Canon 400d

Kilree

Hi,
Canon 400D with standard zoom lens from Argos 770.00 euro less 80 euro cashback from Canon making a net price of 690 Euro. Would this represent reasonable value for a local purchase. I know that this camera would be available through Ebay for maybe 60 or 70 euro less when delivery charges are taken into account but then you could have duty or warranty difficulties. I have reserved this for collection tomorrow but just wanted to see what forum members thought about the deal before I go to collect.

helios

I'd say it was a good deal. Most places are offering the camera for closer to €900, unless the prices have recently changed. When I bought mine, I paid €800 for the camera + 2GB memory card and that was even online...

It's a brilliant camera, enjoy!

Kilree

Thanks Helios. As a previous Canon T90 35mm SLR user and a 3MP nikon point & shoot I'm really looking forward to the 400D. I've read most of the comments on the photography board and also dpreview.com and it seems to be the biz alright.

helios

yeah you'll love it, but your wallet won't. Before I got mine I figured that the kit lens would do, but once you see what you can get, it will consume your life!

Canonfan

Kilree, I just had a look Argos catalog(page 431). The 400D they are selling doesn't include the kit lens 18-55mm. Even though the picture shows the lens. Please read carefully.
I have no problem with Argos and I shop there from time to time, I just want to give you some advice.

I highly recommend www.acfoto.com

I bought a few things from them and no problems whatsoever.

They are selling the Canon 400D for €688(body) or €729(with kit lens). There is extra €80 cashback as well.
They can deliver the camera to Kilkenny for €46(UPS Cash on delivery) or only €29 UPS standard.

Hope it helps.

Canonfan

www.expansys.ie is the place to buy memory cards. The price for 2Gb Sandisk Ultra II is only €30.95 (acfoto €47.90), however there is a delivery charge of €13.95.
So you better of buying the card from adfoto with the camera.

Kilree

Ooops! Thanks Canonfan. I better check that again. In the meantime I'm off to check that link you gave me. It's definitelly not that great a deal if the kit lens is not included as PC World do the lot for 30 euro more. Anyway I'll check out the link and see what the sory is. Once again thanks for pointing that out.

Canonfan

You are welcome. Guess how much 400D costs in my hometown? A little under €500.

Ye, give pcworld or Dixons a go.

Kilree

You're kidding! Your hometown can't be Dublin in that case! I've checked the ac-foto site and their deal is good plus the cashback applies. Regarding the card the SanDisk CF Ultra II 2 GB is there at 47.90 but they also have a SanDisk CF Extreme III 2 GB at 49.90. Which would be the better? Thanks for your guidance on this whole thing.

Kilree

Yeh I see it now. The Extreme is a faster card so it would be the better choice.

Canonfan

Dublin is my second hometwon.
Yes the cashback applies, last year I bought Canon flash 580ex from acfoto and got 50euro cash back from Canon promotion Ireland.

Do buy the Extreme III, faster and better built. I hate to tell you expansys is selling 4Gb Extreme III for 62 euro.

I'm glad to help. Enjoy your new toy.

Kilree

For those who might be following this thread I have checked on the Argos UK website where the products would be the same as those shown in the ROI Argos catelog. The site indicates that the 400d comes with the 18 - 55 lens.
I will check with Argos tomorrow that the lens is included. If it is then great. If not I will buy the camera from AC-Foto.

bp_me

Canonfan wrote:

www.expansys.ie is the place to buy memory cards. The price for 2Gb Sandisk Ultra II is only €30.95 (acfoto €47.90), however there is a delivery charge of €13.95.
So you better of buying the card from adfoto with the camera.

7dayshop.com have 2gb memory cards for about 12 euro and shipping is about 2 euro. They are more than fast enough. (I presume the 400d moved to SD?? Im not sure about their CF offerings but im sure they are similar)

Kilree

The 18 - 55mm lens is included in the Argos deal. Have made the purchase and now have to get to grips with the technology. BP the 400D uses the CF card. I'll try the link you gave me for their CF prices.

Kilree

BP Me, Thanks for the advice on 7dayshop. Have just bought 2 spare batteries, a 2GB sandisk extreme 3 and a UV 58mm filter all for the princely sum of 45 stg. (postage included) The postage cost was only 3.50 stg. Don't think I could have done any better anywhere.

Canonfan

Sorry Kilree, I wasted your time doing all the search.

Kilree

Absolutely not Canonfan. Indeed you were more than helpful and thank you for that.
I have AC-Foto in my favourites now and I will certainly be using them in the future.

shepthedog

kilree.. whats the camera like?? I saw it in pc world last night and very very tempted..

Kilree

Shep, The camera is a fantastic looking piece of kit but I am still working my way around the various functions. Have only given it a try shooting bits and pieces around the house and garden. So far I find the quality amazing compared to my old 3MP Nikon compact which itself wasn't bad. The kit lens is not that bad but I can see that you might want to upgrade to a better quality over time. I just today bought a 50mm 1.8 prime for starters. Good quality and a good price. Anytime up to the end of June would be a good time to invest as Canon are giving 80 euro cashback on the 400D. Coincidentally that's what the 50mm lens cost so for the original cost of 770.00 (Argos) I have a 400D body. 18-55mm zoom and a 50mm prime. So far I'm delighted.

pippatee

Delighted for you Kilree...I bought the 400d back in Jan from Digital rev in Hong Kong...€900 including the 430ex flash....I'm chuffed so far

Just one thing worth mentioning to you, my 400d tends to underexpose shots, so dont be surprised if your pics look a bit dark too as it seems to be a widespread thing...no harm as it's easily fixed with the exposure compensation button....

I bought the 50mm 1.8 as well....it hardly ever comes off the front of the camera

Kilree

Thanks for the tip Pippatee.

City-Exile

I just checked back over my Visa statements and the total cost for an EOS 400D (kit lens included), was €635.91
That included a 2GB Compact Flash card, shipping via UPS & delivery within 3 days.
I bought it from this eBay store.

man1

Got the 400D finally. Am really delighted with it so far.
Was gonna get it with komplett.ie but saw it for the same price in dixons on monday (€799) and couldnt wait any longer. I only saw your post city exile last night. Damn, thats a good deal.
I also bought a 4 year accident/theft/damage/breakdown warranty insurance for €260. Is this necessary do you think? I have 14 days to cancel it if I want.
I should have a years warranty with canon anyway, right???

I was also wondering about how to keep the lcd screen from scratching, is there a plastic sheet that you can get to protect it, similar to the IPOD protecter. Because its (lcd) so big and I am clumsy, it wont be long till I scratch the hell out if it. I suppose I couls ask for a new screen on my warranty????

Anyone recommend a good lens for my next purchase, the kit lens with it is fine but I am sure to want another one soon.

latchiko

Congrats! The 400D is a nice camera, enjoy!
As for the Dixons cover I'd recommend you cancel it and save the €260. I know a few people who bought the Dixons/Currys/PCWorld (all part of the DSG group) extended warranties and when it came to make a claim they found it impossible. One guy bought a camera and the battery connector rusted on it. Took him the best part of a year of toing and froing between dixons and the coverplan insurance company to eventually get vouchers, an absolute nightmare, and this was for a p&s camera.
I know that other people have discussed insurance on this board before so if you are interested in getting the camera insured I'd recommend you do it with a more reputable insurer.
And yes, you can get screen protectors for the 400D. When I bought mine the seller gave me a free one so I'm not sure where you could find one, but they are out there!

man1

latchiko wrote:

Congrats! The 400D is a nice camera, enjoy!!

Thanks

latchiko wrote:

As for the Dixons cover I'd recommend you cancel it and save the €260. I know a few people who bought the Dixons/Currys/PCWorld (all part of the DSG group) extended warranties and when it came to make a claim they found it impossible. One guy bought a camera and the battery connector rusted on it. Took him the best part of a year of toing and froing between dixons and the coverplan insurance company to eventually get vouchers, an absolute nightmare, and this was for a p&s camera.
I know that other people have discussed insurance on this board before so if you are interested in getting the camera insured I'd recommend you do it with a more reputable insurer.!!

I wasnt going to get it but the guy talked me into it and my wife was with me and said to get it. One of his sales tactics was that he told me to smash the camera against a wall on the last day of the warranty and come in and get a new one or an upgrade!!!!
Very strange indeed!!!!
I have read the small print and it says it is only covered for theft for the first 12 months on the 4 year warranty??????

I have heard that there are always problems with bringing it back. They are probably on commision for selling the warrantys.

I will go there today and cancel it.

Can you recommend a good insurer for the camera?

latchiko wrote:

And yes, you can get screen protectors for the 400D. When I bought mine the seller gave me a free one so I'm not sure where you could find one, but they are out there!

Anyone any idea where to get one? maybe a shop somewhere in town?? I have heard peole talking about gunnes or berminghams?
I doubt if it is worth it to order it online as id say they are cheap enough.


BTW avoid harvey normans for this camera, they are charging €950

oshead

man1 wrote:

Got the 400D finally. Am really delighted with it so far.
Was gonna get it with komplett.ie but saw it for the same price in dixons on monday (€799) and couldnt wait any longer. I only saw your post city exile last night. Damn, thats a good deal.
I also bought a 4 year accident/theft/damage/breakdown warranty insurance for €260. Is this necessary do you think? I have 14 days to cancel it if I want.
I should have a years warranty with canon anyway, right???

I was also wondering about how to keep the lcd screen from scratching, is there a plastic sheet that you can get to protect it, similar to the IPOD protecter. Because its (lcd) so big and I am clumsy, it wont be long till I scratch the hell out if it. I suppose I couls ask for a new screen on my warranty????

Anyone recommend a good lens for my next purchase, the kit lens with it is fine but I am sure to want another one soon.

Hi man1

Welcome to the dslr club. You've got quite a good camera there.

A good lens for your next purchase is a difficult question to answer. It all depends really on the type of photography you'll be doing and how much money you're willing to spend.

Generally with Lenses (and Women ) I go by two rules myself. Fast & Expensive. If you want high quality optics cheaply then i'd say the best bang for buck is the Canon 50mm f1.8 MkII @ approx €130. It's a prime lens, Ie... zoom with your feet. Having to zoom with your feet, at first, may seem inconvenient to you, but in the long run you'll learn more about composition and in turn help you develop a better eye for photography.

A good zoom lens to start out with would be the Canon 28-135 IS f3.5-5.6. though it will set you back about €450.

Don't worry about insurance. In 2 years time you'll probably be able to get a good condition, second hand 400d for less than €300.

As far as the Lcd screen is concerned, I wouldn't worry about scratching it. It's got quite a tough surface. Besides, the image that's displayed after the shot is really only there for a guide. You should change the view to the histogram and learn to read that. It provides much more information about the photo than the plain view.

Hope this helps.

Dave

shepthedog

oh very very tempted.. about the cashback, can you buy it in PC World, Currys etc and then claim back or how does it work? Do you need to do anything when purchasing? Going to Irish Open on Sat/Sun and tempted to get it for that!

City-Exile

shepthedog wrote:

Going to Irish Open on Sat/Sun and tempted to get it for that!

Will you be allowed to bring a camera in there?
Often, you're not even allowed to bring camera phones, to events like this!
Just something you'd want to check.
Would be crap if you got down there and were told to leave your camera in the car.

Kilree

Shep, As you will see earlier in this post I bought mine for 770 in Argos. There is an 80 Euro cashback from Canon so the net was 690. You can register for the cashback on line and complete and print the documentation. Then send the lot with barcode from the box etc to an address in Tipperary. I'm waiting on my cheque as I type.

Kilree

Forgot to mention that the cashback deal finishes at the end of June.

bigeoino

re: scratches I read on another post that you can use iPod sticky plastic to protect the screen, but if you get yourself a good camera bag I doubt it'll scratch up much as you think.
Most of the time it'll just be up against your nose....
(I've had mine for 6 months and, so far, it has no scratches - I know, tempting fate there!)

latchiko

shepthedog wrote:

Going to Irish Open on Sat/Sun and tempted to get it for that!

City-Exile wrote:

Will you be allowed to bring a camera in there?

I heard somewhere (sorry can't remember where exactly) that you can bring your camera in for the practice days but not for the actual competition.

As for smashing the 400D up against a wall on the last day of cover! :eek: I think they will tell you anything to get you to buy the coverplan! And it's true that it's only covered for theft for the first 12 months of the 4 year plan. Cowboys, Ted!

man1

Going in after work to cancel the insurance!! €270??? What was I thinking?
I have now got one with FBD for accidental damage and theft for €25 per year.
Cowboys is right dougal!!!!

shepthedog

whew good job u said that about the cameras, apparently you cant! There goes that idea but still will prob go for the 400d. Dying to move up from current camera..any more reports gladly accepted

missingtime

City-Exile wrote:

I just checked back over my Visa statements and the total cost for an EOS 400D (kit lens included), was €635.91
That included a 2GB Compact Flash card, shipping via UPS & delivery within 3 days.
I bought it from this eBay store.

Took a look at the ebay site - you can't buy that item directly you have to bid for it. Did you have to battle for it or anything?

City-Exile

missingtime wrote:

Took a look at the ebay site - you can't buy that item directly you have to bid for it. Did you have to battle for it or anything?

I bid for it and won.
Just timed my bids.
There's a nack to it.

Tech Overhaul

Does anybody have the catalogue number for the 400d kit in a Argos? Never an argos catalogue around when you need one...

City-Exile

Interesting that it's not listed on their website...

Third_Echelon

Its a great camera alright. I picked up one a few weeks ago in Japan (EOS Digital Kiss X). Branded differently in Japan. Got it for €685 with 18-55mm lens and 55-200mm lens, 2GB CF card and bag. I thought that was pretty good for what i got!

If anyone is going over that direction, its definitely the place to pick up camera gear.

Kilree

Cat No 560/6344 on page 431.

Tech Overhaul

Kilree wrote:

Cat No 560/6344 on page 431.

Great, thanks for that.