Confused - Which dSLR should I get?

Boysey

Hey Folks,

So I read the sticky but I'm still a little confused... Say I'm buying my first Digital SLR and while I'm not on a budget per-say, I don't really want to go too nuts.

So should I start with...

a Canon Eos 350d €517?
or
a Nikon D40 €517?


If the D40 is the better option above is it worth the extra to get a Nikon D40x instead (€655)?

Oh, and all of the above are priced with the standard 18-55 lens...

Any thoughts / advice would be appreciated - Heading off on holidays in two weeks and would love to have bought something by then,

Thanks,
Boysey

311

The 350D is old at this stage ,I'm sure any models lying around ,have been for while now.

I don't think it's good for electronics ,to be lying around.

Paulw

The Canon 400D would be a better buy for you. It's a quality camera.
Have a look on ebay (Kea-photo) and you should get a good deal.

Calina

The 350D is a very, very good camera and at that price, you can't really argue too much. However, it has been superceded in the Canon range, and by and large, if you can rise to the extra funds, the 400D is definitely worth a look.

For the record, I shoot with a 350D at the moment and I have gotten some excellent photographs out of it, predominantly with Sigma lenses. If you are buying the camera new, I daresay it'll be covered by a guarantee.

Since you're talking about choosing between the Nikon and the Canon, it comes down to aesthetics; how you feel with the camera in your hand. Maybe a Nikon user can give an opinion on the D40 and whether it's worth going for - I am not a Nikonite myself but I have a feeling they tend to recommend the D80 over the D40 where possible.

Thirdfox

I really enjoy shooting with the D40 - see pics in signature.

You can get the D40 for a lot less than E517 online (buying from Hong Kong). Be aware that you would have to manually focus lenses that are not AFS or HSM (personally I don't find it too difficult). All the new Nikon lenses are AFS anyway...

I wholeheartedly recommend the D40 (perhaps if you need more than 3 focus points you can look at the 350D - I just focus and recompose).

Nikon also has the great 55-200VR (Vibration reduction) lens and its 18-55 kit lens is much better than a Canon's.

Don't write off the other manufacturers either: Olympus, Sony and Pentax all have budget cameras too - have a look and feel before spending this much cash!

Hope this helped

magicbastarder

the D40 is €500 in jessops at the moment.

unreggd

Dont listen to anyone here

They're both good cams so just go to a shop and try them out yourself, then make your own decision

2 of my bigger photographer friends: One is pro Canon, the other Pro Nikon


so i decided meself

Boysey

Hey Folks,

Thanks for your help, advice and responses, much appreciated ... I'm planning on dropping in to one or two places tomorrow to have a feel and will probably order online after that...

May even post some photos some day

Thanks again,
Boysey

Spyral

look at the news on telly.. they all seem to use nikon.. so do CSI... shouldnt that be the real reason for choosing :P

whatever you pick the d40x is not worth it. D40 is however, an excellent camera.

Fajitas!

unreggd wrote:

Dont listen to anyone here

They're both good cams so just go to a shop and try them out yourself, then make your own decision

2 of my bigger photographer friends: One is pro Canon, the other Pro Nikon


so i decided meself

On the contrary, listen to everyone here. And on www.fredmiranda.com 's review section. And read all the technical specs.

Then go try them out.

Redisle

Id recommend you go with the 400d, I got a 400d body only (well its really a kiss digital x) with a 2gb Sandisk cf card for 520 delivered from ebay, It was already in the uk so no import costs, Of course you need a lens on top of that, I just got the 50mm 1.8 II for 90euro and its the only lens I have at the moment, Its very good value and definetly a must buy lens.
The 350d is an old camera at this stage, go with the 400d if you can.

TelePaul

I'm probably wrong but I thought the D40 had less lenses available as of now?

FreeAnd..

Canon Eos 350d