Moving from "bridge" to DSLR, EOS 400D?

lukechad · 27 May 2010 at 16:27

As title really. Im an amateur who has been taking photos for years and think its time I got into the realms of DSLR.

I see the 450D is almost coming off the shelves in a lot of places and is still £499 with the kit lens.

Looking at getting a second hand EOS 400D with a 50mm lens for about £250 (seller on this forum). Is this a good first entry level into this whole new world of photography or should I be looking into something else?

Just wanted opinions and if posible some examples of what this camera can do with the right lens.

Many thanks.

Luke.

3dcandy · 27 May 2010 at 17:38

perfectly good entry into dslr, compact flash is a bit more expensive than sd cards but still reasonable enough and £200 buys you a lot of memory cards! I'd budget for another lens though...examples from me, not great but you get the idea!

1: Taken with Sigma 70-300mm APO DG

2: Same setup, next shot in series

3: Taken with the nifty fifty F1.8 50mm

4: Taken with Sigma 70-300mm again

5: Taken with nifty fifty

6: With the kit 18-55mm

lukechad · 27 May 2010 at 17:40

Thanks! Perfect.

The 3 lens' you specified are what I will require. Found the 18-55 for £80 new. The 50 comes with it and a good zoom lens would be a must for me!

3dcandy · 27 May 2010 at 17:45

see proves I read the MM camera post you were thinking of buying...

:-)

3dcandy · 27 May 2010 at 17:46

and don't forget a tripod, comes in really handy!

lukechad · 27 May 2010 at 18:08

Like I say been into photography for a few years now as a hobby so already have tripod, bags etc etc. Just main equipment upgrade im looking at!

3dcandy · 27 May 2010 at 18:15

kewl, no worries there then, just a friendly reminder!

lukechad · 27 May 2010 at 18:20

Danke schon!

Just need to have a bit of a think and go for it I think. Typical, been off work for 2 weeks, had awesome weather and so much time to myself ive gone insane, now, almost back to work and decide now to get a camera!

Any other input on the 400D and lens options still welcome

3dcandy · 27 May 2010 at 18:58

all I will add that is the lens can make a bigger difference than the body in a lot of cases. my nifty fifty is pin sharp but has a tiny DOF at smaller apertures. the sigma needs a fair bit of light to operate well and the kit lens is pretty ordinary. if you're getting an 18-55 try and get the IS version it's optically a better lens. with a canon your choice of lenses is huge, and there are always lens hire options available!

lukechad · 27 May 2010 at 19:15

Never heard of lens hire? Where can I do this and what does it cost typically? Having never been an slr user I've never heard of such a thing?

3dcandy · 27 May 2010 at 19:20

all depends on the place and lens...have dropped you a mail just to ensure I don't break forum rules to your trust email address

ljt · 27 May 2010 at 20:08

If its any help I went for the 400d as my first DSLR and it is great. It offers everything you'd need to start out in the DSLR world. I've had it well over a year now and I have no intention of upgrading it as it is perfectly fine.

As mentioned, lenses are far more important than the camera body.

TangoUK · 27 May 2010 at 21:54

Had my 400d for 2 years now and still very happy,but mighty tempted to get a 550d,as a first DSLR the 400d fits the bill just right.
Tango

james.miller · 27 May 2010 at 22:02

don't y'all forget the custom firmware for your 400d's http://chdk.setepontos.com/index.php/topic,3290.msg49910.html#msg49910

Jimmy1983 · 27 May 2010 at 23:25

james.miller said:
don't y'all forget the custom firmware for your 400d's http://chdk.setepontos.com/index.php/topic,3290.msg49910.html#msg49910

Hmmm, never even looked into updating my firmware on my 400d! :eek:

I take it you have?

Mp4 · 28 May 2010 at 07:46

^ i've not updated the firmware since i bought my 400D 2yrs ago

& the word i hate there is custom id be scared to use it.. but thats just me

Is the Nifty Fifty 1.8 really worth getting? anymore pics taken with that lens?

TangoUK · 28 May 2010 at 08:39

The nifty fifty should be top of any canon users `first lens to buy` list,one of the sharpest money can buy,its a steal at the price of around £70-£90.
Tango
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=186207

3dcandy · 28 May 2010 at 09:13

TangoUK said:
The nifty fifty should be top of any canon users `first lens to buy` list,one of the sharpest money can buy,its a steal at the price of around £70-£90.
Tango
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=186207

+1! excellent lens and is very cheap for it's capabilities...I have used it loads because it produces excellent results

lukechad · 28 May 2010 at 09:14

Just seen the 1000d too, Is this very similar spec because it seems very cheap new at less than 400 with the 18-55?

Kainz · 28 May 2010 at 09:18

TangoUK said:
The nifty fifty should be top of any canon users `first lens to buy` list,one of the sharpest money can buy,its a steal at the price of around £70-£90.
Tango
http://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthread.php?t=186207

+2. It's optics are t e h awesomes.

I moved from a bridge Fuji 6500fd camera to a 450D last November. Got the body cheap from the canon outlet and bought a 50mm f/1.8 (nifty fifty) asap. I have still yet to use the camera to it's full potential as work hampers my progress but it is a great, low cos start to dslr lark. Besides, lens are more important than an expensive body from the outset.