Canon EOS-400D (Digital Rebel-XTi) Serial Number 0720 3281xx

Canon’s EOS-400D Digital camera, known as the EOS Digital Rebel XTi in the USA, is their most recent released/announced, Thursday, 24 August 2006, at Photokina, 2006. Briefly, this is a wonderful combination of the “Digital Rebel” entry level camera, and Canon’s 30D feature set, coupled with a new high resolution CMOS 10,100,000 pixel imager, a new 2.5” LCD viewing panel, and Canon’s new anti-dust technologies. Separate low pass filter with ultra-sonic vibration to remove dust; Anti-static coatings on sensor surface, software based dust mapping and removal; Nine area Auto Focus sensor (same as EOS 30D); Picture Styles, larger range of image parameter adjustment (also same as EOS 30D); Faster image processing; Removal of top control panel LCD display, now uses main (rear body) LCD monitor; Proximity sensor below viewfinder eyepiece to disable main LCD during composition; Camera settings made on main LCD, such as metering, white balance, ISO, AF area etc; Setting adjustment saved with half-press of shutter release; Continuous shooting buffer up to 27 JPEG and 10 RAW images; Large 2.5" LCD monitor with 160° viewing angle; Image magnification available in record review; Histogram available as brightness (Luminance) or RGB (Red, Green, Blue); Traditional Chinese language (in addition to Simplified Chinese); Up to 9999 images per folder on storage card.

Personal opinion is that this compact digital camera feels great in your hands, as light-weight, highly portable high performance digital camera. For a professional this would make a great back-up camera, when the high-end equipment is inoperable. I like the idea of having a great imaging device in a very compact housing for candid photography. Its difficult to obtain candid shots, holding Canon’s intimidating 1DsMk2 with the 580EX flash; definitely not an invisible, light weight tool. This camera gives great high resolution images in a very small, full-featured, digital camera. I paid $20,000 for Canon’s digital camera with 6MP with inferior results. Think about it, this camera out-performs a camera that cost 30x the current price for what Canon today calls an “entry level” camera, with higher resolution by a 60%, better color, better everything…

The test images shown (at http://www.416-1100.com/gallery/2360978/) were taken with the subject camera, with no post-production enhancement. The lenses used were Canon’s 24-105mm f4L IS zoom, and Canon's 24mm T/S lens, later in the series of images. The Tilt/Shift lens is a special purpose lens that demonstrates certain special optical effects. At another page location I describe this lenses techniques. In the weeks to come, other images will be added using other Canon Lenses, including the “kit” lens that was packaged with the-is camera.
JimWilson 2007/Jan/16/2030pm