The A400 model has become a continuation of the lineup of inexpensive digital compacts. It should be noted that the simplest digital cameras from Canon were previously produced with a fixed focal length lens; this also applied to the latest junior models - A300/310. Despite their simplicity, the A300/A310 lenses were of good quality, and thanks to their large depth of field, they were well suited for macro photography. Last year, the A400 model appeared on the market, which, along with a number of improvements, received a variable focal length lens, that is, it acquired an optical zoom. The zoom, however, turned out to be small - 2.2x, but still this is a completely different quality level. It is noteworthy that the new zoom lens retains all the positive aspects of previous optical systems, but more on that below.

Resolution 3.2 effective megapixels, 1/3.2 inches

Lens 2.2x lens, f 5.9-13.2 mm (45-100 mm equivalent for 35 mm film), aperture max. 3.8

Sensitivity ISO 50, 100, 200, 400, automatic or manual selection

Frame format JPEG 2048x1536, 1600x1200, 1024x768, 640x480

Video format 640x480 10 fps (up to 30 s); 320x240 15 fps (up to 3 min); 160x120 15 fps, with sound

Viewfinder Optical viewfinder

LCD 1.5 inches, 115000 pixels

Shutter speed 1s-1/1500

Shooting modes Simplified, advanced, macro, video, scene modes

Focus modes Automatic: normal, macro (spot, AiAF nine-point focusing), autofocus illumination Infinity

Metering modes Evaluative, center-weighted, center point

Exposure compensation +/-2.0 EV in 1/3 EV increments

White balance Auto, 5 presets, manual by sheet

Image Effects: bright colors, neutral colors, reduced sharpness, sepia, black and white

Flash Built-in, red-eye reduction mode. Range: 0.47–2.0 m, 0.3–0.47 m (macro mode)

High-speed shooting Yes

Self-timer Yes

Interfaces USB 1.1, AV output

Power: Two AA cells

Dimensions (W×H×D) 107×53.4×36.8 (mm)

Weight 165 g (without batteries and memory card)

The A400 has a slightly elongated plastic body. On the front side of the camera there is a wide metal decorative insert through which the strap loop is threaded. The smooth curve of the body promotes better grip. The lens is shifted to the left side, when viewed from the side of the screen, the flash is located in the far left corner. The A400's controls, with the exception of the mode selector, are typical of a digital compact. Thanks to its light weight, elongated body and not too miniature layout, the Canon A400 fits comfortably in a large hand. You can quite comfortably operate the camera and shoot using only one hand. Just with your hand, and not with your fingertips, and without fear that the camera will accidentally slip out or the lens will be blocked during shooting.