Replacing the world's best selling DSLR was always going to be a challenge, but it's certainly not one that canon has taken half-heartedly. Not only does the Canon EOS 400D raise the pixels count of Canon's entry-level DSLR to 10 million pixels, but it also inherits the same nine-point AF system used in the high-endEOS 30D and 5D and, for the first time, features a three-stage dust prevention/reduction system.
There has also been a significant increase in the newcomer's burst depth, allowing up to 27 of the highest quality JPEGs to be recorded in succession.
On top of this is an all inclusive ISO 100-1600 range, Picture Styles mode to produce print-ready JPEGs and RAW capture for those looking to get the best from the camera.
To ensure the camera caters for all user levels the PASM shooting modes (Program, Aperture priority and Manual) are accompanied by five subject-specific options, plus fully automatic for 'point and shoot' simplicity.
OTHER FEATURES!!!
EXPOSURE METERING:-
The 400D offers a choice of 35-zone evaluative, centre weighted and partial metering patterns, but there's still no spot metering.
IMAGE PROCESSING:-
Although the algorithms have been tweaked a little, the Canon EOS 400D uses the SAME DIGIC II processor as the EOS 350D to maintain speed and quality.
DUST BUSTER:-
If you want to shoot in RAW format, you can use software-based image cleaning in addition to the in-camera system via Canon's DPP software.
HANDLING!!!
The EOS 400D may replace the EOS 350D but this hasn't stopped Canon fine-tuning its design and handling as well as the specification.
Unlike its predecessor, uses a single 2.5 in LCD instead of two screens, and this has allowed larger, clearer shooting information to be displayed in a no-nonsense black-on-white fashion.
As with the Alpha 100, 'Eye Start' technology switches the 400D's screen off when it's raised to your eye, and back on when it is taken away. Unlike the Nikon and Olympus models the screen information isn't 'live', so the 400D relies on buttons to access the ISO, white balance etc. This isn't quite as 'immediate', but the buttons fall readily to-hand and easily mastered.
Where the EOS 400D excels is when it comes to it's operating speed. The DIGIC II processor is incredibly efficient at sweeping images from the sensor to the Compact Flash memory card, which is partly why the 400D has a vastly improved 27-frame JPEG burst depth. Start-up equally brisk even with the dust reducing 'shake' taken into the account and overall the 400D always feels ready for the next shot.
The auto focus is also a significant improvement over its predecessor, not only because it's so fast. Providing you're shooting in reasonably bright conditions it always seems to pick up the 'right' subject and the only slight niggle is that it's a little hesitant when light levels dip.
That's my only criticism of an otherwise exceptional handling experience, though, and the Canon EOS 400D leads this particular field in terms of speed of use.
How helpful would this review be to a person making a buying decision? Rating guidelines
Advantages: Compatable with huge range of Canon accesories, build quality, ease of use, loads of features Disadvantages: No spot metering, kit lens a little cheap
MrMopp 09.09.2009 ·
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: very helpful
Review of Canon EOS 400D
Advantages: build quality, picture quality, ease of use Disadvantages: very occasional difficulties with auto focus, no anti-dust protection for the sensor
cornzee 08.06.2007 (08.06.2007)
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