I look back at my first RUclips review from 2006 and see how the Canon 400D / XTi compares to today's cameras! Buy Gordon a coffee: www.paypal.me/cameralabs Gordon's In Camera book: amzn.to/2n61PfI / Amazon uk: amzn.to/2mBqRVZ Cameralabs merchandise: redbubble.com/people/cameralabs/shop
lol I remember this video. At the time I was looking at the XSi but the XTi was also on my short list of first cameras to get as it was cheaper. Wow so long ago it just felt like yesterday. Thank you for the thorough reviews and your amazing book! I hope we can get another 14 years of quality content. Should do a time capsule video and do predictions to see what the industry will be like in 14 years and then you can look back at it in the future!
I saw that video back when you first posted it! It convinced me to buy one and that started my journey into DSLRs and HDSLR filmmaking! Thank you for posting great reviews! 😊👍
I really enjoyed this video. i started watching youtube in 2006 and also started to learn about digital photography around the same time. Gordon , you were the only one i watched and then straight to your website for the camera knowledge i needed. I learned so much. I still shoot with my vintage cameras and i hope you continue to do your Vintage Bits! Gracias Gordon.
New to your channel, but found your well-reasoned reviews very helpful when deciding on a camera this past Christmas. It’s great to see the retro videos and share in your history. Congrats on many successful years!
I worked my 400d to death, it was eventually held together with gaffer tape and glue but still worked flawlessly. Shutter button eventually packed up and wasn't cost effective to get it repaired. The images still stand up today, in terms of image quality, my 80d has the edge but the difference isn't massive, it has loads of features that help capture an image but the 400d still holds its own, possibly a classic.....possibly. Great video Gordon.
If you wanna try to bring it back again you could try to use the bit where an external shutter remote plugs in, someone else on youtube even made their own with just a 2.5 millimeter audio cable and two buttons basically
This was great Gordon! I wasn't aware of you back that early but soon afterwards yes because I remember those early videos in a room and sample shots and video outside in New Zealand. I bought the Canon 550D, while my cousin bought the Nikon D90 not long after this and I still have it today and it still works really well, even though it does show a fair bit of wear and tear through handling.
I wasn't into photography to that degree back then. I think from 2009 I started looking and I was mostly on your website then because you had (and have) the most detailed reviews. Thanks for the little look back in time and well done for going all these years.
On that time we made photos with 8MB and we find them ok. Today we double or we have 3 times more and isn´t enough. We were happy and grateful with he had. I wish that in 14 years you will make an identical video, remembering 2020. All the best from Portugal
Great Gordon! You deserve more than 200k subscribers so I’m sure you’ll be breaking a million soon. Always watch your videos for an excellent and in-depth review. Keep up the good work 😃
Gorden it was this video that sold me on the 400D all those years ago and turned me into an avid follow of your channel! Congrats on the following its well deserved!
You know what, back in 2006, it was your video which made me get a Canon 400D, my first DSLR. I want to thank you for giving that extra push in to what is now my full time career :)
@@cameralabs My primary camera is the M6 ii, but going back to the 5D classic is surprisingly refreshing. It feels like a very pure, simple, enjoyable experience. Just pure photography, if that makes sense.
I still have my 400d which I keep in my car just in case I see a Image worth photographing. I upgraded to 7D and 5D mkiii but the old 400d still performs well. I also had a Sony video with tape now replaced with a digital one but unfortunately without a viewfinder. Thanks for the vintage look back at old reviews.
Just realized now that I have been watching CameraLabs since its very first begining! I was at the time researching for my very first dSLR, in 2006, which ended up being the Canon 40D. Thanks Gordon and all the best!
Cool video thanks! My first camera was the 350D in 2007. In 2018 I bought two 450D, one out of pure nostalgia and the other one for a beginner. Today I shoot Fuji and so much has changed but I kinda miss these good ol' days.
I've been subscribed to you ever since this original video. I bought the XTi after watching this video and a couple others. It was my very first DSLR camera.
Really enjoyed this. Two remarks: 1. I still enjoy shooting with the tuned down version of the 400D, the 1000D. Perfect for city or portrait shooting with a small lens. 2. Just like me and in strong contrast to many others, you look way better now than 14 years ago. Some just age well!
I remember watching your videos and reading your reviews religously back then and eventually got my first ever proper camera, which was a 400D. It started my career as a photographer. Crazy memories!
Wow. The 400D was the first DSLR I ever used, starting in 2007. The colours, dynamic range and sense of depth were a revelation, coming from small sensor cams of that time. Used it at work for about four months, then got a 30D, which is still a decent camera now. The 400D used the same battery as the Canon S70 pocket camera, which made for a good combination. I just wish I'd shot in raw on the 400D, the files would have been even better processed now.
@@cameralabs My first DSLR was the 550D which I'm not going to sell, because with Magic Lantern it does focus trap, which none of my newer cameras do. But I don’t need to see your review again - I've only been following your channel for a few years, so I've seen it fairly recently.
Your videos back then were just as nice to watch as they are today, so it seems. This was really fun and I am looking forward to (hopefully) many more of these throwback videos! Best of luck to you, Gordon.
I remember watching these videos as they came out. Me and my colleagues got excited with every new video and we would view it together, standing in front of an eMac (Yes, eMac, not iMac!) and celebrating the things, you had to say! I will never forget your 40D video and how excited we all got, when you fired up that shutter with its 6fps! Thank you Gordon for all this years of getting us hooked video after video!
LOVE my 400d. Had to dig mine out when I left my 7d battery charger at work. Shot a country show with it... and my 70-200f4. Absolutely loved using it again. And really liked the results too...even in 2020
5 лет назад
Remember watching this video back in 2006. Always great reviews Gordon! Coming back to your reviews 14 years later...
Good stuff Gordon. I've always gravitated toward your thorough and unbiased reviews of cameras and often look to your site for additional facts on cameras when I review my own since there are nuggets of tech info many others don't mention. :-) I too am one of the older, both chronologically and RUclips time, channels that started back in the day but have recently decided to put more time into it. Keep up the great work and bring more of the vintage content.
The video was upload in September 2006. Two months before the purchase of RUclips by Google. At that time there wasn't any direct monetisation of RUclips videos. Also the duration of each video was restricted to 10 minutes for everyone and the maximum resolution was 320p. I wonder why the resolution of the old video is 420p now. Was it later upscaled with the transformation of 4:3 to 16:9? Before the purchase of RUclips, Google had its own Google Videos free video hosting service. Google videos offered technically much more than RUclips. However RUclips was less strict with copyright, it was full of funny short videos of TV channels that ordinary users were uploading and that made it very popular. Very few in 2006 were having serious RUclips channels with a specific topic.
Lovely reflection Gordon. The Canon 400D was my 21st birthday present - today I work as a videographer. It was a life-changing gift that I actually still use for time-lapses using the 400plus firmware. Greetings from Tasmania!
Really enjoyed! From time to time it could be a lovely break from current trends, technologies and releases. I mean, not stopping what you're already doing, of course. Please do more.
Gordon Laing generally speaking, any camera that marked a step forward or sideways also with regard to a single company strategy or change of direction. First Sony e-mount (nex-3 I believe) could be an example. I am also thinking at equipment. Most important, “we” want to see and listen to original review. Thanks again
I remember this 400D review. That was the first video about this camera I've found back than. I was considering buying it but finally decide to go with Minolta D5D :D. Thank You Gordon for all your reviews and articles at Camera Labs. It was, and still is, a valuable source of knowledge for me. Keep up the good work!!!
You are awesome Gordon. Remember these old videos. Your trips like to SF. Bought the LUMIX gx1 because you owned it Which got me going in mirrorless Appreciate all your great videos and reviews keep the coming
Wow, i just checked. I got subscribed to this channel about 10 Years ago when i needed information to buy my first Bridgcamera (everybody has to start somewhere) Lumix FZ38 :D man how time fies by. Thanks for your videos Gordon.
I used your site and watched your reviews since the begining. They were really professional back then and they still are today. The one major improvement is that nowadays you sound more authentic. And yes :) that also includes taking responsability and using the word "I". Cheers.
I also watched the reviews on the cameras I used in the past (mainly the Nikon D5000 and Nikon D7000) multiple times, seeking confirmation in any possible way, on my purchase decisions. That seems a little silly now, that I have a better understanding the tools are just that. Tools. And the head behind the camera is the most important factor :)
@@cameralabs Wow. Gordon Laing himself responded. Thank you sir. Since we're here, I'm going to try and exploit some of your precious time ^_^ : what do you think about the whole mirrorless/DSLR debate. I for one am of the opinion that for the DSLR technology it is the begining of the end. Which leaves me in a rather uncomfortable possition, since I have quite a few thousands euro invested in Nikkor or Nikon-compatible lenses, and none of their mirroless offerings seem to be a suitable replacment for my Nikon D500 (the Z50- obviously is not it) that's my main camera nowadays. Now, I'm still very happy with it but I do realize there will come a point when it will no do the job to par with newer technology and I am ocasionaly doing professional (payed) work. I, for sure know that my next camera will be a mirrorless. Which begs the question, whether Nikon in their infinite arrogance and IBM-mentality will come to produce a suitable replacement soon enough so that I won't have to sell all my gear and go Fuji. I'd love to have an answer (or at least an opinion) from somebody who obviously sees the camera 'world' in a much more 'wide-angle' perspective then me and has reviewd and felt the 'pulse' of the industry for such a long time. Thank you very much sir.
@@thegreatujo I've been a firm believer in mirrorless for 10 years now, but I'm also a firm believer in using the camera that suits you best. You need to ask yourself what you want or need from an upgrade and choose from that - it could be a DSLR, it might even be that yours is good enough for a long time yet. But if you want to cut your losses, then it becomes harder. Your Nikon lenses will adapt well to a Nikon mirrorless, so that route does make sense, albeit probably a full-frame Z6 or Z7 rather than the Z50. if you're happy with APSC though, maybe it's worth starting a second smaller kit, maybe with an XT30 and see if it suits you. Or rent / borrow one for a weekend and see how much you like it.
I found you probably around 2008 or so. A friend of mine told me about you and your reviews were responsible of my camera decisions for a while, including my Canon T3i and my 6D. Of course with a plethora of lenses for them. Still one of my highlights to meet you in Chicago downtown and have a cup of coffee with you and few other folks that showed up that time.
Great work Gordon! This sure brings back memories from the early days of my journey as a hobby photographer. It was your review of the Nikon D60 that determined me to go for that model to be my first DSLR as oppose to the d40. To this day I still go out and shoot a couple of time every month, not with the same camera though. It would be awesome to watch a "Vintage Bits" with the D60. I sometimes miss the shutter sound of my first DSLR. The newer Nikons don't sound as gentle as the D60, however the mirror black out time is much shorter. Wish you a great 2020! /Robert
I bought a 400d based on this video eons ago. It was my first DSLR. I cut my photographic teeth on that thing and still regret selling it to this very day.
This is great, been following you (camera labs) from the early days way before i settled on a Nikon D90 my self in 2009. Lots of great stuff then, lots of great stuff now, keep it up =)
I bought the 400D when it came out and It is still my main camera today, so it has had a good innings. I am just looking at upgrading it to a low shutter count second-hand Mk1 7D
A really great nostalgic video ,of times gone by , I have still have my Digital 8 Sony video camera ,I Still Remember when I had to transfer my 45 min video on my pc and wait 45 min to do it via firewire ! lovely video ! it certainly got me smiling , ps you have not changed that much over the year's .Thank you Gordon .
God this makes me feel old, I remember watching your videos to decide between then 500D and the 550D! Also Queenstown is great! Hope you did the luging 😊
I remember that review and bought the camera. I did not have my current YT channel, but I had another I have since abandoned. This was a pretty high production value for the time.
Of course I remember this. I subscribed when you post this 400D.. I follow your Canon reviews like 40d 450d 50d 500d 550d and so on... obviously I'm a Canon user.. I remember the steam boat that you always use on your video.. also the overlooking view with some zooming.. If I remember right there was also a paraglider scene.. then there was time you didnt post anything.. I thought you quit youtube but still I'm checking cameralabs website from time to time.. then you went to US thats went back posting again... It's been that long.. more power keep posting.
Ha ha!! That was AWESOME Gordon, OMG I'm growing old! I bought my first DSLR, a Nikon D40 because of your video review of it! And of course I compared it with what you had to say back then about what other brands like Canon o Sony offered. I remember taking to another photography aficionado friend of mine back then, "Hey, you've got to see this guy on RUclips! He actually shows you how to handle the thing, not just the usual technical mumbo jumbo" Keep them coming!
I bought an Olympus e420 based on these recommendations... in 2008 I believe. I still love your old videos. They were quick to the point and well-informed. Nowadays, there's tones of bla...bla. Your first ones, in terms of content, they were excellent.
Gordon, back in 2010, your Eos 50d review sparked my interest in that DSLR. Happy to have come across your video. Now, I'm shooting motorsports and events with it for a decade now.
I just decided to get back into photography a little but was unsure if I'd stick at it so I bought a 400d for £33 and an EF-S 18-55mm 3.5-5.6 IS STM for £50. Bargain I reckon. The photographs are great, to my eye.
Love the throwback. I still shoot with is a Kiss Digital X which is another name for the 400D. Use it with 400plus which made all the difference for me years later. It's my beater SLR if I dont want to risk a more modern cam I have.
Just a tiny update, but HDV was hi-def (1440x1080i) 16:9 to bog standard Mini DV tapes. But I did smile at how antiquated you made it all sound, yet in reality MiniDV was a HUGE step up from the analogue smudge that preceded it.
I literally watched this video before I bought my 400D. Ohhh man good times. I still have the thing. I stumbled on your new videos just a moment ago! Hope things are well!
Nja If we look at the distant past, when digital cameras just appeared, they had smaller pixels. But very good optics. Clearly visible keyboard pictures. Gradually, digital video filming appeared for cameras. Before the beginning of 2000. There was no youtube video created yet. The digital cameras of the 70s, 80s, and 90s gradually progressed to compact cameras with many functions. Optics for photography and filming have been modified several times. Competing with film cameras. But when watching movies, the camera still guarantees very good pictures. Digital cameras had problems with the number of pixels. The bigger the pixels, the better. But there is a cost to technology. For 35mm film photography, for example, 400 iso is 450 megapixels according to micro chemical element particles. The higher the iso film sensitivity, the higher the megapixels, which is not available for all digital cameras. Only space probes have digital sensitivities larger than megapixels close to film 35mm sensitivities.
Your review on the Canon G10 had me immediately sold on one (I still have it), and I am, and always was a Nikon man. I also have one or two DSLR lenses because of your excellent reviews, thank you!
"Where did you get that shirt, where did you get that shirt?…" LOL Would've been great if you shot this episode wearing that same shirt. If you're anything like me, (hoarder) you've still got it. Don't sweat the MiniDV machine man, those were the good old days, I've still got my Canon XHA1's, and still shoot events from time to time with them. I even shot my last episode (ep 99) on my channel with it. I have fond memories of the 450D, (love the shutter sound) as I was a production editor in the mid noughties, and convinced my boss to get me one so that I could take the pictures to save on front cover pictures that cost a fortune from Getty Images and so forth. Excellent episode and look back. You have earned your place as the true pioneer of RUclips camera reviews... Untill otherwise informed ofcourse :0)
After a few years break I wanted to get back into my photography. So I bought some magazines and the 400D was new and tests were in the mags. I thought, what is APSC?. Weeks later I went into town and looked at the 400D, remember saying to assistant that it felt like a kids toy. Weeks later I went back and got a 5D with 24-105 F4 IS kit, still got it. Still got my A1 , T90 plus FD lenses and Yashica Mat 124G. Keep up the good work, love the channel.
Nice job! That's definitely a long time in this stuff. I have an older account made in 2006, but didn't upload anything to it till 2009 and that was unrelated to photography. I remember hearing about RUclips from fellow foreign students while on a study abroad to Japan, but the school's internet made RUclips a struggle to use. I've been thinking about picking up a few old DSLRs under $50 to make videos on, haha. Oddly enough, the first DSLR I had is still above that price on KEH (Pentax *ist DS). Maybe the rarity makes it worth more than something like and Canon Rebel or Nikon D70.
it's actually quite good fun to try older DSLRs. Last year I bought myself for pocket money a D80 along with a really cheap Chinese 50mm lens. I was pretty astounded by the quality of the pictures and I somehow couldn't believe it so I actually grabbed my much newer Pentax and tried to replicate the same thing. I simply couldn't do it and put it down to the cameras being made by different manufacturers. Then one day I stumbled across a forum where they were talking about CCD sensors vs CMOS and the way they render colours differently and I started to think that had something to do with it. Anyway as a big fan of Pentax I looked which was the "newest" Pentax DSLR with a CCD and discovered the k10d. Built like the proverbial brick outhouse it also has the same colours the D80 has. True they are both only 10Mp and high ISO performance isn't that great but with good glass on the front and in good light they are very capable cameras indeed. In fact for my uses they are all the camera I would ever need.... ps the Pentax also has built in stabilization and is water proof to boot..
I still remember watching your video back in 2007 when I have no idea about DSLR. Supposed to get a 400D but got d40x since it's more comfortable in my hand
I've found cameralabs.com searching for my first DSLR. The Olympus E400. The video review was a very nice thing back then. I never had the chance to tank you, but I have it now. Thank you Gordon, for every review you've made :).
@@MrRaychard123 to be fair to Tony, he's only trying to make his channel work as a business- I could do with some of that sponsorship to keep going here!
Gordon Laing I prefer watching your channel since you explain directly to the point. Mentioning square space like 3x on a video is tiring to watch. Potato jet also does mention the sponsor several times but at least he does it in unique and enjoyable way.
From one retro guy to another, I've been onboard with you since I researched my first DSLR and ended up with a Canon 550D. I didn't use RUclips though, just websites then, and always relied on yours as I considered it professional and reliable, in that you knew what you were talking about. That would have been 10 years ago. I've only been using RUclips as a source over the past 4 years I guess. Any way thanks for all the info. and what I consider a balanced opinion.
GJ Gordon, been watching your videos ever since that first one. In fact, when I saw this video I knew that I wanna buy 400D, but had to save money for it. Saving money took some time, eventually I got enough and decided to buy 2nd hand Sony A300, which you also reviewed and changed my mind right in time. Big mistake, since after that I switched to a Canon system instead :D Anyway, just wanted to say that I been enjoying your videos since you started filming them, thank you for great content. P.S. few days ago, my coworker asked me who is my number one photography related RUclipsr, I guess you know the answer! :)
Got back into Photography about 3 yrs ago after a cataract op gave me back my sight and started off with a €50 400d with a kit lens. Great camera which gave great images. Moved onto a 7d and then an original 5d so maybe you could review one of those for your next Retro esp.
I have really liked your channel and reviews Gordon since back in the day. And I love the idea of your "Vintage Bits" shows. I do wish however you might talk and explain a wee bit less and go out and shoot with the vintage cameras against a modern similar level camera that the manufacturer produces today in typical styles of photography. Because way too many You-tubers are looking for support and perks from the industry no one really does this. My guess is that in most situation that an entry level buyer would shoot in and in good light, the differences between the best of the past and today will be far less than numbers in the lab would infer. It should make one question whether a modern camera is really worth 10x what an older one would cost and tell people who want to buy a camera but don't have a lot of money whether they might be better off getting an older camera now or saving up to buy a newer one and by so doing miss a lot of shooting opportunities.
That's a lovely idea, but it would obviously require getting the camera again which may not be that easy, plus it would take a LOT longer to film and edit, like doing a new review. So it would only be possible if it got as many views as a new review, like 30-100k views for me to make it viable for the time required.
It was my 1st camera and I still put some pics made with it on some of my exhibits. Knew it like the palm of my hand it was really an extension of my arm.
My first ever dSLR, replacing my Minolta Dynax film SLR -- when I look back at my pics from those days I still think it's a great camera, in spite of its lack of features.
I look back at my first RUclips review from 2006 and see how the Canon 400D / XTi compares to today's cameras!
Buy Gordon a coffee: www.paypal.me/cameralabs
Gordon's In Camera book: amzn.to/2n61PfI / Amazon uk: amzn.to/2mBqRVZ
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My first Interchangeable lens camera and my first Gordon Laing video! What a blast from the past!
Gordon Laing you’ve not aged one bit
lol I remember this video. At the time I was looking at the XSi but the XTi was also on my short list of first cameras to get as it was cheaper. Wow so long ago it just felt like yesterday. Thank you for the thorough reviews and your amazing book! I hope we can get another 14 years of quality content. Should do a time capsule video and do predictions to see what the industry will be like in 14 years and then you can look back at it in the future!
Be sure to do a vintage bits of this vintage bits video another 14 years later. Laingception.
Wow 10.1 is nice but i want a camera with a higher megapixel
Congrats to over 14 years Gordon! Your review helped me buy my first camera in 2007.
Thanks, and glad to be of service!
When you mentioned the "Elephant in the room" , I thought you were going to talk about that shirt! lol
Ha ha! No, that's a HIGHLIGHT!
I was also expecting that one :-D
When Gordon says "elephant", he meant "elephant".
That saved me from making a comment. What a shirt!
I remember watching this review years ago. 400d was my first DSLR.
Just bought one for 90 quid, I'm 15 and have been saving my money for a while for it, my first DSLR, just looking to see how good it is.
I saw that video back when you first posted it! It convinced me to buy one and that started my journey into DSLRs and HDSLR filmmaking! Thank you for posting great reviews! 😊👍
I really enjoyed this video. i started watching youtube in 2006 and also started to learn about digital photography around the same time. Gordon , you were the only one i watched and then straight to your website for the camera knowledge i needed. I learned so much. I still shoot with my vintage cameras and i hope you continue to do your Vintage Bits! Gracias Gordon.
New to your channel, but found your well-reasoned reviews very helpful when deciding on a camera this past Christmas. It’s great to see the retro videos and share in your history. Congrats on many successful years!
I worked my 400d to death, it was eventually held together with gaffer tape and glue but still worked flawlessly. Shutter button eventually packed up and wasn't cost effective to get it repaired. The images still stand up today, in terms of image quality, my 80d has the edge but the difference isn't massive, it has loads of features that help capture an image but the 400d still holds its own, possibly a classic.....possibly. Great video Gordon.
If you wanna try to bring it back again you could try to use the bit where an external shutter remote plugs in, someone else on youtube even made their own with just a 2.5 millimeter audio cable and two buttons basically
This was great Gordon! I wasn't aware of you back that early but soon afterwards yes because I remember those early videos in a room and sample shots and video outside in New Zealand. I bought the Canon 550D, while my cousin bought the Nikon D90 not long after this and I still have it today and it still works really well, even though it does show a fair bit of wear and tear through handling.
I had bought this camera after watching and reading many reviews and yours were one of them...And I still have it
I wasn't into photography to that degree back then. I think from 2009 I started looking and I was mostly on your website then because you had (and have) the most detailed reviews. Thanks for the little look back in time and well done for going all these years.
Cheers!
On that time we made photos with 8MB and we find them ok. Today we double or we have 3 times more and isn´t enough. We were happy and grateful with he had. I wish that in 14 years you will make an identical video, remembering 2020. All the best from Portugal
Ha ha! I may be a bit more wrinkly in 14 years, but ok then!
Have the 350D still here, still working ... Shot a ton memories with it.
I remember it well - in fact I bought one
Great Gordon! You deserve more than 200k subscribers so I’m sure you’ll be breaking a million soon. Always watch your videos for an excellent and in-depth review. Keep up the good work 😃
Thanks Greg, unfortunately the absolute linear growth of my channel over the last 15 years means I will reach 1M in 32 years.
Gorden it was this video that sold me on the 400D all those years ago and turned me into an avid follow of your channel! Congrats on the following its well deserved!
You know what, back in 2006, it was your video which made me get a Canon 400D, my first DSLR. I want to thank you for giving that extra push in to what is now my full time career :)
You're very welcome!
Good timing, yet again. I have recently been using a Canon 5D classic (15 years old, now) as my everyday-carry.
I owned one of those and loved it, although today that screen does look small and dim... Are you still fond of the camera as a whole?
@@cameralabs My primary camera is the M6 ii, but going back to the 5D classic is surprisingly refreshing. It feels like a very pure, simple, enjoyable experience. Just pure photography, if that makes sense.
I still have my 400d which I keep in my car just in case I see a Image worth photographing. I upgraded to 7D and 5D mkiii but the old 400d still performs well. I also had a Sony video with tape now replaced with a digital one but unfortunately without a viewfinder. Thanks for the vintage look back at old reviews.
been watching you for years brother happy to see not much has changed! (except your shirts)
Great video Gordon! I’ve been following you since the Canon 550D, which I still love and use. Amazing how far tech has come
Thanks for sticking with me!
Just realized now that I have been watching CameraLabs since its very first begining! I was at the time researching for my very first dSLR, in 2006, which ended up being the Canon 40D. Thanks Gordon and all the best!
Thanks for joining me on this journey!
400D was my first DSLR and today I still have it, and yes it still works :) Getting this camera was life changing for me!
Cool video thanks! My first camera was the 350D in 2007. In 2018 I bought two 450D, one out of pure nostalgia and the other one for a beginner. Today I shoot Fuji and so much has changed but I kinda miss these good ol' days.
I like these retro reminiscing videos!
You were the only one back then! You still have the best reviews!!
Thanks!
I've been subscribed to you ever since this original video. I bought the XTi after watching this video and a couple others. It was my very first DSLR camera.
Really enjoyed this. Two remarks: 1. I still enjoy shooting with the tuned down version of the 400D, the 1000D. Perfect for city or portrait shooting with a small lens. 2. Just like me and in strong contrast to many others, you look way better now than 14 years ago. Some just age well!
I remember watching your videos and reading your reviews religously back then and eventually got my first ever proper camera, which was a 400D. It started my career as a photographer. Crazy memories!
Wow. The 400D was the first DSLR I ever used, starting in 2007. The colours, dynamic range and sense of depth were a revelation, coming from small sensor cams of that time. Used it at work for about four months, then got a 30D, which is still a decent camera now. The 400D used the same battery as the Canon S70 pocket camera, which made for a good combination. I just wish I'd shot in raw on the 400D, the files would have been even better processed now.
This is awesome to see, Gordon! Can’t wait to see more of these!
Which should I do next of my oldest reviews?
@@cameralabs First DSLR with video was 90D if i remember well, try with that one :D
@@mbasse will do!
@@cameralabs My first DSLR was the 550D which I'm not going to sell, because with Magic Lantern it does focus trap, which none of my newer cameras do. But I don’t need to see your review again - I've only been following your channel for a few years, so I've seen it fairly recently.
i purchased my first dslr olympus e-3 in 2009 because of your review. i still have it and can still keep up today
Your videos back then were just as nice to watch as they are today, so it seems. This was really fun and I am looking forward to (hopefully) many more of these throwback videos! Best of luck to you, Gordon.
Thanks! Which of my older reviews should I do next?
@@cameralabs Well, with the Nikon D80 review you would give that shirt another go ;-)
@@jan-hendrikbussmann4644 I think I need to wear the shirt again to prove it still works
I remember watching these videos as they came out. Me and my colleagues got excited with every new video and we would view it together, standing in front of an eMac (Yes, eMac, not iMac!) and celebrating the things, you had to say! I will never forget your 40D video and how excited we all got, when you fired up that shutter with its 6fps! Thank you Gordon for all this years of getting us hooked video after video!
This is one of the nicest comments I've received, thanks! I'll be doing a throwback to the 40D before long!
LOVE my 400d. Had to dig mine out when I left my 7d battery charger at work. Shot a country show with it... and my 70-200f4. Absolutely loved using it again. And really liked the results too...even in 2020
Remember watching this video back in 2006. Always great reviews Gordon! Coming back to your reviews 14 years later...
Thanks!
Time flies. Watching you since than. My first dslr is 400d. Continue what u do. Tnx.
You're welcome! Thanks for being there since the start!
Good stuff Gordon. I've always gravitated toward your thorough and unbiased reviews of cameras and often look to your site for additional facts on cameras when I review my own since there are nuggets of tech info many others don't mention. :-)
I too am one of the older, both chronologically and RUclips time, channels that started back in the day but have recently decided to put more time into it. Keep up the great work and bring more of the vintage content.
Thanks! Which one of my old reviews should I do next?
@@cameralabs Either the 5D or 10 MP DSLR group test one would be interesting.
@@LEXPIX thanks, I think the 5D would be a good one soon.
Wow. How technology and reviewing has changed. I still visit your website as your reviews are insightful.
That 400D Review was the one that made me buy the camera, thus starting my photography career. Thanks much, Gordon!
I've been watching you ever since. Keep up the good work.
The video was upload in September 2006. Two months before the purchase of RUclips by Google. At that time there wasn't any direct monetisation of RUclips videos. Also the duration of each video was restricted to 10 minutes for everyone and the maximum resolution was 320p. I wonder why the resolution of the old video is 420p now. Was it later upscaled with the transformation of 4:3 to 16:9?
Before the purchase of RUclips, Google had its own Google Videos free video hosting service. Google videos offered technically much more than RUclips. However RUclips was less strict with copyright, it was full of funny short videos of TV channels that ordinary users were uploading and that made it very popular.
Very few in 2006 were having serious RUclips channels with a specific topic.
Wonderful stuff, Gordon. We're all in your debt for so many great reviews.
Lovely reflection Gordon. The Canon 400D was my 21st birthday present - today I work as a videographer. It was a life-changing gift that I actually still use for time-lapses using the 400plus firmware. Greetings from Tasmania!
G'day from across across the planet! I'd love to visit Tasmania one day, although be nice to even walk down my street right now!
With you from the beginning. Thank you for your efforts. This video is great.
Really enjoyed! From time to time it could be a lovely break from current trends, technologies and releases. I mean, not stopping what you're already doing, of course. Please do more.
Thanks! ANy suggestions on which camera I should revisit?
Gordon Laing generally speaking, any camera that marked a step forward or sideways also with regard to a single company strategy or change of direction. First Sony e-mount (nex-3 I believe) could be an example. I am also thinking at equipment.
Most important, “we” want to see and listen to original review. Thanks again
@@andrear9500 thanks!
Wonderful and entertaining as always. Thanks Gordon !
I remember this 400D review. That was the first video about this camera I've found back than. I was considering buying it but finally decide to go with Minolta D5D :D.
Thank You Gordon for all your reviews and articles at Camera Labs. It was, and still is, a valuable source of knowledge for me. Keep up the good work!!!
Cheers!
You are awesome Gordon. Remember these old videos. Your trips like to SF. Bought the LUMIX gx1 because you owned it Which got me going in mirrorless
Appreciate all your great videos and reviews keep the coming
Wow, i just checked. I got subscribed to this channel about 10 Years ago when i needed information to buy my first Bridgcamera (everybody has to start somewhere) Lumix FZ38 :D man how time fies by. Thanks for your videos Gordon.
Thanks for being a subscriber for so long!
I used your site and watched your reviews since the begining. They were really professional back then and they still are today. The one major improvement is that nowadays you sound more authentic. And yes :) that also includes taking responsability and using the word "I". Cheers.
I also watched the reviews on the cameras I used in the past (mainly the Nikon D5000 and Nikon D7000) multiple times, seeking confirmation in any possible way, on my purchase decisions. That seems a little silly now, that I have a better understanding the tools are just that. Tools. And the head behind the camera is the most important factor :)
Thanks, it feels a lot more natural nowadays too
@@cameralabs Wow. Gordon Laing himself responded. Thank you sir. Since we're here, I'm going to try and exploit some of your precious time ^_^ : what do you think about the whole mirrorless/DSLR debate. I for one am of the opinion that for the DSLR technology it is the begining of the end. Which leaves me in a rather uncomfortable possition, since I have quite a few thousands euro invested in Nikkor or Nikon-compatible lenses, and none of their mirroless offerings seem to be a suitable replacment for my Nikon D500 (the Z50- obviously is not it) that's my main camera nowadays. Now, I'm still very happy with it but I do realize there will come a point when it will no do the job to par with newer technology and I am ocasionaly doing professional (payed) work. I, for sure know that my next camera will be a mirrorless. Which begs the question, whether Nikon in their infinite arrogance and IBM-mentality will come to produce a suitable replacement soon enough so that I won't have to sell all my gear and go Fuji. I'd love to have an answer (or at least an opinion) from somebody who obviously sees the camera 'world' in a much more 'wide-angle' perspective then me and has reviewd and felt the 'pulse' of the industry for such a long time. Thank you very much sir.
@@thegreatujo I've been a firm believer in mirrorless for 10 years now, but I'm also a firm believer in using the camera that suits you best. You need to ask yourself what you want or need from an upgrade and choose from that - it could be a DSLR, it might even be that yours is good enough for a long time yet. But if you want to cut your losses, then it becomes harder. Your Nikon lenses will adapt well to a Nikon mirrorless, so that route does make sense, albeit probably a full-frame Z6 or Z7 rather than the Z50. if you're happy with APSC though, maybe it's worth starting a second smaller kit, maybe with an XT30 and see if it suits you. Or rent / borrow one for a weekend and see how much you like it.
@@cameralabs Thank you.
I found you probably around 2008 or so. A friend of mine told me about you and your reviews were responsible of my camera decisions for a while, including my Canon T3i and my 6D. Of course with a plethora of lenses for them. Still one of my highlights to meet you in Chicago downtown and have a cup of coffee with you and few other folks that showed up that time.
Thanks! YES, I remember that visit to Chicago very fondly!
What a interesting video with 25 years experience and transformation in everything & love in photography and cameras. Nice shirt
Thanks, I think you're the first person who liked it!
Bought my 550 t2i because of your review, the camera still is in service after 60K shots. Thanks gordon
Thanks for your support!
I still shoot with my dads old 400D! 2 years getting into photography and looking to upgrade, but what a camera to learn from!
Great work Gordon!
This sure brings back memories from the early days of my journey as a hobby photographer. It was your review of the Nikon D60 that determined me to go for that model to be my first DSLR as oppose to the d40. To this day I still go out and shoot a couple of time every month, not with the same camera though. It would be awesome to watch a "Vintage Bits" with the D60. I sometimes miss the shutter sound of my first DSLR. The newer Nikons don't sound as gentle as the D60, however the mirror black out time is much shorter. Wish you a great 2020!
/Robert
I bought a 400d based on this video eons ago. It was my first DSLR. I cut my photographic teeth on that thing and still regret selling it to this very day.
Thanks for watching all these years!
That was my first DSLR and I remember watching your video before I bought it. Thanks for all your help over the years since then!
You're welcome!
This is great, been following you (camera labs) from the early days way before i settled on a Nikon D90 my self in 2009. Lots of great stuff then, lots of great stuff now, keep it up =)
I bought the 400D when it came out and It is still my main camera today, so it has had a good innings. I am just looking at upgrading it to a low shutter count second-hand Mk1 7D
A really great nostalgic video ,of times gone by , I have still have my Digital 8 Sony video camera ,I Still Remember when I had to transfer my 45 min video on my pc and wait 45 min to do it via firewire ! lovely video ! it certainly got me smiling , ps you have not changed that much over the year's .Thank you Gordon .
Thanks!
God this makes me feel old, I remember watching your videos to decide between then 500D and the 550D!
Also Queenstown is great! Hope you did the luging 😊
I certainly did, but not the bungee.
I learned a LOT from you in 2009 - 10- 11. Thank you!!!
You're welcome! But what happened after 2011?
@@cameralabs got out of photography hobby cuz of busy life. Now coming back to it slowly :)
I remember that review and bought the camera. I did not have my current YT channel, but I had another I have since abandoned. This was a pretty high production value for the time.
Gordon helped me choose the rebel t2i, the 80d, and 5d mark iv. And a 24-70 2.8 l ii usm as well. So kudos!!!!
You're welcome!
Of course I remember this. I subscribed when you post this 400D.. I follow your Canon reviews like 40d 450d 50d 500d 550d and so on... obviously I'm a Canon user.. I remember the steam boat that you always use on your video.. also the overlooking view with some zooming.. If I remember right there was also a paraglider scene.. then there was time you didnt post anything.. I thought you quit youtube but still I'm checking cameralabs website from time to time.. then you went to US thats went back posting again... It's been that long.. more power keep posting.
Thanks! That's a pretty accurate description of my last 15 years!
Ha ha!! That was AWESOME Gordon, OMG I'm growing old! I bought my first DSLR, a Nikon D40 because of your video review of it! And of course I compared it with what you had to say back then about what other brands like Canon o Sony offered.
I remember taking to another photography aficionado friend of mine back then, "Hey, you've got to see this guy on RUclips! He actually shows you how to handle the thing, not just the usual technical mumbo jumbo"
Keep them coming!
Will do!
I bought an Olympus e420 based on these recommendations... in 2008 I believe. I still love your old videos. They were quick to the point and well-informed. Nowadays, there's tones of bla...bla. Your first ones, in terms of content, they were excellent.
Gordon, back in 2010, your Eos 50d review sparked my interest in that DSLR. Happy to have come across your video. Now, I'm shooting motorsports and events with it for a decade now.
Excellent!
@@cameralabs :)
I just decided to get back into photography a little but was unsure if I'd stick at it so I bought a 400d for £33 and an EF-S 18-55mm 3.5-5.6 IS STM for £50. Bargain I reckon. The photographs are great, to my eye.
excellent idea great wee video............yes to more like it
Love the throwback. I still shoot with is a Kiss Digital X which is another name for the 400D. Use it with 400plus which made all the difference for me years later. It's my beater SLR if I dont want to risk a more modern cam I have.
Just a tiny update, but HDV was hi-def (1440x1080i) 16:9 to bog standard Mini DV tapes. But I did smile at how antiquated you made it all sound, yet in reality MiniDV was a HUGE step up from the analogue smudge that preceded it.
9:34 I'm not a native English speaker but I learned that "We" is first person plural (not third person). ;-)
Nice
Watched your video on the Canon 550d like 10 years ago and that was the first camera I bought due to the review :)
I literally watched this video before I bought my 400D. Ohhh man good times. I still have the thing. I stumbled on your new videos just a moment ago! Hope things are well!
Good thanks, but where have you been for the past 14 years! Hope you enjoy my more recent videos!
@@cameralabs LOL 14. Ahh geez I feel old.
Nja If we look at the distant past, when digital cameras just appeared, they had smaller pixels. But very good optics. Clearly visible keyboard pictures. Gradually, digital video filming appeared for cameras. Before the beginning of 2000. There was no youtube video created yet. The digital cameras of the 70s, 80s, and 90s gradually progressed to compact cameras with many functions. Optics for photography and filming have been modified several times. Competing with film cameras. But when watching movies, the camera still guarantees very good pictures. Digital cameras had problems with the number of pixels. The bigger the pixels, the better. But there is a cost to technology. For 35mm film photography, for example, 400 iso is 450 megapixels according to micro chemical element particles. The higher the iso film sensitivity, the higher the megapixels, which is not available for all digital cameras. Only space probes have digital sensitivities larger than megapixels close to film 35mm sensitivities.
Your review on the Canon G10 had me immediately sold on one (I still have it), and I am, and always was a Nikon man.
I also have one or two DSLR lenses because of your excellent reviews, thank you!
Nice nostalgic video, Gordon.
Thanks, more to come!
"Where did you get that shirt, where did you get that shirt?…" LOL Would've been great if you shot this episode wearing that same shirt. If you're anything like me, (hoarder) you've still got it.
Don't sweat the MiniDV machine man, those were the good old days, I've still got my Canon XHA1's, and still shoot events from time to time with them. I even shot my last episode (ep 99) on my channel with it.
I have fond memories of the 450D, (love the shutter sound) as I was a production editor in the mid noughties, and convinced my boss to get me one so that I could take the pictures to save on front cover pictures that cost a fortune from Getty Images and so forth.
Excellent episode and look back. You have earned your place as the true pioneer of RUclips camera reviews... Untill otherwise informed ofcourse :0)
Would have liked to have seen some photos from the camera from the here and now. Be nice to see how such a camera would fare today.
Agreed, I'll do that for the next ones.
Takes me back this does. I went through the 300D, 350D, 400D then skipped the 450D to the 500D.
After a few years break I wanted to get back into my photography. So I bought some magazines and the 400D was new and tests were in the mags. I thought, what is APSC?. Weeks later I went into town and looked at the 400D, remember saying to assistant that it felt like a kids toy. Weeks later I went back and got a 5D with 24-105 F4 IS kit, still got it. Still got my A1 , T90 plus FD lenses and Yashica Mat 124G. Keep up the good work, love the channel.
I still have my 400d - my first DSLR!! It still works!! I loved getting out with that camera, before i had fancy lenses and expensive tripods...
Really enjoyed that well done!!
Glad you saw it! PS - if you've not already seen it, do check out my Dino Bytes retro channel!
Nice job! That's definitely a long time in this stuff. I have an older account made in 2006, but didn't upload anything to it till 2009 and that was unrelated to photography. I remember hearing about RUclips from fellow foreign students while on a study abroad to Japan, but the school's internet made RUclips a struggle to use. I've been thinking about picking up a few old DSLRs under $50 to make videos on, haha. Oddly enough, the first DSLR I had is still above that price on KEH (Pentax *ist DS). Maybe the rarity makes it worth more than something like and Canon Rebel or Nikon D70.
I've just got into photography and just bought a 400D. It looks new it's in so good condition. It came with a 50mm STM lens.
Thanks for checking out this look back at an old video of mine - actually my very first one, now from 16 years ago!
For 1st video.... Excellent ! The Handycam did Ok. See... It's content and delivery that counts.. You did a Pro job.
Thanks!
so lovely! actually everything from the sony camcorder (i still have mine , too), the 4 by 3 SD, the calming elephant to the gorgeous shirt! wonderful
it's actually quite good fun to try older DSLRs. Last year I bought myself for pocket money a D80 along with a really cheap Chinese 50mm lens. I was pretty astounded by the quality of the pictures and I somehow couldn't believe it so I actually grabbed my much newer Pentax and tried to replicate the same thing. I simply couldn't do it and put it down to the cameras being made by different manufacturers. Then one day I stumbled across a forum where they were talking about CCD sensors vs CMOS and the way they render colours differently and I started to think that had something to do with it. Anyway as a big fan of Pentax I looked which was the "newest" Pentax DSLR with a CCD and discovered the k10d. Built like the proverbial brick outhouse it also has the same colours the D80 has. True they are both only 10Mp and high ISO performance isn't that great but with good glass on the front and in good light they are very capable cameras indeed. In fact for my uses they are all the camera I would ever need.... ps the Pentax also has built in stabilization and is water proof to boot..
Yes, CCDs did produce some nice looking quality especially compared to the first CMOS sensors, but modern CMOS sensors are way ahead now.
I still remember watching your video back in 2007 when I have no idea about DSLR. Supposed to get a 400D but got d40x since it's more comfortable in my hand
I've found cameralabs.com searching for my first DSLR. The Olympus E400. The video review was a very nice thing back then. I never had the chance to tank you, but I have it now. Thank you Gordon, for every review you've made :).
You're very welcome and I WILL do a look back at one of those old Olympus DSLRs soon!
@@cameralabs Thank you. I barely wait to see the videos.
Camera Conspiracies is gonna roast you for this !
And I arguably deserve it...
@@cameralabs haha well at least your cool with it. Unlike Tony Bokeh Square Space
@@MrRaychard123 to be fair to Tony, he's only trying to make his channel work as a business- I could do with some of that sponsorship to keep going here!
Gordon Laing I prefer watching your channel since you explain directly to the point. Mentioning square space like 3x on a video is tiring to watch. Potato jet also does mention the sponsor several times but at least he does it in unique and enjoyable way.
@@MrRaychard123 yes, I'd need to find a good way to do it.
From one retro guy to another, I've been onboard with you since I researched my first DSLR and ended up with a Canon 550D. I didn't use RUclips though, just websites then, and always relied on yours as I considered it professional and reliable, in that you knew what you were talking about. That would have been 10 years ago. I've only been using RUclips as a source over the past 4 years I guess. Any way thanks for all the info. and what I consider a balanced opinion.
Thanks for sticking with me for so long!
GJ Gordon, been watching your videos ever since that first one. In fact, when I saw this video I knew that I wanna buy 400D, but had to save money for it. Saving money took some time, eventually I got enough and decided to buy 2nd hand Sony A300, which you also reviewed and changed my mind right in time. Big mistake, since after that I switched to a Canon system instead :D Anyway, just wanted to say that I been enjoying your videos since you started filming them, thank you for great content.
P.S. few days ago, my coworker asked me who is my number one photography related RUclipsr, I guess you know the answer! :)
Thanks!
Lol, this was a fun video to watch. Can’t believe you still have the original camcorder, nice!
I should make more videos with it!
Got back into Photography about 3 yrs ago after a cataract op gave me back my sight and started off with a €50 400d with a kit lens. Great camera which gave great images. Moved onto a 7d and then an original 5d so maybe you could review one of those for your next Retro esp.
Yeah, the 5D or 7D will be covered...
I am still using it
This is amazing! I was so absorbed in the video, did you film this all in one take as well?
Yes, in the spirit of my original style, this was a one-take video, no edits!
I have really liked your channel and reviews Gordon since back in the day. And I love the idea of your "Vintage Bits" shows. I do wish however you might talk and explain a wee bit less and go out and shoot with the vintage cameras against a modern similar level camera that the manufacturer produces today in typical styles of photography. Because way too many You-tubers are looking for support and perks from the industry no one really does this.
My guess is that in most situation that an entry level buyer would shoot in and in good light, the differences between the best of the past and today will be far less than numbers in the lab would infer. It should make one question whether a modern camera is really worth 10x what an older one would cost and tell people who want to buy a camera but don't have a lot of money whether they might be better off getting an older camera now or saving up to buy a newer one and by so doing miss a lot of shooting opportunities.
That's a lovely idea, but it would obviously require getting the camera again which may not be that easy, plus it would take a LOT longer to film and edit, like doing a new review. So it would only be possible if it got as many views as a new review, like 30-100k views for me to make it viable for the time required.
It was my 1st camera and I still put some pics made with it on some of my exhibits. Knew it like the palm of my hand it was really an extension of my arm.
My first ever dSLR, replacing my Minolta Dynax film SLR -- when I look back at my pics from those days I still think it's a great camera, in spite of its lack of features.