Canon IXUS 400 Digital Camera [4MP 3xOptical]

The four-megapixel Canon Ixus 400 digital camera is capable of taking still images at 2,272 x 1,704 pixels--enough for a good quality A4 print. Resolutions go down to 640 x 480 for images you might only want to look at digitally. You can also capture video at 320 x 240 and 160 x 120 pixels.

The camera is very small indeed--smaller than earlier IXUS models--and is easily pocket sized. There is what at first might seem a bewildering array of buttons around the casing, but in fact these provide excellent one-button-press access to most of the most used features, such as the 3x optical zoom which goes up to 11x when combined with digital zoom features, the macro mode, settings for the flash and self timer. For more advanced features such as changing the shutter speed, which is great to be able to do on a digital camera, you do need to delve into the LED a little further.

Images are stored on Compact Flash card--the largest image can be a couple of megabytes in size so you'll need to think big when it comes to CF card size with this camera. The battery is removable, and a spare to carry in the pocket might be a good idea.

Canon supplies a range of desktop software for viewing, editing and making use of your digital images. As with previous IXUS cameras, one of the tools works with the Stitch Assist mode on the camera itself in the production of panorama shots. --Sandra Vogel

I have nothing bad to say about this kit, it is superb. Lightweight, easy to use for amateurs or complete beginners.

Would recommend getting a 512Mb flash card and spare battery - we now get 440 photos at best quality on the card and if you pick the email size it will take 1800!!!!!

Also can confirm that, while it is expensive at over £100, the waterproof case works like a dream should you take it snorkelling or diving!

Buy now you wont regret it.

• Excellent battery life• Amazing quality images• Easy to use• Robust• Stylish

Since buying the camera I've invested in a couple more memory cards, as I was finding the original 32mb just wasn't enough (128mb plenty of pics), another battery (nothing worse than running out of power) and a waterproof case (not essential but what a laugh in the swimming pool) - hours of fun!

What more could you ask for.

BUY ONE NOW!!!!

b)the size is perfect as I climb for a hobby and needed a camera which could be easily accessible. in use I store the camera in a tamrac digital case which also holds the spare battery and CF card yet it is still unobtrusive. it can easily be stored without the case in your trouser pocket.

c)battery life is superb for such a small camera. I have the camera out on winter climbs (very cold and drains the battery quicker than any other conditions) and even after taking 30 pics and a movie the battery was good over the 2 days. if you are taking a lot of flash pics or reviewing on the lcd loads then this will obviously drain the battery more and the spare WILL be needed.

d)manual features are perfect for my limited knowledge and even when I do learn more this provides me with all the oportunities I need. they are best learnt by playing around taking loads of pics which with film camera is an expensive learning curve.

e)robust. I thought about the olympus mju400 for it's weatherproofness but it had indifferent reviews and in use this camera has survived cold, snow, damp etc. I haven't dropped it yet!

f)style and function. it looks superb and a monkey could use it on auto. the supplied software is also very easy to use and provides me with all the enhancement tools etc. I want.

in conclusion I now take loads more pics than I ever did, don't waste time and money and think it is superb, but I think you've already guessed that.

I would recommend this camera easily over the Casio Z4 - which is almost the same size but thinner and weighs less, the Casio picture quality is fairly poor and the 2" screen although .5 inch bigger is actually a lot lower in resolution. The Casio doesnt have half the manual settings or selections of the Canon and the lens system used isnt as good. Plus the Canon has a direct feed to any TV to watch your pics, unlike the Casio z4. I think the Sony P10 is the next best thing, it has a 5 mega pixel, higher resolution and a 5x optical zoom! But its slightly more expensive and Sony opted to use a cheaper quality lens in their system. Sonys p10 is also bulkier and heavier than the Canon and the memory works out to be WAY much more expensive. So if you want to take a lot of high res pics but dont want to carry more than 1 card around (in the camera itself) the Canon is the solution and in my opinion easier to use single handed. I currently use a 1GB card that I purchased for around £125 inc. (CompactFlashCard)Canons menu selector system is also very easy to use and some of the extra features not talked about usually are actually really good, like the personalisation menu/themes and the ability to record to change white levels. I spent a long time researching digital cameras and in the end opted for the Canon due to all the excellent reviews it has had.

When I received my Canon I didnt read the manual and managed to work out all the wonderful manual settings very easily. This camera is very intuitive and although there is a manual supplied I dont think most people need to bother with it. I would recommend this camera to everyone, especially those who like to take snaps simultaneously without the hassle of carrying a bulky camera. Its an extremely well built camera and the parts used are very high quality.

I would like to add that I took this camera on holiday for a month, I dropped it twice on solid concrete, once form a height of about 6 feet and the second time from my lap whilst getting out of a cab, the camera was unscratched! It still works perfectly. (although I dont recommend you drop it).

The 4 megapixels is more than enough for most people these days and to be honest even at that resolution you can fit around a 1000 images on a 1gb card! Out of all the reviews I have seen very few people have had anything to complain about with this camera. A+*

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