Is the Canon EOS 400D any good as a starter SLR?

Yes, its fine but if you are going to buy a DSLR you should choose by your own preference. Go to a shop and have a play with all the key contenders including Nikon, Canon, Pentax, Olympus, Panasonic and Sony and see what feels best to you.

All are good and it comes down to personal preference. Also, have a look at the reviews on here to draw up your shortlist.

Julian

oh, but the 40D looks to take better photographs, now where is me piggy bank

The EOS 1D takes even better pictures but you have to dig really deep into those pockets.

The picture quality difference between the 400D and 40D is negligble compared to the ability of the photographer to influence the photograph.

The major jump in quality is from compacts to DSLR, once you get to DSLR it is likely that the camera is more demanding of your ability.

J

I've barely got pockets

quote:

Originally posted by Julian H:
The picture quality difference between the 400D and 40D is negligble compared to the ability of the photographer to influence the photograph.

The major jump in quality is from compacts to DSLR, once you get to DSLR it is likely that the camera is more demanding of your ability.

J

Looked at the sample photographs on dp review and they looked so much better for the 40d. As you say it is about what you can do with a camera and i'm an amateur with a good eye but no real technical ability TBH.

Having now technical ability is not an issue; you can learn that. Having the eye is what counts.

What pictures are you comparing; are they like for like?

J

40D

Diccus62

The 400D has the ability to produce great photos and is a good platform from which to build.

Later, you could upgrade the lenses which are pretty much token gestures compared to the quality glass Canon make further up their range (same applies to Nikon).

If you are used to a compact digi-cam, the major cautionary note to highlight is that the 400D does not allow you to compose shots using the lcd panel on the back of the camera - most compacts have this facility (indeed my latest one doesn't even have a viewfinder!).

The 450D is more expensive but comes with the 'Liveview' screen which some folks will find extremely useful. Personally, I would always prefer to compose through the viewfinder, but it is a major consideration. Nikon have brought out the D60 (I think) which competes head on with the 450D. NB - Makes no difference to picture quality.

I have a preference for Nikon slr's - I just prefer the layout and perceived build quality but it must be said that Canon have led from the front in digital camera developments.

Best of luck with your new photographic adventure!

Peter

400D



The sample photos (not like for like) seem so much better quality with the 40D

samples for D60 look nice Peter.

Diccus

I have to agree with what Peter has said.

Also, I cannot see a comparable 400D shot (edit:the first one) for the picture you posted. The differnce is virtually non-existant between the two cameras. The lenses attached to the front will make far bigger difference.

As I said in my first post, you must play with the cameras yourself and make up your own mind. Like Peter, I typically prefer Nikon to Canon cameras but I know quite a few that prefer Canons....

J

Thank you both, I will consider

Please dont forget the other brands too.

DPReview is excellent for reading the reviews to build up your shortlist but comparing the images is fraught with problems. Once you have made your shortlist download a few pics and print them as big as you can. That will give you an idea on the quality of camera (and lens) tested.

A good friend got his "L" from the Royal Photographic Society back in 2001 (or it may have been 2002) with a Canon D30 (not a 30D) 3 megapixel DSLR and his A3 panel was sublime. All of these current cameras are a LOT better than the D30!

Julian

Is it more important to buy and ok body ie D400 and spend on a better lens than the opposite way round, if you know what I mean

That is an excellent question.

All DSLR cameras are so good now that as long as they have the features YOU need, you should choose the one you like and the one that has the best range of lenses/accessories important to you.

Having said that, most of the cheaper lenses that are bundled with the cameras nowadays are good enough for most and may really only show their shortcomings in low light, A3 size enlargements, focussing speed or build quality.

The better lenses tend to be bigger and heavier though.

J

Just was reading that the lens packaged with the 400 is tatty compared with the one bundled with the D60.

Cheers Julian.

Diccus62

I splashed out on a canon EF 70-200 F2.8L IS USM a few months back for my 20D and the image quality is simply outstanding....get the best glass you can afford but it's all going to look like crap without decent composition and exposure...

Have fun!

Cheers

Jim

Well I did say "most"

J

think i'll just buy the D60 with 18 - 55 lens and buy a longer lens later.

Sorry chaps i know I should but i can't be bothered traipsing round camera shops trying out different camera, i'd just get stressed with the jargon and the kids would probably trash the shop............................ Amazon here we come. Thanks again

Okay then but make sure you get the AF-S 18-55 DX VR in your kit.

J

Diccus
Before you unstitch the pockets also take a good look at the Olympus 510. It is available as 2 lens kit at silly prices at the moment. The lens are very good performers and the camera has image stabilisation built ino the body. It also has a very effective method for getting dust off the sensor. I use both Olympus and Nikon DSLRs and both are good systems.

Diccus

Just a warning....the Nikon slope is almost as slippery as the Naim slope.

Sandy

Echoing Chris Kelly's comment on Olympus 510 - you can get very reasonably priced E1 cameras on Ebay that have not been used or hardly used at all. They are a good introduction to the 4/3rds system that has several very good advantages eg smaller size and weight than the the Canikon DSLRs, extremely good colour rendering, a range of lenses that cover ones normal needs in perhaps only two units plus the ability to add additional lenses if you get enthusiastic.

I used to be a huge fan of Olympus cameras - my all time favourite being my OM4Ti.

My admiration however was extinguished when Olympus decided that they no longer wished to serve the SLR market. That coincided with a zoom lens failing on me!

Bitter grudge bearing on my part perhaps, but that was my main reason to change to either Canon or Nikon (I chose Nikon) ie there is a much greater degree of certainty that those two players will continue to support their products long term.

Olympus? Well who knows where their next business plan will take them....

Peter