Canon's entry 3.2MP compact of 2004 — 2.2x zoom, SD storage, AA power, multiple colours
The Canon PowerShot A400 was a stripped-down budget digital compact released in September 2004, part of the entry A4xx series that sat below Canon's manual-control Axx cameras. It was the first of its line to add optical zoom, and it came in several body colours, which is why finish names often appear in listings.
It pairs a 1/3.2-inch 3.2-megapixel CCD with a 2.2x optical zoom covering a 45-100mm equivalent range. Movie clips record at 640x480 (10fps) or 320x240 (15fps), images go to SD cards, and framing uses an optical viewfinder or the small rear LCD. The camera runs on two AA batteries and weighs about 165g at 107x53.4x36.8mm, with fully automatic operation and minimal manual control.
As a simple snapshot digicam the A400 suits beginners, students and CCD-look experimenters who want the cheapest possible entry to mid-2000s Canon colour. The 45mm-equivalent wide end is noticeably tight for interiors and group shots, which is the main handling quirk to know about before buying.
Used examples are low-risk: AA power means no proprietary charger hunt, and SD cards remain universal. Check the battery compartment for alkaline corrosion, confirm the lens extends and retracts without an E18-style error, look for LCD bleed, and shoot a test frame to rule out CCD streaks or colour cast faults.