Product Listing

Canon EOS 400D 10.1-megapixel DSLR

By Daniel Lim - 16 Jan 2007

Final Verdict - Buy or Not to Buy?

Final Verdict - Buy or Not to Buy?

Canon sure has an interesting approach in the positioning of the 400D; the arrival of this newcomer does not signal the demise of an existing model, which is usually the norm practised by the industry. Looking at where it sits within Canon's lineup of DSLR cameras, the 400D is neither an entry-level camera nor is it a mid-range camera. Instead, it sits nicely between the 350D (which will continue to be Canon's most affordable DSLR) and 30D, albeit with a slightly different set of features. Suffice to say, the Canon 400D is not just a mere step up from the 350D released last year. This is because it boasts a new 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor and brings with it a better nine point autofocus and a larger LCD screen. According to Canon, viewing angles have been improved to 160-degrees for both the horizontal and vertical axes. Another glaring difference between the 400D and the 350D is that the status LCD panel that once sat above the LCD monitor on the latter has been left out of the 400D. All information are now displayed on the new 2.5-inch LCD instead. And to prevent the glare of the LCD from affecting your judgment when you look through the optical viewfinder, Canon has included an intelligent proximity sensor into the 400D. This automatically powers off the LCD temporarily whenever your face is within range, which it interprets as you peering through the viewfinder to line up a shot.

Most noteworthy is the inclusion of EOS I.C.S system, which is not even available on the high-end 1Ds Mark II. In terms of performance, the 400D can be seen as a little brother of the 30D, even if the latter has a smaller 8.2-megapixel CMOS sensor in comparison. To list a few differences, the 400D doesn't have as fast a continuous shooting speed and better build as the 30D, but at 65% the price of the 30D, we are definitely not complaining. Still, there's no denying that the proposition offered by the 400D is one that offers advanced imaging capabilities and flexibility of the 30D but at a fraction of the price. Those on a tight budget will no doubt find the 400D an attractive DSLR - we certainly think it represents incredible value for what it is capable of delivering.

The current 10-megapixel DSLR contenders. Which one will you pick?

Against competing models such as the Sony Alpha A100 and Nikon D80, the 400D is the smallest and lightest unit. Those with bigger hands will probably need some time to adjust to the new handling dynamics of the 400D. Build quality however, remains a praise reserved for the Nikon D80 because its chassis is manufactured out of metal alloy and not plastic. On that note, the Canon EOS 400D is the most affordable DSLR camera among the three commanding a price of only US$799 (Body only) and US$899 (with 18-55 mm lens). It is about US$200 less than the Nikon D80 and Sony A100 thus winning our Most Value for Money award in the 10-megapixel DSLR category.

As for performance, the Canon 400D commands a slight edge by having better noise suppression. Photo details and color reproduction on the 400D are also commendable. End of the day, the three cameras are inseparable where imaging performance is concerned. Making a pick in our opinion is really down to personal preference because all three cameras have their own strengths and weaknesses. Furthermore, with the availability of the Olympus E400 and Pentax K10D formally announced, deciding which 10-megapixel DSLR to invest is all but more challenging than ever.

Join HWZ's Telegram channel here and catch all the latest tech news!
Our articles may contain affiliate links. If you buy through these links, we may earn a small commission.