Which to get for a Newbie? 350D or 400D

[wackytpt]

Hi all,

I am pretty new into photography. Still pretty uncertain which to get, the 350D or 400D?

Can anyone give me any advise what is the difference between the both of them?

Thanks

[Headshotzx]

I don't know the cost difference between both, but I own a 400D and it's great.

Right now, the 450D's going to be released soon. Thus, the 350D & 400D prices will drop. If you can wait until the 450D is out, you can get a brand new 400D at slashed prices.

However if you don't feel like waiting, a 2nd-hand 350D in an almost-new conditionis a good deal.

The differences between the 2 models aren't very drastic.

[wackytpt]

I heard that the 350D grip is much suitable for people with small hands? Is it true?

[Headshotzx]

Do you have small hands? The difference in size between the 350D and 400D is neglible.

If you have small hands, you can get the BG-E3 grip that fits both the 350D and 400D.

More and more people are getting the 30D or 40D even when they are considered 'newbies' (Note: Newbie = New to photography, not refering to the quality of shots). However, if the price difference is too much for you, the 400D / 350D is also good.

[sprewell]

My gf has small hands but even so, she still wants to get a grip for her newly bought 350D. so yeah, i would this grip is quite impt.

[blurry80]

one reason why you should wait for the 450D is the Spot metering which is absent in 400D
400D has partial which may not be good enough.

[wackytpt]

I would prefer to get a 2nd hand camera now as I am totally new in this hobby.

This camera won't be the final camera. Once I am more or less more comfortable in the hobby, I will upgrade to a better camera.

So which is better to get? 350D or 400D? But think I will commit to a new camera like the 450D

Cheers

[blurry80]

actually 2nd hand 400D will be tougher to resell when they compete with 450D in the future. it will be harder to release when you find out that you dont want to do photography.

[Headshotzx]

There are certain plus points and drawbacks for 450D. Better image processing, better sure-handling etc, 'new model' (if it even matters) and slightly better AF. Drawbacks would probably be that this 'new model' might have certain problems and if you're buying it first, you probably won't know all the problems, unlike the past models (350D / 400D) where every loophole has been discovered. Another drawback would be that the 450D uses SD cards, which means that when you get better and want to upgrade, you'll have to replace these SD cards with CompactFlash (CF) cards. This'll cost you about 50 bucks per 2 gig.

[xtremequantumx]

I personally think that there isn't that much of a difference where the 350D and the 400D is involved.
I think more important is get one that suits your budget more, more likely in this case the lens that you'll be using will play a more important role in the photos that you take.
If you're not in a hurry you can wait for the 450D to come out, but as some would advocate that there will be no end to the 'waiting game', and that good photo moments are priceless!

[ferrai]

Get a 400D now... the pictures that you may miss if you wait are priceless...and get a tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 to go with it

[unseenshadows]

Actually, another thing to consider is that the 450D kit lens is the 18-55 IS lens, which is of superior optics than the 350D/400D's 18-55 non-IS lens.

I say wait for the 450D, unless you're on a budget, then get a second-hand 400D (with or without grip up to you). It's cheaper and you won't have to worry about resale value since you bought it second-hand in the first place.

[SilverPine]

There is no much different between 350D & 400D except the increase the sensor to 10.1MP, and with only 3fps and iso1600. When taking picture in low light condition, noticable noise when use ISO800 and above. If the picture under expo 1/2 f/stop noise very noticable.

The 2nd hand 350D is about $600-700.

Please refer to the following for the specification of the 400D:
http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/canoneos400d/page2.asp

Both the camera 350D & 400D is light and easy to carry.

If your budget allowed, about $800-900, you can consider 20D which is more solid build, 5fps for sport to stop the movement, iso3200 good for night photo. Years ago you have to pay near to $3K for a 20D.

20D iso3200 noise level and about equal to 350D's iso800. ISO3200 will make alot of different if you are taking indoor or night photo and if flash is not an option. Sport for 5 fps to have a good continue movement phot.

I have both 350D and 20D, get the 20D you will not regard.

[Headshotzx]

Originally Posted by SilverPine ...I have both 350D and 20D, get the 20D you will not REGRET.

Edited for you xD

You've got a few choices:

1) Get a brand-new 400D now (I got this. So far, there's nothing bad about it other than a lack of features found in double-digit cams (20D, 30D etc)
2) Get a 2nd-hand 350D now (Cheap, most bang-for-buck if budget is the constrain)
3) Get a 2nd-hand 20D now (Cheap, way more features)

4) Wait for 450D's release and get a brand new 450D (Not advisable-- You'll have to wait for a release date that no-one has confirmed yet)
5) Wait for 450D's release and get a brand new 400D (Marginally advisable (if budget is top concern)-- You'll still have to wait)


If you're a person that understands tech very well and is artistically inclined, you're spoiling yourself with a xxxD (350D, 400D etc) camera. A double digit camera body would do you a lot more good. It still balls down to your decision though.

Hope this helps.

[Buggy]

both is fine. the 400d spots a bigger lcd as compared to 350d for reviewing the photos you've taken.

2nd hand 350d goes for as low as $600+ at b&s. do take in the consideration of the condition before deciding on the purchase.

[Fragnatic]

Originally Posted by wackytpt Hi all, I am pretty new into photography. Still pretty uncertain which to get, the 350D or 400D? Can anyone give me any advise what is the difference between the both of them? Thanks

maybe u can try borrowing them frm ur frens or even renting them to try out.

[unseenshadows]

Originally Posted by SilverPine If your budget allowed, about $800-900, you can consider 20D which is more solid build, 5fps for sport to stop the movement, iso3200 good for night photo. Years ago you have to pay near to $3K for a 20D. 20D iso3200 noise level and about equal to 350D's iso800. ISO3200 will make alot of different if you are taking indoor or night photo and if flash is not an option. Sport for 5 fps to have a good continue movement photos.

I second this.

[wackytpt]

Thanks guys for all the advise.

Basically for me now, I am interested to take macro shots. Basically fish shots for now as I am a fish lover. Love to take pictures of apistogramas and maybe later progress on to butterflies and normal scenery shots.

I don't intend to go for a brand new setup except for the lens.

My pending list to get is as follows :

Either a 350D, 20D
EX 580 MKI or 550 (If budget permits will get 2 flashes)
ST-E2
Canon Ef 100mm F2.8 Macro USM lens (most probably a first hand if I can't get a good price for a 2nd hand)

Still in the midst of saving up and working out what to get.

Cheers

[Fragnatic]

Originally Posted by wackytpt Thanks guys for all the advise. Basically for me now, I am interested to take macro shots. Basically fish shots for now as I am a fish lover. Love to take pictures of apistogramas and maybe later progress on to butterflies and normal scenery shots. I don't intend to go for a brand new setup except for the lens. My pending list to get is as follows : Either a 350D, 20D EX 580 MKI or 550 (If budget permits will get 2 flashes) ST-E2 Canon Ef 100mm F2.8 Macro USM lens (most probably a first hand if I can't get a good price for a 2nd hand) Still in the midst of saving up and working out what to get. Cheers

hmm... if u r getting 2 flashes, 1 could be the 580, and for slave it could be a 430. u can even get 2 430 since u getting st-e2.. depends on budget la.

[Headshotzx]

If you're a fish lover.. you know that 2 big bright flashes won't make the fish like you haha..

That setup is pretty good -- Get the 580EXII (Cheap sales right now in mass-order forum) and 430EX.