Is my canon eos 400d broken?

I'm afraid you can't view the image on the rear screen before you take the shot. On cameras like these,( semi and professional DSLR's) this is the norm. You view and compose the shot through the viewfinder and then you can check the result and view all your shots on the lcd screen afterwards

These cameras won't show the picture on the screen until you've taken the photo, they don't work the same way as point and shoot cameras. So you have to use the viewfinder. Unless your model has live view in which case it's still pretty fiddly and I wouldn't recommend it.

There is a wheel small wheel next to the viewfinder to allow you to focus it but it sounds like you need to take this to be professionally repaired or check your Canon warranty

hi

sorry to disappoint you but there is no setting to actually have the lcd to display the image like in other compact versions

LCD is only for settings and review

cheers

EOS 400D / Rebel XTi Digital Camera
EOS 400D/Rebel XTi doesn't have live view function, so you cannot see the picture you are taking.

You have to set the camera to "Live View" mode. Check your manual for settings.
BTW, it's usually a bad idea to use Live View mode unless the camera is on a tripod. With Live View you have to hold the camera out in front of you and it's much less steady.

Have you tried a different lens on the camera almost any lens with the same mm size will work. If it still does not take pictures with another lens. You should take it in for service.

Hi

The Digital Rebel XTi doesn't have 'live view' mode, you can't see what you're taking a picture of before you take the picture.

Thomas
Darntoothysam com - Digital camera parts and repair.

camera

This is not a problem. This is how the camera is designed to work. It is an SLR and you must view the picture you are taking through the small viewfinder not the LCD. It simply reflects the camera settings,etc. I too was thinking it was a "viewfinder" and a bit disappointed that it wasn't. Oh well.