Digital Camera Reviews

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The Canon EOS 400D is also known as the Canon Rebel XTi . The Camera is a 10.1 megapixel camera with 2.5 inch LCD screen It has a burst rate of 3 frames per second at up to 27 JPEG images in a row (or 10 RAW shots).

The Canon EOS 400D has a 9 point focusing system, RGB histogram display, a battery life of up to 500 shots and plenty of other in built features.

The Camera is now available at 50% discount. Buy Canon EOS 400D

Canon EOS 400D News Release

Canon’s New EOS Digital Rebel XTi SLR Raises Resolution, Increases Ease, Lowers Cost And Leaves Other Digital SLRs In The DustCanon’s EOS Digital Rebel XT model – the camera that set all time sales records for digital SLRs of any persuasion (supplanting the original Digital Rebel’s claim to that title) – now takes its place alongside of the newest member of the irrepressible Rebel clan: the 10.1 megapixel EOS Digital Rebel XTi SLR camera. For 16 years, the Rebel brand has stood for advanced, sophisticated and easy-to-use. The new Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi camera continues that legacy, taking discriminating photo hobbyists, enthusiasts, advanced amateurs and SLR aficionados to places digital dreams are made of…and more economically than ever before.

“The EOS Digital Rebel XTi camera continues to lead the way with impressive innovations and an array of advancements simply not found on other digital SLRs in the sub-$1,000 price-range,�? stated Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general manager of the consumer imaging group at Canon USA, Inc. “Canon technology is born of inspiration, imagination and our passion to help photographers make the best pictures possible. Nowhere is the combination of undeniable quality and value more evident than on this new EOS Digital Rebel XTi camera.�?

In stores mid-September, the EOS Digital Rebel XTi camera is offered in both sleek brushed silver patina and “pro�? matte black finishes. It is available in two kit configurations: with and without Canon’s high quality EF-S 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom lens. The EOS Digital Rebel XTi camera will be available for an estimated selling price $899* with the zoom lens kit, while the body only kit will carry and estimated selling price of $799*. In order to maintain an appropriate pricing structure, the Digital Rebel XT model will carry an adjusted estimated selling price of $799* with the zoom lens kit and $699* for the body only kit.

No mere intermediate upgrade, this new EOS Digital Rebel XTi SLR continues Canon’s combination of imaging excellence, intuitive ease of use and affordability. Indeed the EOS XTi Digital SLR camera now leads the Digital Rebel revolution with such marquee features as its higher 10.1 megapixel resolution; refined and redesigned Canon CMOS sensor; larger, easier to read 2.5 inch display screen (along with simplified and streamlined menu navigation), and the remarkable EOS Integrated Cleaning System, a self-cleaning image sensor unit/dust removal system that is available on no other camera of any make, at any price.

Despite the addition of these and other imaging improvements – including Canon’s fast, high-precision 9-point autofocus system and a new maximum burst rate in large/fine and raw quality modes that – at three frames per second – is double the capability of the Digital Rebel XT SLR, The EOS Digital Rebel XTi SLR makes its debut at a price point that is $100 less than its top-selling sibling was at its introduction and hundreds of dollars less than other SLR cameras and camera kits in its class.

CMOS Sensor-tivity
At the heart of the Rebel XTi SLR’s high-resolution image capability is its large, single plate, CMOS color image sensor. Designed and manufactured by Canon specifically for the Rebel XTi SLR, this highly responsive sensor’s 10.1 million pixels are fractionally smaller than the pixels in the 8 megapixel Rebel XT model, yet deliver markedly improved resolution, enabling the sensor to capture more image information. This results not simply in the ability to generate larger images, but also permits details from cropped images to be rendered with higher image quality than cropped images from lower resolution sensors. At 22.2 x 14.8 mm in size, this new CMOS sensor maintains the 1.6x conversion ratio found on many other members of the EOS Digital SLR line including the Rebel XT and the EOS 30D models.

Inherently more efficient than CCD type image sensors, Canon CMOS sensors significantly reduce image noise levels by converting light values to electrical signals on the chip rather than having them converted elsewhere in the camera. The Rebel XTi SLR’s CMOS sensor goes further still, maintaining an exceptional dynamic range while reducing the noise level that one might typically expect for a pixel size delivering such high resolution. Canon engineers and designers achieved this breakthrough in sensor design by reducing the space between the chip’s microlenses while at the same time increasing the sensitivity of each photodiode. As a result, the camera achieves 20 percent greater resolution than an eight-megapixel sensor with comparable noise reduction and dynamic range.

The Digital Rebel XTi SLR also continues the long-standing tradition of featuring a wide range of ISO settings (100 –1600) with the ability to “float�? to any intermediate step along that range in fully automatic modes while allowing the user to set the ISO manually at full step intervals in the camera’s creative modes.

The Dust Free Zone
Beautiful, high-res images marred by the presence of ugly high-res dust spots can be cause for painstaking, time consuming photo retouching (with varying degrees of success). Canon takes the quest for imaging excellence and easier camera maintenance a unified giant step forward with its new, two-tiered dust removal technology called the EOS Integrated Cleaning System, available only on the EOS Rebel XTi camera.

While real world shooting rarely achieves “clean-room�? standards, Canon has gone out of its way to design the XTi model to first create or attract no dust. Canon begins by minimizing the dust and particles created by the camera itself, by reformulating the materials used in the body cap and shutter to materials more resistant to particle “fall out�? due to normal use and wear. Canon also treats the camera’s low pass filter with an anti-static charge to prevent static-charged dust from adhering to it.

Still, recognizing that humidity and a variety of real world conditions can cause dust to enter and adhere to the sensor or low pass filter despite the most scrupulous of efforts, Canon created the Self Cleaning Sensor Unit. The low pass filter on the front of the CMOS sensor is attached to an ultrasonic vibrating unit that literally shakes the loose dust particles off of the surface. The newly liberated dust is then captured by an adhesive material that keeps the particles from becoming airborne again once the camera moves.

The self cleaning sensor unit’s ultrasonic anti-dust shake activates automatically for one second whenever the camera is powered on or off, ensuring that the camera will be as relatively dust free as possible and can be activated at other times through a simple menu selection.

Despite the ingenuity behind the Self Cleaning Sensor Unit there are occasions when dust particles of a stickier nature are not vibrated free of the low pass filter. In these situations, the Dust Delete Data function can be engaged. Simply put, by aiming the camera at a white wall or even a white piece of paper (or, in a pinch, removing the lens from the camera) the Dust Delete Data function will map the size and position of the dust particles remaining on the low pass filter. Once the dust is “mapped�?, that information is attached as metadata to all subsequently shot images regardless of recording format, RAW or JPEG. When the images and appended dust data map are transferred to a computer using the Rebel XTi’s new Digital Photo Professional software, the dust information can be subtracted from the images simply by selecting the “apply dust delete data�? option. Users can update the Dust Delete Data at any time via controls found in the Rebel XTi’s LCD menu.

Bigger and Brighter: XTi Model’s Brilliant LCD Monitor
Among the decidedly user-friendly enhancements built in to the new Digital Rebel XTi is the 2.5 inch, 230,000 pixel color TFT LCD monitor with its wide, 160 degree viewing angle. The envy of the EOS digital SLR line, this new screen features a viewing area that is nearly twice as large as the Rebel XT model’s 1.8 –inch monitor, and offers six brightness settings for easy viewing of images and menu options in a wide range of lighting conditions. Indeed, this brilliant monitor is approximately 40% brighter at its maximum setting than screens found on the top-tier EOS-1D Mark II N, EOS 5D and EOS 30D digital SLRs. The monitor is also the new home for all camera settings information. This was previously housed on a separate LCD. This new configuration allows for more information and larger font & icons in one easy-to-view area.

The monitor is even intuitive enough to automatically (and temporarily) turn the display off when the camera is raised up to the user’s eye. This feature not only saves valuable battery life but also avoid subjecting the user to distracting screen brightness when looking through the viewfinder. For maximum battery life, the LCD display can be shut off manually as well.

Picture Style Optimizes Images
In keeping with this new, bigger, brighter monitor is the Rebel XTi SLR’s redesigned menu, made bolder, easier to read and easier to navigate. Notable among the expanded info screen menu features offered for the first time on a Digital Rebel camera are the RGB histogram and the Picture Style functions first introduced on the Canon EOS-1D Mark II N, EOS 5D cameras and most recently added to the EOS 30D’s imaging arsenal. With Picture Style, users can more easily select presets for sharpening, contrast, saturation, and color tone that most closely reflect their needs and intent for a particular picture. Similar to selecting the film type in order to achieve a desired result, the Picture Style feature offers six setting choices—Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful and Monochrome—with an additional three user defined settings available.

Fast Focus
Also migrating to the Rebel XTi camera from the upper reaches of the EOS Digital SLR line is Canon’s flexible folder management system with capability to store 9,999 images in a folder as well as manual creation of new folders and perhaps most importantly, the same high precision 9-point Autofocus sensor and AF unit found on the EOS 30D SLR.

Like its Digital Rebel predecessors, the EOS Digital Rebel XTi camera is equipped with Canon’s standard EOS EF lens mount making it compatible with Canon’s complete line of EF lenses as well as the EF-S line of lenses created specifically for the EOS 20D, and EOS 30D prosumer digital SLRs, and the EOS Digital Rebel models.

While the Digital Rebel XTi offers the same fast 3 frames per second as the Digital Rebel XT model, the burst rate in Large/Fine JPEG and Raw settings has nearly doubled, from 14 eight- megapixel JPEG images and five eight- megapixel RAW images on the Rebel XT model to 27 10.1 megapixel JPEGS and ten 10.1 megapixel RAW images on the new Rebel XTi camera.

CANON Software $avings: Bundled and In the Box
Purchasers of the EOS Digital Rebel XTi camera or any of Canon’s digital SLRs are never faced with extra-cost software to make the camera perform to its full capabilities. Rather, Canon continues its long-standing tradition of including “in the box�?, a comprehensive software bundle that includes both the camera’s utility programs and Canon’s Digital Photo Professional software (presently in version 2.2). Compatible with both Mac OS X and Windows XP operating systems** formats, the Digital Photo Pro software assists users with everything from image transfer and viewing, image enhancement and editing, RGB image editing functions, image noise reduction, viewing, processing and editing of RAW images, Direct Print functions and Canon’s groundbreaking new Dust Delete Data functions.

The EOS Technological Legacy
The EOS Digital Rebel XTi camera maintains the top-tier technologies that have helped power the EOS line of digital SLRs to the forefront of the industry and the marketplace. These include Canon’s power efficient DIGIC II Image Processor and E-TTL II, Canon’s evaluative-through the lens exposure control that ensures optimal exposure even in difficult lighting conditions.

Summary and Verdicts of Canon EOS 400D Reviews

In its Review Verdict of Canon EOS 400D ePhotozine writes “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. On the other hand if you are looking for your first digital SLR, the Canon EOS 400D represent great value for money. A combination of class-leading low noise levels at high ISO sensitivities, great autofocus performance, good image quality and handling all make the EOS 400D worthy of serious consideration”.

In its Review Verdict of Canon EOS 400D Imaging Resource writes “It’s easy to miss much of what’s improved on the Canon Rebel XTi, mostly because it seems so cosmetically similar to the Rebel XT. But the real improvements are internal. Getting to 10 megapixels while maintaining that industry-leading image quality was quite an achievement, and it’s the factor that keeps the Rebel XTi worthy of the word “compelling.” Regardless of what you think of the grip or other elements, there’s no question that the Rebel XTi is the one you want along when the image really matters. The EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 kit lens that we were so impressed with on the 6 megapixel Digital Rebel in 2003 is indeed showing its age; or at least the 10 megapixel sensor is now revealing that this truly is a kit lens. It’s not going to make a bit of difference if you only print to 8×10, though, and it is a decent lens that’s lightweight and versatile. I still use one on occasion. Most first-time buyers should get the kit first to see how it works for them. Then consider a longer zoom, a wider zoom, and a prime or two. Those brave individuals, or those who remember the good old days, might want to skip the kit lens and spend $80 on Canon’s light and fast EF 50mm f/1.8. This lens will remind you why you love photography, as it delivers beautiful bokeh and excellent sharpness. Ultimately, the Canon Rebel XTi is an improvement of an already superb camera — the Rebel XT — with Canon’s latest and greatest innovations to make digital SLR photography more like you remember from the film days and more versatile to boot. For my money, the greatest improvement to the XTi is the addition of the 30D’s autofocus array. More pixels, a bigger LCD, and dust reduction are welcome, but faster AF is the true benefit to the Rebel XTi, because you can get shots that you couldn’t with the XT. Now I can say that Canon’s flagship consumer camera has it where it counts: fast, accurate autofocus and the best imager you can get for the money. All the rest is gravy. The Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi is a fine digital SLR, an obvious Dave’s Pick, and an excellent choice for anyone wanting to improve their photography”.

In its Review Verdict of Canon EOS 400D Trusted Reviews writes “While the 400D is unquestionably a very good camera, with superb performance, an excellent control system and wide range of picture control options, and while it is a distinct improvement on the 350D, it doesn’t really stand out in comparison to any of the other entry-level 10MP DSLRs that are currently available. The kit lens is also very weak”.

In its Review Verdict of Canon EOS 400D Lets Go Digital writes “The Canon EOS 400D had a speed performance of 3 frames per second with a maximum of 27 JPEG or 10 RAW format photos. Activating the EOS 400D takes about 0.2 seconds. The shutter speed range is B + 30 - 1/4000 sec and the flash synchronization speed is 1/200 seconds. Furthermore the Canon EOS 400D offers a fast USB 2.0 Hi-Speed interface and can be directly connected to a PictBridge printer to print photos straight from the camera”.

In its Review Verdict of Canon EOS 400D Camera Labs writes “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 which costs much the same, while those with a little more to spend may be tempted by the superior traditional performance of the Nikon D80″.

In its Review Verdict of Canon EOS 400D the digital picture writes “If you want a big step up in capabilities from a prosumer point & shoot camera, the 400D/Rebel XTi will be an excellent choice. This may be the right time for original Canon 300D Digital Rebel users to make a jump as well - The Canon EOS 400D Digital Rebel XTi’s features and image quality improvements are definitely significant enough to justify this upgrade. For 350D/Rebel XT owners, well, if you want the latest and greatest - and the cool factor - go for it. The improvements will be nice - but a new lens might make a bigger difference in your results. I suggest EOS 30D owners wait for the next 30D upgrade to be released unless they see a must-have feature in the 400D/XTi - or better yet, go for a Canon EOS 5D (the price has come down). Email me if you need other upgrade recommendations - be sure to tell me what you use the camera for”.

In its Review Verdict of Canon EOS 400D Cnet writes “Although much of the design remains the same as the XT’s–it comes in either black or metallic-silver plastic–there are a couple of key changes. The LCD display grew from 1.8 to 2.5 inches, which essentially squeezed the status/info LCD into the ether. On one hand, using the main LCD allows for an exceptionally readable, in-your-face method of monitoring the settings. However, the paper-white background gets distracting, and the automatic sensor–which blanks it when you put your eye to the viewfinder–makes it even more so. You can turn it off altogether, but the info in the viewfinder doesn’t include ISO speed, white balance, battery level, and other useful settings that generally display on a status LCD”.

In its Review Verdict of Canon EOS 400D Digital Trends writes “This one is a toughie. Usually your intrepid reviewer has no problem calling winners and losers. Here there really aren’t any losers in the negative sense—there are trade-offs. 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. A quick search found the Sony alpha kit going for the same as the Canon–$899. If you have Canon lenses in your closet, there’s no issue—buy the Digital Rebel XTi. If you own any Konica Minolta lenses, buy the Sony alpha DSLR-A100 since it uses a KM mount. If you don’t have either one, the Canon takes it but just barely. It all came down to the prints–and the Canon won by a Jessica Simpson-sized nose”.

The Camera is now available at 50% discount. Buy Canon EOS 400D