Camera Advice...

[Cobra]

Really know nothing about photography, but am interested at getting started. Made a lot for cash from the shots we took at the race last weekend, so are thinking of making it a more regular thing. Thus i need my own camera!!

The one thats caught my eye is the EOS 400d (opinions)?

Found it for

[Rifleman]

If you really know nothing about photography, the first step isn't to go and spend lots of money on a camera....first, if you have a camera, then use it to learn more about photography and then you can determine what may fit your needs better than going in blind ......learn photography and then spend money on what suits the shots you're going after........otherwise you may spend money on something which isn't going to used too much in the future.....

[Cobra]

Yeh sorry, saying i know nothing isnt really true. Been snapping away with proper camera's for years, namely the Canon 300d, and the 1d ( ) at the weekend. So theres no way im gonna 'step backward' and get a crappy camera. Just i'ev never actually owned one, only borrowed...

Main reason im posting is i want to get some feedback from the 'photographing' community on the 400d, or even better find out if anyones got one!

[Mictheslik]

Im saving up for one.......where are they selling it for

[Cobra]

[quote]Im saving up for one.......where are they selling it for

[Hagar]

The 400D is the latest version of the Canon Digital Rebel range. The spec looks very tempting especially at the price but it's a brand new model with a couple of untried features that could possibly give problems. http://www.livingroom.org.au/photolog/reviews/canon/canon_eos_400d.php

It depends what you want but from what I've read I think you might be better off with the 350D like mine or the earlier 300D model. These should be considerably cheaper now the new model is on the market. That's my opinion for what it's worth.

[Rifleman]

Don't be fooled by all the info which is provided by some reviewers.......one claim I found, is in my estimation, a tad on the light side.......

Indeed the EOS XTi Digital SLR camera now leads the Digital Rebel revolution with such marquee features as its higher 10.1 megapixel resolution; refined and redesigned Canon CMOS sensor; larger, easier to read 2.5 inch display screen (along with simplified and streamlined menu navigation), and the remarkable EOS Integrated Cleaning System, a self-cleaning image sensor unit/dust removal system that is available on no other camera of any make, at any price.

I've had my camera since April and have been using my sensor cleaner every time I power up .......? not sure what Canon means when they say they're the only one to be using such a thing ?........on the other hand, they have come up to standard with the new larger screen and some sensible easy to navigate menus (again, much like my camera) I have had one in my hand on a few occasions now and quite like the new 10 MP offering in the Rebel XTi as its called on this side of the water........
I didn't name my camera simply because this isn't about it, but in fairness read more than one report on any camera to get a better idea of the features you may or may not need.........

[Hagar]

not sure what Canon means when they say they're the only one to be using such a thing ?

Canon make no such claim. What they do state is that it's "a Canon first". As well as the "Self Cleaning Sensor Unit" there is also a "Dust Delete Data" function (see  Death to Dust) which seems a tad complicated & gimmicky to me. More to go wrong in an already complex piece of equipment. Whether these features will work as advertised remains to be seen which is the reason I wouldn't jump too quick to purchase this new model. My motto is 'Let others who can afford it try it first'.

I couldn't find the review I was looking for but the conclusion to  this one is worth quoting.

Canon is not planning to do away with the Rebel XT (350D), and the presence of a new model doesn't make that great model obsolete. If you don't change lenses that often, don't mind the smaller LCD, don't need the slight bump in continuous-shooting speed, and don't need the higher resolution, then you don't really need to pay extra for the Canon EOS Rebel XTi. Furthermore, if you don't yet have an investment in any particular manufacturer's lens system and want this year's best model for less than $1,000, you might consider the Nikon D80.

[N556EP]

Why so much talk about the canon's? I have heard mixed reactions abou them. Nikon on the other hand makes great stuff period. I own a N60 (first camera) N90s and a D1h. Like to get my hands on a D2 but 5K dont think so.

As for photography its an expensive hobby! with flashes, Lens, Bodys it can get damn epensive! Dont be surprised when your lenes are worth more than your Bodys.  

[F3Hadlow]

So much about Canon because there generally more popular amongst hobby photographers. Nikons are generally the ones used by professionals due to the fact it has been that way for a long time, but Canon have offered wider choice at more flexible pricing in recent years making them a hit in the market place. I myself use the 10d and have no particular desire to upgrade since it's a beaut. Lens however is a different story....

[Exocet_UK]

I use a 350D and have got no problems with it. You can see my photos with it a few threads down.

That said, it is going to become the spare body in the near future.

[Woodlouse2002]

So much about Canon because there generally more popular amongst hobby photographers. Nikons are generally the ones used by professionals due to the fact it has been that way for a long time, but Canon have offered wider choice at more flexible pricing in recent years making them a hit in the market place. I myself use the 10d and have no particular desire to upgrade since it's a beaut. Lens however is a different story....

You say Nikons are generally more used by professionals. But Nikons premier camera has 12mp I think while Canons top dog has 16. Beken of Cowes use Canons. And as professionals go you don't get much more famous than them.

[Cobra]

Cheers for your thoughts guys. Hagar, you raise a good point about buying an older model, will defo be considered

[F3Hadlow]

You say Nikons are generally more used by professionals. But Nikons premier camera has 12mp I think while Canons top dog has 16. Beken of Cowes use Canons. And as professionals go you don't get much more famous than them.

Certainly I don't think they only use them (and I wasn;t trying to say Nikons are better, there not!), but traditionally over the years the choice has been Nikon cameras, Canon are working their way in now of course but they are the 'traditional' choice such as it is.

[Hagar]

Why so much talk about the canon's? I have heard mixed reactions abou them. Nikon on the other hand makes great stuff period. I own a N60 (first camera) N90s and a D1h. Like to get my hands on a D2 but 5K dont think so.

I'm not promoting Canon but this is what Cobra was asking about. I felt qualified to answer as I was in much the same position myself a few months ago. My Canon 350D (Rebel XT) is the only DSLR I have any knowledge of & on the whole I'm very happy with it.

I considered all the options & asked for advice here & also among experienced photographers I know personally. Most photographers I've met are only too happy to help with a few tips. The reason I went for Canon is simple. In the end it came down to what I could afford. I'm on a limited budget & it was cheaper than the alternatives at the time I got it.

From what I've seen at the many events I visit every year Canon is by far the most popular make of digital camera used both by pros & serious amateur aircraft photographers. Now I've finally got a decent camera I have to learn how to use it.  I've learned a lot in the few months I've had it but there's still a long way to go.