Product Description

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 400D 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.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #42322 in Consumer Electronics
• Brand: Canon
• Model: 1237B023AA
• Released on: 2006-09-10
• Dimensions: 1.12 pounds
• Display size: 2.5

Features

• High performance digital SLR with 10.1 Megapixel Canon CMOS sensor and DIGIC II Image processor.

Manufacturer's Description
Canon EOS 400D's 10.1 megapixel sensor employs the same outstanding CMOS image quality advantage of its big brothers in the professional EOS 1 range. Super sensitive in low light and virtually noise free, CMOS is also fast and power efficient.For consistently pristine results, a complete dust prevention and cleaning system works to keep the EOS 400D's sensor spotless. A combination of technologies reduces, repels and removes dust and includes a Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit that shakes dust from the sensor with each power on.Reviewing your work is a delight with the super bright 2.5" 230k pixel display. Photos feel crisper, richer and more saturated, while a 160� viewing angle makes for easy at-a-glance checking and sharing.Shoot at 3 fps for continuous bursts of up to 27 large JPEG images (10 RAW): like shooting a whole roll of film in a single burst.Switching between Picture Style presets is like being able to change film mid-roll to achieve different color response and Black & White effects. Sharpness, contrast, color tone and saturation are individually adjustable.Select from one of nine fixed focusing points across the scene for fast, accurate focusing - even with off-center subjects and 'rule-of-thirds' compositions.DIGIC II is a tiny super-computer that renders colors with precision, accuracy and speed. Fast and power efficient, DIGIC II also delivers instant 0.2 second start up time.

Box Contents

Customer Reviews

A familiar friend
Given a growing interest in photographing wildlife added to the desire to shoot in continuous frame mode more often than not (vs the cost of film) I realised it was time to "give digital a go".

I've been a long time fan of Canon film SLRs due to fast and reliable focusing, generally consistent metering, common sense ergonomics, and intuitive menuing. And so I expected these brand qualities to be found in the Canon EOS 400D. (Yes a 40D would have been nice, but it was the 400D that fitted my budget.)

I wasn't disappointed. All the usual controls were located in the usual places, e.g. exposure mode selection dial, command wheel, single frame vs continuous, focus mode etc. If you can find your way through the average mobile phone menu then you will be able to navigate your way through the various software menu tabs, even if some of the options are somewhat unfamiliar. Even though I had never before used a digital camera of any sort, let alone a DSLR, I managed to work out what most of the menu options did. That said, there is no substitute for a read through the manual and I only really found out how to get the best out of the 400D after a read though the manual.

My first time of using the 400D was at the London Wetlands Centre, attached to a Canon 70-200 F4 IS. I was genuinely amazed at the image quality that the 400D's APS-C sized CMOS sensor is capable of delivering. Viewing the images later on my laptop I could resolve feather filaments on birds, hairs on squirrels. I was gobsmacked. I found it incredible that this much detail could be captured on a CMOS sensor approximately 22x15mm in size.

So why buy the 400D body rather than one of the 400D kits? Simply because the standard zoom lenses supplied in the 400D kits do not do justice to the high quality of the image sensor in the 400D. Sharp lenses they are not - anything but.

My advice?..,
1) Buy the 400D body
2) Attach a really sharp lens of your choice (not a std kit lens)

I'm very pleased indeed that I bought a 400D. I'm especially pleased that I bought a 400D body and handpicked my own choice of razor sharp lenses lenses (Tamron 17-50 f2.8, Canon 70-200 F4L IS).

The 400D is a cracker. I can't recommend it highly enough. Just make sure you choose a lens that does it justice.

PS: Please vote for my review if you found it helpful. :-)

Great for the price
Have got both this camera and it's predecessor the 350D , for ease of use the 400D is a lot better . Though some of that might be down to knowing what the menus do as they are essentially the same . It's difficult to see any difference in image quality unless you are making big big enlargements , I've had some 20x30inch prints done that came out very well . Hopefully the sensor cleaning will prove it's capability as I'm forever changing lenses and dust build up did become noticeable on the 350D .
I always try to shoot RAW images in aperture or shutter priority mode and keep away from auto mode . But the best thing you can do for this camera is not buy the kit lens but instead invest some money in 'L' glass if you can afford it or look at some of the 3rd party lenses , Sigma , Tokina or Tamron . For good lens reviews of all makes try PhotoZone or Fred Miranda ( FM Reviews )

Excellent value for money - only one drawback...
The 400D is an excellent slr for the price. If you combine the camera with good lenses pictures are sharp, well saturated and can be printed on A2 - I have several examples on my walls. It is extremely easy to use.

The only drawback I experienced of this camera is buffer speed. If you're not technical buffer speed is how fast the camera transfers your photos onto the CF card, in other words if you take 8 shots the buffer speed determines how long you have to wait to shoot again. The frames per second are more than adequate, however as I do a lot of portrait work I found having to wait to take another series of shots occasionally annoying.

On the whole the 400D is excellent however, I have done several semi-pro shoots with it and I never felt I was short changing customers as the results were excellent.

If the 400D fits your price range and you want a superb introductory camera or you're on a budget...buy it. Spend everything else you have on the best lenses you can afford. You won't regret it.

COUNTER to the "DISAPPOINTING" review
I found no under-exposure problems on my 400D, although I almost always shot in the more advanced modes. However this is what they are for. If your camera is under exposing the simple solution is to use the 'exposure compensation' which is utilised with the scroller wheel and the 'Av+/-' button next to the display.

Your photography will benefit from mastering the more advanced features of the camera :)