What should I do?!

tywy

Ok, I have a bit of a dilemma here. I'm relatively new to photography, I've become really interested in the last month or so having always enjoyed taking pictures with my point and shoot. I've recently been considering buying a DSLR, as a student I don't have a huge amount of money and I'm nervous about taking the plunge and shelling out €500-600 or whatever.

I'm willing to buy on the internet. My dilemma is whether to buy the Nikon D40 which is nice and cheap or the Canon 400D. I understand they are not really comparable but what I'm wondering is, is it worth the extra €100 for the Canon.

In my situation, as a beginner, do I really *need* the 400D? I can buy it with the kit lens for ~€440 whereas I can buy the Nikon D40 for ~€340. I don't really care about the brand war, I just want to know would I be silly spending/not spending the extra €100? I will have money to upgrade in a year or so when I get a job (shudder), I just want a camera to get me started.

Any advice would be much appreciated!

Paulw

You can ask 20 people and get 20 different answers as to why to buy either camera.

You need to look at the camera, go to a shop and hold them, consider what sort of photography interests you, and then decide. Only you can make your mind up.

There are a number of threads about which camera to buy. Browse them too.

TelePaul

tywy wrote: »

Ok, I have a bit of a dilemma here. I'm relatively new to photography, I've become really interested in the last month or so having always enjoyed taking pictures with my point and shoot. I've recently been considering buying a DSLR, as a student I don't have a huge amount of money and I'm nervous about taking the plunge and shelling out €500-600 or whatever.

I'm willing to buy on the internet. My dilemma is whether to buy the Nikon D40 which is nice and cheap or the Canon 400D. I understand they are not really comparable but what I'm wondering is, is it worth the extra €100 for the Canon.

In my situation, as a beginner, do I really *need* the 400D? I can buy it with the kit lens for ~€440 whereas I can buy the Nikon D40 for ~€340. I don't really care about the brand war, I just want to know would I be silly spending/not spending the extra €100? I will have money to upgrade in a year or so when I get a job (shudder), I just want a camera to get me started.

Any advice would be much appreciated!

Hey dude/dudess/whatever

Don't feel too intimidated by taking the plunge, that amount of cash will buy you a really good camera, whichever side you go with. The Canon vs Nikon thing really only becomes relevant if you have a number of lenses already which may be rendered obsolete by your choice. I can only speak for Canon, as I have the 350D which really suits me fine, and I've had it well over a year now. The 400D is an awesome camera and will see in good stead for a long time to come.

gandalf

As Paulw says you really need to hold both models and see which one feels better to you. Also I would consider if you have any friends that own either model. You could swap lens which each other as well. If you have an idea what type of photography you will be trying then look at the prices of the lens as well as that could be a factor.

RCNPhotos

Do what I did, get a nice fat student loan, 9 months interest free. Very nice...

tywy

Already have that :P going to Australia in June

Anyway, after posting I discovered that the D40 can only shoot in ISO 200 upwards. My current little point and shoot shoots in ISO 80 upwards and I like shooting in ISO 80 or 100 (when I can) so I think that's made my desicion... sorta :P

Think I might give it another couple of weeks thought, wait til the exams are over :P

*Dallas

As Paul said, you should definitley go in to a shop to suss out the different models.

I was a bit nervous about going digital and I got my 350D in camera exchange on georges street .. it was second hand but it was spanking new and I got a great discount

tywy

*Dallas wrote: »

As Paul said, you should definitley go in to a shop to suss out the different models.

I was a bit nervous about going digital and I got my 350D in camera exchange on georges street .. it was second hand but it was spanking new and I got a great discount

I've been into the shop, had a go of both, still couldn't make up my mind.

I'd love to buy second hand if it was at the right price but it's cheaper to buy new off jessops. For example, and I know they're expensive, conns are looking for €499 for a second hand 400D with kit lens, I can get that for €440 as I said... on adverts.ie it seems crazier... Why would anyone buy second hand at those prices?

ThOnda

Don't forget Pentax K10D or K20D.

tywy

Those Pentax look like they're a little out of my price range...

Arciphel

I have bought a fair few things (camera bodies, lenses etc) off adverts.ie people and have been very happy with my purchases. I wouldn't write it off!

I have a nikon d40x for sale if you are interested PM me.