Thu, August 24th, 2006 by Miles
Canon will today release details of the much rumoured replacement for the Canon 350d (or Rebel XT), to be called the 400d, or in some markets the Rebel XTi.
Improvements to the camera include a 2.5" LCD, 10.2mp all new sensor, a sonic anti-dust system for the sensor and an improved AF, thought to be the same as the Canon 30d's. The street price will be around US$800, about $100 less than the recently released Nikon D80, and about the same price as the new Sony A1 DSLR.
All three of these entry level cameras now sport similar features with enough to differentiate each of them, so it's a great time to be looking for a camera in this range.
Canon also announced two new L-series lenses. The 70-200 f4 IS L and the 50mm f1.2 L.
New server!
August 24th, 2006 at 2:05 pm
Looks like a good camera, and I'm glad they finally decided to release a 70-200 f/4L IS.
August 24th, 2006 at 2:14 pm
Well looks like I'll have to prostitue myself to get one of these =/
August 24th, 2006 at 2:49 pm
I can't believe Canon bought this out so soon after the 30D - which is now starting to look less impressive than its younger sibling. The anti-dust system is the most impressive feature for me. It's about time Canon caught up on that one. Looking forward to seeing this in all their new DSLRs.
August 24th, 2006 at 3:09 pm
Well, there are plenty of reasons someone would buy the 30d if they could afford it over the 400d. It depends what your priorities are, but most consumers will just see the megapixels and opt for the 400d for sure.
Having said that I do think Canon is pushing this out to compete with the A1 and D80, the 30d does look a bit of a lame duck in commercial terms, in the same way that the Nikon D200 does since the d80 came out, and that's even more expensive.
There's a lot of speculation around that Canon will bring out a '35d' before the end of the year, I wouldn't be surprised.
August 24th, 2006 at 4:30 pm
The next Canon DSLR I buy will be the one which is full-frame and affordable (ie not the 5D).
Until then, I'm happy with my 20D
.
August 24th, 2006 at 5:38 pm
I agree with sinnick, I'm sticking with my 20D for now, as much as I'd love a 5D.
August 24th, 2006 at 5:57 pm
I've got a Nikon D70 (which I love) and I'm willing to switch to Canon if they come out with a full-frame that's more affordable than the 5D.
As it stands, I'm almost ready to move over to the 5D right now... really close, but not quite.
Full-frame is just such a better way to go.
August 24th, 2006 at 6:39 pm
Given the cost of full-frame, I don't ever see that happening in a Rebel line. Full frame would be great, but unless they can put it in a Rebel priced body, I'll probably never go for it.
Features I'm hoping for in an eventual upgrade include: ISO indicated in the viewfinder, auto ISO combinable with aperture or shutter priority, spot metering, and separate RGB histograms. Not sure if they'll ever be introduced in a Rebel though, since they're not exactly beginner or consumer features.
But it's ok because I doubt I'll upgrade for at least a few years. I got a five year warranty, figuring my money will be better spent on lenses over the next few years and not a new camera body. But I do wonder how many years it will be before having a Rebel Xt will be like what having a 3.2 MP camera is today - ancient and outdated!
August 25th, 2006 at 12:05 am
Full frame is such an expensive option. There are benefits, the image quality is somewhat better, but for most people I just don't see how it's worth well over twice as much as the 30d.
A 5d is about US$3000, plus you have to remember you'll need good lenses, L-series quality, because full frame will bring out all the weaknesses you never saw before at the edges of your lenses. So add another US$2000 for a some excellent glass.
If I had a spare US$5000 I would buy one though
August 25th, 2006 at 5:50 am
The most strange move from Canon is to sell the 30D without any anti-dust systeme so short before the 400D...
Until now I'm still happy with my 300D and my 20D and I'll wait the next move specially with a anti-dust system because I had too much problems with dusts...
Right now, and for the first time, the 300 and 20D are in a Canon repair center for an ultimate clean up, I hope it will work...
August 25th, 2006 at 2:51 pm
I think this will be a great student camera and I may have to buy one myself.
August 26th, 2006 at 3:47 pm
Hi, i'm shooting a little 8MP handheld. It has one lens and that's it. I've never experienced a problem with dust. I'm about to make the plunge to a Canon DSLR. Has anyone had a lot of problems with dust?
-jp
August 26th, 2006 at 7:56 pm
Hey John... You won't really have these types of dust problems with a point-and-shoot camera. (If you can't remove your lens, dust won't likely get on your sensor.) When you get a DSLR, though, you're pretty much guaranteed to eventually get dust on your sensor.
Here's a really good explanation of how this new DSLR gets rid of dust:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_P8_LNmpFSc
(I found this here: http://www.dpreview.com/news/0608/06082416canoneos400drebelxti.asp)
August 27th, 2006 at 8:17 pm
Thanks Brandon, maybe i should wait until after Photokina. I bet Canon will announce this upgrade in technology for all their cameras. Gosh, that probably means waiting until Christmas.
oh well ... 
August 27th, 2006 at 8:24 pm
"3.2 MP camera is today - ancient and outdated!" ... well now wait a second ... not so fast if you shoot Panoramas.
I have a free 30"x40" print of "Riders of the Storm" for Miles, since he liked that one. It's 3.2 MP all the way! 
September 13th, 2006 at 1:41 pm
I still use the Canon 1vhs and Canon 630 35mm film cameras, and I am glad I havent purchased a digital camera yet. Canon needs to combine the technologies that already exist in 3 of their dslr cameras. 1. The dust removal from the new rebel xti. 2. The full-frame sensor from the 5D. 3. And a faster frame rate like the Mark II.
Waiting till the next Announcement.
May 4th, 2007 at 2:08 am
This model is wonderfull! I have used it and very pleased with it. I've gained all the informations about this modet at: Digital Camera
October 13th, 2007 at 4:24 am
thanks for the blog….its really nice & useful information
October 14th, 2007 at 10:45 pm
Does anyone know how to extend the shutter time past 30 sec other than holding down the button?
October 15th, 2007 at 1:05 am
thanks ..
November 19th, 2007 at 8:03 am
thanks for the blog….its really nice
May 24th, 2008 at 2:45 pm
thanks for the blog….its really nice & useful information
May 25th, 2008 at 11:49 am
"3.2 MP camera is today - ancient and outdated!" ... well now wait a second ... not so fast if you shoot Panoramas.
I have a free 30"x40" print of "Riders of the Storm" for Miles, since he liked that one. It's 3.2 MP all the way! 