Advice on 1st DSLR

[paikia44]

Need some advice from experts here. I'm a novice and sourcing for my 1st DSLR and narrowed down to Canon for it's versatility and features.

Quite a number of folks I know recommended EOS450D, and so I went down to Audio House yesterday to check it out. The feel is ok but abit too light for my liking. I shan't go through the other features as I reckon most here already know it well.

During the converstation with the sales person, he also showed me the 40D. Which is more solid and boasts more features despite being lower in MP as compared to 450D.

The bundle package is same at $1999 as follow:
EOS450D
Body + dual lens kit (18-55mm & 18 - 200mm)
Freebies

1. Tripod
2. Camera Bag
3. 2 x 8gb SD
4. 30L electric dry cabinet
5. Extra battery

40D
Body + dual lens kit (18-55mm & 55 - 250mm)
Freebies

1. Tripod
2. Camera Bag
3. 2 x 8gb SD
4. 30L electric dry cabinet
5. Extra battery
6. a cheapo flashlight

Which will be the wiser choice?????

[NovJoe]

If you are already familar with DSLR, go for the 40D.

If you are very new to DSLR, go for 450D and learn the curves.

[maswu]

Originally Posted by NovJoe If you are already familar with DSLR, go for the 40D. If you are very new to DSLR, go for 450D and learn the curves.

no difference if you go for either...but for whats worth...I say go for the 40D the noise control is much better and the body is made of magnesium alloy...but if you prefer weight, den go for 450D

Megapixel is not important if you're not doing heavy cropping...

[kumhoo]

I will suggest u to go for 40D because of the build is more solid and the noise is more lower compared to the 450D. I will say You wont regret to get 40D since i'm 40D user here. Hehe.

[hktan]

If u are familiar with Camera, or with camera that have the PSTM function.. go for 40D.

Try to hold the 450D and 40D in your hand. If u have big hand, go for 40D, 450D is too small, might not be so confortable if u need to hold it for very long time.

[shojibake]

Hey wait for the 500d!

ok there's always something round the corner, but really it's looking good.

[paikia44]

Thanks for all the fast responses!

While Im sure that the D40 is more popular, the selling point of the 450D is that it is 'easier' to use and comes with the 18 - 200mm lens, which emliminates the issue of lense swopping.

But of course this is my 1st DSLR and I was also thinking of getting a used unit to try out 1st. Sigh.... Very tempted to get new ones but more $ in the pocket is always better...

What about 400D or 350D?

[nuanda]

40D.

Frankly, IMHO a long tele is not particularly useful for a first time DSLR user unless going on holiday and taking scenic shots. May make sense to just buy with 1 kit lens, and experiment. Can always get a tele later, and then choose something you really like. Is that cheaper?

there are kit lenses out there with longer reach if 18 - 55 is too short.

[Shen siung]

IMO the price at audio house is not so good. Can get cheaper form MS color, Cathay Photo, TK Foto.
450D with kit 18-55 around 1150, not sure the latest price (will get canon free SD card and free extra battery)
Tripod (please don't get those $30 one) around 100
Dry cabinet around 120
if get another 55-250 around 370 (at Ms color)
A total of around 1740
What is your budget?

40D is definitely giving more 'solid' feel, if you don;t like the light weight of 450D, get the 40D.

[brandon93]

I would say 40D.....

[ardnirun]

40d..wont go wrong...

[twisted illusion]

Originally Posted by paikia44 Need some advice from experts here. I'm a novice and sourcing for my 1st DSLR and narrowed down to Canon for it's versatility and features. Quite a number of folks I know recommended EOS450D, and so I went down to Audio House yesterday to check it out. The feel is ok but abit too light for my liking. I shan't go through the other features as I reckon most here already know it well. During the converstation with the sales person, he also showed me the 40D. Which is more solid and boasts more features despite being lower in MP as compared to 450D. The bundle package is same at $1999 as follow: EOS450D Body + dual lens kit (18-55mm & 18 - 200mm) Freebies Tripod Camera Bag 2 x 8gb SD 30L electric dry cabinet Extra battery 40D Body + dual lens kit (18-55mm & 55 - 250mm) Freebies Tripod Camera Bag 2 x 8gb SD 30L electric dry cabinet Extra battery a cheapo flashlight Which will be the wiser choice?????

if i got a budget of 1999, i will buy a D90 body with a tamron 17-50mm f2.8.... lol.... features video mode which both u shortlist doesnt hv... who knw u might just need it when u dnt hv it at that particular moment... that this is just me... cheers...

[HeiPiGu]

The hottest new kid now is 500D, seems like it's gonna be well priced too. If you feel the camera is too light, can add a battery grip or upgrade to better lens like EFS 17-55mm.

[solasido]

go for 40D, unless if you are small build, with small hand then 450D grip may feel better. If you have bigger build, then 450D view finder will be too small and you will be like peeping hard.

btw, why your nick is paikia, har? lol..

[paikia44]

I reckon i will visit MS Colour this weekend to comparison. While the price at Audio House is same as some other retail shops as it is the RP for Canon, it is the bundle freebies that is more attractive. But i will do some more research before committing, Thanks!

And as for tele lense, I don't need it, but i want it. LoL Will be going Maldives for honeymoon in June, and thought a tele will be good to shoot some nice sceneries.

Originally Posted by solasido btw, why your nick is paikia, har? lol..

Hahaha... Cos i use tis same nick to most forums i visit.

[USM]

If you are thinking of buying EOS 450D, then I would suggest that you wait for the launch of EOS 500D.

Since you will be going overseas for honeymoon, the video recording feature of EOS 500D will come in very handy. Trust me, your wife-to-be and yourself will be happy to view those videos recorded after the trip. Of course, not forgetting those still images that you have captured.

Video recording shall be the trend in the next generation of DSLR. There is a huge demand in the consumer market.

[NovJoe]

Originally Posted by USM If you are thinking of buying EOS 450D, then I would suggest that you wait for the launch of EOS 500D. Since you will be going overseas for honeymoon, the video recording feature of EOS 500D will come in very handy. Trust me, your wife-to-be and yourself will be happy to view those videos recorded after the trip. Of course, not forgetting those still images that you have captured. Video recording shall be the trend in the next generation of DSLR. There is a huge demand in the consumer market.

I have to agree with this. Though video capture function is always a value added function in DSLRs but nonetheless will have it's used at certain point of time, especially like what USM has pointed out, for you honeymoon at Maldives (Nice and beautiful place ).

Though the bundled items and value may not matched to what has been offered for the 40D and 450D but if you are able to wait, 500D is the way to go for you.

Remember, don't rush buying the camera, or else the BBB virus can make you buy stuffs that you don't actually need.

[flipfreak]

2 things to note. 40D uses CF card and not SD card. Make sure u get the right one if its a free gift. The idea of a SLR is so u can switch the lens to achieve the image. if u want to use a superzoom only, might as well buy a bridge or compact.

[infinity]

IMHO, you should consider what to buy only after the 500D has been officially launched cos the price for 400D, 40D, 1000D, 450D etc would be falling, falling .....
You can then decide on what you really need (in view of budget too), 500D is good and it is correct that video recording will be the new trend but the market is not mature yet and this could take quite a while.