Upgrade Guide
Canon EOS-1Ds→Canon EOS 450D
Is it worth upgrading? Spec analysis, key improvements, and our verdict.
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Worthwhile
Clear improvements over the EOS-1Ds. Whether it justifies the cost depends on which upgrades matter most to your shooting.
What's new in the EOS 450D
-
StabilisationIBIS added — significant for handheld and video
-
Generation6 years newer (2008 vs 2002)
Unchanged or similar
-
ResolutionSimilar (12MP)
-
Weather sealingNot present in new body
Suitability by genre
Base scores — computed from verified specs for an enthusiast shooting photo and video. The Upgrade Checker adjusts them for your skill level.
| Genre | EOS-1Ds | EOS 450D | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portrait | -0.2 | ||
| Street | +1.7 | ||
| Travel | +1.3 | ||
| Wedding & Events | -0.8 | ||
| Documentary | -0.6 | ||
| Sports & Action | -0.2 | ||
| Landscape | -0.6 | ||
| Wildlife | -0.3 | ||
| Casual | +1.3 | ||
| Food | +0.2 | ||
| Macro | +0.3 | ||
| Architecture | -0.1 | ||
| Astrophotography | -1.1 |
Full spec comparison
| Spec | EOS-1Ds | EOS 450D | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | £102 used | £20 used | |
| Released | 2002 | 2008 | ↑ |
| Sensor | 11.1MP full-frame CMOS | 12.2MP APS-C CMOS | |
| Resolution | 11MP | 12MP | ↑ |
| Video | — | No video | |
| Autofocus | 45-point AF with 7 cross-type points | 9-point phase-detect via viewfinder; contrast (Live mode) AF in live view | |
| Stabilisation | — | No IBIS (lens-based stabilisation only) | |
| Burst Rate | 3fps continuous | 3.5fps | ↑ |
| Battery Life | ~500 shots per charge | ~500 shots (CIPA) | |
| Weight | 1270g (body only) | 525g (with battery) | ↑ |
| Weather Sealed | Yes | Not weather sealed | ↓ |
| Viewfinder | OVF, 0.70× magnification, 100% coverage | Optical pentamirror, 95% coverage, 0.87x | |
| Screen | 2.0" fixed LCD | 3.0" fixed LCD, 230k dots | |
| Mount | Canon EF | Canon EF / EF-S | |
| Memory Cards | CompactFlash Type I/II | Single SD slot |
Compare side-by-side
⚖️ Compare these cameras
See EOS-1Ds and EOS 450D next to each other with our interactive comparison tool.
Get a personalised upgrade score
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Tell us what you shoot and we'll score the EOS 450D against your specific genres — not just specs.
Other upgrades from the EOS-1Ds
Related buying guides
Camera family history