Going to buy a new camera but cannot yet afford good lens!
Definately buying a Canon Digital SLR as used to have the 350D, but should I now buy the 400D and try to get a lens sooner than later or stick with the 30D and stock lens?
So, should I buy:
1. 400D (and hope next year I can afford a decent lens)
or
2. 30D (and be happy with the lens it comes with)?
I am trying to build up my equipment over time so that I have a basic kit if I go professional. If that were to happen tomorrow I would get the 30D but as it's unlikely to happen for 3 years the 30D is likely to be outdated so shall I stick to a 400D and start saving for lenses instead?
Decisions, decisions…… 
. Any advice greatly appreciated!Thanks!
I would suggest going with the best camera and lens you can afford at this time. That means you can get out there and start getting some valuable experience as a photographer now rather than waiting.
That's what I did and I have never regretted it.
I would suggest going with the best camera and lens you can afford at this time. That means you can get out there and start getting some valuable experience as a photographer now rather than waiting.
That's what I did and I have never regretted it.
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I would recommend going with the camera with the better quality stock lens, that way you will not have to save up to get a better lens for the 400D.
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ME
The 30D (XT) is acceptable. I find 8MP to be equal to 100 ISO film. And you get a lens.
The 40D is what 10 MP (XTI)
What are you going to do without a lens, look at it. Take it out and kiss it, put on the tele and gaze at it!
ARE you really going to make Movie Posters
Are you really going to enlarge 1/20th sections of pictures
The XTI (40D) is closer to a 2 1/4 (6×6) IF you really need that quality.
DO YOU
How much American Geographic work do you do
You shooting Playboy Centerfolds (they do that in 8"x10" anyway)
I mean when you shoot close ups of your friends do they really want to see the PORES on their skin clearly along with the peach fuzz
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Dude the 30D is not the XT and the 40D is not the XTi.
Theres no huge difference between the XTi (400D) and the 30D. I mean the 30D is more prosumer and is build to last. Here are some major differences between the two:
30D vs 400D
Metal vs Plastic Body
Large Grip vs Small Grip
8MP vs 10MP
Spot Meter vs No Spot
2nd LCD (Status LCD and Previewing LCD) vs One Large LCD
Also the 30D has a thumb wheel which makes it easier to change settings during shoots but of course if you can do without it, the XTi is a great camera. Overall I would choose the XTi over the 30D just because I can do without the spot meter and thumb wheel (of course theres other things hte 30D has but hte XTi doesnt but I didnt need it)
Get the XTi if you do not need the all the prosumer features the 30D has or if you do not plan on using the SLR for heavy use. If you plan on getting down and dirty with your camera and need the durabilty then I would get the 30D.
I can guarentee you, you will be happy with the (400D) XTi if you decided to get one. Just save up and gather gear as you go along. Thats what I did, I got the lens kit and later on I added 2 L lenses to my gear and a flash unit (I recommond getting the flash unit before any other lens) I personally dont think you should get the 30D just yet since it is not 10MP and most people starting out have no idea how to use a spot meter. I certainly havent learned it properly yet.
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If you must choose between one or the other, I'd go with the 400D with a better lens than the kit lens. The 30D is getting slightly better reviews from the professionals and is more of a prosumer camera but the lens is the key to getting the best pictures from your camera.
Reviews:
Canon 400D/XTi – http://www.productcritic.com/product/93-canon-digital-rebel-xti-eos-400d
Canon 30D – http://www.productcritic.com/product/130-canon-eos-30d
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If you take care of your camera, the 400D is the best bet. It has about 95% of the ability the 30D has, but is a bit soft on the build side. A 30D is built to last, and has a good form factor, while the 400D, or Rebel XTi here in the states, is small for some hands, and build of mostly plastic. I'd say buying the 400D without a kit lens, and investing in a better all around lens would bet the best bet. If you plan on knocking around with the camera, maybe stick with the 30D and the kit lens, but picture quality is to suffer. The glass you use is more important then the body in this case for picture quality.
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