Canon EOS 400D vs Canon EOS 700D: An Expert Comparison for Photographers Ready to Upgrade

Choosing between two classic Canon DSLRs might seem straightforward at first glance - after all, both models come from the same brand, share similar EF/EF-S mount compatibility, and cater to enthusiasts dipping their toes into EOS photography. But, if you dig a little deeper - which I did over dozens of shooting sessions, benchmarking, and in-the-field tests - you’ll find each camera has its own personality, technical strengths, and limitations. This comparison is my attempt to unravel that complexity for you, so you can make an informed choice based on your needs, not just specs on paper.

Let’s dive in.

Getting Acquainted: A Quick Physical and Design Overview

The Canon EOS 400D (aka Digital Rebel XTi) made its debut in late 2006, heralded as a solid step-up from the 350D, while the EOS 700D (Rebel T5i) arrived seven years later, in 2013, packing noticeable improvements in sensor resolution, touchscreen articulation, and video capabilities.

Take a look at their physical size and ergonomics side-by-side:

At 127x94x65mm and tipping the scales at just 556g, the 400D is lightweight and compact for a DSLR of its era, appealing for users running around with minimal gear. The 700D builds on this footprint with slightly bulkier dimensions (133x100x79mm) and a bit more heft (580g), though the increase is practically negligible. However, in hand, the 700D feels more substantial and comfortable thanks to its improved grip contours and rubberized texture - which is a welcome change if you shoot for extended periods.

Moving on to the top plate, the control layout evolved between generations:

The 400D’s top deck is somewhat minimalistic, with fewer dedicated buttons and a straightforward mode dial - fitting for a beginner-level DSLR, but lacking some control granularity. Fast forward to the 700D, and you’ll notice a richer control scheme, featuring customizable buttons and a more intuitive mode dial that’s easier to manipulate, especially when shooting fast-paced events. The articulating touchscreen on the 700D also sets it apart, making menu navigation and live view shooting much more fluid compared to the fixed, low-res screen of the 400D.

We’ll unpack the LCD and interface differences next - they’re a big part of the user experience differential here.

Sensors and Image Quality: Pixels, Size, and Performance

Both DSLRs share the same venerable APS-C format sensor, roughly 22.2 x 14.8 mm for the 400D and 22.3 x 14.9 mm for the 700D - practically indistinguishable in size but a big leap apart in resolution and performance.

Here’s a visual to illustrate sensor specifications and the resulting image quality factors:

The 400D houses a 10.1MP CMOS sensor with an optical low-pass filter to curb moiré, delivering good image quality for its age. Its maximum native ISO tops out at 1600, limiting flexibility in low light. Color depth scores (DxO mark ~22.1 bits) and dynamic range (about 11 stops) are reasonable but show their age compared to modern sensors.

The 700D sports a much higher resolution 18MP CMOS sensor with Canon’s then-recent Digic 5 processor, providing better noise handling and color fidelity (albeit a slightly lower measured color depth at 21.7 bits). The maximum ISO climbs to 12,800, which is a huge advantage for shooting in dim interiors or evening street photography - though obviously, the best quality is maintained closer to base ISO 100-800.

In terms of dynamic range, the 700D marginally outperforms its predecessor (11.2 stops), which translates to more detail retention in shadows and highlights, something landscape photographers will appreciate.

For those chasing pixel-peeping excellence or large prints, the jump from 10MP to 18MP can’t be overstated - you’ll find more cropping flexibility and finer detail without exceeding ISO 800 or so.

Both cameras support RAW capture, essential for pro workflows demanding extensive post-processing, but keep in mind that the 700D’s improved processing pipeline yields cleaner files with smoother gradations.

Viewing and Interface: How You See and Control Your Frame

While sensors might be the heart of a camera, the user interface is its soul. Here, the gap between the 400D’s fixed, low-res display and the 700D’s fully articulated, high-resolution touchscreen significantly shapes your day-to-day shooting experience.

The Canon 400D offers a modest 2.5-inch fixed LCD screen with just 230k dots; navigating menus or reviewing shots can be clunky. There’s no live view, so you’re tethered to the optical pentamirror viewfinder with its 95% coverage and fairly low 0.5x magnification, which makes critical manual focusing or composing tight shots a bit challenging.

In contrast, the EOS 700D’s 3-inch Clear View II TFT LCD with 1,040k dots is bright, detailed, and fully articulated - perfect for shooting from creative angles or video. The touchscreen interface simplifies focus point selection in live view and menus, a real boon for hybrid shooters and vloggers. Live view autofocus includes face detection, a feature entirely absent in the 400D.

The optical viewfinder remains a pentamirror type with roughly the same 95% coverage but with slight magnification improvement (0.53x). While neither provides the pristine detail of a DSLR pentaprism, the 700D edges ahead with some ergonomics upgrades in viewfinder eyecup design and reduced blackout time in continuous shooting.

Autofocus and Shooting Speed: Catching the Moment

Autofocus and burst shooting performance are critical in sports, wildlife, or street photography - areas where decisive moments rarely wait.

The 400D employs a 9-point phase-detection autofocus system, fairly standard for entry-level DSLRs in 2006. It works well for static subjects in good light but struggles with fast-moving targets or low-contrast scenes. Continuous autofocus in live view isn’t available, limiting versatility.

The 700D retains the same number of AF points (9), but upgrades them all to cross-type sensors, which improves accuracy, especially tracking horizontal and vertical edges. Although continuous AF tracking is still limited, the touch-driven AF area selection and face detection assist in maintaining focus on people, a boon for portrait and street photographers alike.

Regarding burst rates, the 400D manages a pedestrian 3fps, while the 700D nearly doubles that at 5fps. This difference is quite tangible when shooting any kind of action or wildlife series, though neither camera is designed for professional sports photography. Still, the increased buffer and faster processing on the 700D make a practical difference in capturing peak moments.

Image Sample Gallery: Real-World Outputs from Both Cameras

Sometimes data and specs only tell half the story; I spent time shooting side by side to see how these cameras hold up across styles.

Canon 400D front Canon 400D screen back Canon 700D screen back

Look closely at portrait samples: skin tones from the 700D are richer and more nuanced, thanks to better color processing and face-detection aided focus precision. Bokeh is smoother with the 700D’s ability to pair with newer EF-S lenses sporting wider apertures.

Landscape shots reveal the 700D’s greater resolution helps capture finer textures and details in foliage, with wider dynamic range capturing more highlight and shadow detail. The 400D, while competent, produces images that feel a tad flatter and less punchy.

In wildlife and sports images, you’ll notice the 700D’s faster autofocus and higher burst rate result in more keepers with sharp focus; the 400D forces more cautious shooting and patience.

For macro and night photography side-by-side, the 700D’s higher ISO ceiling and touch autofocus give a clear advantage, yielding less noise and easier focusing on intricate subjects under dim conditions.

Handling and Build: Durability and Everyday Use

Neither is a metal-clad pro model, but both DSLRs are solidly built enough for enthusiast use. The 400D has a compact SLR body that feels a bit plasticky, while the 700D’s finish is more refined with a rubbery grip.

Both lack weather sealing, which is worth stressing if you shoot outdoors often. Neither is splash-proof or dust-resistant, so carry protective gear if heading into harsh environments.

The 400D uses CompactFlash memory cards - a format older and bulkier than the 700D’s SD/SDHC/SDXC card compatibility, which offers more convenience and faster performance today. Battery life data for the 400D is sparse, but it generally offers fewer shots per charge compared to the 700D’s impressive 440 frames per battery - a huge plus for travel and event photographers.

Video Features: A Clear Divide Between Eras

Video was not a feature on the 400D, which debuted before HD video capabilities were standard.

The 700D, by contrast, steps in as a solid entry-level hybrid option, offering:

• Full HD 1080p video at up to 30fps
• 720p at 60fps for smooth slow motion
• Contrast and phase-detection autofocus in live view
• External microphone input for better audio capture
• Touchscreen focus pulls and easy framing on the adjustable LCD

Although it’s not a cinema camera by any means, the 700D opens the door for casual videographers or vloggers requiring simple, flexible HD recording. The lack of headphone monitoring is unfortunate, but understandable at this tier.

Connectivity and Modern Convenience Features

While the 400D offers no wireless options and just USB 2.0 connectivity for file transfer, the 700D adds support for Eye-Fi wireless cards (a bit niche but handy for remote transfer). Both lack Bluetooth or NFC, which is typical of cameras from their respective times.

The 700D’s HDMI output allows clean video output to monitors - another plus for multimedia workflows.

What About Lenses and Accessories?

Both cameras share Canon’s EF and EF-S mount, meaning they can access the same extensive lens lineup of over 320 lenses, from ultra-wide primes to super-telephoto zooms.

However, the 700D’s newer technology benefits more from modern lenses equipped with STM motors - quieter and smoother autofocus important for video. The 400D can certainly mount those lenses, but without the benefit of full live view AF support, you might not get the most out of those motor improvements.

How Do They Stack Up in Different Photography Genres?

Let’s bring it all together with a quick look at performance tailored to specific disciplines.

Portraits: The 700D shines with face-detection AF, higher resolution, and better color depth. Its articulating touchscreen also makes creative framing easier. The 400D is serviceable but feels dated in skin tones and autofocus finesse.

Landscape: Both deliver decent APS-C image quality, but the 700D’s higher dynamic range and resolution offer a distinct edge, especially in challenging light and cropping flexibility.

Wildlife: The faster burst rates and improved AF cross-point accuracy on the 700D translate to more sharp frames captured. The 400D struggles more with tracking movement and has lower ISO range.

Sports: Neither excels in this demanding area, but the 700D’s 5fps and better AF cross sensors are helpful. The 400D’s 3fps and more rudimentary AF make it less ideal.

Street: Portability is similar, but the 700D’s live view touch AF and better low-light ISO range win for this genre. The 400D’s lack of live view can be restrictive.

Macro: Touchscreen focusing and higher resolution favor the 700D; the 400D can do the job but less comfortably.

Night/Astro: The 700D’s better high-ISO noise performance and longer shutter speeds help capture stars and night scenes with less editing headaches.

Video: 400D doesn’t shoot video; 700D includes full HD recording, mic input, and touchscreen focus assistance.

Travel: Battery life and touchscreen articulation make the 700D the more versatile travel companion, despite slightly larger size.

Professional Work: Both cameras are entry-level and not intended for professional reliability or heavy-duty use. However, the 700D’s newer engine, better file formats, and video options make it the better sidekick for freelancers or studios on a budget.

Summing Up the Numbers: Ratings and Value for Money

Time for a hard-numbers look at overall performance ratings from DxOMark, supplemented by hands-on testing:

• Canon 400D: DxO score 62
• Canon 700D: DxO score 61

The raw scores might suggest parity, but remember, these measurements, weighted by sensor performance, don’t encapsulate usability, autofocus, and video capability - where the 700D beats the 400D comfortably.

Price-wise, the 400D is an aging older model - often found secondhand under $200 - while the 700D, though discontinued, floats around $400-$650 on the used market depending on kit configurations. Both represent budget entry points, yet only the 700D holds subjectively solid value for those wanting a more future-proof investment.

In Summary: Which Canon Should You Choose in 2024?

Here’s my personal take, based on three years using both models extensively:

• Pick the Canon 400D if:

  • You want a straightforward DSLR for hobby shooting or as a backup body
  • You’re on a shoestring budget and can only get a used camera
  • You want something compact and minimalist without fuss
  • Your priorities do not include video or extensive live view use

• Go for the Canon 700D if:

  • You want substantial upgrades like touchscreen, live view, HD video
  • Better autofocus and handling for portraits, street, and casual wildlife work appeal to you
  • You’re interested in hybrid photo/video shooting
  • You appreciate better battery life and modern storage formats
  • You may upgrade lenses now or in the future, benefiting from STM motors and expanded EF-S choices

Dear Canon, if you’re reading - it’s cameras like the 700D that set a strong foundation for beginners making the leap into DSLR photography. However, even the 700D now shows its age next to the mirrorless revolution, but as a reliable, beginner-friendly DSLR, it still holds charm.

Whichever model you pick, they both offer a gateway into Canon’s expansive ecosystem, excellent color science, and decades of solid lens options. Just bear in mind that the 400D is firmly vintage at this point, while the 700D remains a capable tool for entry-level shooters wanting modest flexibility and solid image quality.

Have this side-by-side helped you narrow down which Canon DSLR fits your needs? Feel free to ask about particular use cases or lenses in the comments. Happy shooting!