DISQUS

Steve Crane · 3 years ago

I think it is a good move to use a wide to mid-range zoom lens as a kit lens because it will negate any perceived advantage of the zoom lenses in bridge cameras.

For someone wanting a range like that on a Canon 350D or 400D the answer might be to buy only the body and equip it with a third party lens such as the Sigma 18-125mm. I have one of these and while it isn't top quality glass it is affordable and a fair choice as a single lens for an entry level user.

Ian · 3 years ago

You forgot the single most important difference between the 400D and the D80: The D80 has far superior viewfinder. Arguably the single most important thing on a reflex camera.

Paul Watson · 3 years ago

Good point Ian. Dim viewfinders are the bane of cheap SLRs.

mick03 · 3 years ago

I've been umming and arring for the last six months what camera to get, the 350 d with a vertical grip to muscle it up or a nikon d70. I finally came to the conclusion to go with the 350d as i have been using a canon film up til now and the extra two mpix. But just in time the 400d and d80 came out. I don't care about being loyal to canon. I only have a 28 to 90 lense. so no major concern there. The big question which camera, 400 or 80? I really like the feel of nikon 50s and 70 in my hand and i assume the 80 will feel as good. But if i put the vertical grip on the 400 and the fact it will be cheaper than the 80 and has the dust thing, is that enough to pick the 400? my heart leans to the 80 for some reason. I think it's the solidness of it. But......

Paul Watson · 3 years ago

I think the feel of a camera in your hands and the confidence it gives you is a very important factor, Mick. You can have the fastest and most feature laden camera but if it doesn't inspire confidence you'll find it a chore to use.

So if Nikons feel better to you then go for the D80. I'd still go for the D80 even with the 400D features.

mick03 · 3 years ago

Thanks Paul, I'm sure the nikon will be Great and give me fantastic shots. Just a matter of the old waiting game. Hopefully not too long now.

sean cosens · 3 years ago

Do you think Canon will upgrade the eos30D to 10 megapixels soon? I was all geared up to buy one, but now the D80and Eos400D have questioned my conclusions as to which was best, but still like the size etc of the 30D.

Paul Watson · 3 years ago

Not anytime soon, Sean. Check out this Luminous Landscape EOS 400D article for a bit on the potential 30D update timing.

mick03 · 3 years ago

Paul, Have you had a chance to get hold of the 80d?

Bryan · 3 years ago

I bought the canon 400d the other day. to be honest with you I've held the 400D and people are far to fickle and nit picky in regards to the size of these cameras. But if thats the only thing separating you from getting a canon 400d or a D80 then... that is really up to you.

I found the 400D images Fantastic from todays outing. Just about to get ready to go to new zealand with it and I cant wait to test it out further. I got the twin lens kit and its pretty sweet. Perhaps this size thing comes from those using 30D and 5d or that we have quite a few large hands photographers out there :)

My choice in getting it?
Price, lenses and the dust anti shake was a big deal from choosing this or the d80. also the fact that the D80 is no where to be seen...!!

otherwise Im happy and I hope whatever you guys have or will get will be happy with that choice.

Anonymous · 3 years ago

Hi all.
I had a eos 350 d and found that the RAW images i took were not that sharp (shooting from a tripod) a bit blurry. I like to know if the results are better on a 400d. anybody? Or. Where can i find a review?
Thanks.

Jon Sagara · 3 years ago

Hey Paul,

I'm one of the entry-level buyers. Do you still stand by your recommendation of the Nikon D80 over the Canon 400D?

Paul Watson · 3 years ago

Jon, I certainly do. Reviews of the 400D are good but nothing unexpected.

Stanley L · 2 years ago

Paul,

I am looking to get into serious photography. Only for hobby though. Would it be a good move to get the Nikon D50 to start off or should I start with D70 or D80?

Stan.