Hi guys, I've been following this photography forum for quite a while and am finding that my current camera is a little limiting for being creative (I'd like to do the soft waterfall look) its also a little fiddlely, to change ISO settings and Manual settingsa. Although in the correct light it can take some really good pictures. Low light is where It struggles. The camera I have at the moment is a Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ5. Im about to take the plunge and purchase a Canon400D, which I think should last me for a while.

Question is, is this the right camera for me?

Is the kit lens going to be a similar to what I have been using at the moment.

I dont really have a favorite subject that I like to take pictures of a the moment, I am often at motor events. And would like to do general pictures like weddings/partys and portraits. Would it be advisable to get another lens and if so what sort.

My Dad, was well into photography about 15 years ago and Im sure hes got a huge collection of lenses, all Nikon would any of these be compatable with the cannon and be anygood?

Cheers Paul, any help for a newbie would be great

The right camera for you is the one that suits your particular needs and preferences, no one here can make that decision for you.

Go to a proper camera shop, and handle the 400D, the D80, D50, Sony Alpha and (if you can wait a bit) the Pentax K10D.

The image quality out of all of them will be very similar, despite the amount of stuff you will read from pixel peepers on various sites, so see how they feel, see what system you are buying into from the lens perspective, think what you are going to use it for, and make an informed decision then.

It ain't cheap to switch systems once you're in, so it's worth spending a bit of time thinking about this before you take the plunge.

It's unlikely you will be disppointed with any of them, but each has it's own characteristics, strengths and weaknesses.

And of course, budget will come into play.

Your dads lenses will work on the D80 to a degree, depending on how old they are, but you may not be able to meter, unless you get a D200, but that's a big step up in price.

You can actually use Nikkor lenses on Canon bodies too, but again you won't be able to meter and will probably have even less functionality with them than on a Nikon body.

Geezer

P.S. Only girls and old men use Canon ;)

Go to Jessops and give all a squeeze and a play. Unfortunately this cost me more than I was expecting as the one I really liked above all those mentioned above was the Canon 30D. Even the bigger battery grip made insufficient difference to the tiny 400d body and it wasn't satisfying to hold.

Hi all, just got back from Jessops as suggested and had a little play with the Canon 400D and the Nikon D80.

Was impressed with how quick these things auto focus, compared to my existing camera.

I didn't mind the size of the 400D as I have small hands anyway, and the my current camera is small aswell.

The main thing I noticed was that the D80 felt much more solid and felt alot more heavier.

Jessop were also doing a Tamrom Lens for £99 70-300 for both cameras and would match any uk internet price.

Only issue is Nikon over £200 more for almost the same spec?

Im confused:wonder:

I have the 350D and don't mind the size , and I have hands like shovels ! although the battery grip does make a big difference not just to the size but the balance as well esp if you have a big L lens attached .:D
I was also in same dilemma as you when the 350D first came out , it was the Canon or the Nikon D70 , I went with Canon because I got a great deal on the 350D , but you also have to bear in mind the D80 does have a better kit lens than the 400D and you will find that if you go for the 400D you will end up buying a better walkabout lens which justifies the extra £200 for the D80.
Personally I would go with a secondhand 350D/30D/20D;) and any extra cash left over buy some decent glass.

all IMHO :)

here here :thumb:

Only issue is Nikon over £200 more for almost the same spec?

Im confused:wonder:

The D80 is not Nikons entry level DSLR, that's why. It has more features.

Geezer

Thanks Geezer, I thought the D80 and 400D were very similar spec, I need to read up a little more. I think Im being a pixel peeper:lol1:

It seems that I will definately need a telephoto lens, and possibly something to replace the kit lenses.

Will the Tamrom 70-300F4-5.6 Be ok for me? @ £99 it seems a little bit of a bargain.


Again cheers for all the help guys.

Thought I would post a couple of pics taken with my existing Panasonic FZ5


http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c29/goodap/My%20Favourite%20Photos/P1020402.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c29/goodap/My%20Favourite%20Photos/P1020462.jpg
http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c29/goodap/My%20Favourite%20Photos/P1020396.jpg

I thought the D80 and 400D were very similar spec

They are ...have a look here (http://www.camerapricebuster.co.uk/prod3.html) I see the 350D can be had for £350 now , not bad for a camera that can hold its own against camera's costing twice as much , and more importantly more money left over for some nice L glass :thumb:


P.S. nice pics by the way ..looks like your ready for an upgrade ;)

im in the same boa, looking to get myself a new camer abut not sure what to go for

Right made a decision Im going for the Nikon D80, I had a play with a Cannon 400D, but found it small and feeling cheap due to it being plastic.

The problem I have is what lenses to go for now:Whatever_ .

Do I go with one of the kit lenses AF-S DX 18-70mm or AF-S DX 18-135mm f/3.5-5.6G IF-ED, then possibly adding a 70-300. I think the 18-135 would be a good walkabout lense. Or can I get better lenses for similar prices.

Any advice would be grateful, and it doesnt have to be a nikon lense but reasonably priced nothing silly please.

Thanks

Paul

The kit lens (18-70) is excellent. Not heard much good about the 18-135 at all. The 18-200 VR is excellent, but at £500 or more it's probably mor than you want to spend.

Geezer

Thanks Geezer, yes £500 a little too much at this stage but who knows in the future.Thought the 18-135 might give me a little more lens to play with, but have heard alot of good things about the 18-70. What 70-300 would you recommend Nikkon,Sigma,Tamron.

And can you recommend a good site for lens reviews.

Thanks for all your help aswell:thumb:

Fred Miranda (http://www.fredmiranda.com/reviews/)

Photozone (http://www.photozone.de/8Reviews/index.html)

BTW, the Nikon is plastic as well, just has a nicer finish on it :)