Canon EOS 450D (EOS Rebel XSi/EOS Kiss X2) is here!

I received a text message from a fellow photo-enthusiast last night that the canon eos 450D (it's called Rebel XSi in North America, and EOS Kiss X2 in Japan) is already here in the Philippines! Really got me interested. I am thinking about choosing between the 40D and the 450D, and I have already seen the 40D (which, for me, is really quite heavy and bulky). So maybe once I get to see the 450D i just might make my decision immediately. That means I will be able to get my dslr before summer ends! Yeheeyyy!

To be honest, though, since the 450D is a tad less bulkier (and less heavier, obviously) than the 40D, I am biased about it. lol. Anyway, for those interested, I read that the 450D uses SC and SCHC memory card (unlike it's predecessor which uses CF cards), has a larger capacity battery, live view image, and a host of others. Below are the changes made:

• 12.2 megapixel CMOS sensor
• SD/SDHC cards
• Larger viewfinder
• Live view mode, including contrast-detect AF
• Improved 9-point AF system
• Spot metering
  
• 3.0" LCD monitor
• Redesigned menus (including My Menu as seen in 40D)
• Slightly redesigned info display
• Continuous shooting at 3.5fps for up to 53 JPEG (6 RAW)
• ISO setting displays in viewfinder and ISO button
• New, larger, higher capacity battery
• 14 bit A/D converter and processing
• Multi-shot self-timer mode
• Highlight Tone Priority (from 40D)
• Auto Lighting Optimiser (boosts shadows after shooting)
• Redesigned battery grip (BG-E5)

**difference courtesy of dpreview.com