AdrianWarren.com: Reviews: Canon EOS 400D

Conclusion - Pros

Compact and lightweight for a dSLR
Excellent buffering and card write speeds
Effective sensor dust management system
Excellent responsiveness; nearly instant on
High quality display; good viewing angle
RGB histograms
Higher resolution than the 350D, at least in line with the increased pixel count
Good high ISO performance; in 6x4 prints ISO100 and ISO1600 are virtually indistinguishable in daylight shots
Good long exposure performance with long exposure NR enabled
350D set 'bug' fixed, selecting a setting will no longer be cleared when you press the shutter button
Improved build quality from the 350D, feels more solid
Improved handling over the 350D, better grip shape and pleasant textured finish in the areas you handle most
Improved AF over the 350D, inherited from the 30D. Now with sensors near the 'thirds' points

Conclusion - Cons

Flash based low light AF assist
RGB histograms too small to be really useful, no single channel blinking highlights
Occasional single channel clipping
Marginally higher noise levels than the 350D, a consequence of the extra pixels
White balance in artificial light poor; overly warm
JPEGs perhaps a little too smooth at ISO100
Comparatively small and dark viewfinder, as with the 300D/350D
Opening the CF compartment door loses any images still being written to card without warning
Limited exposure compensation range in all modes, only +/- 2EV
Limited bracketing range, again +/- 2EV; although this is better than the D40x which has none

Overall conclusion

A solid upgrade to a well deserved best-seller, the EOS 400D builds on the excellent foundation laid down by its forebears to become an excellent all rounder. Whilst the improved specifications were in many ways perhaps a little too predictable, when added together they do create a camera that feels significantly more professional and usable.

The extra resolution will be of use to those who print at large sizes (16"+), but is of more questionable use for the majority of users. As ever the extra resolution brings extra noise, due to the smaller photo-sites being used in the sensor. Whilst that noise is generally well controlled, particularly at high ISOs, whilst it's still good it does leave ISO100 a little more noisy than perhaps it should be. If this is of concern, then I would consider one of the higher models in the range (EOS 5D or EOS 40D).

At the time of writing (March 2007) a replacement model has been announced for the 400D/DigitalRebelXTi; the 450D/DigitalRebelXSi. In addition to a higher resolution sensor it now has live view and 14bit processing. I suggest you check out the reviews on that when they become available before making a buying decision.

Detail (D-SLR)	Rating (out of 10)
Build quality	8
Ergonomics & handling	8
Features	8
Image quality	8
Performance (speed)	9
Value	9

Overall:

Highly Recommended

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