350d + big hands

w3bbo

w3bbo

w3bbo

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I'm looking to buy a decent camera. I've done a fair bit of reading and I've narrowed it down to the 350d with a basic (17-55mm iirc) lens for £329. This will be the first time I have spent over £100 on a camera so I would like to get it right 1st time.

The problem I have is I have big hands. Holding the camera in the shop it felt small but not 'too small' - just a little fiddly. The D40 'felt' better but the lower spec put me off along with the lack of a motorised body which limits mty lens choice(?).

I guess what I'm looking for is a nudge into opening my wallet.

The camera will mainly be used for some decent pics of the family and eventually some more enthusiastic shots. I also need a camera with good ability for some close up (macros?) shots as will hopefully be helping out a hardware review site doing some reviews.

Help please!
 
D40s lack of motor limits your lens choice by about two lenses you'd maybe miss buying (50mm 1.8 and Sigma 70-300)

The camera has no bearing on macro ability, that'll be down to a subsequent lens purchase.

I'd personally go with the one you prefer to use and hold as the technical abilities are much of a muchness and will produce virtually identical results 95% of the time.
 
they're direct competitors and I'd go for the canon but I;m a canon fanboy so it's to be expected

however, the canon 350D and 400D are quite dinky, which is fine for when you're on the move but I much prefer the handling when they have a battery grip attached
ebay will give you options of OEM battery grips for 50-60 quid
open up your budget a nudge
look into an OEM grip, with batteries, as it takes two
and the 50mm f/1.8 lens. then you're sorted for a bit
however, DSLR's are never to budget, you always want something more...even a nice bag will set you back 40-100 quid...
macros' too...yes as mentioned it's down to the lens.
but hardware reviews? a good macro lens will let you review a penny or a fly's head. for reviews of handheld hardware just a bounce flash is handy...which is either some creative cutting out of some photocard or a $100+ flash unit...see I told you so!
 
Try the 400D, i loved this when i tested it out in the shop, much better than the 350D and i prefer it over the D40 for a few reasons.
 
Very happy with my 350d and I have biggish hands. It is a tiny bit fiddly at times but the overall size and feel is good.

I did initially have an issue of covering the IR sensor with my finger. But training soon got rid of that.
 
I've got big hands but the 350D isn't too small for me. I only hold it with one finger on the grip. With the kit lens it is light enough to be comfortable for me like that. I prefer the small size for carrying it round.
 
I'd probably consider a 2nd hand 20D or possibly 30D if you find a really great deal.

I found them to be quite a step up from my 350D in terms of size and build.

If you can only find the 350D then the battery grip is a must as it gives much better balance with medium to large lenses attached.

gt
 
Have a little wait for the 450D, it's bigger than the 400D and should improve the handling as the grip is also much more substantial. The new features are pretty good too :)
 
Get a D300 with grip. My grip turned up yesterday, making the camera very big and very heavy. It now feels like a piece of artillery when mounted to my tripod. My poor poor back when carrying the thing, but it looks and feels oh so good! :D
 
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