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Top Canon Rebel XTi 400D Camera Reviews
Digital Camera Resource wrote a review of the
Canon Rebel XTi 400D
and said: "Photo quality was excellent, especially with a decent
lens on the camera (and the kit lens isn't one of those). The
XTi took well-exposed, colorful images with very low noise
levels, even at ISO 800. Like on all of Canon's D-SLRs, images
are on the soft side straight out of the camera, and if you
agree you can turn up the in-camera sharpening using the Picture
Styles feature. Purple fringing levels varied depending on what
lens I was using, but generally it wasn't a problem. Same goes
for redeye -- there wasn't any to speak of."
Canon Rebel XTi 400D News Release Summary:
LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., Aug 24, 2006 – Canon's EOS Digital Rebel XT
model – the camera that set all time sales records for digital
SLRs of any persuasion (supplanting the original Digital Rebel's
claim to that title) - now takes its place alongside of the
newest member of the irrepressible Rebel clan: the 10.1
megapixel EOS Digital Rebel XTi SLR camera. For 16 years, the
Rebel brand has stood for advanced, sophisticated and
easy-to-use. The new Canon EOS Digital Rebel XTi camera
continues that legacy, taking discriminating photo hobbyists,
enthusiasts, advanced amateurs and SLR aficionados to places
digital dreams are made of...and more economically than ever
before.
"The EOS Digital Rebel XTi camera continues to lead the way with
impressive innovations and an array of advancements simply not
found on other digital SLRs in the sub-$1,000 price-range,"
stated Yukiaki Hashimoto, senior vice president and general
manager of the consumer imaging group at Canon USA, Inc. "Canon
technology is born of inspiration, imagination and our passion
to help photographers make the best pictures possible. Nowhere
is the combination of undeniable quality and value more evident
than on this new EOS Digital Rebel XTi camera."
In stores mid-September, the EOS Digital Rebel XTi camera is
offered in both sleek brushed silver patina and "pro" matte
black finishes. It is available in two kit configurations: with
and without Canon's high quality EF-S 18-55 mm f/3.5-5.6 zoom
lens. The EOS Digital Rebel XTi camera will be available for an
estimated selling price $899* with the zoom lens kit, while the
body only kit will carry and estimated selling price of $799*.
In order to maintain an appropriate pricing structure, the
Digital Rebel XT model will carry an adjusted estimated selling
price of $799* with the zoom lens kit and $699* for the body
only kit.
No mere intermediate upgrade, this new EOS Digital Rebel XTi SLR
continues Canon's combination of imaging excellence, intuitive
ease of use and affordability. Indeed the EOS XTi Digital SLR
camera now leads the Digital Rebel revolution with such marquee
features as its higher 10.1 megapixel resolution; refined and
redesigned Canon CMOS sensor; larger, easier to read 2.5 inch
display screen (along with simplified and streamlined menu
navigation), and the remarkable EOS Integrated Cleaning System,
a self-cleaning image sensor unit/dust removal system that is
available on no other camera of any make, at any price.
Despite the addition of these and other imaging improvements -
including Canon's fast, high-precision 9-point autofocus system
and a new maximum burst rate in large/fine and raw quality modes
that - at three frames per second - is double the capability of
the Digital Rebel XT SLR, The EOS Digital Rebel XTi SLR makes
its debut at a price point that is $100 less than its
top-selling sibling was at its introduction and hundreds of
dollars less than other SLR cameras and camera kits in its
class.
CMOS Sensor-tivity
At the heart of the Rebel XTi SLR's high-resolution image
capability is its large, single plate, CMOS color image sensor.
Designed and manufactured by Canon specifically for the Rebel
XTi SLR, this highly responsive sensor's 10.1 million pixels are
fractionally smaller than the pixels in the 8 megapixel Rebel XT
model, yet deliver markedly improved resolution, enabling the
sensor to capture more image information. This results not
simply in the ability to generate larger images, but also
permits details from cropped images to be rendered with higher
image quality than cropped images from lower resolution sensors.
At 22.2 x 14.8 mm in size, this new CMOS sensor maintains the
1.6x conversion ratio found on many other members of the EOS
Digital SLR line including the Rebel XT and the EOS 30D models.
Inherently more efficient than CCD type image sensors, Canon
CMOS sensors significantly reduce image noise levels by
converting light values to electrical signals on the chip rather
than having them converted elsewhere in the camera. The Rebel
XTi SLR's CMOS sensor goes further still, maintaining an
exceptional dynamic range while reducing the noise level that
one might typically expect for a pixel size delivering such high
resolution. Canon engineers and designers achieved this
breakthrough in sensor design by reducing the space between the
chip's microlenses while at the same time increasing the
sensitivity of each photodiode. As a result, the camera achieves
20 percent greater resolution than an eight-megapixel sensor
with comparable noise reduction and dynamic range.
The Digital Rebel XTi SLR also continues the long-standing
tradition of featuring a wide range of ISO settings (100 -1600)
with the ability to "float" to any intermediate step along that
range in fully automatic modes while allowing the user to set
the ISO manually at full step intervals in the camera's creative
modes.
The Dust Free Zone
Beautiful, high-res images marred by the presence of ugly high-res
dust spots can be cause for painstaking, time consuming photo
retouching (with varying degrees of success). Canon takes the
quest for imaging excellence and easier camera maintenance a
unified giant step forward with its new, two-tiered dust removal
technology called the EOS Integrated Cleaning System, available
only on the EOS Rebel XTi camera.
While real world shooting rarely achieves "clean-room"
standards, Canon has gone out of its way to design the XTi model
to first create or attract no dust. Canon begins by minimizing
the dust and particles created by the camera itself, by
reformulating the materials used in the body cap and shutter to
materials more resistant to particle "fall out" due to normal
use and wear. Canon also treats the camera's low pass filter
with an anti-static charge to prevent static-charged dust from
adhering to it.
Still, recognizing that humidity and a variety of real world
conditions can cause dust to enter and adhere to the sensor or
low pass filter despite the most scrupulous of efforts, Canon
created the Self Cleaning Sensor Unit. The low pass filter on
the front of the CMOS sensor is attached to an ultrasonic
vibrating unit that literally shakes the loose dust particles
off of the surface. The newly liberated dust is then captured by
an adhesive material that keeps the particles from becoming
airborne again once the camera moves.
The self cleaning sensor unit's ultrasonic anti-dust shake
activates automatically for one second whenever the camera is
powered on or off, ensuring that the camera will be as
relatively dust free as possible and can be activated at other
times through a simple menu selection.
Despite the ingenuity behind the Self Cleaning Sensor Unit there
are occasions when dust particles of a stickier nature are not
vibrated free of the low pass filter. In these situations, the
Dust Delete Data function can be engaged. Simply put, by aiming
the camera at a white wall or even a white piece of paper (or,
in a pinch, removing the lens from the camera) the Dust Delete
Data function will map the size and position of the dust
particles remaining on the low pass filter. Once the dust is
"mapped", that information is attached as metadata to all
subsequently shot images regardless of recording format, RAW or
JPEG. When the images and appended dust data map are transferred
to a computer using the Rebel XTi's new Digital Photo
Professional software, the dust information can be subtracted
from the images simply by selecting the "apply dust delete data"
option. Users can update the Dust Delete Data at any time via
controls found in the Rebel XTi's LCD menu.
Bigger and Brighter: XTi Model's Brilliant LCD Monitor
Among the decidedly user-friendly enhancements built in to the
new Digital Rebel XTi is the 2.5 inch, 230,000 pixel color TFT
LCD monitor with its wide, 160 degree viewing angle. The envy of
the EOS digital SLR line, this new screen features a viewing
area that is nearly twice as large as the Rebel XT model's 1.8
-inch monitor, and offers six brightness settings for easy
viewing of images and menu options in a wide range of lighting
conditions. Indeed, this brilliant monitor is approximately 40%
brighter at its maximum setting than screens found on the
top-tier EOS-1D Mark II N, EOS 5D and EOS 30D digital SLRs. The
monitor is also the new home for all camera settings
information. This was previously housed on a separate LCD. This
new configuration allows for more information and larger font &
icons in one easy-to-view area.
The monitor is even intuitive enough to automatically (and
temporarily) turn the display off when the camera is raised up
to the user's eye. This feature not only saves valuable battery
life but also avoid subjecting the user to distracting screen
brightness when looking through the viewfinder. For maximum
battery life, the LCD display can be shut off manually as well.
Picture Style Optimizes Images
In keeping with this new, bigger, brighter monitor is the Rebel
XTi SLR's redesigned menu, made bolder, easier to read and
easier to navigate. Notable among the expanded info screen menu
features offered for the first time on a Digital Rebel camera
are the RGB histogram and the Picture Style functions first
introduced on the Canon EOS-1D Mark II N, EOS 5D cameras and
most recently added to the EOS 30D's imaging arsenal. With
Picture Style, users can more easily select presets for
sharpening, contrast, saturation, and color tone that most
closely reflect their needs and intent for a particular picture.
Similar to selecting the film type in order to achieve a desired
result, the Picture Style feature offers six setting
choices-Standard, Portrait, Landscape, Neutral, Faithful and
Monochrome-with an additional three user defined settings
available.
Fast Focus
Also migrating to the Rebel XTi camera from the upper reaches of
the EOS Digital SLR line is Canon's flexible folder management
system with capability to store 9,999 images in a folder as well
as manual creation of new folders and perhaps most importantly,
the same high precision 9-point Autofocus sensor and AF unit
found on the EOS 30D SLR.
Like its Digital Rebel predecessors, the EOS Digital Rebel XTi
camera is equipped with Canon's standard EOS EF lens mount
making it compatible with Canon's complete line of EF lenses as
well as the EF-S line of lenses created specifically for the EOS
20D, and EOS 30D prosumer digital SLRs, and the EOS Digital
Rebel models.
While the Digital Rebel XTi offers the same fast 3 frames per
second as the Digital Rebel XT model, the burst rate in
Large/Fine JPEG and Raw settings has nearly doubled, from 14
eight- megapixel JPEG images and five eight- megapixel RAW
images on the Rebel XT model to 27 10.1 megapixel JPEGS and ten
10.1 megapixel RAW images on the new Rebel XTi camera.
CANON Software $avings: Bundled and In the Box
Purchasers of the EOS Digital Rebel XTi camera or any of Canon's
digital SLRs are never faced with extra-cost software to make
the camera perform to its full capabilities. Rather, Canon
continues its long-standing tradition of including "in the box",
a comprehensive software bundle that includes both the camera's
utility programs and Canon's Digital Photo Professional software
(presently in version 2.2). Compatible with both Mac OS X and
Windows XP operating systems** formats, the Digital Photo Pro
software assists users with everything from image transfer and
viewing, image enhancement and editing, RGB image editing
functions, image noise reduction, viewing, processing and
editing of RAW images, Direct Print functions and Canon's
groundbreaking new Dust Delete Data functions.
The EOS Technological Legacy
The EOS Digital Rebel XTi camera maintains the top-tier
technologies that have helped power the EOS line of digital SLRs
to the forefront of the industry and the marketplace. These
include Canon's power efficient DIGIC II Image Processor and E-TTL
II, Canon's evaluative-through the lens exposure control that
ensures optimal exposure even in difficult lighting conditions.
About Canon U.S.A., Inc.
Canon U.S.A., Inc. delivers consumer, business-to-business, and
industrial imaging solutions. The Company is listed as one of
Fortune's Most Admired Companies in America and is rated #35 on
the BusinessWeek list of "Top 100 Brands." Its parent company
Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ) is a top patent holder of technology,
ranking second overall in the U.S. in 2005, with global revenues
of $31.8 billion. For more information, www.usa.canon.com.
Canon UK Press Release
Canon today announces its next generation D-SLR:
the EOS 400D. Featuring a 10.1 Megapixel CMOS sensor, new EOS
Integrated Cleaning System, larger and brighter 2.5” LCD and
9-point AF, the model is predicted to take the lead as the
world’s most popular camera. It is positioned above the EOS
350D, currently the fastest selling SLR camera of all time.
Canon’s EOS 300D, the world’s first consumer D-SLR, kick started
a digital revolution in 2003. “We are now witnessing a mass
consumer trend towards D SLR,” said Mogens Jensen, Head of Canon
Consumer Imaging Europe.
Consumer research shows it is not only existing film SLR owners
now switching to digital SLR photography. “On top of the
existing 21 million analogue EOS shooters, a completely new
profile of consumer is adopting digital EOS and driving growth,”
said Jensen. “With European household penetration having only
just hit 3%, the question now is not ‘will this market be big’,
but ‘how big will this market become’.”
Improved Performance
As well as the EOS Integrated Cleaning System, the EOS 400D
incorporates a number of developments over the EOS 350D.
Resolution increases from 8.0 to 10.1 Megapixels, using the
superior hi-sensitivity, hi-speed, low-noise CMOS technology now
found in all six EOS Digital models. At nearly twice the size of
the EOS 350D display, the 2.5” hi-resolution LCD is the
brightest in the EOS range and now displays all of key shooting
and user interface information along with image playback. The AF
system expands from 7 to 9-point, with a highly sensitive f/2.8
center point for exceptional performance in low light. Even with
the image resolution increase, maximum frame burst almost
doubles from 14 to 27 large JPEGs and from 5 to 10 RAW.
Dust reduction
The EOS 400D is the first camera to incorporate the EOS
Integrated Cleaning System. Based on significant research into
the causes of dust in D-SLR cameras, the system combats dust in
three important ways: Reduce, Repel and Remove.
1. Reduce
Internal camera mechanisms are designed to minimise dust
generation. The body cap is redesigned to prevent dust
generation through wear on the cap itself.
2. Repel
Anti-static technologies are applied to the low-pass filter
covering the front of the sensor so as not to attract dust.
3. Remove
A Self-Cleaning Sensor Unit uses hi-frequency vibrations to
shake dust from the low pass filter for approximately one second
after each start up. For instant shooting after power up, this
feature is disabled immediately the shutter release is
depressed.
Canon has also developed an internal Dust Delete Data system,
which can map the position of any visible dust on the sensor.
This can then be deleted automatically after the shoot with the
latest Digital Photo Professional software.
The EOS advantage
The EOS 400D inherits a number of advanced features proven in
higher-end EOS models, such as the EOS 30D and 5D. These include
its 9-point AF system, Picture Style (see Appendix: Technologies
Explained), 9,999 image capacity folders and expanded Pictbridge
functionality.
The EOS 400D also incorporates the same DIGIC II processor found
across the EOS range right through to EOS 1 professional models
(see Appendix ‘Technologies Explained’). As well as providing
superior image quality through advanced rendering algorithms and
almost instant 0.2 second start up time, DIGIC II’s accelerated
processing prioritises the photographer’s ability to keep
shooting by clearing the buffer quickly between frame bursts.
Upgrading
The upgrade path to the EOS 400D from earlier EOS models is made
easy by maintaining the same intuitive user interface and basic
layout of key features and functions. Photographers are also
able to use the same battery and Battery Grip BG-E3 as used on
the EOS 350D, as well as continued support for all EF and
EF-S lenses, EX Speedlites and EOS accessories.
Software
Consistent with the entire EOS Digital range, the EOS 400D is
supplied with a comprehensive software suite to help the
photographer’s workflow. This includes Digital Photo
Professional (DPP), a powerful RAW converter that provides
complete RAW image processing control. DPP also integrates with
camera features such as the Dust Delete Data and Picture Style.
The camera also comes with EOS Capture, Image/Zoom Browser and
Photostitch, plus 100MB of personal online space on CANON iMAGE
GATEWAY, Canon’s online photo sharing service.
Technologies Explained:
Picture Style
Picture Style pre-sets simplify in-camera control over image
qualities. Picture Style pre-sets can be likened to different
film types – each one offering a different colour response.
Within each selectable pre-set, photographers have control over
sharpness, contrast, colour tone and saturation. The camera’s
factory default configuration is set to deliver
immediately-usable JPEG images without need for additional menu
settings. Picture Style presets applied to a RAW image do not
degrade the image in any way and can be revised with Canon’s
Digital Photo Professional software.
The six pre-sets include: Standard – for crisp, vivid images
that don’t require post-processing; Portrait – optimises colour
tone and saturation and weakens sharpening to achieve attractive
skin tones; Landscape – for punchier greens and blues with
stronger sharpening to give a crisp edge to mountain, tree and
building outlines; Neutral – ideal for post-processing; Faithful
– adjusts colour to match the subject colour when shot under a
colour temperature of 5200K; Monochrome – for black and white
shooting with a range of filter effects (yellow, orange, red and
green) and toning effects (sepia, blue, purple and green). The
User Defined Picture Style can be used to store up to three
customised pre-sets, or any of the pre-sets available for
download from Canon’s web site.
DIGIC II
Now found across the EOS range, DIGIC II is a purpose built,
dedicated image processor responsible for the high speed
calculations necessary in order to providing exceptionally
accurate colour reproduction in real time. Canon’s second
generation imaging engine, DIGIC II performs the duties of a
number of separate processing units to speed processing, save
space, and optimise battery life.
Canon’s processor overcomes the trade-off faced by other
manufacturers between camera responsiveness and image quality.
With its massive capacity, DIGIC II treats every image with the
full complex processing algorithms required in order to deliver
superb EOS picture quality, while enabling extended continuous
shooting bursts.
CMOS
Canon’s CMOS technology is one of the company’s key competitive
advantages, with noise reduction circuitry at each pixel site
delivering virtually noise-free images. In comparison with CCD
technology, the lower power consumption characteristics of
Canon’s CMOS sensors also help optimise battery usage.
CCD sensors use a bucket relay system to transfer each pixel’s
accumulated electrical charge to a corresponding gutter. The
operation is time consuming and draws considerable power.
By contrast, signal conversion in Canon’s CMOS sensors is
handled by the individual amplifiers at each pixel site.
Unnecessary charge transfer operations are avoided, vastly
speeding up the process of getting signal to the image
processor. Noise generation is reduced, power consumption is
limited and faster frame rate potential is increased.
Digital Photo Professional Software
Digital Photo Professional software provides high-speed
processing of lossless RAW images. Processing with Digital Photo
Professional allows real-time display and immediate application
of image adjustments, giving control over RAW image variables
such as white balance, dynamic range, exposure compensation and
colour tone. Images can be recorded in sRGB or Adobe RGB colour
space, and the Digital Photo Professional application supports
sRGB, Adobe RGB and Wide Gamut RGB colour spaces. An ICC
(International Colour Consortium) profile attaches automatically
to RAW images converted to TIFF or JPEG images. This allows
faithful reproduction of colours in software applications that
support ICC profiles, such as Adobe Photoshop. For improved
efficiency, a set of image adjustments can be saved as a recipe
and applied to multiple images
Canon Rebel
XTi 400D Best Price:
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