Who loves the 300/350/400Ds BECAUSE they're so small?

This discussion sounds a lot like a "Tim the-tool-man" type of rationale for having the biggest available tool. I have the EOS Digital Reel XTi with a BG-E3 battery grip and it feels like an ample handful of camera to me. I have big manly-man hands (wedding ring size 12) and able to wrap my hands around a football or basketball (well, not really around, but enough to hold with one hand) and I do not think of the camera as being too tiny to comfortably hold. I will concede that the kit lens, while being a very fine lens for the price, is a bit small for cradling the lens in the left hand, especially for big hands. Since recently getting the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM lens, it stays on my camera most of the time and leaves nothing to be desired from the perspective of ergonomics (not to mention IQ). I tried out other Canon models in my local camera store (Arlington Camera) while looking at various lenses and didn't see any show-stopping ergonomic differences between the various models.

The only complaint that I have about the XTi (and this applies to all of the other models as well) is the lack of good tactile buttons. This is probably just a personal problem related to my lack of good tactile sensation in my fingertips caused by MS, but I am reasonably certain that I am not the only one who does not like all of the tiny buttons and wheels that do not have well defined edges to distinguish them from their surroundings. If anyone knows of a service that performs button modifications, I would be interested.

Just got the xt a couple weeks ago...
I prefer the larger series (outside and thru the VF) but the xt + kit + sig55-200 + 35/2 makes a perfect travel set-up...since I do a lot of walking on vacations I like the size/weight of this set + improved IQ (over my A95) would be great...

maybe...

I've compared JPEGS between the xt and 10d and the 10d shots are superior...I've tried adjusting the parameters on the xt to equal the 10D in saturation and color, but just can't seem to get the same quality...someone mentioned this issue on another board and didn't "get it" until I saw it for myself...
I've yet to compare RAW files...if the xt RAW images match the 10D's then I can see keeping the xt...if not, I don't know if it's worth keeping...size matters, sometimes smaller IS better...but IQ trumps size...

when I finally take the grip off of my 400D, I can't believe how much it feels like a point and shoot, I hold the 5D and I feel as though rays of light are coming from behind the clouds shining down on my hands. It's simply perfect.

I love having my smaller 350D, I do feel the urge to upgrade but in all honesty its good for another 18 months as I have 3 year warranty/accidental insurance cover. I'm also happy to pass it around to my freinds to use and happy to mess around with it after a few drinks. Not sure I'd be so comfortable doing the same with a less 'toyish' body like the 40D. If I do upgrade the 350D will always be my mess around camera, I guess I do treat it like a p&s!

It's also less conspicuous and my lenses look beefier on it

I bought the XT because it was small and lightweight. Having said that I bought the battery grip also because I wanted the backup of AA batteries. Even so it's not much different from a battery-gripless 30D.

I actually like the size of the XTI/400D. I don't have monster paws so it works out well. I do like the 40D size as well so I like both. Heck, throw me a G9 and I'd like that as well!

I was choosing between the XT and the 20D. The camera size was not the big factor, but the view finder size was.

After having a 30D for a year and now a 40D im looking to swap the 30D for a 400D as i really want a smaller dSLR that will take my lens's. I started with a 350D but when the 400D came out i sold it to get one but found i didn't like the IQ so i went for a 30D instead. As great as it is i miss being able to put my 350D+35f/2 in my jacket pocket.
The 400D will of course not be used a great deal. Im in no way comparing it to the 40D but its nice not to have to take a bag out sometimes or to have to use a P&S.

I still have my 350D and two 30D's and would not sell the Rebel.

70,000 + shutter actuations on the 350D and NO PROBLEMS.

I loved the size of the 300D, so I was disappointed about the smaller size when the 350D came out... but kind of rememdied the smaller size issue by sticking a battery grip on it. I don't use my 350D much since adding a 5D to my gear bag, but the smaller size does make it easy to throw into my larger purses, if I am out and might want to have a camera along.

I love my 400D because it's so small (little bit bigger then my G6) but at the same time, I use it now only with a battery grip, for better handling.

I haven't had experience of many others,but my 400d/XTi just felt right - I did try out the larger ones, and decided to save the money, for now anyway! I recently borrowed a Nikon D80 and that made the side of my hands ache after a very short time - I LOVE my 400d -

Jackie

I believe that Canon went on "shrink patrol" with the 350/XTi cameras to try and woo many of the point and shoot crowd to the DSLR market, where they would have to buy lenses. I think that for the most part they were successful with that campaign.

I personally greatly prefer a larger, magnesium-based body.

I have large hands and always thought the 400D was too small. The grip helped but it was still small and I had to go through finger twisting to get to the shutter button. Other than this I always thought it was a terrific little camera.

I got my 40D for lots of reasons, but I must admit size was one of them. I was going to sell my 400D but it ended up that my wife has fallen in love with it, partially due to the size. She used with the grip for a while and then had me take it off. She loves the size, it is perfect for her and goes almost everywhere with her. Its the perfect camera for her, small and great picture quality, can't argue with that.

Heck, lately she is shooting more than I am. Ok, I'm jealous.

Canon should make cameras in different sizes. Like clothings.

I upgraded from the 400D to 40D. But if Canon will pack all the features of the 40D into the size of the 400D, I'll pay $100 more for the more compact size.