400D Dead - What to replace it with?

[Capt Doufos]

My 400D died whilst whizzing about Kent at the weekend. Worked one minute and next time I went to power it on there was nothing. Too be honest I could do without the expense of replacing it, but I need another one.

Trouble is looking at the options there isn't a huge price difference, especially considering the price of new imports. I already have a selection of lenses and as much as it might be an ideal oppotunity to swap to a Micro 4/3 I don't think I want the hassle of selling off all the lenses.

I mainly shoot landscapes and currently have:

18-55mm IS
28-135mm IS USM
50mm f1.8
24mm f2.8
55 - 250mm IS

A used Mint- 450D from MPB is £269, the 550D(import) is avalible for £420 already in UK or £374 if you take a gamble with the tax and the 600D is avalible for £450 (not in the UK) I will also need extra batteries and new memory cards on top.

Do you think the 600D worth the extra £75 over the 550D? I don't think the video handling is good enough for me to replace my video camera, although I don't use it a huge amount, which is a shame as it would give me more money to put towards the camera.

I guess what I am asking, is what what you do in this postion? I really want to spend as little as possible, but at the same time it seems a waste to not upgrade.

Thanks

Jonathan

 

[Capt Doufos]

What does the 40D offer over the 400 though other than being faster? Don't they use the same sensor? The other problem I have with the 40D is it's larger and heavier, which is somthing I want to avoid I think.

Is a 40D really a better option that a 550/600? Surely these both have better sensors, better processing chips, much better high ISO performance and the ability to shoot video if required? They are also around £380 used which is in the 550 new ball park.

As for budget, it's more bang for buck, if I can be convinced it is worth spending the extra on I will certainly consider it.

 

[Capt Doufos]

I guess I am going to get my hands on a 40D to try it, because on paper I just don't see it being the better choice for me.

"better fps, better AF, better body, and better control layouts."

For my use none of this sells it too me. I found the 400D fps fast enough for my use, I have never had AF causing me issues, the 400D seemed perfectly well built and over the years has survived a fair few knocks and I have never had problems with the control layouts. Whereas things like higher resolution, better high ISO performance and a larger and nicer rear screen I will see a real benefit from.

Thank you for all your inputs, it gives me somthing to think about.

 

[Capt Doufos]

Just an update. I did some research and a common fault with the 350/400/450 is a fuse blowing. I had it repaired for £40 by sending it to someone advertising on ebay. Local camera place wanted £120+

Very fast turnaround and all is working again.