Canon EOS 450D Digital SLR Camera (Body Only) (Renewed)

Worth buying at £120 or less, but very basic by modern-day standards: slow AF, slow motordrive, no touch-sensitive, flip-out panel; no 4K video, and only 12MP, but capable of delivering very high quality, A2-size poster prints.The most important factor to most photographers is image quality. This, however, is dependent on far more than just native sensor resolution. Subject parameters such as lighting, contrast, level of detail, colour gamut; number of objects and distance from camera, plus image parameters such as colour rendition, dynamic range and noise, all play a significant role in how well the result is perceived. Unfortunately, many of us fall into the trap of believing all that matters is the number of megapixels, which is sometimes absolute rubbish! This may explain why the Canon EOS5D Mk.1 (12.8MP) and Nikon D700 (12MP) - both FX-format - sell for way in excess of what one might expect, from a run-of-the-mill 12MP, DX-format camera.Regarding the Nikon D700: a review a number of years ago, ran a comparison test with other DSLRs, including those featuring 24MP sensors. Rather than lab tests, they used them out in field, under a variety of conditions, and fully expected the D700 to be near bottom of the league. To their suprise it was almost at the top; such was the quality of the results it achieved.The Sigma SD1 with its unique Fovean sensor, launched over 10 years ago (and heavily criticized at the time!) now sells for more secondhand, than it ended up discounted for, new, back then, despite its inherently noisey sensor above ISO400, and in effect only offering 15MP resolution, despite Sigma's claim of 45MP, on account of it having three layers. Why? At low ISO, there's nothing anywhere near as good, for those wanting accurate colour rendition; the best!Higher resolution sensors, allied to good quality optics, give the potential for greater capture, but how useful this extra detail is depends on what's being photographed. In some instances, it'll count for nothing, and if it's at the expense of extra noise, the end result may be less good! A Nikon D3200, for example, caputures a lot more detail, but its images look gritty and less attractive compared to many lower resolution sensors such as this. A few years ago, up on a hill side, I photographed a steam train crossing a viaduct, using a Canon EOS550D (18MP) equipped with 85mm f1.8, USM EF lens, at the same time as someone else used a Nikon D3200 (24MP) only equipped with a kit zoom. My result had far lower noise, but zooming in actually revealed the numbers on the front of the train with the Nikon! Very impressive, but even on an A2-size enlargement, when viewed correctly, this extra detail would not be visible. The extra noise, unfortunately, would, making the overall result a lot less pleasing!Attached is a photo of an A2-size enlargement, on my living room wall, originally taken with a 450D. Technically, it leaves little to be desired, and is way better than anything achievable in the past with 35mm print film, on account of being noise-free at ISO200.As with other Canon DSLRs I've used, there is need to post-process the images, as they never look right, straight out of the camera, in my opinion! This is easily done with almost any photo-editing software; often taking 5 minutes or less, per shot.For the money (often available at under £120) this is an excellent, entry level DSLR, for a budget conscious photographer, not needing modern-day AF, or hoping to shoot 4K video, and who wishes to keep cost as low as practicable on a DSLR.Keep ISO low, use good quality optics, choose subject matter carefully, and marvel at the results! You won't be disappointed, and may wipe the smile off the faces of those using expensive gear at ten times the price!Finally, anyone really hard up, seldom wanting prints bigger than A3-size, I'd urge to consider the Canon EOS20D; often on sale for £80. It's only 8.2MP, but within its limitations, delivers fantastic results.