getting my first DSLR..need advice..

[drmartens]

hi guys,

my 1st post - left photography b4 digital was available/affordable - my last used SLR was a Canon AV-1 (basic)...i've been a Canon user all this while!!

after years of using point and shoot, lastest one A710IS, cannot resist the itch anymore!!

got some questions which i need advice:

1) i'm very keen on the 400D bec of entry price, but looking at street price difference of 600+ compared to the 30D, i'm open to both cause still within budget, only concern is as an amatuer, i may not be able to fully utilise the extra functions of the 30D? so should i get the 400D and use the extra money to get a good lens or get the 30D(and not worry about 'upgrade') and get extra lens at a later stage?

2) should i just get the body and go for a good overall lens that could cover most basic types of photography? or the kit lens is good enough for a start? if i could 'trade-in' the kit lens for something better, i would rather do that -any recommendations?

3) what about flash? which model should i get?

that's all for now to get me started...would really appreciate advice from all!!!

many thanks!!
ian

[dan_1337]

the 400D will do pretty much everything the 30D will do bar a spot metering, 5fps, 1/3 stop ISO increments and having a larger magnesium body.

if you're just shooting as a hobby, imo the 400D is a better option and spend the $600 difference on a good lens/flash when you require it...unless you have the money to spend - go for the 30D =P

if you're just starting out in photography again i think that most would agree the kit lens is sufficient to get you started and maybe investing in something better once u've figured out the subjects that u usually shoot.

flash? i personally prefer Canon OEM stuff - so the 430EX or 580EX if your budget stretches that far. as a hobbyist, the 430EX is more than you'll ever really need.

[drmartens]

thanks for the tips dan!!

really appreciate it...will check out the stores in order to try out both to get a better feel..

any other advice/feedback?

[dan_1337]

go and have a play with both. the grip (without battery pack) of the 30D is bigger and might also suit u better.

[sheltie_prince]

Bro, PM you my advice.

[maxlam]

If you plan to play a little more with lenses, I think the 400D's dust removing technology would come in handy, as for me, I like the fierce look that comes with the 30D. Here's a thread I posted about my new found love ...

[dan_1337]

^ i think i share the same love for my 30D as u, maxlam.

i absolutely love it. even tho my current setup cost me more than double what i paid for my old 350D + lens (Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8) without any big advantage, i think it was worth every dollar. even when i'm not shooting it bring pleasure to my eye. i'm obsessed hahah

[calebk]

For the hobbyist, the 400D will more than suffice. For that $600+ that you save, you can easily get a 430EX or 580EX speedlite, or a Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 for a good start to the set up.

Advantages of getting a 400D will include a smaller, lighter, more compact body that's easy to bring around, dust cleaning sensor (which I actually don't really trust anyway but hey, it's supposed to work quite well), better AF sensor (better than 30D).

[spartacus.ret]

Originally Posted by calebk better AF sensor (better than 30D).

no, its the same AF system.

[calebk]

IIRC, Canon improved it on the 400D. Read it before somewhere around this forum.

[spartacus.ret]

read here, under summary of changes:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos400d/

its the same.

[the6thday]

i own a 30D and played around with a friend's 400D. i think the difference for me was that the 30D can be more responsive in action situations (e.g. event photography). but if you normally set everything to auto, then i guess not much of a difference ergonomics wise.

[LowLights]

400D or 30D as the guys have advised go and try it out.. if you got big hands.. IMHO the 400D would be a uncomfortable for long usage.

If you can resist the itch abit longer wait for another month, new model coming out.. 2 folds.. can get the latest or get the present model at a better price.. I hope..

Lens - again IMHO just get the camera without a kit lens and get a good walk around, of course this is more ex...

As you have been using the P&S, you should be pretty ready for taking great pics, the kit - not that it no good, but I think a good lens would serve you better..

Good Luck and Happy Shopping

[drmartens]

Originally Posted by LowLights 400D or 30D as the guys have advised go and try it out.. if you got big hands.. IMHO the 400D would be a uncomfortable for long usage. If you can resist the itch abit longer wait for another month, new model coming out.. 2 folds.. can get the latest or get the present model at a better price.. I hope.. Lens - again IMHO just get the camera without a kit lens and get a good walk around, of course this is more ex... As you have been using the P&S, you should be pretty ready for taking great pics, the kit - not that it no good, but I think a good lens would serve you better.. Good Luck and Happy Shopping

hi guys,

thanks so much for all the vaulable notes!

currently seems like it's a relatively better idea to get just the body - will shop around to get the feel...good idea to save the money on body to get a flash!

really!! new model? hope it's a consumer/prosumer... will look out for any upcoming models then!!

[calebk]

Originally Posted by drmartens hi guys, thanks so much for all the vaulable notes! currently seems like it's a relatively better idea to get just the body - will shop around to get the feel...good idea to save the money on body to get a flash! really!! new model? hope it's a consumer/prosumer... will look out for any upcoming models then!!

There is rumoured to be a successor to the 30D and 5D. The 400D is the current consumer/prosumer body in Canon's dSLR range.