Canon EOS 400D / Rebel XTi features continued…

Lenses / Screen and menus / Sensor and processing / Anti dust

The Canon EOS 400D / Rebel XTi can take any EF or EF-S lens, and its APS-C sensor results in all focal lengths effectively being multiplied by 1.6 times. The 400D / Rebel XTi is commonly bundled with Canon’s EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 lens which therefore delivers equivalent coverage to 29-88mm; this is shown below.

While the EF-S 18-55mm lens is a budget option, it performs surprisingly well, and is virtually given away in the bundle. We’d therefore recommend going for the bundle than the body alone, as it gives you a backup lens and better resale value as a kit for little extra expense. If you’re looking for a more up-market general-purpose lens with Image Stabilisation though, check out our Canon EF-S 17-85mm review which includes comparisons with the bundled EF-S 18-55mm and the premium EF 17-40 L. If you’re interested in portraiture or low-light work, check out our Canon EF-S 17-55mm f/2.8 review and if you’re into ultra wide angle, check out our Canon EF-S 10-22mm review

NEW: To see which Canon lens makes the best-general-purpose upgrade for the 400D, see our EOS 400D / Rebel XTi lens group test.

Canon EOS 400D / Rebel XTi with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 (bundled lens) coverage
18-55mm at 18mm, f8 (29mm equivalent)		18-55mm at 55mm, f8 (88mm equivalent)

Canon EOS 400D / Rebel XTi viewfinder

The EOS 400D / Rebel XTi’s viewfinder delivers the same 95% coverage and 0.8x magnification as its predecessor, but there’s differences to both the focusing system and the information running below the frame.

The 400D / XTi now features the same nine-point AF system as the EOS 30D, arranged in the same diamond pattern. Each point is surrounded by a square, although like the 350D / XT, a red dot illuminates in the middle when active. While the illuminated square outlines of the 30D look smarter, the nine-point AF system behind it remains the same and is a decent upgrade for the 400D / XTi from the earlier seven-point system. As before you have the choice of three AF modes: One Shot, AI Focus and AI Servo.

Interestingly Canon’s slightly altered the information running along the bottom of the viewfinder frame. You’ll still find the shutter speed, aperture and exposure compensation scale, along with icons to indicate AE lock, flash, flash compensation, focus and shots remaining in the buffer, but the 350D / XT’s red-eye reduction icon has been removed and a new white balance correction icon added. If you have red-eye reduction activated though, the 400D / XTi’s EV scale animates as you half-press the shutter. The actual characters also appear a little taller than before.

There’s still no ISO or metering mode information in the viewfinder, but these and much more are now permanently shown on the rear screen so there’s unlikely to be many unpleasant surprises. Unfortunately there’s still no grid option for the viewfinder, whether using an optional focusing screen or the on-demand LCD lines of Nikon’s DSLRs.