Canon  entry-level digital single-lens reflex (dSLR) camera, the EOS 400D (also known as the EOS Digital Rebel XTi), supersedes Canon's wildly popular 350D. The main differences between the two models are an increase in resolution (up from 8 megapixels on the 350D to 10.1 megapixels on the 400D), improved auto focus (nine focal points on the 400D rather than the 350D's seven) and a larger, 2.5-inch LCD (up from the 300D's 1.8-inch screen).

We soon learned the knack of quickly swapping Canon's EOS lenses onto the body of the 400D to minimise the amount of time dust has to creep onto the camera's sensor. The 400D is one step ahead, however, as it automatically cleans the sensor every time you switch it on or off -- we like to imagine a teeny windscreen wiper system inside doing the job, but as the process is entirely hidden and automatic, we are unable to confirm this.

Starting out, we stuck to the even-my-grandmother-could-use-this fully automatic setting, as we slowly waded into further settings, such as the 400D's user-selectable nine-point auto-focus system. The 179-page bundled instruction manual helps you get to grips with various settings and the layout of the camera, including its 20-odd array of buttons. There's also a quick start guide for eager beavers.

Beneath the eyepiece, which you must use to frame your shot, is a 2.5-inch LCD purely for reviewing photos and adjusting settings. Many first-time dSLR users are put off by the inability on some models to use the LCD as a viewfinder, but we came to love the what you see is what you get aspect of using the eyepiece. Holding the camera to your eye also stabilises it somewhat -- useful in low light situations where blurry shots tend to occur.

CMOS SENSOR
The EOS 400D features Canon's renowned APS-C sized 10.1-megapixel CMOS sensor, allowing you to capture superb image resolution and detailing depth in every shot.

• 10.1-megapixel resolution
• Wide dynamic range to capture shadow and highlight details
• Effective angle of view:1.6x the focal length of a normal EF lens
• 3904 x 2598 effective pixels
• Wide range of ISO speeds from 100 to 1600
• On-chip noise reduction technology found in high-end DSLR models for high quality images with low noise

DIGIC II IMAGING PROCESSOR
In order to process the wealth of image data from the 10.1megapixel CMOS sensor, Canon's advanced DIGIC II imaging processor works with the ultra-fast processing speed. Fast and precise, DIGIC II uses proprietary Canon algorithms in a natural reproduction process to transform raw image data into images with stunning clarity and true-to-life colour reproduction. DiGIC II imaging processor detects and alleviates false colours and moire, thus ensuring image colours and details are faithfully reproduced.

LOW-PASS FILTER
The EOS 400D features a high-performance 3-layer optical low-pass filter (LPF) system that forms a single-sealed unit together with the CMOS sensor. The LPF effectively minimizes false colours and moire.
Developed specifically for use with the high-pixel resolution CMOS sensors, it facilitates light reception by multiple pixels for more detailed light patterns and excellent resolution. The LPF also incorporates a hybrid infrared cut filter, which makes use of an infrared absorbent glass to prevent the false red colouration caused by infrared light.

EOS INTEGRATED CLEANING SYSTEM
The EOS 400D features the new EOS Integrated Cleaning System, providing photographers with a total cleaning solution to minimize the effects of dust.
Self Cleaning Sensor Unit
Ultrasonic vibrations are generated in the first low-pass filter to shake off dust. Dust tat falls off is collected by a reataining component to prevent it from adhering to the sensor againbr> Dust Delete Data Function
Dust that cannot be removed by the Self Cleaning Sensor Unit can be made inconspicuous by the EOS 400D which detects and registers the location and size of dust. This information is later used by the application software to clean up the image data.

Autofocus system
Shoot with High Precision
Gain Full Control over your shots with the help of the high-precision 9-point AF (Autofocus) system. With any f/2.8 or oarger aperture lenses, the center AF point works as a high-precision, cross-type sensor for extraordinary focusing precision.

• AF can operate under ambient lighting ranging from EV-0.5 to EV18
• Selectable AF allows you to choose between 9 focusing points Shoot Faster
• Fast continuous shooting of up to 3 frames per second (max burst of 27 JPEG Type (Large/Fine) or approximately 10 RAW type images)
• Maximum shutter speed of 1/4000 sec. to capture fast-moving objects
• Maximum X-sync speed of 1/2000 sec.
• Responsive 0.2 sec. start-up time

SHOOTING CONTROL

• 35-zone Evaluate Metering Analyses light in the image with particular emphasis on the AF point selected, automatically prioritises the subject for light metering.
• Partial Metering Uses approximately 9% of the image for light metering indicated by the cirlcle in the center of the viewfinder.
• Center-weighted Average Metering Analyses light in the entire image composition with emphasis on the center of image
• White Balance The White Balance Compensation funtion makes getting the right white balance as simple as pressing a button. Select from 9 white balances settings to suit different shooting conditions.
• Exposure Compensation Also included are a number of different exposure compensation tools to ensure your images turn out exactly the way you want them to. Whether using the EOS 400D's built-in flash or a compatible EX-series Speedlite external flash, Canon's E-TTL II flash metering systm provides you with the accurate and stable flash exposures.

PICTURE STYLE

• Standard - vivid, sharp and crisp images that appear sharply focused
• Portrait - Warm and lifelike skin tones with a softer focus
• Landscape - vivid blue skies and greenery with a sharp, crisp focus
• Neutral - Natural color reproduction and more subdued images
• Faithful - Highly accurate colour reproduction and sharpness faithful to the original
• Monochrome - black and white or sepia images; Filter and toning effects available for enhanced creative expression; Filter effects: yellow, orange, red and green; Toning effects: sepia,blue,purple and green

INTELLIGENT DESIGN

• Enhanced Playback Functions
• Quick review function allows image enlargement/reduction
• Enhanced information screen - A histogram chart displays image brightness or RGB information
• New User Interface (UI) for ease of use and operations - Display Off Sensor where the LCD monitor is automatically switch off when it detects the user's face approaching the viewfinder - Improved LCD monitor displayed information such as ISO speed, AF frame and WB adjustment The extra-bright high-precision 2.5" LCD monitor features:
• Approx. 230,000 pixels
• Wide viewing angle of 160 degree in all directions
• 7 adustable levels of brightness Enhanced Shooting Functions
• Single-shot AE/AF lock for consecutive shots
• Separate FE lock icon displayed in the viewfinder
• 4-step battery level display
• Full range of Custom functions and settings - 11 Custom functions with 29 settings Enhanced Recording Functions
• Improved noise reduction function for long exposures
• Improved folder management - 9999 images per folder - File numbering Manual Reset function added

CONNECTIVITY

• Contact-sheet style 35 image index printing
• Red-eye reduction function
• Face-brightening correction function
• Adjustment of printing parameters
• Printing with shooting information