Canon EOS 400D Digital XTi Review Roundup and Sample Photos

Canon’s 10.1 megapixel 400D Digital XTi Review Roundup includes summaries from all main digital camera expert reviewers, company specification sheet, owners manual, Internet chit chat and sample photos taken with the 400D Digital XTi.

Features include:

• ISO 1600
• new dust reduction system
• 9 area auto focus
• picture styles
• 2.5 inch LCD
• more advanced continuous shooting buffering

Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi Reviewer – Opinion Thermometer

Luminous Landscapes
ComputerActive
CNET Australia
Shutterbug
MacWorld
DigiCamReview
Megapixel
HardwareZone
JoeDecker
BiosMagazine
Shutterbug
PhotographyBlog
Steve’s Digicams
Pocket-lint
DigitalCameraInfo
Ephotozine
PCWorld
LetsGoDigital
PopPhoto
Sample Photos at Flickr
BusinessWeekOnline
T3
DCViews Nikon D80 Sony A100 Faceoff
OutBackPhoto
Digital Trends
DPReview
PCMag
DCResource
DPExpert
CNET
TheDigitalPicture
BusinessWeek
Camera Labs
* Canon EOS 400D Digital XTi Review Roundup
Luminous Landscape
Imaging Resource
PopPhoto
Ephotozine (Coming soon…)
Canon EOS 400D Press Release

Canon EOS 400D Digital XTi Spec Sheet

[Spec Sheet at Canon]

Canon EOS 400D Digital XTi Owners Manual

[Canon EOS 400D Digital XTi Owners Manual]

Current Canon EOS 400D Digital XTi Internet Chit Chat and Ramblings

[Canon EOS 400D Digital XTi Internet Chit Chat]

Canon EOS 400D Digital XTi Sample Photos

[Sample Portrait taken at ISO 800]
[Sample Photos at Shutterbug]
[Sample Photos at DigiCamReview]
[Sample Photos at Megapixel]
[Sample Photos at HardwareZone]
[Sample Photos at What Digital Camera Mag]
[Sample Photos at Shutterbug]
[Sample Photos at PhotographyBlog]
[Sample Photos at Steve's Digicams]
[Sample Photos at Pocket-lint]
[Sample Photos at DPReview]
[Sample Photos at DCResource]
[Sample Photos at DPExpert]
[Sample Photos at Camera Labs]

Read More Canon EOS 400D Digital XTi Reviews

Luminous Landscapes has published a “hands-on” of the Canon EOS 40D and writes;
“My time with the 40D was short, but I found that shooting about a thousand frames over a long weekend was all I needed to be able to draw some preliminary conclusions. These are, in brief, that the image quality of the 40D is excellent, continuing the industry-leading results that Canon has offered for the past 5-6 years. I didn’t see any breakthrough in low noise at the highest ISOs, but as with the EOS 5D ISO 400 is essentially noiseless and can be used as an everyday speed. Noise doesn’t really become an issue until ISO 1600 and even then isn’t that objectionable.

The bottom line is that the Canon 40D is the most DSLR for the money that Canon has ever offered. Certainly in its price range there doesn’t seem to be anything that can touch it. Move up a notch in price though and the forthcoming Nikon D300 may well put the squeeze on Canon’s hegemony in the DSLR marketplace. Time will tell, and no matter what happens we’ll all benefit from the renewed competition.”
ComputerActive – 2/7/2007 – has reviewed the 10.1 megapixel Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi and writes, “Although a tad expensive when compared to recent 10-megapixel digital cameras, some keen street deals make the well-crafted E-400 a more appetising prospect for amateurs wanting to join the D-SLR boom.”
CNET Australia – 2/5/2007 – has reviewed the 10.1 megapixel Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi and they write, “Photos we took with the 400D looked stunning; colours were reproduced accurately; and images were crisp and clear. Using the telephoto lens at 300mm, we noticed a lot of blurriness caused by camera shake in our pictures — using a tripod helped considerably.”
Shutterbug – 2/1/2007 – has reviewed the 10.1 megapixel Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi and they write, “When compared to the more expensive 8-megapixel EOS 30D, the EOS Digital Rebel XTi is quite competitive. It’s equipped with most of the same amenities but provides higher resolution, a larger LCD screen plus the anti-dust features. Even so, the larger, heavier 30D may be preferred by serious photographers. That prosumer-grade camera provides extra amenities that some will definitely appreciate: a larger/brighter viewfinder with higher magnification, more rugged construction, faster 5 fps Drive mode, white balance selection in degrees Kelvin, spot metering, and a PC cord socket for studio flash systems.”
MacWorld – 1/30/2007 – has reviewed the 10.1 megapixel Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi and they write, “As with the XT, the XTi yields excellent image quality, with very little noise up through ISO 400, and minimal noise at ISO 800 through 1,600, the maximum speed available. An increase in resolution can sometimes result in noisy photos, but Canon has managed to increase the resolution on the XTi’s sensor without increasing the noise. As such, the extra two megapixels are welcome, and provide much more output and cropping flexibility.”
DigiCamReview – 1/25/2007 – has reviewed the 10.1 megapixel Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi and they write, “The Canon 400D Digital SLR is a great digital camera. It feels very comfortable in hand, and produces very natural pictures with little noise and rich pleasing colours. This camera is very easy to use (in auto mode), and would definitely suit an amateur who wants to become a professional. The camera offers excellent battery life, with very good controls and good build quality. Professional photographers might want to compare the camera with other DSLR cameras before purchase, as some may find the camera’s features and options slightly limiting. The Canon EOS 400D with kit lens is available for around £479 making this camera good value for money and a great quality Digital SLR.”
Megapixel – 1/18/2007 – thinks the kit lens is not up to the camera’s capabilities of the 10.1 megapixel Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi They continue to write, “Positives: Excellent image quality – Fast and accurate autofocus – Excellent colour rendition – Low sensitivity to noise up to 1600 ISO – Dust reduction system – Picture Styles – Large buffer memory – Solid but light build quality.”
HardwareZone – 1/16/2007 – has reviewed the 10.1 megapixel Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi and writes, “As for performance, the Canon 400D commands a slight edge by having better noise suppression. Photo details and color reproduction on the 400D are also commendable. End of the day, the three cameras are inseparable where imaging performance is concerned. Making a pick in our opinion is really down to personal preference because all three cameras have their own strengths and weaknesses. Furthermore, with the availability of the Olympus E400 and Pentax K10D formally announced, deciding which 10-megapixel DSLR to invest is all but more challenging than ever.”
JoeDecker – 12/29/2006 – has an extensive review the 10.1 megapixel Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi and he writes – “Seeing is believing, and at this point I’d be more than happy to use the XTi as a backup camera for my own landscape work, or even the only camera when weight was an issue (long hikes, etc.) I’d still likely edge toward my 1Ds II for critical wildlife work, not because of the high-ISO performance of the XTi (which is downright excellent) but because of the relatively slower focusing, but it’s not a bad performer even there. At a price point near $700, you can color me quite impressed.”
BiosMagazine – 12/5/2006 – reviews the 10.1 megapixel Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi and they write – “The EOS 400D is much more than a general upgrade to the EOS 350D. Not only do you get a bigger screen and Picture Styles, but there’s also the higher resolution sensor and new active dust removal system. While noise levels and image preview times are fractionally impacted by the higher resolution sensor, but the camera still delivers smooth images at its highest sensitivities. The inclusion of the EOS 30D’s nine-point AF system is also a welcome addition, although it’s disappointing that there’s no spot-metering. And if you want Image Stabilisation, you’ll need to spend more on a better lens. Overall the EOS 400D is a very good entry-level digital SLR which improves on its predecessor in many respects.”
Shutterbug – 12/4/2006 – reviews the 10.1 megapixel Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi and they write – “Where the camera does have it over other Canon DSLRs is its sensor cleaning features, something I think we will be seeing in future Canon DSLRs, amateur and pro. When you power up and down the Auto Sensor Clean goes into action, removing those bothersome flicks and flakes. If that does not do it you can also go though an “Append Dust Delete Data” routine, which will be part of the image processing of all the Raw and JPEG images you shoot after the routine is performed. You can also update that information as you work. If it gets really funky then clean it the old fashioned way or better yet get it to a Canon repair center. This dust thing is a pain, and I’m glad Canon has addressed it with this model.”
PhotographyBlog – 12/4/2006 – reviews the 10.1 megapixel Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi and they write – “The 400D certainly has the bottle to take on its competitors with its 10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor but it does not set the standards and stand out from the crowd anymore. It is not the cheapest or the most expensive model on the market and it is not even the smallest DSLR available, as the Olympus E400 takes that crown. Canon have done exactly what they had to do with their latest entry-level DSLR by adding new features like their EOS Integrated Cleaning System and the larger 2.5-inch LCD screen.”
Steve’s Digicams – 11/28/2006 – reviews the 10.1 megapixel Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi and they write – “At the time of this review (November 2006), the Digital rebel XTi finds itself in the unusual position of having several advantages over Canon’s current prosumer model, the 30D. The XTi offers greater resolution (10.1 versus 8-megapixels), greater burst shooting capacity (27 versus 23 frames) and a self-cleaning image sensor. But the 30D retains an edge with its faster continuous shooting (5 frames-per-second (fps) vs. 3 fps), more custom settings (18 vs. 11), a 3200 ISO sensitivity setting, a rugged magnesium body and a pentaprism viewfinder vs the XTi’s pentamirror. While we wait for Canon’s other shoe to drop in the form of a 30D successor, the XTi can capture larger images with a quality equal to the 30D, while lagging in capture rate and maximum ISO. Choosing between the two should focus on price and features, not the least of which is the XTi’s self-cleaning image sensor.”
Pocket-lint – 11/22/2006 – reviews the 10.1 megapixel Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi and they write – “Image quality is otherwise great (bar the kit lens’ performance, as mentioned above) with excellent resolution, low noise, good noise reduction – when needed that does not remove detail – and great colour control. The EOS 400D has its foibles not least of which is the kit lens. However, it is capable of superb results, is easy to use and it’s a great price given the kit levels and even though Nikon’s D40 has arrived on the scene.”
DigitalCameraInfo – 11/21/2006 – reviews the 10.1 megapixel Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi and they write – “Finally, we don’t think anyone is going to buy a Rebel XTi with the thought that it’s a disposable camera. Canon customers will expect years of service. Unfortunately, it doesn’t feel as though the Xti is built for the long haul. Its parts should fit together better, and it should be better sealed against dust and dirt. However, the camera’s redeeming attribute is its CMOS sensor, which has historically performed well in low light and surpassed the competition at higher ISO settings.”
Ephotozine – 11/20/2006 – has reviewed the 10.1 megapixel Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi and they write – “So how do you improve on a class-leading camera? Owners of Canon’s EOS 350D camera may well be wondering if the extra pixels, larger screen, improved autofocus and anti-dust measures will make an upgrade worthwhile. The jump from eight to 10 megapixels doesn’t make a great difference to image quality and although the other improvements are welcome, it may not be time to dust off your credit card and start checking how much 350Ds go for on eBay just yet.”
PCWorld – 11/20/2006 – has reviewed the 10.1 megapixel Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi and they write – “The XTi yields excellent image quality, with practically no noise up through ISO 400, and little noise at ISO 800 through 1600 (the maximum speed available).”
LetsGoDigital – 11/20/2006 – has reviewed the 10.1 megapixel Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi and they write – “The Canon EOS 400D is an excellent first step into the world of DSLR cameras, as well as a great back-up camera. It is a genuinely versatile model, that remains user-friendly, offers comprehensible features and a clear operation. Although we do not doubt the success the Canon 400D will enjoy, we know the competition is rarely far behind. Canon have their rivals breathing down their neck, and the gap of differences between them is becoming increasingly smaller. We would genuinely recommend the Canon EOS 400D to all of those who have lost their heart to photography, whether it is the snapshot photographer that wants to capture his images in a simple, yet high quality manner, or the enthusiastic hobby photographer that wants to unleash his creativity.”
PopPhoto – 11/14/2006 – has reviewed the 10.1 megapixel Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi and they write – “So aside from a few inconveniences, shooting with the Rebel XTi is thoroughly pleasurable. It works fast and accurately. No, it’s not a bulletproof tank, and some of the control buttons are just barely up from point-and-shoot. But given the image quality, autofocusing, fast shooting, and exposure controls of the XTi, it’s not just a deal, it’s a screaming, bloody, great deal.”
BusinessWeekOnline – 11/11/2006 – has reviewed the 10.1 megapixel Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi and they write – “I used the camera in a variety of situations, including in low light and with quick action. It consistently performed well and delivered high-quality, high-resolution photos. The biggest problem I had was with the software Canon provides to move photos from the camera to the computer. I found loading the software nonintuitive. What’s more, the software created new photo storage folders automatically, categorizing pictures by date taken. This meant more work for me, since I prefer to organize photos differently—say, by month. I would prefer to have been given the option to create folders on my own.”
T3 – 11/6/2006 – has reviewed the 10.1 megapixel Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi and they write – “This is one of the best budget digital SLRs out there, but the anti-dust system isn’t 100% effective, and for the same money you can get the Sony A100, which boasts anti-shake, a longer lens and only slightly inferior picture quality. Nikon’s D80 will be along soon too, making the choice of what to buy even trickier. Still, it’s hard to complain about having too many cracking D-SLRs to pick from!”
DCViews – 10/29/2006 – has published a review where they compare the Nikon D80 to the Sony Alpha A100 DSLR’s and they write – “You will buy and use a d-SLR to get the best possible combination of control, flexibility, speed and image quality. The Canon EOS Rebel XTi and the Nikon D80 both live up to that expectation. Even the most demanding amateur photographer will not be disappointed by those cameras. Both cameras can be operated automatically, but offer full manual control for high levels of accuracy in exposure, focusing and color. The Nikon D80 has more features, but the Canon EOS Rebel XTi is easier to operate. Due to the exchangeability of lenses all subjects can be captured with great ease from super wide angle to super tele and for special subjects like macro to tilt&shift. Canon offers a broader line-up of lenses , often with image stabilization.

The speed of the cameras is almost equal. No noticeable start up or shutter delay, fast and accurate AF and a ‘motor drive’ of 3 frames per second up to 40 or more JPEGs (about 10 RAWs). Image quality of these 10 Mp cameras is very high. Resolution is fabulous and noise levels are moderate even at ISO 1600. In RAW format mode with a fixed focus lens you will get the highest image quality, in which case the EOS Rebel XTi performs a bit better than the D80. Image quality seems no longer restricted by the sensor, but by the JPEG-settings and the applied zoom lens. Every zoom lens below $750 dollar reduces the 100% quality of the images. Because of the fact that high levels of sharpening in combination with noise reduction and JPEG compression tend to significantly reduce the image quality, the default in-camera sharpening of both camera is very modest and may lead to ‘ soft’ images is some cases. JPEGs are suitable for high quality prints up to 16×12″ and for prints up to 40 to 26 inch RAW is the best image format.”
OutBackPhoto – 10/23/2006 – has reviewed the 10.1 megapixel Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi and they write – “The Canon 400D is a very fine camera and will likely serve us as a great travel camera in the future. We hope to get soon the new Canon 70-200 f/4 IS zoom. Combined with the Rebel XTi/400D this could be a killer combination.

Overall we feel this is more than just a minor update from the Canon EOD Rebel XT/350D. This has to be proven over the next weeks in the field.”
Digital Trends – 10/16/2006 – has reviewed the 10.1 megapixel Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi and they write – “The Sony has the heft and features including image stabilization for every lens. This makes it easier to shoot in available light with less chance of blur. And the Sony has a more powerful kit lens. Even though the Canon doesn’t have IS, it has better noise handling capability so shots taken at ISO 800 are much more useable. In general, the Canon delivered slightly better images although like wines, you could lean to one over the other simply as a matter of taste.”
DPReview – 10/14/2006 – has reviewed the 10.1 megapixel Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi and they write – “Where does the EOS 400D come up short? For me, the camera isn’t as comfortable to use as the Nikon or Sony. This may sound petty but I do feel that Canon’s tiny grip is a mistake of form over function. Nor does it have the D80’s large and bright pentaprism viewfinder, nor can it match the ‘eye on the scene’ feel you get from the short viewfinder black-out time. The D80 also gives you the surprisingly useful configurable automatic ISO, spot metering, a wider range of customization, wireless flash control, advanced battery information and in-camera retouching. The A100’s trump card is it’s in-camera CCD-shift Anti-Shake, and we haven’t even started to consider Pentax’s recently announced K10D which at least on paper is looking like a very strong competitor.”
PCMag – 10/9/2006 – has reviewed the 10.1 megapixel Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi and they write – “Overall, the Canon Rebel XTi is an all-around excellent performer and an undeniable Editors’ Choice winner in the D-SLR category. It makes buying a 10MP camera a much easier decision.”
DCResource -10/5/2006 – has reviewed the 10.1 megapixel Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi and they write – “If you can’t decide between the Rebel XTi and the Nikon D80 (and don’t already own some of their respective lenses), that’s a tougher question to answer. I much prefer the D80’s design and build quality, but it is more expensive than the XTi. If you want that nicer body and a real LCD info display, then it may be worth spending more to get the D80. There’s also the upcoming Pentax K10D, which offers a sealed, weatherproof body and image stabilization for around the same money. The bottom line is try as many of these cameras as you can, prioritize what features you require, and then make your own decision. I’m just here to help a little!”
DPExpert – 9/27/2006 – has reviewed the 10.1 megapixel Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi and they write – “The lens issue needs consideration. The body costs $1300 and with the standard 18–55 kit lens it is $1500. There is a two lens kit with a 75–300 zoom for $1650. The “enthusiast’s kit” with the image stabilised 17–85 is $2300. It’s a choice between two lenses covering 18 to 300mm for $350 or one lens of lesser focal length range for $1000. Hmm. We tried the camera with the kit lenses and didn’t like it. We switched to the better lens and loved it. $2300 buys a great camera but it’s certainly not “entry level”.”
CNET – 9/25/2006 – has reviewed the 10.1 megapixel Canon EOS 400D / Digital XTi and they write – “Canon is not planning to do away with the Rebel XT, and the presence of a new model doesn’t make that great model obsolete. If you don’t change lenses that often, don’t mind the smaller LCD, don’t need the slight bump in continuous-shooting speed, and don’t need the higher resolution, then you don’t really need to pay extra for the Canon EOS Rebel XTi. Furthermore, if you don’t yet have an investment in any particular manufacturer’s lens system and want this year’s best model for less than $1,000, you might consider the Nikon D80.”
TheDigitalPicture – 9/23/2006 – has reviewed the 10.1 megapixel Canon EOS 400D / Digital XTi and they write – “For an entry-level-priced Digital SLR, the Canon EOS 400D Digital Rebel XTi has more features than most entry-level-priced Digital SLR buyers will ever use – and has performance and image quality to satisfy many professional needs. Overall, I’m pleased with this DSLR.”
Camera Labs – 8/30/2006 – has reviewed the 10.1 megapixel Canon EOS 400D / Digital XTi and they write – “Ultimately the Canon EOS 400D / Rebel XTi is a great entry-level digital SLR which improves on its predecessor in many respects. It has higher resolution without compromising noise levels, a wide variety of anti-dust features, a bigger screen which doubles-up for detailed shooting information, the AF system of its bigger brother and fast overall handling.

The only thing that’s missing is a cheap lens bundle with Image Stabilisation. This will undoubtedly have potential buyers carefully weighing it up against the Sony Alpha A100, while those looking for a tougher product may be tempted by the Nikon D80.”
Canon EOS 400D Digital XTi – (10.1 megapixels)
Luminous Landscape – 8/27/2006 – has a first look preview of the 10.1 megapixel Canon EOS 400D / Digital XTi and they write – “With the Rebel XTI Canon’s entry level DSLR has gown up, and in some ways even surpassed its older sibling the 30D. Try as I might, given the feature set, implementation and price point, I find it really hard to find fault with the XTi. Within the current Canon paradigm I find that the XTi has an easy to learn and use interface. Few of the camera’s controls are problematic, and image quality is about as good as it gets from a non-full frame DSLR. Many pros will likely find themselves buying an XTi or two as their backup camera, and even find themselves using it more than their big guns when light weight and small size are paramount.”
Imaging Resource – 8/27/2006 – has a hands-on preview of the 10.1 megapixel Canon EOS 400D / Digital XTi and they write – “Now that all of Canon’s major challengers have shown their cards, it’s good to see the Canon Rebel XTi answer so many of the challenges presented. Adding a larger screen, more pixels, dust removal technology, and greater buffer depth meets several challenges presented directly by cameras like the Nikon D80, Sony Alpha A100, and Olympus E-500. Reducing the price of a camera that likely still leads in high-ISO image quality significantly raises the stakes.”
PopPhoto – 8/25/2006 – has a hands-on preview of the 10.1 megapixel Canon EOS 400D / Digital XTi and they write – “The XTi also eliminates the top LCD control panel, instead using the rear LCD. Given the big, readable type, we found this much more convenient for adjusting controls. The LCD also shuts off automatically when you bring the camera to your eye and turns back on when you lower the camera.”
Ephotozine – 8/24/2006 – has a hands-on preview of the 10.1 megapixel Canon EOS 400D / Digital XTi and they write – “Because the sample I used was a pre-production model, I cannot comment on the image-quality produced by the camera.

Those who already own a Canon EOS 350D will find little difference between this new offering, and their current camera. The control layout is the same and the body is the same size. The camera sports subtle changes such as the improved grip surface, and the 30D-like diamond shaped AF arrangement.”
Canon EOS 400D

Canon EOS 400D Digital XTi Initial Press Summary

EOS 400D set to meet massive consumer demand

Amstelveen, The Netherlands, 24 August 2006: Canon today announces its 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.

Canon’s EOS 300D, the world’s first consumer D-SLR, kick started a digital revolution in 2003. “We are now witnessing a mass consumer trend towards D‑SLR,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon Consumer Imaging Europe.

Consumer research shows it is not only existing film SLR owners now switching to digital SLR photography. “On top of the existing 21 million analogue EOS shooters, a completely new profile of consumer is adopting digital EOS and driving growth,” said Jensen. “With European household penetration having only just hit 3%, the question now is not ‘will this market be big’, but ‘how big will this market become’.”

The EOS 400D features

- 10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor
- Canon’s EOS Integrated Cleaning System
- 2.5” LCD screen with 230K pixels and 160º viewing angle
- High-precision 9 point AF system
- Picture Style image processing parameters
- DIGIC II image processor with 0.2 sec start up
- Digital Photo Professional RAW processing software
- Compact and Lightweight body
- Fully compatible with all Canon EF and EF-S lenses and EX-series Speedlites

Canon is the only D-SLR brand to own and manufacture the sensor, processor and lenses in house. “EOS photographers benefit from 20 years of ongoing research investment into EOS,” said Jensen. “EOS photographers have the great advantage of owning a system camera in which every element is designed at a very fundamental level to work as a balanced, integrated whole. It is one reason why more than 70% of registered photographers at the Athens Olympics shot on EOS.” With EOS, Canon aims to provide consumers with the widest and most expandable camera system available, including over 60 EF lenses and Speedlite flash units.

Improved Performance

As well as the EOS Integrated Cleaning System, 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: Reduce, Repel and Remove.

1. Reduce – 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 the latest 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 Style (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, EX 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 Style. 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.

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