Auto Mode (7.0)
When the Canon PowerShot A400 is placed into auto mode, the user can control the quality of the image shot through the Function menu while in standard Still Image on the Mode Switch. Macro mode is still accessible, though infinity mode is not, along with flash settings and continuous shooting mode. It is also possible to control the zoom levels of the camera. To focus and prepare the camera for the shot, the user must depress the shutter button partially. While in Scene Mode, the user can control not only the scene mode selected, but also the quality and size of the image, along with the exposure settings for the camera. These image settings hold whether in manual or auto modes, making them independent from these two controls.
The automatic focus and flash settings are fairly responsive; however, exposure and ISO settings do have some difficulty, particularly in low lit scenes.
Movie Mode (4.5)
When the camera is placed in Movie Mode, the user still retains significant control of the image, with all of the Picture Effects still available, along with White Balance, Exposure, and Self Timer. However, it is not possible to engage the zoom function when in Movie Mode. Three images sizes are available for movie clips: 640 x 480, 320 x 240, and 160 x 120. The two smaller image sizes can be recorded at frame rates of 15 frames per second, while the largest movie size (640 x 480) is only available at 10 frames per second. This is fairly disappointing when 30 frames per second has become pretty much standard for most other manufacturers.
Drive / Burst Mode (7.0)
Continuous Shot mode is engaged in either Manual or Automatic modes and is the secondary control for the down arrow on the four-way controller. This allows for the user to shoot at a rate of approximately 1.3 shots per second in either Large or Fine mode with the LCD monitor off. If the flash is used, the shots will occur at a slower rate.
Playback Mode (6.5)
When the Mode Switch is turned to the Playback Mode, the user can choose between single-image slide show and a multi setting that displays up to nine images for review. You cannot magnify a movie image during review. Still images, however, can be magnified during playback, at specific sections of images reexamined following shooting. This is done using the zoom toggle controls to move closer in or away from the image.
Custom Image Presets (7.5)
The custom image presets available for the Canon PowerShot A400 are located in the Scene Mode and are engaged when the Mode Switch is turned to the Scene setting of the Function Menu. Once entered, the user can select the Scene selection subsection and choose from the following settings: Portrait, Night, Foliage, Snow, Beach, Fireworks, Underwater, and Indoor. Macro and Infinity shots are possible through the left arrow on the four-way controller.
