DSLR Advice

Russinating

Russinating

Russinating

Soldato
Joined
27 Dec 2005
Posts
17,317
Location
Bristol
Firstly, I'd like to say a big sorry for posting another 'spec me' thread. I watch this forum a lot and I've been back a load of pages but couldn't really find another one that seemed to match my questions.

I did photography at A-Level and I've now just finished my second year at uni so it's been a while since I did any photography properly, but I love it. My only problem (and the reason why I don't take any photos) is that I don't have a decent camera! So I've decided to sell my Wii in order to help fund one :p. I'm pretty experienced when it comes to manually operating and understanding a camera, inc. aperture, f's, lenses, etc, not only because I did photography at A-Level but also because I'm currently doing Film at uni and one of my specialisms is cinemaphotography.

I haven't the money for a 5D, so my eyes are on a 400D at the moment. One of my main questions is is it worth a 400D over the 350D? One of the first extra lenses I'll purchase will be one with a short focal for macro so I'm looking for advice on one of those too.

I'm probably buy from London Camera Exchange as well, there's one near me and they do some good second hand deals - and I'll be able to trade in my old Pentax SLR to take the price down on a new one.

Thanks in advance! :)
 
As far as I am aware the differences are very minor.

- 400D has 9 point AF where as the 350D has 7.
- 400D is 10mp and the 350D is 8mp
- 400D has a dust cleaning system which cleans the sensor when you turn the camera on/off
- 400D has a bigger LCD

*** I could be wrong about the above points, I can't be bothered to check if they are right or not.

I think that is pretty much the only difference, and I think it is more down to the individual as to whether those extra points justify the extra price. I went for the 400D because of the bigger LCD and also I got it second hand so was the same price as the 350D new. Others may feel differently about this though.

Have you also considered a Nikon? The D40X from what I have heard is similar in spec but a little larger and so some find it much more confortable to handle if they have big hands. I personally find the 400D a perfect size. In this respect I would suggest going into a shop and asking to try them out to see which one feels more comfortable.
 
You can find a Sony A100 (silver) +18-70mm kit for £350 atm from a large catalogue store near you ....
Terrific value DO NOT MENTION COMPETITORS
 
BUFF said:
You can find a Sony A100 (silver) +18-70mm kit for £350 atm from a large catalogue store near you ....
Terrific value DO NOT MENTION COMPETITORS
Click to expand...

As i said in a another post, don't buy the Sony you'll only regret it.

Consider the Nikon D40X though...
 
And just to cut/paste from the other thread :

I wasn't really referring to the Images Quality as it may be "OK" but from the reviews I've read it doesn't get close to the Canon and Nikon peformance not to mention build quality. Getting the Sony would tie you down to a minority lens/flash fitting and you'll always be thinking that you could have had better....
 
It not only gets close but in certain circumstances will outperform the CaNikon.

edit: it beat both of them to Entry level DSLR of the year in this month's
PopularPhoto http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/4241/editors-choice-2007-entry-level-dslrs.html

Whilst it may be a "minority" mount it doesn't really tie you down as Sigma/Tamron etc. make lenses in it (as well as millions of Minolta lenses) & you can get your Metzs etc. too for flash.
 
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