Canon Eos 400d

[Bex]

Hi All

I am thinking about getting this camera as I will be doing a Digital Photography course next year. Just wanted to know if anyone's got any experience with this model or can recommend a different/better one?

 

[andy_fozzy]

Hi All

I am thinking about getting this camera as I will be doing a Digital Photography course next year. Just wanted to know if anyone's got any experience with this model or can recommend a different/better one?

Hey Bex.

Well that really depends on much dosh you have mate.
You will get better, much better, for much more money!!!!

But for £500, I'm led to believe you won't get better.

Take a gander at this:

http/www.steves-digicams.com/pr/nikon_11162006_d40_pr.html

This one's even cheaper still, can be yours for around £400-£450.

Less mega-pixels, but I'm told you'll not notice the difference.

Here's the 400D:

http/www.dpreview.com/news/0608/06082416...00drebelxti.asp

Good luck!!!

Andy

 

[Bex]

Thanks for that Andy, that's kind of changed my mind now! The D-40 looks better for a beginner, like moi, and it's a bit cheaper. Looks a bit more user friendly too. I know the really good digi SLR's are several thousand ££££'s worth but I'm really never going to need anything like that. My market is really around the £500 mark at the mo.

So we have 2 contenders really. The Nikon D-40 and the Canon Eos 400D. Think I'm going to have to go into a shop for a play with them both.

Anyone got a Nikon D-40 who can tell me what it's like? Or any other suggestions?

 

[andy_fozzy]

Thanks for that Andy, that's kind of changed my mind now! The D-40 looks better for a beginner, like moi, and it's a bit cheaper. Looks a bit more user friendly too. I know the really good digi SLR's are several thousand ££££'s worth but I'm really never going to need anything like that. My market is really around the £500 mark at the mo.

So we have 2 contenders really. The Nikon D-40 and the Canon Eos 400D. Think I'm going to have to go into a shop for a play with them both.

Anyone got a Nikon D-40 who can tell me what it's like? Or any other suggestions?

No worries.

If you don't want to spend that much, consider the Kodak P series.

I've got the P850, and it's very nice indeed. The next model up is the P880,
which is similar, but more MP's.

(I'm actually considering selling mine as I'm saving for the Nikon D40 )

You can get a top of the range P series Kodak for about £250-£350.

Andy

 

[Bex]

I really want a digital SLR and having now read a few reviews I think the Nikon D40 is the one for me. The price isn't really an issue as Jessops are doing a good buy now, pay later deal. If you pay in full before the first 12 months are up, they don't charge any interest! We couldn't afford to buy it outright but can defo afford to pay it off over 12 months. So it looks like I'll get my camera for Xmas

Thanks for the heads up on the Nikon, seems like a good amatuer digi SLR. Plus on the photography course I intend to do next year, they show you how to use your individual cameras so hopefully I'll be getting some great pics from it!

 

[kev350d]

Ive used both nikon and canon in the past, i now own the canon 5d and the 350d, i wouldnt justify the extra bucks on the 400D to boot it wasnt around when i got the 350.

I use the 350 more than the 5d as i can chuck the 350 in its bag and not worry where or when i shoot as it cost alot less than the 5d.

Personally i would stick with canon ask people who have used both, the above is correct about the pixels (unless you plan on poster prints), i get a nice result from the 350D at A3.

Why not consider the 350D as they can be picked up at great prices now and as your 1st camera you could do no wrong... Dont be swayed by anti dust features as they simply dont work on the lower spec dslr's best way is to take care when changing lenses.. (although it is sometimes unavoidable).

Only reason i have the 5D is for the full frame and the fact i can now shoot at the lenses true focal range, but unless you have loads of dosh or plan to use the camera to fund itself i personally wouldnt have bothered as the 350D was ample, I got mine bought for me by a nice couple i shot a wedding for on the understanding i'd do their portraits and watch me grow pics for their kids. (yep they are loaded) but decent nice people

 

[Bloo]

My personal vote goes for Canon
I have a 20D and love it to bits

 

[Bex]

Oh dear, now I'm all confused again! Was off to the shops tomorrow to get the Nikon.

Thanks for all the advice though guys, I'll have a look at the Canon as I too have always been a fan of Canon for cameras. I did photography for my A-levels 10 years ago and had a Canon SLR, which my mate then dropped off a wall and it smashed into tiny pieces!

Will have to get on tinternet when I get in and have good old mooch at all cameras. Our local Jessops are pretty good so should be able to have a little play with both.

I do like to get recommendations from people who have actually used the cameras too so it all helps. I had definitely decided against the Canon 400d anyway as it seemed like I would be paying for a lot of features that I probably wouldn't use, but will defo have a look at the 350d.

 

[Bloo]

Look, Nikon is a top brand too and well recognised! And you can't go wrong there either, that's certain.

I think at the end of the day it comes down to your very personal choice - and what the camera handles like.

 

[kev350d]

Look, Nikon is a top brand too and well recognised! And you can't go wrong there either, that's certain.

I think at the end of the day it comes down to your very personal choice - and what the camera handles like.

I couldnt agree more, Both manufactures make superb DSLR's it all boils down to personal preferance (ive owned both but chose to stick with canon) whatever you decide "canon or Nikon" you will be getting a fantastic camera well capable of seeing you through your course and more..

If you decide on the 350D consider it without the kit lense and purchase the Sigma alternative (but only if there is a saving to be made).

Have a read up on them : http/www.dpreview.com (non byist reviews unlike many magazines who plug to the highest bidder)

400D (Canon) : http/www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Cano...non_eos400d.asp

350D (Canon): http/www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Cano...non_eos350d.asp

D40 (Nikon): http/www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Nikon/nikon_d40.asp

D50 (Nikon): http/www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Nikon/nikon_d50.asp

Also consider:

S3 pro or the S2 (if you can find a good used one) i owned the S1 pro and it was fantastic but dropped it in the sea on a trip to the farn islands.. Uses Nikon lenses.

http/www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/Fujifilm/fuji_s3.asp

 

[Bloo]

So Bex - have you decided ?!

 

[Bex]

Hi Bloo

Not yet We went into Jessops to have look and they only had the Canon. All the Nikons had been sold already and they'd only come into the shop that morning I really want to have a look at both and compare before I make any decisions and we've not had a chance to get back in. I hate town at this time of year, you can't park and it's just madness!

Probably going to leave it until the new year as need to buy the hubby a TomTom for Xmas. Decided against the buy now pay later idea, as we are trying to clear all debts rather than take on another one. Going to just save a few pennies and buy one of them outright so we don't have any more monthly bills

Will let you know when we decide though and will get some piccies up!

 

[catxx]

*wants canon, would kill for a canon*
but i can't even afford my rent right now
*sobs*

 

[greyko]

Personally i'd avoid the D40 because you can't auto focus with a lot of the current range of nikon lenses.
D50's might be on special with the D40 introduction though.
I recently bought my first digital, the D80. And I'm very happy with it.

I agree with Bloo, you'll probably be happy with whatever you get.
And definitely go in and handle them all, take a few shots. Gotta be comfortable with it.

 

[Rez]

I currently use the Canon 350d or Digital Rebel XT, and I think it is absolutely awesome. Pricewise it is getting cheaper all the time since the 400d came out last year. I snagged one of these new without the kit lens for around 500$ US. I really could not be happier with my purchase. The camera continues to amaze me with what it can do. For example the shutter speed on the camera is crazy fast, I took a picture of a low flying plane and when I looked at the pictures the camera stopped the propeller in place with very little blur, here is one of those pictures, sorry about the poor light it was a very overcast day and it was my second day with it so I did not have the white balance set right

Really I cannot say enough about the camera, sure there are much better cameras out there, but not for the price I paid for my Canon 350D!




Rez B)