Canon 400D?

Question

thinking of getting one! just wonderd if anyone has bought one yet, and if so what do you think of it? is it worth the money, or can you suggest an alternative thats in the same league???

Answer 1

I fancied a 350D when they came out, and ended up buying one of the last 300D models at a very large discount as the 350D was selling at great demand for £699. I paid less than half that.

I have since tried a 350D on loan, and it isn't a great deal better. The 300D is a fabulous bit of kit, so my advice to you is to take advantage of everyone wanting a 400D and bag yourself a 350D that some dealer or owner wants to unload.

Answer 2

Have to agree with Mark on the 300D, i've had one since they first came out and paid £1000 for it, took it recently to Africa and took 2800 pics in 2 weeks and it performed flawlessy. Only letdown is the buffer of 4 Jpeg frames so i've just upgraded to a 30D - 30Jpeg frames at 5 frames per second - its like a machine gun, if you can stretch a couple of hundred quid over the price of a 400D then i'd say try that one, especially as if you buy it before January 1st you get £100 cashback.

But, to actually answer your question :) yes its definately worth the money, it can be had for £437 at http://camerapricebuster.co.uk its got a decent pixel count (though thats not the most important thing with a DSLR) and people are raving about the sensor cleaning. The only thing i dont really like about it is the size, its smaller than a standard SLR and is very light, this is a minor gripe on my part but like the 350D it just doesn't feel right, a battery grip helps but i'd suggest looking at the size compared to a 30D or a 300D if you can get hold of one. The size and weight thing can be a issue with larger lenses, a really good telephoto lens - i use an EF100-400 L IS USM which is quite long and made of metal - hence its heavy, attaching that to a 350 it feels totally out of proportion. Maybe its just me but it just doesnt feel right. But yes, its a great camera - unless you're used to a traditionally sized SLR, best advice i can give is to go to somewhere like Jessops and prod them a bit - but for gods sake dont buy there, there are lots of prices to buy cheaper.

There are also the NIkons but im a Canon man so i cant comment, but Nikon people i've spoken too rate them just as highly.

Answer 3

Hi,

I'm from the Nikon camp, but I can tell you for sure you will not be disappointed with the 400D it is an excellent product.

When I considered my first DSLR purchase I already owned a Nikon AF lens, so naturally that pushed me towards Nikon, a decision I have never regretted. Nikon models to consider would be the D40, D50 & D80.

I think in the modern era, picking the difference between Nikon and Canon DSLRs is so fine that it comes down to which one you prefer to hold in your hand. Does the had grip feel good? Do you like the viewfinder? Do you like the menu/review screen? Do you like the menu system? Do you like how the controls are placed?

When you are being this picky, you are on to a sure fire winner which ever way you go.

All the best.

Answer 4

Why not buy the 350D in UK shops the price has gone down to £400, the 400D just has a much needed larger LCD screen and better AF.