Size and weight are big decision factors when you are trying to find the ideal camera for your needs.
In this section, we are going to illustrate the Canon 400D and Canon SD4500 IS side-by-side from the front, back and top in their relative dimensions. Canon 400D has external dimensions of 127 x 94 x 65 mm (5 x 3.7 x 2.56″) and weighs 556 g (1.23 lb / 19.61 oz) (including batteries). Canon SD4500 IS has external dimensions of 101 x 59 x 22 mm (3.98 x 2.32 x 0.87″) and weighs 190 g (0.42 lb / 6.70 oz) (including batteries).
Below you can see the front-view size comparison of the Canon 400D and the Canon SD4500 IS. Canon SD4500 IS is clearly the smaller of the two cameras. Its body is 26mm narrower, 35mm shorter and 43mm thinner than Canon 400D. As you can tell, actually this is not a fair size comparison since Canon SD4500 IS has a built-in lens but Canon 400D doesn't. Once you put a lens on 400D, its thickness will increase significantly.
Comparison image of the Canon 400D and the Canon SD4500 IS Size, Weight and External Dimensions - Front View
Now lets look at the top view comparison of Canon 400D and Canon SD4500 IS.
Top View Comparison image of the Canon 400D and the Canon SD4500 IS Size
Weight is another important factor, especially when deciding on a camera that you want to carry with you all day.
Canon SD4500 IS is significantly lighter (366g ) than the Canon 400D which may become a big advantage especially on long walking trips.
Again, this comparison may not be very useful in real life as we are comparing the weight of a camera with a built-in lens to the body-only weight of an interchangeable lens camera. Once you put a lens on 400D, the total kit will weigh much higher.
Weather Sealing
Unfortunately neither the Canon EOS 400D (EOS Digital Rebel XTi / EOS Kiss Digital X) nor Canon PowerShot SD4500 IS / Digital IXUS 1000 HS / IXY 50S provides any type of weather sealing in their bodies, so you have to give extra care especially when you are shooting outdoors. If weather sealing is a must-have feature for you, check these sections: Top DSLR Cameras with Weather Sealing Top Compact Cameras with Weather Sealing
LCD Screen Size and Features
Canon SD4500 IS's 3.00" LCD screen is slightly larger than Canon 400D's 2.5" screen.
Unfortunately, both cameras has fixed screens so they don't tilt or flip in directions.