Canon 4000D vs SX400

The Canon EOS 4000D (called Canon T100 in some regions) and the Canon PowerShot SX400 IS are two digital cameras that were revealed to the public, respectively, in February 2018 and July 2014. The 4000D is a DSLR, while the SX400 is a fixed lens compact. The cameras are based on an APS-C (4000D) and a 1/2.3-inch (SX400) sensor. The 4000D has a resolution of 17.9 megapixels, whereas the SX400 provides 15.9 MP.

Below is an overview of the main specs of the two cameras as a starting point for the comparison.

Headline Specifications

Canon 4000D		Canon SX400
Digital single lens reflex		Fixed lens compact camera
Canon EF mount lenses		24-720mm f/3.4-5.8
17.9 MP – APS-C sensor		15.9 MP – 1/2.3" sensor
1080/30p Video		720/30p Video
ISO 100-6,400 (100 - 12,800)		ISO 100-1,600
Optical viewfinder		No viewfinder, LCD framing
2.7" LCD – 230k dots		3.0" LCD – 230k dots
Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)		Fixed screen (not touch-sensitive)
3 shutter flaps per second		0.8 shutter flaps per second
500 shots per battery charge		190 shots per battery charge
129 x 102 x 77 mm, 436 g		104 x 69 x 80 mm, 313 g

Check 4000D price at
amazon.com
Check SX400 offers at
ebay.com

Going beyond this snapshot of core features and characteristics, what are the differences between the Canon EOS 4000D and the Canon PowerShot SX400 IS? Which one should you buy? Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their imaging sensors, their shooting features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Canon 4000D and the Canon SX400. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three successive views from the front, the top, and the rear are shown. All size dimensions are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size, the Canon SX400 is considerably smaller (45 percent) than the Canon 4000D. In this context, it is worth noting that neither the 4000D nor the SX400 are weather-sealed.

The above size and weight comparisons are to some extent incomplete and possibly misleading, as the SX400 has a lens built in, whereas the 4000D is an interchangeable lens camera that requires a separate lens. Attaching the latter will add extra weight and bulk to the setup. You can compare the optics available for the 4000D and their specifications in the Canon EF Lens Catalog.

Concerning battery life, the 4000D gets 500 shots out of its Canon LP-E10 battery, while the SX400 can take 190 images on a single charge of its Canon NB-11LH power pack.

The following table provides a synthesis of the main physical specifications of the two cameras and other similar ones. In case you want to display and compare another camera duo, you can use the CAM-parator app to select your camera combination among a large number of options.

Body Specifications

		Camera Model	Camera Width	Camera Height	Camera Depth	Camera Weight	Battery Life	Weather Sealing	Camera Launch	Launch Price	Street Price
1.		Canon 4000D	129 mm	102 mm	77 mm	436 g	500	n	Feb 2018	EUR 399	amazon.com
2.		Canon SX400	104 mm	69 mm	80 mm	313 g	190	n	Jul 2014	EUR 179	ebay.com
3.		Canon 100D	117 mm	91 mm	69 mm	407 g	380	n	Mar 2013	EUR 499	ebay.com
4.		Canon 200D	122 mm	93 mm	70 mm	453 g	650	n	Jun 2017	EUR 599	ebay.com
5.		Canon 500D	129 mm	98 mm	62 mm	520 g	400	n	Mar 2009	EUR 699	ebay.com
6.		Canon 550D	129 mm	98 mm	62 mm	530 g	440	n	Feb 2010	EUR 649	ebay.com
7.		Canon 1000D	126 mm	98 mm	65 mm	502 g	500	n	Jun 2008	EUR 399	ebay.com
8.		Canon 1100D	130 mm	100 mm	78 mm	495 g	700	n	Feb 2011	EUR 399	ebay.com
9.		Canon 1200D	130 mm	100 mm	78 mm	480 g	500	n	Feb 2014	EUR 399	ebay.com
10.		Canon 1300D	129 mm	101 mm	78 mm	485 g	500	n	Mar 2016	EUR 449	ebay.com
11.		Canon 2000D	129 mm	101 mm	78 mm	475 g	500	n	Feb 2018	EUR 499	amazon.com
12.		Canon G9 X Mark II	98 mm	58 mm	31 mm	206 g	235	n	Jan 2017	EUR 499	ebay.com
13.		Canon M10	108 mm	67 mm	35 mm	301 g	255	n	Oct 2015	EUR 499	ebay.com
14.		Canon SX410	104 mm	69 mm	85 mm	325 g	185	n	Feb 2015	EUR 279	ebay.com
15.		Canon SX510	104 mm	70 mm	80 mm	349 g	250	n	Aug 2013	EUR 329	ebay.com
16.		Canon SX600	104 mm	61 mm	26 mm	188 g	290	n	Jan 2014	EUR 249	ebay.com
17.		Canon SX700	113 mm	66 mm	35 mm	269 g	250	n	Feb 2014	EUR 349	ebay.com
Note: Measurements and pricing do not include easily detachable parts, such as add-on or interchangeable lenses or optional viewfinders.
Convert to Imperial

The price is, of course, an important factor in any camera decision. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The SX400 was launched at a lower price than the 4000D, despite having a lens built in. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison

The size of the sensor inside a digital camera is one of the key determinants of image quality. A large sensor will tend to have larger individual pixels that provide better low-light sensitivity, wider dynamic range, and richer color-depth than smaller pixel-units in a sensor of the same technological generation. Moreover, a large sensor camera will give the photographer more control over depth-of-field in the image and, thus, the ability to better isolate a subject from the background. On the downside, larger sensors are more costly to manufacture and tend to lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Of the two cameras under consideration, the Canon 4000D features an APS-C sensor and the Canon SX400 a 1/2.3-inch sensor. The sensor area in the SX400 is 92 percent smaller. As a result of these sensor size differences, the cameras have a format factor of, respectively, 1.6 and 5.6. The sensor in the 4000D has a native 3:2 aspect ratio, while the one in the SX400 offers a 4:3 aspect.

With 17.9MP, the 4000D offers a higher resolution than the SX400 (15.9MP), but the 4000D nevertheless has larger individual pixels (pixel pitch of 4.31μm versus 1.33μm for the SX400) due to its larger sensor. Moreover, the 4000D is a much more recent model (by 3 years and 7 months) than the SX400, and its sensor will have benefitted from technological advances during this time that further enhance the light gathering capacity of its pixels. Coming back to sensor resolution, it should be mentioned that the SX400 has no anti-alias filter installed, so that it can capture all the detail its sensor resolves.

The resolution advantage of the Canon 4000D implies greater flexibility for cropping images or the possibility to print larger pictures. The maximum print size of the 4000D for good quality output (200 dots per inch) amounts to 25.9 x 17.3 inches or 65.8 x 43.9 cm, for very good quality (250 dpi) 20.7 x 13.8 inches or 52.7 x 35.1 cm, and for excellent quality (300 dpi) 17.3 x 11.5 inches or 43.9 x 29.3 cm. The corresponding values for the Canon SX400 are 23 x 17.3 inches or 58.5 x 43.9 cm for good quality, 18.4 x 13.8 inches or 46.8 x 35.1 cm for very good quality, and 15.4 x 11.5 inches or 39 x 29.3 cm for excellent quality prints.

The Canon EOS 4000D has a native sensitivity range from ISO 100 to ISO 6400, which can be extended to ISO 100-12800. The corresponding ISO settings for the Canon PowerShot SX400 IS are ISO 100 to ISO 1600 (no boost).

In terms of underlying technology, the 4000D is build around a CMOS sensor, while the SX400 uses a CCD imager. Both cameras use a Bayer filter for capturing RGB colors on a square grid of photosensors. This arrangement is found in most digital cameras.

Consistent information on actual sensor performance is available from DXO Mark for many cameras. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). The table below summarizes the physical sensor characteristics and sensor quality findings and compares them across a set of similar cameras.

Sensor Characteristics

		Camera Model	Sensor Class	Resolution (MP)	Horiz. Pixels	Vert. Pixels	Video Format	DXO Portrait	DXO Landscape	DXO Sports	DXO Overall
1.		Canon 4000D	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	21.9	11.4	695	63
2.		Canon SX400	1/2.3	15.9	4608	3456	720/30p	20.1	11.5	672	46
3.		Canon 100D	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	21.8	11.3	843	63
4.		Canon 200D	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/60p	23.6	13.4	1041	79
5.		Canon 500D	APS-C	15.1	4752	3168	1080/20p	21.7	11.5	663	63
6.		Canon 550D	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	22.1	11.5	784	66
7.		Canon 1000D	APS-C	10.1	3888	2592	none	22.0	10.9	719	62
8.		Canon 1100D	APS-C	12.2	4272	2848	720/30p	21.9	11.0	755	62
9.		Canon 1200D	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	21.9	11.3	724	63
10.		Canon 1300D	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	22.0	11.7	781	66
11.		Canon 2000D	APS-C	24.0	6000	4000	1080/30p	22.6	11.9	1009	71
12.		Canon G9 X Mark II	1-inch	20.0	5472	3648	1080/60p	21.9	12.5	522	65
13.		Canon M10	APS-C	17.9	5184	3456	1080/30p	22.2	11.4	753	65
14.		Canon SX410	1/2.3	19.9	5152	3864	720/30p	20.2	11.6	720	47
15.		Canon SX510	1/2.3	15.9	4608	3456	1080/24p	20.0	11.3	586	45
16.		Canon SX600	1/2.3	15.9	4608	3456	1080/30p	20.0	11.4	620	45
17.		Canon SX700	1/2.3	15.9	4608	3456	1080/60p	20.1	11.4	629	45
Note: DXO values in italics represent estimates based on sensor size and age.

Many modern cameras cannot only take still pictures, but also record videos. The two cameras under consideration both have sensors whose read-out speed is fast enough to capture moving pictures, but the 4000D provides a higher video resolution than the SX400. It can shoot video footage at 1080/30p, while the SX400 is limited to 720/30p.

Feature comparison

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a variety of features. For example, the 4000D has an optical viewfinder, which can be very useful when shooting in bright sunlight. In contrast, the SX400 relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. The adjacent table lists some of the other core features of the Canon 4000D and Canon SX400 along with similar information for a selection of comparators.

Core Features

		Camera Model	Viewfinder (Type or 000 dots)	Control Panel (yes/no)	LCD Specifications (inch/000 dots)	LCD Attach- ment	Touch Screen (yes/no)	Max Shutter Speed *	Max Shutter Flaps *	Built-in Flash (yes/no)	Built-in Image Stab
1.		Canon 4000D	optical	n	2.7 / 230	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0/s	Y	n
2.		Canon SX400	none	n	3.0 / 230	fixed	n	1/1600s	0.8/s	Y	Y
3.		Canon 100D	optical	n	3.0 / 1040	fixed	Y	1/4000s	4.9/s	Y	n
4.		Canon 200D	optical	n	3.0 / 1040	swivel	Y	1/4000s	5.0/s	Y	n
5.		Canon 500D	optical	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.4/s	Y	n
6.		Canon 550D	optical	n	3.0 / 1040	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.7/s	Y	n
7.		Canon 1000D	optical	n	2.5 / 230	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0/s	Y	n
8.		Canon 1100D	optical	n	2.7 / 230	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0/s	Y	n
9.		Canon 1200D	optical	n	3.0 / 460	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0/s	Y	n
10.		Canon 1300D	optical	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0/s	Y	n
11.		Canon 2000D	optical	n	3.0 / 920	fixed	n	1/4000s	3.0/s	Y	n
12.		Canon G9 X Mark II	none	n	3.0 / 1040	fixed	Y	1/2000s	8.2/s	Y	Y
13.		Canon M10	none	n	3.0 / 1040	tilting	Y	1/4000s	4.6/s	Y	n
14.		Canon SX410	none	n	3.0 / 230	fixed	n	1/4000s	0.5/s	Y	Y
15.		Canon SX510	none	n	3.0 / 461	fixed	n	1/1600s	3.8/s	Y	Y
16.		Canon SX600	none	n	3.0 / 461	fixed	n	1/2000s	3.9/s	Y	Y
17.		Canon SX700	none	n	3.0 / 922	fixed	n	1/3200s	8.5/s	Y	Y
Note: *) Information refers to the mechanical shutter, unless the camera only has an electronic one.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the 4000D and the SX400 write their files to SDXC cards.

Connectivity comparison

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon EOS 4000D and Canon PowerShot SX400 IS and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

		Camera Model	Hotshoe Port	Internal Mic / Speaker	Microphone Port	Headphone Port	HDMI Port	USB Port	WiFi Support	NFC Support	Bluetooth Support
1.		Canon 4000D	Y	mono / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
2.		Canon SX400	-	stereo / mono	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
3.		Canon 100D	Y	mono / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
4.		Canon 200D	Y	stereo / mono	Y	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	Y
5.		Canon 500D	Y	mono / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
6.		Canon 550D	Y	stereo / -	Y	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
7.		Canon 1000D	Y	- / -	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
8.		Canon 1100D	Y	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
9.		Canon 1200D	Y	mono / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	-	-	-
10.		Canon 1300D	Y	mono / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
11.		Canon 2000D	Y	mono / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
12.		Canon G9 X Mark II	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	Y
13.		Canon M10	-	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	Y	-
14.		Canon SX410	-	stereo / mono	-	-	-	2.0	-	-	-
15.		Canon SX510	-	stereo / mono	-	-	mini	2.0	Y	-	-
16.		Canon SX600	-	mono / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-
17.		Canon SX700	-	stereo / mono	-	-	micro	2.0	Y	Y	-

It is notable that the 4000D has a hotshoe, while the SX400 does not. This socket makes it possible to easily attach optional accessories, such as an external flash gun.

The 4000D is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Canon. In contrast, the SX400 has been discontinued (but can be found pre-owned on ebay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the SX400 was succeeded by the Canon SX410. Further information on the features and operation of the 4000D and SX400 can be found, respectively, in the Canon 4000D Manual (free pdf) or the online Canon SX400 Manual.

Review summary

So what is the bottom line? Is the Canon 4000D better than the Canon SX400 or vice versa? The listing below highlights the relative strengths of the two models.

Advantages of the Canon EOS 4000D:

• More detail: Offers more megapixels (17.9 vs 15.9MP) with a 8% higher linear resolution.
• Better moiré control: Has an anti-alias filter to avoid artificial patterns to appear in images.
• Better image quality: Features a larger and more technologically advanced imaging sensor.
• Richer colors: The sensor size advantage translates into images with better, more accurate colors.
• More dynamic range: Larger sensor captures a wider spectrum of light and dark details.
• Better low-light sensitivity: Larger sensor produces good images even in poorly lit environments.
• Better video: Provides higher definition movie capture (1080/30p vs 720/30p).
• Easier framing: Has an optical viewfinder for image composition and settings control.
• Faster shutter: Has higher mechanical shutter speed (1/4000s vs 1/1600s) to freeze action.
• Faster burst: Shoots at higher frequency (3 vs 0.8 flaps/sec) to capture the decisive moment.
• More flexible: Can take a variety of interchangeable lenses, including specialty optics.
• Longer lasting: Can take more shots (500 versus 190) on a single battery charge.
• Better lighting: Features a hotshoe and can thus hold and trigger an external flash gun.
• Easier file upload: Has wifi built in for automatic backup or image transfer to the web.
• Easier device pairing: Supports NFC for fast wireless image transfer over short distances.
• More modern: Reflects 3 years and 7 months of technical progress since the SX400 launch.

Arguments in favor of the Canon PowerShot SX400 IS:

• Maximized detail: Lacks an anti-alias filter to exploit the sensor's full resolution potential.
• Larger screen: Has a bigger rear LCD (3.0" vs 2.7") for image review and settings control.
• Ready to shoot: Comes with an integrated lens, while the 4000D requires a separate lens.
• More compact: Is smaller (104x69mm vs 129x102mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.
• Less heavy: Has a lower weight even though it has a lens built in (unlike the 4000D).
• Sharper images: Has stabilization technology built-in to reduce the impact of hand-shake.
• More affordable: Was introduced at a lower price, despite coming with a built-in lens.
• More heavily discounted: Has been around for much longer (launched in July 2014).

If the number of relative strengths (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the 4000D is the clear winner of the match-up (16 : 8 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera. A professional wedding photographer will view the differences between cameras in a way that diverges from the perspective of a travel photog, and a person interested in cityscapes has distinct needs from a macro shooter. Hence, the decision which camera is best and worth buying is often a very personal one.

How about other alternatives? Do the specifications of the Canon 4000D and the Canon SX400 place the cameras among the top in their class? Find out in the latest Best DSLR Camera and Best Superzoom Camera listings whether the two cameras rank among the cream of the crop.

In any case, while the comparison of the spec-sheets of cameras can offer a general idea of their imaging potential, it says little about, for example, the shooting experience and imaging performance of the 4000D and the SX400 in practical situations. At times, user reviews, such as those published at amazon, address these issues in a useful manner, but such feedback is on many occasions incomplete, inconsistent, and unreliable.

Expert reviews

This is why expert reviews are important. The table below provides a synthesis of the camera assessments of some of the best known photo-gear review sites (amateurphotographer [AP], cameralabs [CL], digitalcameraworld [DCW], dpreview [DPR], ephotozine [EPZ], photographyblog [PB]). As can be seen, the professional reviewers agree in many cases on the quality of different cameras, but sometimes their assessments diverge, reinforcing the earlier point that a camera decision is often a very personal choice.

Expert Camera Reviews

		Camera   Model	AP   score	CL   score	DCW   score	DPR   score	EPZ   score	PB   score	Camera Launch	Launch Price	Street Price
1.		Canon 4000D	2.5/5	o	3/5	..	3.5/5	3.5/5	Feb 2018	EUR 399	amazon.com
2.		Canon SX400	..	+	..	..	..	..	Jul 2014	EUR 179	ebay.com
3.		Canon 100D	4/5	+	..	78/100	4/5	4/5	Mar 2013	EUR 499	ebay.com
4.		Canon 200D	4/5	+ +	4/5	78/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2017	EUR 599	ebay.com
5.		Canon 500D	..	+ +	..	74/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Mar 2009	EUR 699	ebay.com
6.		Canon 550D	..	+ +	..	77/100	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2010	EUR 649	ebay.com
7.		Canon 1000D	..	82/100	..	+ +	3.5/5	4.5/5	Jun 2008	EUR 399	ebay.com
8.		Canon 1100D	..	80/100	..	69/100	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2011	EUR 399	ebay.com
9.		Canon 1200D	3/5	+	..	..	4/5	4.5/5	Feb 2014	EUR 399	ebay.com
10.		Canon 1300D	4/5	o	4/5	73/100	4/5	4/5	Mar 2016	EUR 449	ebay.com
11.		Canon 2000D	3/5	o	3.5/5	..	3.5/5	3.5/5	Feb 2018	EUR 499	amazon.com
12.		Canon G9 X Mark II	4/5	..	4/5	75/100	4.5/5	4.5/5	Jan 2017	EUR 499	ebay.com
13.		Canon M10	..	..	..	..	..	4/5	Oct 2015	EUR 499	ebay.com
14.		Canon SX410	..	o	..	..	..	..	Feb 2015	EUR 279	ebay.com
15.		Canon SX510	..	+ +	..	..	4.5/5	4/5	Aug 2013	EUR 329	ebay.com
16.		Canon SX600	..	+	..	..	4/5	4/5	Jan 2014	EUR 249	ebay.com
17.		Canon SX700	..	+ +	..	..	4/5	4/5	Feb 2014	EUR 349	ebay.com
Note: (+ +) highly recommended; (+) recommended; (o) reviewed; (..) not available.

Care should be taken when interpreting the review scores above, though. The ratings were established in reference to similarly priced cameras that were available in the market at the time of the review. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. Also, please note that some of the review sites have changed their methodology and reporting over time.

Check 4000D price at
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Check SX400 offers at
ebay.com

Other camera comparisons

Did this review help to inform your camera decision process? If you would like to see a different side-by-side camera review, just use the search menu below. There is also a set of direct links to comparison reviews that other users of the CAM-parator app explored.

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