Aug 24: Canon EOS 400D

The Canon EOS 400D (also known as the Canon Rebel XTi) is official (as we announced yesterday). It's a 10.1 megapixel camera, features a 2.5 inch LCD screeen and 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.

Expect the Canon EOS 400D to retail at $799 (body only) and $899 with kit lens.

Compare prices on the Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi and get the latest price on the Canon Digital Rebel XTi / 400d at Amazon.

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 Dust

Canon’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.

Compare prices on the Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi

Canon EOS 400D Reviews

Camera Labs have a review of the Canon EOS 400D / Digital Rebel XTi where they write - '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, while those looking for a tougher product may be tempted by the Nikon D80. But this aside, it’s hard to fault the EOS 400D / Rebel XTi.'

The Digital Picture (my favorite Canon review site) reviews the Canon EOS 400D Digital Rebel SLR where they write - '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. For an entry-level-priced Digital SLR, the Canon EOS 400D Digital Rebel XTi has more features than most entry-level-priced Digital SLR buyers will ever use - and has performance and image quality to satisfy many professional needs. Overall, I'm pleased with this DSLR.'

CNET reviews the Canon EOS Rebel XTi and writes - 'What's true for doctors applies equally to consumer electronics manufacturers: first, do no harm. Canon is usually pretty good at adhering to that philosophy, making only minor changes to successful products and saving the daring moves for the models that need it. Now, changing sensors isn't normally considered terribly daring when it comes to digital cameras. But when its predecessor--in this case, the EOS Rebel XT--was renowned for producing excellent, low-noise photos at a more-than-adequate 8-megapixel resolution, it's risky to replace it with a higher-resolution but potentially lower-sensitivity chip as Canon did with the EOS Rebel XTi. Perhaps the Nikon D80 upped the stakes; perhaps Canon felt it was an inevitable necessity. Whatever the reason, it yields mixed results.'

DP Expert reviews the Canon EOS 400D and writes - "The body costs $1300 (AU) and with the standard 18–55 kit lens it is $1500. There is a two lens kit with a 75–300 zoom for $1650. The “enthusiast’s kit�? with the image stabilised 17–85 is $2300. It’s a choice between two lenses covering 18 to 300mm for $350 or one lens of lesser focal length range for $1000. Hmm. We tried the camera with the kit lenses and didn’t like it. We switched to the better lens and loved it. $2300 buys a great camera but it’s certainly not “entry level�?."

Digital Trends reviews the Canon Digital Rebel XTi where they give it a rating of 8.5 and write - 'The Canon Rebel XTi has a decent kit. As noted, the basic lens that’s supplied is 18-55mm that’ll leave you wanting more on the telephoto side. Also this is not Canon’s finest piece of glass. You really need to buy higher-quality lenses to step up image quality. Consider the kit lens a place setter as you get more comfortable with the whole interchangeable lens world. You’ll definitely want another—or three. The camera comes with all the requisite accessories other than a CompactFlash card (go for a high-speed edition). There’s a nice 180-page owner’s manual, neck strap, lens caps, cables, battery/charger and two software CD ROMs. One has imaging software for PC and Mac and the second has operating instructions for the programs.'

Lets Go Digital reviews the Canon EOS 400D and writes - 'With the EOS 400D, Canon deliver an excellent digital SLR camera. It truly offers value for money, especially when considering the remarkable software that comes with the camera: a proper, extensive version, not one of those light editions. The Canon EOS 400D is an excellent first step into the world of DSLR cameras, as well as a great back-up camera. It is a genuinely versatile model, that remains user-friendly, offers comprehensible features and a clear operation. Although we do not doubt the success the Canon 400D will enjoy, we know the competition is rarely far behind. Canon have their rivals breathing down their neck, and the gap of differences between them is becoming increasingly smaller. We would genuinely recommend the Canon EOS 400D to all of those who have lost their heart to photography, whether it is the snapshot photographer that wants to capture his images in a simple, yet high quality manner, or the enthusiastic hobby photographer that wants to unleash his creativity. The extensive options and the camera's user-friendly operation ensure the Canon EOS 400D is perfectly suitable for a large group of photographers. Truly recommended! "

Digital Camera Info has posted their review of the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi where they write - 'Plenty of users will enjoy the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi. In automatic modes, it's easy to use, and snapshooters will be pleased with its quality. If they don't make enlargements, though, users won't see a difference between shots from the 10-megapixel XTi and ones from lower-resolution cameras. DSLRs should have complete manual controls, and the Rebel XTi scores well on that account. However, it should have been more convenient to control and the dials and buttons should have been better designed, better finished, and more extensive.'

Steves Digicams review the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi / EOS 400D where they recommend - 'The Digital rebel XTi finds itself in the unusual position of having several advantages over Canon's current prosumer model, the 30D. The XTi offers greater resolution (10.1 versus 8-megapixels), greater burst shooting capacity (27 versus 23 frames) and a self-cleaning image sensor. But the 30D retains an edge with its faster continuous shooting (5 frames-per-second (fps) vs. 3 fps), more custom settings (18 vs. 11), a 3200 ISO sensitivity setting, a rugged magnesium body and a pentaprism viewfinder vs the XTi's pentamirror. While we wait for Canon's other shoe to drop in the form of a 30D successor, the XTi can capture larger images with a quality equal to the 30D, while lagging in capture rate and maximum ISO. Choosing between the two should focus on price and features, not the least of which is the XTi's self-cleaning image sensor.'

Pocket Lint reviews the Canon EOS 400D DSLR and gives it a rating of 8 out of 10. They write - "Metering is good as is white balance performance in all but the auto setting where it seems to leave well alone! The manual white balance settings works a treat of course if you need to iron out any issues, but is slower to use. However, the range of image setting adjustments you can make is pretty much the best in this class of DSLR and you get an excellent suit of software to help play with the RAW files this camera makes along with the usual array of JPEGs. The EOS 400D has its foibles not least of which is the kit lens. However, it is capable of superb results, is easy to use and it’s a great price given the kit levels and even though Nikon’s D40 has arrived on the scene. "

PhotographyBLOG reviews the Canon EOS 400D where they write - 'The 400D certainly has the bottle to take on its competitors with its 10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor but it does not set the standards and stand out from the crowd anymore. It is not the cheapest or the most expensive model on the market and it is not even the smallest DSLR available, as the Olympus E400 takes that crown. Canon have done exactly what they had to do with their latest entry-level DSLR by adding new features like their EOS Integrated Cleaning System and the larger 2.5-inch LCD screen. There is no doubt that this camera will sell by the bucket-loads and any consumer wanting to take their first step into DSLR ownership won't go far wrong with this DSLR, but while the 400D offers a good all round performance, it is no longer top of the class.'

Macworld reviews the Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi and writes, "As with the XT, the XTi yields excellent image quality, with very little noise up through ISO 400, and minimal noise at ISO 800 through 1,600, the maximum speed available. An increase in resolution can sometimes result in noisy photos, but Canon has managed to increase the resolution on the XTi’s sensor without increasing the noise. As such, the extra two megapixels are welcome, and provide much more output and cropping flexibility. ... You need to get your hands on the Digital Rebel XTi before you can make an evaluation as to whether it’s right for you. If you like its size and feel, then you’ll find it to be a full-featured camera that yields excellent image quality at a very reasonable price."

Megapixel has a review of the Canon Rebel XTi/EOS 400D and writes, "The Canon Digital Rebel XTi, although it resembles the XT, is in fact a distinct model. Its 10-megapixel CMOS sensor gives it a slight advantage in terms of resolution, but it is really the AF, the buffer memory, the Picture Styles, and the dust reduction system that position it ahead of the XT. Moreover, in view of its excellent image quality and its price, the Rebel XTi/EOS 400D is one of the most attractive DSLR cameras currently on the market, although the lens it is currently sold with in kit form does not do the camera justice, quite unlike when it is paired with any of Canon finer lenses."

Digicam Review has a review of the Canon EOS 400D Digital Rebel XTi DSLR and gives it a 9/10 rating, writing, "Image quality is excellent, the images have very good colour, with good contrast and detail, with low noise except at the highest ISO settings (ISO1600). Images were slightly smoothed but this is adjustable within the camera and detail was very good. Purple fringing was very low with the kit lens, and red-eye was not a problem. The camera was very competent at focusing (except on very plain surfaces). Vignetting in photos was very mild and I did not notice barrel or pincushion distortion. There is a good range of image sizes, and the compression options include a RAW mode. Auto white balance, metering, and exposure seemed to be good to very good. ... The Canon 400D Digital SLR is a great digital camera. It feels very comfortable in hand, and produces very natural pictures with little noise and rich pleasing colours. This camera is very easy to use (in auto mode), and would definitely suit an amateur who wants to become a professional. The camera offers excellent battery life, with very good controls and good build quality. Professional photographers might want to compare the camera with other DSLR cameras before purchase, as some may find the camera's features and options slightly limiting. "

Shutterbug has a review of the Canon Digital Rebel XTi and writes, "Advanced Canon shooters will miss the back Command Dial, and have to put up with toggles and the front knurled dial for menu changes and image playback. But what is most evident is that Canon has slimmed down some of the options to those most important, and has not economized on creative options and features in the bargain. ... In all, the Canon Rebel XTi is a generational update that brings much of Canon’s experience and technology into play. At $899 for the kit with the lens and $799 for the body only, it’s a good bet for first-timers and as a backup for those already with a Canon DSLR."

Trusted Reviews has a review of the Canon EOS 400D and writes, "I’m a bit puzzled by the image quality. I’ve read some reviews that have absolutely raved about it, saying it’s easily the best of the 10MP DSLRs, but personally I wasn’t that impressed. It’s good, don’t get me wrong, but it’s not that good. In terms of absolute sharpness and detail, it produced virtually identical results to the Olympus E-400, Sony A100 and Nikon D80.... I also found significant levels of purple fringing around some burned-out highlights, and while it might have marginally superior dynamic range, it’s not enough to give it a significant advantage. Colour rendition was very good, but then again it’s not a problem for any recent DSLR that I’ve tried. ... Surprisingly for a canon DSLR, I was also not massively impressed by the image noise control. Shots at 100-400 ISO were fine, but there was noticeable colour speckling in darker areas at 800, which spread to the mid-tones at 1600 ISO."

PCWorld has a review of Canon EOS Digital Rebel Xti and writes, "The XTi yields excellent image quality, with practically no noise up through ISO 400, and little noise at ISO 800 through 1600 (the maximum speed available). Priced at $899 (as of November 6, 2006) with an 18mm-to-55mm lens, the XTi is right in line with its chief competitors, the Sony DSLR-Alpha 100K and the Nikon D80. This full-featured SLR delivers excellent image quality at a very reasonable price and is a solid choice for users who like its size and feel."

Stuff has a review of the Canon EOS 400 D and writes, "The variation of the ISO (equivalent to the exposure time or film speed) in this camera goes from 100 to 1600, and the noise in 1600 is as little as can be expected on today's digitals. ... To sum up, the Eos 400D is an entry-level priced digital SLR, with more features than most buyers will ever need, user-friendly commands that any amateur will understand and has performance and image quality to satisfy many professional requirements."

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