The EOS 400D, the new success model from Canon

If you read this review, you will surely look for an answer to the question of whether they should set an EOS 400D, or not. Perhaps they also think about whether they should trade their EOS 350D against the newer EOS 400D. If so, then they are here right in any case, because I have dared to take this transition.

With the EOS 350D, the predecessor of the EOS 400D, I had already been able to make many very good experience more than a year. Digital SLR from Canon are generally characterized by a natural color reproduction and low noise. This situation also runs like a red thread through all reviews. That's why I always say that you do with Canon never really something wrong.

The EOS 400D is linked in terms of image quality on the strengths of the EOS 350D and brings with some additional features, of which I would like to enumerate the most important:

- 10 megapixel sensor
- Automatic sensor cleaning
- Large TFT
- Improved auto focus (auto focus)

With 10 Megapixels, the Canon 400D now includes on the toughest competitors of the field (Nikon D80, Sony Alpha, Olympus E-400), and it exceeds the own semi-professional model, the EOS 30D. It has apparently spread in Canon that buyers embarrassing pay close attention to the number of megapixels and evaluate more pixels than "better picture quality", although this assumption so does not necessarily agree.

A problem of digital SLR cameras is that, among other things when changing lenses dust can penetrate in The interior of the device, which settles on the Imager. Here closes the EOS 400D is the first out of the Canon-bearing (!) To the competition on Olympus, where this functionality for two years is standard. In photo forums to read a lot about the "huge" dust problem.

In practice, the Fotoamateur possible dust particles on the sensor show every now and then for very small aperture (> 8) in front of bright backgrounds (blue sky). Here the examiner has only one image processing (Photoshop, PhotoImpact), let the wegretuschieren to such spots as an afterthought. The dust problem has so far actually existent, but should not be overstated. The EOS 400D shake off the dust now each time by a special mechanism down. It's good to have such a mechanism, but I had no visible dust regularly problems with my EOS 350D even after 25,000 shots in the great outdoors. In a very dusty environment should simply refrain from changing lenses.

The EOS 400D is equipped with a larger and contemporary TFT monitor, which makes an image evaluation finally possible. The thing reflected surprisingly little, even in bright ambient light.

Now comes the real reason why I switched from the EOS 350D to the 400D for me -> the improved autofocus. In non-ideal lighting conditions, the automatic distance measurement the EOS 350D was often wrong. Therefore, the EOS 400D is equipped with the new 9-point AF of semniprofessionellen Canon EOS 30D. I realize this difference enormously because I like taking pictures with atmospheric lighting and also in accordance with fast lenses (EF 50mm 1.4) insets. But this feature justifies the move for me.

Otherwise, everything is more or less the same. The dimensions of the EOS 400D have not changed significantly. The rubber thumb rest on the back of the camera gives a better grip. Man on when looking through the viewfinder no longer automatically self-timer, an annoying little thing that interfered with the EOS 350D. Beautiful is also that now is not always a new folder is created on the CF card when 100 images are full.

Critics of the EOS 400D will plunge again to the small size of the camera, and say they can not hold properly. All we have ever had. The small dimensions are in my view an advantage and a disadvantage depending. People with very large hands may have problems with the EOS 400D. Even large and heavy lenses can cause problems here when shooting freehand. The normal amateur but be grateful to the rule that it is not such a large and heavy camera has to drag along, for example on holiday.

The image quality of the EOS 400D convinced all along the line. The camera is also quickly understandable by its logical menu navigation even for newcomers. The fully automatic mode allows the immediate start without large to familiarize themselves with the technology. A deeper incorporation makes sense but, in my view, even a must if you really want to use the functionality of such a camera.

When upgrading from a digital non-SLR you will notice that the focus and depth of field of a DSLR fails less than comparable compact cameras. That is normal. The lower depth of field (for example blurred background) is an intentional effect to the image design for SLR photographers.

In addition, digital SLR sharpen the images in the default setting is not as strong, because an ambitious photographer rather then deliberately sharpens the image processing on the PC itself, as this step easy to leave the camera-automatic. The EOS 400D seems JPGs in default sharpen even less than the EOS 350D. If you want sharper images directly from the camera, then set the sharpness high above the camera's menu. If they do not generally want to edit your pictures, then you should turn up the other picture settings slightly.

One more word on the subject of "Interchangeable lenses":

The Canon EOS 400D can be operated with different Canon EF and EF-S lenses. To "Kit" includes the EF-S18-55. That's a good lens in a price range of 100 euros. For starters, they do not much wrong if you want to limit the cost first. Perhaps Remember this purchase a lens hood when using the camera with you on holiday. Otherwise it could be that the contrast of your images suffers depending on the incidence of the sun's rays at scattering light.

Alternatively, they can acquire the EOS 400 Body individually and for example with the Tamron lens "SP AF 17-50mm Di II LD Asp IF 2.8" combine. This provides a similar zoom range, but with a significantly higher optical quality and a greater light intensity. Alternatively, will also gladly taken the "Canon EF-S 17-85mm IS USM 4.05.6" because a greater zoom range, and an optical anti-shake (IS = Image Stabalizer) has.

The available interchangeable lens range of Canon and compatible providers (Tamron, Sigma, Tokina) is huge. One should the advantages and disadvantages of the individual lenses themselves exploring the Internet. Enthusiasts of landscape photography are on expensive "Canon EF 17-40mm 4.0 L USM" can not avoid, but the "Tamron SP AF 17-35mm 2.8-4 Tue LD Asp IF" would be an alternative. The already often called "Canon EF 50mm 1.4" is the first choice when it comes to make with a fixed focal length atmospheric low-light shooting. As lichstarkes Zoom has the "Tamron SP AF 28-75mm 2.8 XR Di LD Asp IF" under the Canon photographers cult status.

The EOS 400D can photos in JPG and / or RAW formats. Enthusiastic newcomers with PC experience I would like to work with the RAW format suggest, because after a certain software training can thus achieve the best photo quality. Canon provides a program with this, but I prefer to use Bibble Labs Bibble.