Canon Review : EOS Rebel XTi 400D DSLR & a Decent Walkaround Lens For $110

You like to take photos. So do I.

You don't have the budget for a digital, single lens reflex(DSLR)? Neither do I.

But what we do have is amazing technology. In the first few years of Canon's Rebel EOS digital cameras, the XTi(400D) was a standout camera, and can still be found on local Craigslists and on Ebay.

The technology that was central to the XTi was not so far behind today's DSLRs. The 2003 introduced Canon XTi boasts a 9 point autofocus system that is fast and accurate. The 10 megapixel sensor is sharp and renders color well. The automatic white balance performs very well. The Digic II processor is not exceptionally fast, it shoots 3 frames per second, but it does handle burst mode very well, as it can fire 27 continuous shots before lag sets in.

Portraits are rendered nicely, with crisp, sharp lines, and soft tones, the XTi delivers consistent photos throughout the dynamic range. Cloudy afternoon Halloween portraits show features nicely, and color is accurate. Skin tones look real and the backgrounds are smooth.

The camera is the first in its class to have automatic sensor cleaning. This is important, because the sensor will accrue dust, and the self cleaning feature does wonders in the way of dust prevention. Photos, essentially are crisper, and more accurate, and less maintenance is required of the camera body.

The user interface is clean, with no confusion and easy-to-use controls. Even without a manual, one could figure out the simple interface. As much as it is simple, the user controls are efficient. On the top of the camera, a 12 settings dial sets up the exposure mode. On/off and the shutter trigger are the other two functions on the top. On the sides of the camera, are the memory and tech ports. The XTi supports CF memory cards and has ports for video transfer, microphone, and computer USBs. On the front of the 400D, is the lens release, aperture preview, and flash exposure buttons. All are handily placed and easily found.

The back of the camera contains all function buttons and a 2.5 inch LCD screen. Five buttons on the left side of the LCD control Display, Menu, and Playback options. On the right of the LCD, Exposure Compensation and Continuous Shooting(Modes) buttons sit just above a d-pad function that controls exposure functions. ISO, White Balance, Meter Mode, Focus Mode, and Picture Style are on the functions of the easily used d-pad. The settings and location are sensible and compact. It makes the camera extremely usable.

ISO settings go from 100 to 1600, with substantial noise at 1600. Learning to use flash and lower ISO settings are two crucial steps in mastering this camera. From 100 to 400, ISO noise is unnoticeable, and color rendering is gorgeous.

White balance has very capable automatic function, and also has preset settings that are entirely useful in difficult situations. Daylight, Fluorescent, Cloudy, Tungsten, Shade, and Flash, make the XTi super reliable in determining correct white balance exposure.

Focus modes are standard, with One Shot, Auto Focus, and Servo Focus, being the options. All are fast and accurate. I've had about one dozen lenses on the XTi and all performed focus options beautifully. The speed is impressive and the accuracy is tack sharp.

One major shortcoming of the XTi, is its Metering Mode options. There is no Spot Metering, only Evaluative(beginner), Partial Metering, and Center Weighted Metering. A hack from Magic Lantern fixes this glaring issue. Missing Spot Metering is not enough, however, to outweigh all the positives about the Canon XTi. It is simply a great camera.

Like we discussed, the XTi shoots 3 frames per second in bursts of 27. The lag time after the first 27 frames can be as long as 7 seconds. This is a small issue, albeit a very minor one. I have never fired 27 consecutive frames anyways... And the XTi can fire 30 second exposures down to 1/4000 second. I have rarely used a shutter faster than 4000. The XTi shutter can and will handle all situations thrown at it.

Canon XTi & Yashica 50mm f2 mounted to it(left), other gear is a Canon EF 28-135, Rexatar 135mm f2.8, and a SunPak flash unit.

In mostly Aperture Mode, the XTi has responded to whatever I have thrown at it. Landscapes, wildlife, macro stuff, and portraits, the XTi renders images quickly and accurately. Depths of field are perfect, and the XTi features an Depth Of Field preview button, handy for contrast and tricky light.

Shooting modes are plentiful, including Full Auto, Night Portrait, Sports, Landscape, Close-up, and Monochrome black and white is available. The XTi handles a wide range of scenes automatically, and this is why the XTi is the best DSLR out there for less than $300. It does everything it is asked, and in most lighting situations, the Canon EOS Rebel XTI 400D performs exceptionally well. Prints up to 20 inches by 30 inches are possible, with no loss in clarity.

The XTi was most often paired with the standard entry level "kit" lens, the EF 18-55mm f3.5-5.6 IS, and the two are a capable hobby camera. And in the hands of an experienced photographer, this camera, with any lens, is pretty good.

So, how do we get a DSLR outfit for $110?

The Canon XTi 400D can frequently be found on Craigslists all over the country, as well as Ebay. The older Canon is a bargain at $100(search diligently), and if you do what I did, I bought a $10 Yashica Yashinon 50mm f2 and I shoot it on the XTi body. My lens came with an adapter, but those too, can be found on Ebay.

 Canon XTi & Yashica 50mm f2

The Yashica is manual aperture and manual focus, so setting up shots takes longer than with EF lenses.

Home photo, environmental portrait. Canon XTi & Yashica Yashinon 50mm f2.

But the result is awesome, and the price was right.

You too can search the gallows of resale, to find a $100 DSLR, that can take professional grade photos. The Canon EOS Rebel XTi 400D is a great find, and will last a lifetime if properly taken care of. For more photos, visit my account at Flickr, a photo storage website.