The Canon EOS 400D offers an unbeatable combination of performance, ease-of-use and value. It has a newly designed 10.1 MP CMOS sensor plus a host of new features including a 2.5-inch LCD monitor, the exclusive EOS Integrated Cleaning System and Canon's Picture Style technology. The XTi boasts a 9-point AF system with a highly sensitive f/2.8 center point for exceptional performance in low light, and maximum frame burst of 27 large JPEGs and 10 RAW to ensure you capture the action. All in a lightweight, ergonomic body. The Canon EOS 400D is proof positive that Canon continues to lead the way with phenomenal digital SLRs.

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Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #98 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: Canon
• Model: 1237B009AA
• Released on: 2006-09-10

Features

• High performance digital SLR with 10.1 Megapixel Canon CMOS sensor and DIGIC II Image processor.
• Fast 3 frames-per-second shooting with 27-frame burst and a 0.2 second startup time.
• * Strong, lightweight body with the EOS Integrated Cleaning System including a Self Cleaning Sensor Unit.
• Picture Style settings for a broad range of control over color, contrast and sharpening.

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Editorial Reviews

Manufacturer's Description
Canon's next generation D-SLR: the EOS 400D. Featuring a 10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor, new EOS Integrated Cleaning System, larger and brighter 2.5 LCD and 9-point AF, the model is predicted to take the lead as the world's most popular camera. It is positioned above the EOS 350D, currently the fastest selling SLR camera of all time.

Improved Performance

The EOS 400D incorporates a number of developments over the EOS 350D. Resolution increases from 8.0 to 10.1 Megapixels, using the superior hi-sensitivity, hi-speed, low-noise CMOS technology now found in all six EOS Digital models. At nearly twice the size of the EOS 350D display, the 2.5 hi-resolution LCD is the brightest in the EOS range and now displays all of key shooting and user interface information along with image playback. The AF system expands from 7 to 9-point, with a highly sensitive f/2.8 center point for exceptional performance in low light. Even with the image resolution increase, maximum frame burst almost doubles from 14 to 27 large JPEGs and from 5 to 10 RAW.

Dust reduction

The EOS 400D is the first camera to incorporate the EOS Integrated Cleaning System. Based on significant research into the causes of dust in D-SLR cameras, the system combats dust in three important ways: Minimise, Repel and Remove.

1. Minimise

Internal camera mechanisms are designed to minimise dust generation. The body cap is redesigned to prevent dust generation through wear on the cap itself.

2. Repel

Anti-static technologies are applied to the low-pass filter covering the front of the sensor so as not to attract dust.

3. Remove

A Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit uses hi-frequency vibrations to shake dust from the low pass filter for a period of approximately one second after each start up. For instant shooting after power up, this feature is disabled immediately the shutter release is depressed.

Canon has also developed an internal Dust Delete Data system, which can map the position of any visible dust on the sensor. This can then be deleted automatically after the shoot with Digital Photo Professional software.

The EOS advantage

The EOS 400D inherits a number of advanced features proven in higher-end EOS models, such as the EOS 30D and 5D. These include its 9-point AF system, Picture Styles (see Appendix: Technologies Explained), 9,999 image capacity folders and expanded Pictbridge functionality.

The EOS 400D also incorporates the same DIGIC II processor found across the EOS range right through to EOS 1 professional models (see Appendix 'Technologies Explained'). As well as providing superior image quality through advanced rendering algorithms and almost instant 0.2 second start up time, DIGIC II's accelerated processing prioritises the photographer's ability to keep shooting by clearing the buffer quickly between frame bursts.

Upgrading

The upgrade path to the EOS 400D from earlier EOS models is made easy by maintaining the same intuitive user interface and basic layout of key features and functions. Photographers are also able to use the same battery and Battery Grip BG-E3 as used on the EOS 350D, as well as continued support for all EF and EF-S lenses, Speedlites and EOS accessories.

Software

Consistent with the entire EOS Digital range, the EOS 400D is supplied with a comprehensive software suite to help the photographer's workflow. This includes Digital Photo Professional (DPP), a powerful RAW converter that provides complete RAW image processing control. DPP also integrates with camera features such as the Dust Delete Data and Picture Styles. The camera also comes with EOS Capture, Image/Zoom Browser and Photostitch, plus 100MB of personal online space on CANON iMAGE GATEWAY, Canon's online photo sharing service.

Box Contents

• EOS 400D Digital SLR Camera Kit comprises: EOS 400D Camera
  
• Rechargeable battery pack (NB-2LH)
  
• Charger (CB-2LTE)
  
• Eyecup EF
  
• Neck Strap (EW-100DB II)
  
• Camera cover (RF3)
  
• IFC-400PCU USB interface cable
  
• Video Cable VC-100
  
• Camera User Guide
  
• Software User Guide
  
• System map and accessories overview
  
• Software on CD-ROM

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Customer Reviews

Superb little camera and a great intro to SLRs
I have been through a number of compacts over the years, from the most basic to the prosumer models, and decided it was time to upgrade to an SLR. I chose this one after lots of digging, and haven't looked back since. It is a fantastic introduction to reflex cameras - it supports all of the professional Canon equipment, and although maybe not quite as configurable and perfect as the high range professional editions it certainly has more than enough to last the amateur photographer for many years. The layout of the camera is wonderful, its a great size and weight and doesn't laden you down, and its just brilliantly quick and usable after compacts - you won't be able to go back to your point and click days! The lense supplied with this model isn't great - I got frustrated after a month or so and got a couple of others to go with it - but I would still recommend buying the kit at first. At the very least it is enough to learn with, and it gives you an eminently usable spare in case something happens to the others. All in all - a superb product that I am extremely happy with!

Great DSLR
I have had several digital cameras, mostly Canon but some Kodaks. I looked at the 350D when it came out but it was too expensive. So when my daughter started her photography A-level and we needed a DSLR I wasn't sure what we would be able to get.

We compared a Nikon D40 and the Canon 400D. I was surprised at how affordable these cameras have become compared to a top prosumer camera.

The Nikon D40 is a great camera and comes in cheaper than the 400D. There didn't seem to be too much difference between them and the Nikon is slightly smaller and lighter. However, the Nikon only has 6 MP and no dust prevention mechanism. In use, the Nikon felt slower and the menus were unfamiliar. The 400D, in contrast, is ready to shoot almost as soon as you turn it on and the menu system, for an existing Canon user, is very straightforward. The supplied lens takes great shots, despite what other reviews might say. The presence of several pre-defined shooting modes makes operation of the camera straightforward, but there are manual options if you want more control over your shots.

One thing surprised me with DSLRs, which is that you have to use the viewfinder. At the time of writing there is no DSLR with an LCD preview option (but this may change with time as I have heard of a camera that will offer this).

Note that you'll need a memory card, the 400D uses Compact Flash which is widely available and cheap. A 1 Gb card can hold several hundred shots in high resolution JPEG format. All memory cards run the risk of data corruption or failure, so carry a spare and make regular backups.

If you're on a very tight budget, the Nikon D40 would be fine. But for existing Canon users and those seeking a slightly better camera, the 400D is recommended.

Canon 400D SLR
I bought one of these cameras in December 2006, and it has been my introduction to the world of digital SLR cameras.

Having used Canon before I find it very user-friendly, but is let down slightly by the kit lens (EF-S18-55mm) that comes with it.

I have done head-to-head comparisons with my EF28-105mm lens on the 400D and 35mm Canon SLR and have achieved similar results. The RAW editing software provided by Canon isn't bad either and it has helped with some minor image adjustments, but don't get too carried away - it's not in Photoshop's league!

I recommend this camera to anyone interested in SLR photography but don't bother with the kit lens, which will save you around £20 towards something a bit more decent.

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