Background:

SLR (Single Lens Reflex) 35mm film cameras were very popular for many years; from late 60’s to late 80’s. Nikon, Minolta, Pentax, Olympus and Canon were amount the popular brands. Nikon had been favored by many professionals, and found hanging around the necks of photo journalists from Time Life magazines for many years.

Film versus Digital image war raged for many years as early digital cameras could not come close to 35mm film image in quality. It took another generation of mankind to alter this as younger people prefer the simple pre-programmed auto focus, compact size digital cameras match with their beloved PCs.

It is still somewhat difficult for some SLR diehards to switch to digital. Having been a SLR user for over 30 years, I think I could understand some of the reasons behind. For some is the smell of chemical in the dark room, for others the trusted faithful SLR lenses would become a total waste and lastly some of them might not know Digital SLR cameras have come a long way that they should no longer be ignored. If you still miss the chemical I could not help you here as I have had stopped using my darkroom after I replaced the pipes at my old house. Keeping your AF lenses may be viable, pay your local camera store a visit, you may be surprised if you own a Nikon or Canon AF SLR and keep on using them on the DSLR body.

In general SLR and DSLR offer more advantages than compact non-SLR cameras. Digital SLR camera of today offers the following versus Non-SLR pocket and compact type digital cameras

Advantages

• Fast operation and control settings
  
• Better aperture and shutter control
  
• Large and bright optical viewfinder
  
• Easy hold and steady for shots
  
• Interchangeable lenses
  
  Disadvantages
  
• High cost of ownership
  
• Bulky to carry

Introduction:

The current Canon EOS 400D XTi has 10.1 versus the previous model 350D or XT 8 megapixels and added Integrated Cleaning System featuring a Self Cleaning Sensor while using the same DIGIC II Image Processor. 35mm equivalent 18-55mm lens is included in the package. Retailers are pricing them very competitively against Nikon D40x and D80.


10.1 MegaPixels CMOS and Digic II Processor














Compactflash memory slot




Gone is the LCD panel on the top which is preferred by some

According to Canon, the battery should last for about 500 shots at 23°C or 73°F and less at temperature below.

More detail photos next ->