Had mine for a while now - well second gen - the first one I got had some issues. The one I currently have is fine.

Its a great camera - I dont think I could add anything you couldnt read about in reviews. I preffer the feel of the 400D with the grip - which is something Ive had on it from day one - it feels really weird to me now, if I take the grip off. I would recomend getting the grip, not only for portrait shooting functions/buttons, but because it feels so much better to handle.

At times it can blow out reds, especialy if you start out with the auto (type) modes e.g. macro, sport... Just something I have personally noticed.

Another cool excesory is the hand strap you can get from Canon - well I got mine off ebay for $25 AU. Sometimes the big strap can get in the way...

Good luck and I'm sure you would be happy if you made the jump;)

-Michael

I never intended to make art.