Thread: Which DSLR?

40D is a nice camera (I have the 400D).

For glass, if you can afford it, go L Glass.

The 24-105MM USM L is a fantastic lens for a variety of uses and it has a very useful range.

I am in the same boat and may go the EOS1000D route as I want something I can play with but my wife can pick up and shoot. I think that rules out the Pentax 200D as it takes a bit of knowledge to use. If I had the cash I would go the 40D. Camera House in currently have the 40D out for $2099. If you can afford it get the IS lenses. Expensive but a better option to avoid camera shake blurred photos. I intend getting the Canon EF 70-300 IS USM lens when I can afford it, but get a 75-300 standard lens with the 1000D kit so a good start. And a Macro lens EF-S 60mm f/2.8 USM.
Good luck as there are many confusing opinions and options around.
Cheers
CraigE

Craig,
have a look at Digital Camera warehouse.
All options bar macro under 2k. You still need to buy a mem card though

CC

Originally Posted by CraigE

I am in the same boat and may go the EOS1000D route as I want something I can play with but my wife can pick up and shoot. I think that rules out the Pentax 200D as it takes a bit of knowledge to use. If I had the cash I would go the 40D. Camera House in currently have the 40D out for $2099. If you can afford it get the IS lenses. Expensive but a better option to avoid camera shake blurred photos. I intend getting the Canon EF 70-300 IS USM lens when I can afford it, but get a 75-300 standard lens with the 1000D kit so a good start. And a Macro lens EF-S 60mm f/2.8 USM.
Good luck as there are many confusing opinions and options around.
Cheers
CraigE

Doesn't take too much knowledge Craig - I just bought one.

Just for info Canon has announced the replacement of the EOS 40D by the EOS 50D. This model has a couple of significant improvements to try and get in on the Nikon D300's abilities. Particularly a much higher resolution LCD and improved high end ISO and high fps rate. See dpreview.com for more information.

It will also mean the 40D should drop in price. I could never work out where Canon was going with the 40D anyway, not much of a step up on the previous model and certainly not a patch on its rival from Nikon.

I was thinking along the lines of a Pentax DSLR so I can use my existing K-mount AF Pentax lenses from my Pentax SFx and SF7 SLRs.

Look here: Steve's Digicams - The "Best" Digicams

I've used this bloke's reviews for my last two camera purchases.

Which DSLR. Firstly with DSLRs you are buying into a system, not just buying a camera. IMHO, that means Canon and Nikon are the only two options as the rest don't have as many options like lenses, flashes and the like.

Your choices in the Canon range are:

EOS-1000D
EOS-450D
EOS-50D (brand new)

I use a 20D, 30D and 40D for my work. The only reason I have the 40D over a 450D is because it has a fairly high frame rate -- continuous shoot -- compared to the others. There are other minor differences but that's the big reason for me.

If you intend to shoot a lot, and I mean a lot of action, get the 40D.

Otherwise, go for the 1000D, and put your money into lenses. I really would recommend this route. The 1000D can still be used for action shots, it'll be much better than a compact camera.

You will get much better quality images from a 1000D with say a 24-105L or 70-200L than a 40D with some of the midrange lenses. Lenses also depreciate a lot less quickly than bodies.

Which lenses you buy depends on what you want to do. You don't sound sure, so I'd get a medium zoom like the 24-105 if you can afford it. In general, landscape shots are taken with a wide angle, wildlife and portraits with a zoom. I have only three lenses; a 10-22, 24-105 and 70-200, and that covers me for everything. Don't get into macro just yet, get a medium lens, see how you, no rush. Lenses can easily be traded with little financial penalty.

Budget also for a good memory card -- I use Sandisk Xtreme III -- of at least 8Gb. Two cards. A second battery too, and a good bag like a Lowepro.