Canon 350D or 400D

You could go for the XSi, the new 450D. If not then I would 400D because you should be able to start finding deals. Ever considered a 30D or 40D if you're keeping it for awhile? Spend some money on quality too, you won't be disappointed. I'm super happy with my new lenses.

20D better than both and a hellllluvalot cheaper

That's because they have stopped making it. I wouldn't say its better

^it'll be more durable but thats about it really, at least compared to the 450D. the 450D is a pretty significant upgrade to the 400D, with things like live view, faster frame rate, increased ISO range, better battery, a redesigned grip, a 14 bit analogue-digital converter from the more expensive models and a new range of IS lenses to go with it. it will also take SD cards instead of CF, but cards are so cheap now that that isn't really an issue. basically its a pretty legit camera targeted more at where the Nikon D80 was - the 450D will be better than the D80 if terms of features at the moment (Nikons working on a new model to be released near the end of the year I think). The 450D isn't replacing the 400D its a new model, kinda like one up from the entry level 400D. The only weakness of it is that it has a plastic body and it doesn't have a PC socket if you're gonna be using complex flash setups, but im pretty sure you can get hot shoe adaptors for that purpose.

THe reason they are trying to make a cam better than the D80 is they don't have a setup that you can make all the corrections to an image from the cam like the D80. At the last Expo Canon stopped using the the term best Dslr's cause they're not anymore, they admitted that Nikon had beat them (at that time). Not saying that Canon isn't a good system, cause it is, just saying that right now Nikon is on top of things and they are putting out new Dslr models every year. At that rate Canon will have trouble catching them

Its no doubt that Nikon is ruling the intro DSLR world, but thats not what this is about, and besides the D40 compared to the Rebel XT, the Rebel wins. But for the sake of what the man is asking, go with the XTi. I went with the XT and now i regret it. The one thing that Nikon wont be better then Canon in, is the high-end SLRs, theres a lot more pros that use Canons.

Photographic intentions and budget would aid this thread.

As for the banter about Nikon owning the entry-level world and Canon owning the pro you guys are a little off. There is no doubt that Canon has the sub-$1000 market. Compare the two most recent additions to both Nikon and Canon. XSi has a ton of legit upgrades from the XTi. Most notable are bit depth, screen size, battery power and live view. The D60 is a laughable upgrade from the d40x which was a laughable upgrade from the d40. Comparing the d60 to the XSi is a little tough because of the price point gap, but Canon clearly takes market.

The sub-$2000 market(pro-sumer) is easily taken by Nikon as it should considering the D300 is $500 more than the 40D. 

Canon takes the entry-level 24x36mm format due to an utter lack of competition which has let the 5D stay on the market way too long.

Finally to the pros. Nikon dropped the ball when it came to the pro market and spent the majority of a decade catching up. Yes, there are more pros using Canon, but that isn't to say there isn't a huge threat from Nikon. The D3 is a revolution for the pro market and can be placed somewhere between the 1D and 1Ds. You can probably expect to see some of the Nikon converts to revert to their beloved systems now that the D3 has made its' arrival. Also expect a resurrection of Canon to get back on their game now that they can't sit atop the Pro world without a care. 

 

budget was about $800 MAX.

I went with a Nikon D40x, with 18-55 and 70-200 lenses for $700. I was looking for an entry level DSLR.

I did maybe want a Rebel XTi, but just too costly.


Did i make the right decision?

Yeah not bad. As you progress, later on, you can change out the cam body for something bigger and better. Have you used it yet? How does it feel?

How right you are.

Nikon dropped the ball on the pro market cause they were gearing towards what the average consumer wants and needs. Once they had that figured out then they were playing catch up. I think they did good with the D3

I'm assuming you mean 55-200. There really isn't a right decision given your parameters. Your decision should be based on the physicality of the camera and not how it looks on paper. The only right thing to have done is go to a store(non-big box) and try them both. 

Enjoy your new setup.

you should shop around and have a look at different prices first but personally i would stick with the 350D because it has been recommend by a few people

^You really are a newb

..That would have been a good idea probably,dam i'm an idiot. Well i'll test it out tomorrow when i pick it up, and keep it for a while and see if i like/hate it. Thanks for the advice, i'll use that next time.


Its weird when you nothing about something, then try and make it seem like you do.......as i feel now. I now understand the difficulties noobs have with skiing sites, think i'm going to cut them a break for now on..............

If your second-guessing your purchase review your return policy. Most places give you 14 days assuming everything is still mint and warranty reg. is untouched. Making mistakes is inevitable, how you handle them is controllable.

Ye i have a 30 day return policy. But i got it today and it suits me fine and i love it. I got it for a reasonable price, with 2 lenses so i'm happy. Good entry level DSLR.

There you go. Another satisfied customer hahaha.

get the newest camera you can

the sensors in both the 350d and the 400d are not that great, a 450D would be better or look at www.bhphoto.com
save up and buy a 20D or 30D

damn, you don't read do you. He already got his setup

Hey Guys, there's a lot of great info in this thread. I'm looking at SLRs right now as well.