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Canon 400D Comparison Review

The Canon EOS 400D (called Canon XTi in some regions) is a DSLR (Digital Single Lens Reflex) camera that was officially introduced in August 2006 and is equipped with an APS-C sensor. It offers a resolution of 10.1 megapixel.

camera

Is the Canon 400D a good camera? The 400D has a Camera Elo of 1006. This rating puts the 400D below average of all digital single lens reflex cameras. In terms of its sensor size category (APS cameras), the 400D also ranks below average. Based on its within category standings, the camera earns a 2.5-star performance rating. – Well, the Canon 400D is more than 17 years old, and there have been many other good digital cameras released since 2006.

Headline Specifications
Canon 400D
Digital single lens reflex
Canon EF mount lenses
10.1 MP, APS-C Sensor
no Video
ISO 100 - 1 600
Optical viewfinder
2.5 LCD, 230k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
3 shutter flaps per second
370 shots per battery charge
127 x 84 x 65 mm, 556 g

Read on to find out more about the camera's size, sensor, features, reception by expert reviewers, and how it compares to other digital cameras.

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Body comparison with a credit card

An illustration of the physical dimensions of the Canon 400D vis-à-vis a credit card is provided in the side-by-side display below. Three consecutive perspectives from the front, the top, and the back are presented. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

Canon 400D vs credit card front
400D versus credit card top view
400D and credit card rear side

The table below summarizes the key physical specs of the Canon 400D alongside a set of similar cameras. If you want to review a particular camera pair side-by-side, just move across to the CAM-parator tool and choose from the broad selection of possible comparisons there.

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Body Specifications
#   Camera
Model
Camera
Width
Camera
Height
Camera
Depth
Camera
Weight
Battery
Life
Weather
Sealing
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon 400D 127 mm 84 mm 65 mm 556 g 370 n Aug 2006 799ebay.com
2.
 
Canon 750D 132 mm 101 mm 78 mm 555 g 440 n Feb 2015 749ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 760D 132 mm 101 mm 78 mm 565 g 440 n Feb 2015 649ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 650D 133 mm 100 mm 79 mm 575 g 440 n Jun 2012 849ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 1100D 130 mm 100 mm 78 mm 495 g 700 n Feb 2011 449ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 550D 129 mm 98 mm 62 mm 530 g 440 n Feb 2010 699ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 500D 129 mm 98 mm 62 mm 520 g 400 n Mar 2009 799ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 450D 129 mm 98 mm 62 mm 524 g 500 n Jan 2008 799ebay.com
9.
 
Canon 40D 146 mm 108 mm 74 mm 822 g 750 n Aug 2007 1,299ebay.com
10.
 
Canon 350D 127 mm 94 mm 64 mm 540 g 400 n Feb 2005 899ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D40X 124 mm 94 mm 64 mm 522 g 520 n Mar 2007 729ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
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The listed prices provide an indication of the market segment that the manufacturer of the cameras have been targeting. The Canon 400D was launched in the US market at a price of $799. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down. Then, after the new model is out, very good deals can frequently be found on the pre-owned market.

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Sensor comparison with a 35mm slide

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

The Canon 400D features an APS-C sensor and has a format factor (sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 1.6. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the Canon 400D among the medium-sized sensor cameras that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability.

Canon 400D sensor measures

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for most cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The adjacent table reports on the physical sensor characteristics and the outcomes of the DXO sensor quality tests for a sample of alternative cameras.

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Sensor Characteristics
#   Camera
Model
Sensor
Class
Resolution
(MP)
Horiz.
Pixels
Vert.
Pixels
Video
Format
DXO
Portrait
DXO
Landscape
DXO
Sports
DXO
Overall
1.
 
Canon 400D APS-C 10.1 3888 2592none22.111.066462
2.
 
Canon 750D APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p22.712.091971
3.
 
Canon 760D APS-C 24.0 6000 40001080/30p22.612.091570
4.
 
Canon 650D APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p21.711.272262
5.
 
Canon 1100D APS-C 12.2 4272 2848720/30p21.911.075562
6.
 
Canon 550D APS-C 17.9 5184 34561080/30p22.111.578466
7.
 
Canon 500D APS-C 15.1 4752 31681080/20p21.711.566363
8.
 
Canon 450D APS-C 12.2 4272 2848none21.910.869261
9.
 
Canon 40D APS-C 10.1 3888 2592none22.111.370364
10.
 
Canon 350D APS-C 8.0 3456 2304none21.810.863760
11.
 
Nikon D40X APS-C 10.0 3872 2592none22.411.451663
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It should be noted that unlike many modern cameras, the 400D does not provide the possibility to capture videos.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the 400D has an optical viewfinder that provides a field of view of 95% and a magnification of 0.49x. The adjacent tables list some of the other core features of the Canon 400D along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

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Core Features
#   Camera
Model
Viewfinder
(Type or
000 dots)
Control
Panel
(yes/no)
LCD
Specifications
(inch/000 dots)
LCD
Attach-
ment
Touch
Screen
(yes/no)
Max
Shutter
Speed *
Max
Shutter
Flaps *
Built-in
Flash
(yes/no)
Built-in
Image
Stab
1.
 
Canon 400Doptical n2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
2.
 
Canon 750Doptical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
3.
 
Canon 760Doptical Y3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
4.
 
Canon 650Doptical n3.0 / 1040 swivel Y 1/4000s 5.0/s Y n
5.
 
Canon 1100Doptical n2.7 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
6.
 
Canon 550Doptical n3.0 / 1040 fixed n 1/4000s 3.7/s Y n
7.
 
Canon 500Doptical n3.0 / 920 fixed n 1/4000s 3.4/s Y n
8.
 
Canon 450Doptical n3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.5/s Y n
9.
 
Canon 40Doptical Y3.0 / 230 fixed n 1/8000s 6.5/s Y n
10.
 
Canon 350Doptical n1.8 / 115 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
11.
 
Nikon D40Xoptical n2.5 / 230 fixed n 1/4000s 3.0/s Y n
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.
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One convenient feature of the 400D is the presence of an on-board flash. While this built-in flash is not very powerful, it can at times be useful as a fill-in light to brighten deep shadow areas.

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Connection comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS 400D and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

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Input-Output Connections
#   Camera
Model
Hotshoe
Port
Internal
Mic / Speaker
Microphone
Port
Headphone
Port
HDMI
Port
USB
Port
WiFi
Support
NFC
Support
Bluetooth
Support
1.
 
Canon 400DY- / ----2.0---
2.
 
Canon 750DYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
3.
 
Canon 760DYstereo / monoY-mini2.0YY-
4.
 
Canon 650DYstereo / monoY-mini2.0---
5.
 
Canon 1100DYstereo / mono--mini2.0---
6.
 
Canon 550DYstereo / -Y-mini2.0---
7.
 
Canon 500DYmono / mono--mini2.0---
8.
 
Canon 450DY- / ---mini2.0---
9.
 
Canon 40DY- / ----2.0---
10.
 
Canon 350DY- / ----2.0---
11.
 
Nikon D40XY- / ----2.0---
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Further information on the features and operation of the 400D can be found in the free online Canon 400D Manual or on the Canon support site.

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Expert reviews

While the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it remains partial and cannot reveal, for example, the handling experience and imaging performance when actually working with the 400D. User reviews, such as those found at amazon, can sometimes inform about these issues, but such feedback is often incomplete, inconsistent, and biased. This is why expert reviews are important. The following table reports the overall rankings of the cameras as published by some of the major camera review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]).

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Review Scores
#    Camera 
 Model 
 AP 
 score 
 CL 
 score 
 DCW 
 score 
 DPR 
 score 
 EPZ 
 score 
 PB 
 score 
Camera
Launch
Launch
Price (USD)
Street
Price
1.
 
Canon 400D..+ +..+ +o4/5 Aug 2006 799ebay.com
2.
 
Canon 750D5/5....75/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 749ebay.com
3.
 
Canon 760D5/5+..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Feb 2015 649ebay.com
4.
 
Canon 650D4/5+ +..77/1004.5/54.5/5 Jun 2012 849ebay.com
5.
 
Canon 1100D..80/100..69/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2011 449ebay.com
6.
 
Canon 550D..+ +..77/1004/54.5/5 Feb 2010 699ebay.com
7.
 
Canon 500D..+ +..74/1004.5/54.5/5 Mar 2009 799ebay.com
8.
 
Canon 450D..+ +..+ +4/54.5/5 Jan 2008 799ebay.com
9.
 
Canon 40D..+ +..+ +4.5/54.5/5 Aug 2007 1,299ebay.com
10.
 
Canon 350D..80/100..+ +o.. Feb 2005 899ebay.com
11.
 
Nikon D40X..79/100..+ +4/54/5 Mar 2007 729ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.
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Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and comparing ratings of very distinct cameras or ones that are far apart in terms of their release date have little meaning. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

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Canon 400D FAQ

Below are some additional questions and answers concerning some particular features of the 400D.

What is the technology behind the imaging sensor in the Canon 400D?

The camera features a CMOS (Complementary Metal–Oxide–Semiconductor) sensor.

Which image processing chip is used in the Canon 400D to convert the raw signal into an image file and perform noise reduction and image sharpening?

Canon equipped the 400D with the DIGIC II image processor.

What is the ISO sensitivity range of the Canon 400D?

The camera has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 1600.

What is the life expectancy of the shutter in the Canon EOS 400D?

Canon mentions a shutter rating of 50 000 actuations for the 400D. This number represents a Mean Time before Failure, that is an average value. The shutter might fail earlier, or it might last longer. Anyway, in order to exhaust the expected shutter life of the 400D over, say, three years, one would have to take about 50 pictures each and every day.

Does the Canon 400D feature an autofocus assist light?

Yes, the camera has a lamp built-in that can illuminate the subject and improve autofocus in low-light settings.

What is the fastest shutter speed that can be used with the Canon 400D for flash photography?

The 400D's flash sync speed is 1/200 sec.

Which battery does the Canon 400D use?

The camera gets its power from the NB-2LH (here at amazon), which is a rechargeable Lithium-Ion power pack.

Is there a vertical grip available for the Canon 400D?

Yes, Canon offers the BG-E3 as an optional accessory to facilitate shooting in portrait orientation and to provide additional battery power.

Camera to camera comparisons

In case you would like to check on the differences and similarities with other camera models, just make a corresponding selection in the search boxes below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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    Specifications Summary
    Camera Model Canon 400D
    Camera Type Digital single lens reflex
    Camera Lens Canon EF mount lenses
    Launch Date August 2006
    Launch Price USD 799
    Sensor Specs
    Sensor Technology CMOS
    Sensor Format APS-C Sensor
    Sensor Size 22.2 x 14.8 mm
    Sensor Area 329 mm2
    Sensor Diagonal 26.7 mm
    Crop Factor 1.6x
    Sensor Resolution 10.1 Megapixels
    Image Resolution 3 888 x 2 592 pixels
    Pixel Pitch 5.71 μm
    Pixel Density 3.07 MP/cm2
    Moiré control Anti-Alias filter
    Movie Capability no Video
    ISO Setting 100 - 1 600 ISO
    Image Processor DIGIC II
    DXO Sensor Quality (score) 62
    DXO Color Depth (bits) 22.1
    DXO Dynamic Range (EV) 11.0
    DXO Low Light (ISO) 664
    Screen Specs
    Viewfinder Type Optical viewfinder
    Viewfinder Field of View 95%
    Viewfinder Magnification 0.49x
    Top-Level Screen no Top Display
    LCD Size 2.5 inch
    LCD Resolution 230k dots
    LCD Attachment Fixed screen
    Touch Input No touchscreen
    Shooting Specs
    Focus System Phase-detect AF
    Manual Focusing Aidno Peaking Feature
    Maximum Shutter Speed 1/4000s
    Continuous Shooting 3 shutter flaps/s
    Shutter Life Expectancy50 000 actuations
    Silent Shootingno E-Shutter
    Time Lapse Photographyno Intervalometer
    Fill Flash Built-in Flash
    Storage Medium CF cards
    Single or Dual Card Slots Single card slot
    Connectivity Specs
    External Flash Hotshoe
    USB Connector USB 2.0
    HDMI Port no HDMI
    Wifi Support no Wifi
    Body Specs
    Battery Type NB-2LH power pack
    Battery Life (CIPA)370 shots per charge
    Body Dimensions 127 x 84 x 65 mm
    (5.0 x 3.3 x 2.6 in)
    Camera Weight 556 g (19.6 oz)

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