[-Adrian]

I've got my eye on this camera. Right now i own a very cheap digicam and while i enjoy taking photos, the quality and handling is just horrible.

The 400D seems like a really nice choice, though the 600-800€ they want for body and a basic lens is really pushing my limits. I see this as a long term investment that hopefully doesn't fail me in many years to come.

Now before i buy it i'd like get some last opinions from the photographers here, whether this a great choice for its price or not. Budget cannot go any higher as i mentioned.

Thanks

[Maximus3D]

The camerabody itself is not too bad for the price it sells at, you have to ask a pro photographer and hear what they think about it. But as a lamer i can say i'd like to own that camera too. However don't buy it with a stock lense whatever you do, they always suck so you need to get just the body and then a good lens separately that fits with the camera.

/ Max

[messire]

Got myself a Lumix L1 and can say i'm pretty happy with it
Lens and body rocks!
Downside is the price grrr

[Hervé]

just bought a Nikon200D... and very very happy....

[aitraaz]

Have been using the 350D for some time now (had to purchase new lenses) and have been quite happy with it, but recently have been wanting to upgrade it to a 5D, the price being the only obstacle

[ludenhud]

Go for the nikon D80 instead

[dd_]

eos 350 here with a 28/200mm lens no complaints

[andrebaros]

Go with the Canon... Nikon makes good camera and has a nice interface but hasn't caught up yet in terms of image quality... but look for the other kit. Most places just carry the body with the 18-55 but there a few outfits out there who also carry the body with a 17-85 IS. I picked up this combo at Calumet and the 17-85 (while not a perfect lens) is better than the 18-55.

The 18-55 BTW, doesn't suck, it just isn't as good as the other lenses in the Canon lineup. It has sweet spots and soft spots. Since you're thinking of this as an investment, realize that all the "good" Canon lenses cost more than the camera body.

[Mihai]

Don't look at the camera body as an investment, but instead the lenses. For digital cameras it's a bit like with computers, granted you won't update it quite as often, but when you do, your camera body won't be worth much anymore. The 350D can be found for about half the cost of the 400D.

If you can't afford more than the body and kit lens at the moment, go for it, but you might be a little disappointed in the quality. Just remember it's not the camera body, it's the lens. Once you buy a better lens you'll be able to get the most quality out of it.

[PA3K]

Don't look at the camera body as an investment, but instead the lenses. For digital cameras it's a bit like with computers, granted you won't update it quite as often, but when you do, your camera body won't be worth much anymore.

That is really true. Digital camera is not investment. I suggest to decide by ability to buy good used lens, or borrow it from friend . Digital camera body is "investment" for maybe 2 years. Then you will want to buy another one from the same brand and it will be twice as good and cheaper. BTW i am still using film camera and scanner and it works best for me .
Patrik

[-Adrian]

Hello chaps,

today i found out my father has ordered a basic digital camera for me (~200€) so i have something to replace my shabby one and get me started. Thanks for the insight on lenses, looking at their prices already had me wondering what the real investment is. We'll see, maybe i have something to post in the photo thread soon, the skies here are terribly gorgeous like in some kitsch hindu painting lately - either due to climate change or a change within me

[xenophya]

Hi there

the design course I work on bought the 350d - and also bought the IS17-55 lens - which is awesome.

I think it's true to say that all the eos lenses fit all the bodies - 300d 350d 400d - 40d?? so a good lens is worth it so you can buy a better body later and still use the same lens

enjoy your new cam anyways !