I’ve always liked the Canon range of IXUS* pocket cameras, ever since I bought the first, and to my way of thinking, best built model, finished as it was in a hefty satin stainless steel case with just a touch of black plastic around the lens. I guess you’d call this the IXUS 1, except back ... Read review
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Advantages: Top-notch build quality and design. First rate results Disadvantages: No case! Quite pricey for specification level. Shortish battery life with no clear indicator
I’ve always liked the Canon range of IXUS* pocket cameras, ever since I bought the first, and to my way of thinking, best built model, finished as it was in a hefty satin stainless steel case with just a touch of black plastic around the lens. I guess you’d call this the IXUS 1, except back then it wasn’t numbered, it was THE IXUS.
*In other parts of the globe, this may be called an ELPH, as in, ‘……still, as long as you’ve got your ... ...digital revolution took hold, and Canon were quick to exploit the IXUS’s dinky looks and solid gold build quality, by turning out the first Digital IXUS, and all credit to them, in the same dimensions at the APS film version.
As most people will have noticed, digital cameras are largely judged by their ‘mega pixel’ capacity, these being the number of dots which go to make up the picture, i.e. more = good. You will probably have noticed ... more
I’ve always liked the Canon range of IXUS* pocket cameras, ever since I bought the first, and to my way of thinking, best built model, finished as it was in a hefty satin stainless steel case with just a touch of black plastic around the lens. I guess you’d call this the IXUS 1, except back then it wasn’t numbered, it was THE IXUS.
*In other parts of the globe, this may be called an ELPH, as in, ‘……still, as long as you’ve got your ELPH’ (another missed marketing opportunity!)
Over a 6-year period it has served us well, except for a failure during its guarantee period, which was fixed free-of-charge. However, only last week while on holiday in Portugal, it developed the same fault, which given its age, I’m forced to conclude will be an un-economic repair.
Just lately, I’ve been putting a greater and greater emphasis on using my Nikon Coolpix 5700 digital camera for most of my ‘best’ shots, but even I have to admit that something approaching the size of a 35 mm SLR camera isn’t an ideal holiday companion, hence the IXUS as well.
Since its original inception, the IXUS has kept up with the times – the version II APS camera was a cosmetically revised effort with a few extra features. Then the digital revolution took hold, and Canon were quick to exploit the IXUS’s dinky looks and solid gold build quality, by turning out the first Digital IXUS, and all credit to them, in the same dimensions at the APS film version.
As most people will have noticed, digital cameras are largely judged by their ‘mega pixel’ capacity, these being the number of dots which go to make up the picture, i.e. more = good. You will probably have noticed also, that last year’s bees-knees is this year’s entry-level, when it comes to mega pixels, and although some top-end cameras are flirting with ratings beyond 10.0 mega pixels, somewhere between 3.0 and 4.0 is capable of giving excellent results, especially as hardly anyone prints beyond A4 size.
This is where the new Canon IXUS 400 comes in.
It is no bigger than previous models, and yet packs a very creditable 4.0 mega pixel maximum definition, stored on Compact Flash cards, which gives it the added advantage that it can share cards with my Nikon. The latest ‘entry-level’ digital IXUS, the Digital IXUS II now uses the newer SD cards, but frankly, it’s not an awful lot cheaper, despite sporting a ‘mere’ 3.2 mega pixels and I’d have to buy a new card reader for the new format.
FIRST IMPRESSIONS
The first thing you notice is that this camera is a slight deviation from Canon’s all-stainless look. It IS constructed of metal but the outer casing is a mixture of satin steel and a silky coating of a (hopefully) durable ceramic material called Cerabrite.
This really is a return to ‘dinky-ness’ which some of the other IXUS’s, (or is that IXII?) were creeping away from, millimetre-by-millimetre. My daughter’s older IXUS V3 feels quite thick compared to a ‘celluloid’ cousin, but this 400 is a little beauty with the emphasis on the ‘little’. One minor bonus here – I get to use the quality leather case from the old IXUS -, aye lad, them were’t’ days when yer got a PROPER case wi’ it.
The flashgun is built into the front plate of the camera, so unlike my original APS IXUS, there is no need for it to pop up like a sleepy alligator raising one eyelid when needed – it’s always there. The 3x zoom lens retracts fully (and covers itself) when the camera is switched of, and only protrudes when switched on, curiously for about the same amount whether zoomed or not. This camera embodies a long optical zoom for its size, and this is further augmented by a ‘digital zoom’ i.e. a centre-of-picture magnifier, to take the overall zoom range up to about 11x.
Personally, I’m not impressed with digital zooms, since they are not really zooms at all, and achieve nothing that you couldn’t do ‘back at the ranch’ with your chosen graphics package. At least if you do a selective print later, from the centre of a picture let’s say, you haven’t compromised the actual picture content, whereas, if you use the digital zoom on the camera, the rest of the picture, which you might later decide you really wanted is lost forever. Stick to the optical zoom is my advice.
All credit to Canon, despite that camera having so many hatch covers, buttons and screens it doesn’t feel or look too cluttered. The top of the camera only really has two main buttons, one the on/off switch and the other, the shutter release. The zoom control is an outer ring around the shutter release, which you work with your right thumb. The on/off switch has to be held down for a second or two to prevent accidental powering up, perhaps inside a soft case. Many people with a Nokia cell phone will be all too aware of the ease with which you can make an accidental call to the first person in your phone book, and turning the Canon on unknowingly could waste precious battery life, and possibly strain its lens mechanism if it’s still in the case.
Annoyingly, the IXUS doesn’t give you a fuel-gauge type display to show you battery life. I t holds off from telling you anything until you’re nearly out of ‘juice’ – I’ve seen it opined elsewhere, that this is a fiendish Canon plot to get you to buy a spare battery. Unlike my Nikon, which will also run on 2CR5 throwaway batteries, the Canon will only run on its unique-fit Lithium-Ion batteries, and not for too long, it would seem.
There are ways round this. One is to use the optical viewfinder for taking pictures, with the rear-mounted LCD screen turned off. Another is to refuse to show anyone your work until you get home!
Camera makers will insist of showing battery life as a total of shots - what they fail to mention is over how long a period. There’s no point in telling me that I’m good for 500 photos, if the battery will only stand up for 5 hours, even fully charged. The spontaneity for which digital cameras are famed is tarnished a bit when someone shouts ‘grab the camera, you never know who we'll meet’ only to find that you need to stay in for a couple of hours while the battery charges.
USING ITS FEATURES
To kick off with, you’ll probably want to take some photos under the fully automatic mode. Quite literally, this involves turning the camera on, and pressing the shutter release. Canon do now seem to have (almost) licked the time lag problems encountered when trying to ‘snatch’ a shot – this camera boots up in about one second, which is a considerable improvement over my ‘big boy’s’ Nikon.
Using one or other of the viewfinders, you aim and fire – that’s all there is to it. Of course, by using the Mode dial, you can introduce a degree of over-ride into the process if you so desire, using the manual setting, the panorama stitch setting or the movie mode.
AUTOMATIC - Even in fully automatic guise, you can still manipulate the flash gun in a carousel of options, ranging from not firing at all, through the ‘anti-redeye’ setting to ‘slo-sync’ which fires the flash in anti-redeye mode whilst also using a slower shutter speed to prevent the background from being almost completely blacked-out – a common problem with outdoor night shots. You can also access the closer focussing needed by macro mode here – this enables you to focus from within a couple of inches from the lens out to a foot or so.
MANUAL – Whilst not a truly manual setting, this does give you more control over the exposure used, but not as you would expect by stipulating the shutter speed or aperture. No, here you can only adjust facets such as under- or over-exposure, and the white balance (i.e. the light qualities encountered under a range of settings – daylight, fluorescent and incandescent bulb etc). I guess anyone looking for true over-ride had better look elsewhere, but most people would buy this camera for its looks and pocket-ability – I know I did (sorry, WE did – it looks like my wife has taken a very big shine to it!).
PANORAMA - The panorama stitch mode is useful. Unlike a celluloid APS camera with its various format options, the digital camera’s screen format is strictly a TV-shaped 4:3 aspect ratio. However, you can take a panorama of several photos, which are later stitched together. The Canon has a useful little feature to help you get the overlapping of frames more or less right first time. After taking the left hand shot of the panorama, the viewfinder then shows the right hand portion of the previous shot in the left of the viewfinder. Because this is semi-transparent, this makes lining up the next shot very easy. You continue in this manner for several shots. These are all retained as single shots but earmarked as participants in a panorama for later processing by PC software.
MOVIE MODE – Personally, I can never get too worked up over digital cameras that can shoot movies for several reasons, not least of which is that I’ve got a camcorder, and you know what they say about horses for courses – after all, it can take still photos but I don’t use the facility.
Another good reason for not using the movie facility is that the sound is only steam mono, the picture definition in this case is limited to maximum of 320 lines definition, compared to 520 on the camcorder, and it only shoots 15 frames per second compared to 25 on the camcorder. Yes, it does shoot movies of a sort, limited to a three minute maximum, but just don’t expect to have much Compact Flash Module memory left for photos at the end of it!
CAPACITIES
Using the 32megabyte Compact Flash module supplied, you can only store 14 of the top definition (i.e. 4megapixel) pictures. Not wishing to compromise the camera’s picture quality just to squeeze some more shots in, I invested in the cheapest 128megabyte chip I could find, for around £20 from www.dabs.com. This gives a much more acceptable 61 shot capacity with the 14 on the original chip held in reserve, or maybe to shoot a quick film epic (it’d have to be quick, too!).
In theory, using the lowest definition setting, the new 128mbyte job will store 1355 VGA quality pictures, easily good enough for Internet use, and twice as good as a video still, but don’t forget, once you’ve taken your pictures at this setting, there’s no going back if you don’t like what you see when you print them.
CONNECTIVITY
In common with most digital cameras, the IXUS can be plugged directly into a PC USB port after which, most modern versions of Windows (and MacOS) will recognise it as a new drive, allowing pictures to be view, copied over, what-have-you. The IXUS also shares a common direct-to-printer protocol that many cameras have started to use, so that, given the right printer, the PC can be cut out of the loop. Of course, this assumes that your print composition is perfect first time, since you won’t have the luxury of straightening horizons (yes, why do they all slope after closing time?) or taking out Auntie Flo’s red-eyes and that alluring hint of knickers-elastic peeking out from under her party frock.
In addition, the IXUS can also connect to a TV so that you can view your pictures as a slide show. This can be adjusted to PAL or NTSC output to suit which side of the Atlantic you happen to be on at the time.
THE PROOF OF THE PUDDING
Yes, its results are pretty damned good, and you have to look hard for any difference between its results, and those from my 5.0megapixel Nikon 5700, costing 2.5 times more. If anything, I prefer its colour rendition, but that’s purely subjective.
To be perfectly honest, apart from occasional manipulation of the flash mode, either to turn it off of get rid of the anti-red-eye facility to make the batteries last longer, I don’t anticipate using its over-ride features. The instruction manual is 150 pages long, and ALL in English, but don’t put off, after page 13, you’ll be thrilled with the results and wondering whether to bother with the rest of the book.
LIKES AND DISLIKES
a) THE HOORAHS
Build quality 10/10
Compactness 10/10
Ease of initial use 9/10
Extensive Manual 8/10
Long zoom lens 9/10,
Picture quality 9/10
b) THE BOOS
No carrying case – how cheapskate is that? 5/10
Short battery life, but then it would be difficult to put a big battery in such a small camera 6/10
No alternative dry battery for emergencies 5/10
Poor battery life warning – too much like only having a low fuel warning light instead of a gauge 5/10
CONCLUSION
If you’re looking for a snazzy, if slightly pricey (£347 at Amazon*) digital camera capable of damned-near top-flight results, that feels like it’s well-built (it is, by the way), and that’s quite a lot smaller than a cigarette packet, then the IXUS range should be on your shopping list. Oh yes, it’s a doddle to use too.
*If it’s just results you’re after, then even Canon has a range of larger, cheaper and it has to be said, more plasticky cameras that perform just as well.
Advantages: Excellent picture quality, compact size, easy to use Disadvantages: Poor battery indicator, shutter speed can be a bit slow
I bought this camera a day before my holiday and have just come back after a week armed with nearly 1000 photos. It took only the afternoon after it arrived to go through the menus and get the hang of using it and after only a few photos I knew I had made an excellent choice. Picture quality was definitely the most important factor for me and I have not been disappointed - quite the opposite in fact. I had my mums Kodak DC4800 camera as a benchmark ... ...like the same picture quality within my budget let alone better, which this is, by some way at times. I use the medium quality setting (of 3) and the 2nd largest resolution (of 4) and get 1600x1200 pictures of the most amazing quality, even in dull weather. The detail and sharpness is excellent and the focus superb. Half holding the shutter sets the focus and a green rectangle appears on the LCD indicator where the point of focus will be. This gives ...
Lenesi 13.10.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Canon Digital IXUS 400
Advantages: Slim and Small (Portable) Disadvantages: From my experience... battery power runs out to fast and no internal memory.
*Brand:
The Canon Ixus 400 was obviously made by Canon, one of the top leading companies known for their quality and their always upgrading technology. *Dimensions:
The Canon Ixus 400 like stated in my advantages is very portable, the dimensions are as follows 2.0(H)x5.0(W)x8.0(D) --- cm For someone like me who loves taking photographs and taking the camera everywhere would really enjoy this light, small camera. *Megapixels
The Canon IXUS 400 ... ...note: Canon always release new updates of their software/drivers so an advantage is
You can go to their site and download.
*Battery
The camera has a Lithium-ion battery, which is rechargeable (a charger comes with the camera) The compact sized battery has no memory effect, so they it can be recharged at any time. * Macro mode for close focusing As the camera allows you to take up to about 30+ seconds of video clips it also allows filming close ...
Saiyan 07.02.2004 (09.02.2004)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Canon Digital IXUS 400
Advantages: Compact, easy to use, good software Disadvantages: Case is extra, only comes with a 32mb smartmedia card
...to this camera from a Canon Ixus Z70 (non digital) and thought that I would have to go some to beat that camera. This camera more than exceeded my expectations - it uses all of its 4.1 megapixels to good effect.
If you want a reliable, easy-to-use good looking camera with plenty of useful features then this is the camera for you.
It takes photos up to size A4 fine quality and will take up to A3 (though I would think that the average amateur photographer ... ...was a bit mean of Canon not to provide a case for the camera, a branded one is £15 retail (surely far less for Canon) but does include a zip purse for spare battery (approx £25) and spare smartmedia cards. The camera includes a 32mb card which will take approx 28 fine resolution snaps. I bought 2 X 128mb which take 110 pictures each, the retail is about £50 but I picked mine up on the internet from a reputable company for £28 each.
The software ...
suwinter 24.04.2003
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Canon Digital IXUS 400
Advantages: COMPACT & STYLISH Disadvantages: NO CASE
...well who would!
The canon IXUS 400 is great it serves all my needs, there are newer models on the market but that will always be the case. Speaking of cases where is it - what a shame it didn't come with one. The camera itself was not cheap you think they could have stretched a bit further. my only other moan is the battery warning it is not long enough, one minute it tells you to change batteries then you blink it goes off! I have had to buy another ... ...combat this problem. Other than that the camera is great and I would be happy to recommend it to anyone.
I have used this camera I believe to its full potential. I use the video and tend to do a short video of my son once a month to show his growth which is nice and not tedious to watch back as each is only 4 -5 mins long, after recently purchasing a higher memory card to enable me to do so. I can recommend that you have 2 memory cards with one ...
debsk29 21.04.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Canon Digital IXUS 400
Advantages: High resolution - 4 megapixels Disadvantages: No carrying case supplied
...because of its brand name. Canon has long been recognised for its quality cameras, and this is no different. The canon ixus 400 can be carried anywhere – measuring only 2.0 * 5.0 * 8.0cm – it is extremely light and portable and is great to just keep in your pocket to catch that rare shot.
Camera picture quality is generally defined by the number of megapixels that the camera is able to catch the shot in. Top of the range cameras can produce over ... ...photograph. The canon ixus 400, being 4 megapixels, produces a quality high resolution image, meaning that you can also enlarge the photo if you like, without losing a lot of picture quality. I have to say that one of my favourite features of the camera is the lcd screen (i have a thing for gadgets) – you get to see the shot after it is taken, and can choose whether to keep it or not. Of course, you have the option to turn the lcd screen off, to ...
chickunmun 10.04.2004
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful Review of Canon Digital IXUS 400
Picture Quality
Range & Quality of Feat...
Ease of Use
Durability
Overall Look & Design
Value for Money
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Advantages: Decent price Disadvantages: Not too many
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Advantages: Main features of a SLR in a mear mortals price range. Disadvantages: The obstructed viewfinder.
with.
My affair with Digital was started when i attended the Canon open day at Lulworth Cove earlier this year and was "Lent" a CanonIxus400digital camera for the morning. I must say that i was initially very unimpressed and looked at it with all the affection one would a dead rat.
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Advantages: Not many but it is well made. Disadvantages: Colour, Choice of material, Expensive
This has got to be the most impractical camera case ever...and...er I bought one. OK so I was desperate, but here is my review and I hope this helps someone who maybe thinking of buying this case for their DigitalIxus.
Details
The case is for the CanonDigitalIxus range, namely the 300,330,400, the new 500 and probably the v2 range.
It is finished in a light grey suede (why, why why?) with beltloop and zipped memory card department (removable) to the front. It has an embossed Canon logo and its dimensions are 65mm (width) x 95mm (height) x 40mm (deep). These dimensions include the detachable memory card case, which when removed make the main case 35mm deep.
The Materials.
My Ixus 330 is fantastic. Canon probably spent years developing and testing it, then 5 minutes on designing the case. The materials used ...
Product Information for "Canon Digital IXUS 400" »
Connections
Connector Type
1 x USB
1 x composite video/audio output
Expansion Slot(s)
1 x CompactFlash Card - type I
Manufacturer's product description
A fresh new design, beautifully styled new IXUS boasting new features and high level of specification!The IXUS 400 is a stylish digital camera featuring a high quality 4-mega-pixel CCD and 3x optical zoom lens. A stainless steel shell protects the camera, while a new finish, "Super Hard Cerabrite", mixes metals and ceramics to produce a tough cool-toned exterior that is visually stunning.The IXUS 400 incorporates a high resolution CCD sensor with 4 .0 effective mega pixels (approximately 4.1 mega pixels in total). This sensor allows the camera to capture still images as large as 2, 272 x 1, 704 pixels and movies as large as 320 x 240 pixels.The IXUS 400 features a highly compact and sharp 3 x optical zoom lens with a focal length of 36-108mm (35mm equivalent). The lens features a maximum aperture of f2.8 (wide angle) to f4.9 (telephoto).The IXUS 400 has several shooting modes, which can be selected from a mode dial on the camera. Modes include Auto, Manual (Program), Stitch Assist and Movie (with sound).The Digital IXUS 400 is more than just a still camera; it is also capable of recording voice-tags of up to 60 seconds to accompany each image, and can even capture movie clips of up to three minutes, complete with sound.Typical of the level of technology that is a hallmark of Canon cameras, the Digital IXUS 400 features an amazing nine-point AiAF (Artificial intelligence Auto Focus) system that can automatically detect a subject, even if they are not in the center of the frame. Digital IXUS 400 users will also benefit from shutter speeds of 15-1/2000sec and a maximum continuous shooting speed of 2.5 frames per second in still photo mode.