Studio Resolution page.
