Got myself a new camera recently. A digital SLR camera the Canon EOS 400D also know as the Canon Digital Rebel XTi in some parts of the world. I’ve always wanted a digital SLR ever since Canon and Nikon release their entry level DSLR cameras.

A digital SLR camera are different from an everyday point and shot camera in many ways, the most obvious would be that on a digital Single Lens Reflex, what you see in the viewfinder is exactly what you get. There are only one lens path with DSLR cameras that you can’t use the LCD as a viewfinder like what you could do on a point and shot camera. There are however some DSLRs that has the ‘live preview’ ability on their LCD with certain degree of limitation.

A digital SLR camera are builded to have interchangeable lenses, that is something you wont see in other point and shoot type digicam. You could have a totally new camera with just changing the lens, however most high-end lenses cost more then the camera body itself.

Most important in DSLRs is the unparalleled control of the camera. The ability to manually adjust everything from aperture, shutter speed, focus and much more is what makes these type of cameras a force to reckon with. Of cause with power comes responsibility or something like that. There are also some preset modes just like in other non-DSLR cameras.

Now about the Canon EOS 400D. This camera has many names, it is known as Canon Digital Rebel XTi in North America, Canon EOS Kiss Digital X in Japan and Canon EOS 400D in most other places. It is the successor of Canon’s other entry level DSLRs the Canon EOS 300D and the EOS 350D. Canon also have announced the EOS 450D.

Some specs and features, the EOS 400D has a 10.1 megapixel CMOS sensor with improved micro-lens array, fill factor and lower noise. Nine point Auto Focus sensor, something you might find in EOS 30D, with F2.8 support. New viewfinder view includes 9 AF points as well as EOS 30D style status bar. Continuous shooting burst up to 27 JPEG and 10 RAW images. An EOS Integrated Cleaning System that makes sure dust don’t get into the mirror / shutter chamber.

There is a proximity sensor below the viewfinder eyepiece that disable the LCD. This is useful as when you view through the viewfinder the LCD is disable, it saves battery.

These are just the tip of the iceberg. There are tons of features that I’ve just begin trying to understand. I’ve to admit I’m still pretty much a newbie with this, there are many things I’ve yet to learn. I’m also looking for lens recommendation, please fill free to drop a line in the comments.

Also check out my Flickr Photostream for some test shots.