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Lunch » Tags » Digital Cameras » Reviews » Canon EOS 400D (XTi)

Canon EOS 400D (XTi)

1 rating: 3.0

Canon Digital SLR Camera

Type: digital single lens reflex (SLR) camera Sensor: CMOS APS-C 22.2 x 14.8 mm (1.6x conversion factor) Maximum resolution: 10.10 effective megapixels, 3,888 x 2,592 Lens type: Canon EF lens mount, Canon EF-S … see full wiki

Tags: Photography, Digital Cameras, Cameras, Canon, Slr

1 review about Canon EOS 400D (XTi)

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Good for an intermediate-level photographer/Canon loyalist but perhaps nothing more.

Oct 21, 2009

by MelissaAq
posted in Shutterbugs

Rating:

Like most teen girls interested in art, photography became an expected obsession of mine while I was in high school. -insert artsy photos of feet here-.

Ok, I'm sort of being self-deprecating: I still really enjoy photo. Right now I am using the EOS 400D (XTi) and am satisfied with it. A little backstory first that might help you find a Digital SLR:

I know how to work a manual camera. I took photos using film before I attempted to use a digital SLR.
My first digital camera (well, second after a TERRIBLE Kodak camera.) was a Canon Powershot - totally automatic/point&shoot.
While I had the Powershot, Canon made the announcement saying they were going to branch out into the digital SLR world. I purchased the now-extinct EOS 300D (Digital Rebel) - it was affordable for the time/technology and I was already familiar with Canon's settings and interface.

In April 2008, my Digital Rebel kicked the bucket. It was really sad, but I knew it was time to move onto bigger and better things with a greater number of megapixels. I immediately checked out my options on Digital Photography Review.com. I read about the new Canon Digital Rebel XSi, and was definitely interested. However, I found out that the XSi is BARELY different than an older camera, the 400D XTi - all the features are the same, the XSi just has a lightweight plastic body and about 2 more megapixels (really not that much of a difference in image quality). These things don't matter to me, and, since the XTi was not as new as the XSi, it was cheaper. SOLD!

I purchased the camera from B&H's online store for about $400 - that included a carrying case, a spare battery, the lens that comes with the camera (called a 'kit lens' ...these are never the best lenses to buy but they are good for beginners&cheap) and a warranty. That is an AWESOME price for all that stuff! Why? Because I bought refurbished. This means the camera is essentially used - but usually only by a member of the press who was sent the camera to test for a professional review, etc. Refurbished cameras are checked over by the manufactuer before they can be sold, so *usually* they're perfectly fine. The only problem is that if you DO get a defect, you cannot send it to Canon to be repaired. You'd have to go to an independent repair store. Still, I recommend buying refurbished.

Anyway, if you have used a Canon camera before and are comfortable with the settings, I'd recommend this camera 100%.

If you need to use this camera in a somewhat professional way, I'd say get the camera body but skip the kit lens and buy a better lens. HECK, if you care about your photos at all I'd recommend the same - just be prepared to spend a little more cash. The lens is (for the most part) what makes a great photo, not the camera.

If you are an amateur, I'd say- why are you interested in this camera? Ha just kidding. Still - if you want to get involved with DSLRs MAKE SURE YOU PLAN ON USING ALL THE SETTINGS ON YOUR CAMERA. Go buy a point&shoot if you don't. DO NOT JUST SET YOUR CAMERA ON AUTO AND GO. THAT IS A WASTE OF MONEY, AND IT WILL HURT ME AND MAYBE MAKE ME CRY A LITTLE. Make sure you know what ISO means, as well as how to set yout shutter speed. It's not that hard - you can learn online.

WITH THAT SAID-
If you are not a Canon loyalist and willing to buy a different brand I would do so - go with a Nikon. Nikon's are a lot more more intimidating at first because the design/interface is not as "Fisher Price" as I tend to think Canon's are, but the manufacturing is MUCH sturdier! Both my Canons' have lost their ability to autofocus over time, and Nikon is not known for this at all. If you're looking for something REALLY professional, GO WITH A NIKON.

with THAT said-
I'm happy enough with my XTi. It's great for photos of my friends/life, and affordable. I like that I can also use it to do some light freelance work and it's capable of getting the job done.

Here are some photos I've taken with the XTi:

(More at my Flickr if you're interested) If you have any questions, don't hesititate! I've done a lot of experimentation in the world of digital cameras so chances are I know what you're feeling :)

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Scotman April 03, 2010

Great review, love the food pix. I just got a DSLR from Pentax after 20 years with film SLRs. We'll see how I do at Wondercon with all the costumes and other photo opps out there. I got a Pentax K-x with case, 8GB card, batteries, charger, cords, CD, all for under 600. I think you and I had the same Kodak!

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devora October 21, 2009

Nice pics. When I saw you mention that it was $400, my eyes bugged out because my brother spent WAAAY more on this camera than that! Getting refurb isn't bad if you're saving several hundred $'s. And I agree, don't guy a dSLR if you don't plan on using all the functions. Get a point and shoot instead, Canon has plenty of nifty p&s like this SD780.

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