Canon PowerShot SD400

In 2005, Canon answered the question "how much Canon can fit into such a thin metal body?" The PowerShot SD400 — known in Europe as the Digital IXUS 50 — is the pocket-sized, ultra-slim metal-bodied member of the legendary Digital ELPH / IXUS family. It paired a 5-megapixel 1/2.5-inch CCD sensor with a 35-105mm equivalent 3x optical zoom Canon lens and the DIGIC II processor that, at the time, came straight from Canon's professional DSLRs. A true 2005 compact that slips into your pocket, feels cold metal in your hand, and delivers that unmistakable Y2K digital character the moment you press the shutter.

📦 What's in the box

• Canon PowerShot SD400 (Digital IXUS 50)
• Original Canon NB-4L Li-ion battery
• Canon charger
• SD card (free gift)
• RetroCameraLand carrying case (free gift)
• Full set, ready to shoot
• Shipped in RetroCameraLand's signature box

✅ Condition Info

Condition: 8.4 / 10

Clean, well cared-for and strong for its age; fully functional. A reassuring level in both looks and overall feel, ideal for users looking for a clean unit. The metal body holds up solidly, the lens and screen have no flaws that would affect use, and all functions work smoothly. Tested and approved by the RetroCameraLand expert team.

✨ Why This Camera

The SD400 is one of the models that best captures the DNA of the Digital ELPH / IXUS series in a balanced way. The combination of a 5 MP CCD sensor, 3x optical zoom Canon lens and DIGIC II processor pulls richer, warmer, more characterful shots out of this little body than you'd expect.

• 🔍 5.0 MP CCD sensor (1/2.5")
• 🎯 3x optical zoom Canon lens, 35-105mm equivalent
• 🔎 f/2.8-4.9 aperture range
• 🧠 DIGIC II image processor — fast, natural color rendering
• 📺 2.0-inch TFT LCD screen
• 🎬 VGA video recording (640x480, 30 fps)
• 🌈 ISO 50-400
• 💿 320x240 fast frame mode (60 fps)
• 💾 SD card support
• 🔋 NB-4L rechargeable Li-ion battery
• 🪩 All-metal, ultra-slim body design

The 3x Canon zoom, starting from a 35mm wide angle, gives you flexibility for everyday use: 35mm feels natural for street and group shots, while 105mm brings distant details closer. The all-metal IXUS body delivers both that cold, premium feel and a slim build that slips easily into your pocket.

The choice of a CCD sensor is the main factor behind the SD400's color character. Unlike modern CMOS sensors, it produces more saturated, more "filmic" tones; that familiar Y2K look that appears with the flash is this camera's signature. VGA video is a fun bonus for anyone who wants to bring that nostalgic digital aesthetic to moving images too.

👀 Who It's For, Where to Use It

A natural choice for anyone passionate about Y2K and retro digital aesthetics, looking for a compact with a premium, metal-bodied feel, or wanting to experience Canon's legendary ELPH / IXUS series. Slim enough to fit in a pocket or the smallest bag, yet a serious camera once it's in your hand.

Café corners and brunch tables, street photography and city walks, vacation and travel memories, birthdays and get-togethers, city lights at night and spontaneous candid moments — the SD400 delivers atmospheric, characterful shots in every corner of everyday life.

🔥 RetroCameraLand's Take

We think the SD400 is one of the models that best fits the description "small but mighty." The reassuring feel of the metal body in your hand, the warm tones the CCD produces when you press the shutter — very few cameras combine both at once.

The 5 MP CCD sensor, 3x Canon zoom and DIGIC II processor come together into a balanced, enjoyable package in the slim category. The 1/2.5-inch sensor may seem small by modern standards; but it's exactly this CCD–small sensor combination that naturally produces the "vintage digital" aesthetic so sought after today. The Digital ELPH / IXUS series is already a legendary family, and the SD400 is one of the models that represents that series' golden age — a great starting point for anyone who wants to experience the compact camera experience in its purest form.

🛡️ The RetroCameraLand Guarantee

Every camera in our collection is thoroughly tested and inspected for condition by our expert team before it joins our lineup. The lens, sensor, screen, buttons and all functions are checked one by one. Our 24/7 customer support is with you from purchase through delivery and beyond. Feel free to reach out anytime for usage tips, care advice, or compatible accessory recommendations. The RetroCameraLand guarantee is about building a lasting relationship, not just delivering a product.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Canon PowerShot SD400 in working condition? Has it been tested?
Yes. Every camera is individually tested and approved by the RetroCameraLand expert team. This unit is in 8.4/10 condition and fully functional.

Are the SD400 and the Digital IXUS 50 the same camera?
Yes. Canon sold this model as the "PowerShot SD400 Digital ELPH" in North America, the "Digital IXUS 50" in Europe, and the "IXY Digital 55" in Japan. They're all the same camera.

Can it shoot video?
Yes. It records video at VGA resolution (640x480, 30 fps), and can also shoot at 60 fps in 320x240 fast frame mode. You can bring that nostalgic digital aesthetic to moving images too.

What memory card does it use?
It uses an SD card. The box ships ready to use with a free gift SD card included.

Do the images have a vintage digital look?
Yes. The 5 MP CCD sensor and DIGIC II processor naturally produce saturated, filmic colors along with that unmistakable Y2K look that comes with the flash.