Canon Rebel XTi 400D Review

The Canon EOS 400D Digital Rebel XTi, otherwise known as the EOS 400D, is an upgrade from the former Canon XT model. In design, it is similar to the EOS 350D, both lightweight and compact, while retaining full manual controls and impressive performance.

Features include a 10.1 megapixel sensor, a 2.5” LCD screen, a dust cleaning system which includes anti-static surface coatings, software-based dust pattern removal, and low-pass filter vibration.

There are some interesting innovations in the new Canon Rebel XTi; for example, it has great compatibility with more than 50 lenses and various types of accessories. There’s a Picture Styles mode settings, PictBridge printing enhancements, a camera settings screen on the LCD monitor, plus an eye proximity sensor conveniently placed below the viewfinder.

Amazingly, the Canon Rebel XTi is even $100 cheaper than the Rebel XT.
Let’s take a look at the Rebel XTi’s design: this small digital SLR is painted chrome, to give it a metallic finish look. The paint is more than just for aesthetics; it will keep the camera from getting too hot when you use it for long periods under direct sunlight. This may seem like a minor point, but it makes a difference that most SLR users notice.

The Canon Rebel XTi features a more solid grip thanks to changes in shape and texture. The coarse texture on the grip surface keeps it from slipping from your hand, while the slightly rounded front and tapered grip shape gives you a more comfortable hand hold. These small details make a big difference when you need better stability and comfort when you’re putting a lot of focus on composing your shot.

Here’s one power-saving feature in the Canon Rebel XTi: the camera makes use of an IR emitter and sensor that senses whether the monitor needs to be shut off while keeping out the glare from coming into the viewfinder. The autofocus system is started up by the shutter button, thus allowing you the freedom not to repeatedly turn the AF system on and off.

And what about the bigger, 2.5” LCD? Boasting 230,000 pixels, the LCD’s viewing angle flexes until 160 degrees and stays on for status display. Thanks to the color Status Display, you have a bigger monitor and a clearer display of the XTi’s settings. All you need to do is press on the AF point selector button, look through the viewfinder, and select your AF points by using the four-way navigation buttons. Double checking the settings is as easy as looking at the Status Display.

As to cleaning issues, as any SLR user knows, dust remains a chronic problem in creating great photographs. To resolve this, Canon has made some changes to their latest model to do away with hassles that involve dust cleaning, like using blowers, cleaning the components with a swab or taking it back to a customer service station.

For one thing, the Canon Rebel XTi has materials in the mirror box and shutter chamber which does not attract much dust. The body cap was improved, and an anti-static coating was placed on the sensor surface. A separated anti-alias filter shakes off the dust by making vibrating motions as well. Finally, the Dust Delete Data is a software-based system that lets you remove stubborn dust from your camera.

A summary of Rebel XTi features:

• 10.1 megapixels
• Super AF Sensor
• JPEG Image output format
• 2.5" LCD screen size
• SD card Compatible
• Video and USB outputs
• Dust Delete data system

Pros: The Canon Rebel XTi's AF sensor module is important, because it's the same sensor used in the 20D and 30D. The AF sensor in the Canon 20D has been proven to work faster in low light and works better at analyzing and focusing on a scene. This is good news for the AF sensor in the Canon Rebel XTi. Thanks to this feature, the XTi is perfect for taking objects in motion such as children at play or sports events where you need to capture scenes indoors, in low light or when everything is in high speed.

Cons: The battery icon could do better with an additional bar to the three stage icon. The problem with the three stage battery icon is that you might get your empty battery warning a little too late.

Overall: The bottomline is, the Canon Rebel XTi is a great device for most any situations and for all purposes. It makes a good substitute for a Canon Rebel XT, or EOS 30D, with a lot of useful innovations combined with the promise of high performance.

Attached Images

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