Camera Labs

Hey,

I own a canon powershot A640 and I am looking to make the switch to a dslr. I have narrowed down my options to the canon eos 350D and 400D, with a stronger preference for the 350D.

I have looked at the review on the site already and the 400D advantages over the 350D do not seem like much to me. Is there anything else that makes the 400D better? Am I missing something (would be quite typical).

I guess what I am asking for is a detailed point-for-point comparison of the two. But it's OK if I just have my main questions answered.

Thanks a lot...

EDIT: I'm reading through the forum and I see that there's a couple of threads discussing this already. I'll try to glean some info from them but I'd still appreciate any answers...

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There are very few problems that cannot be solved by a suitable application of high explosives...

As you will have read, Gordon has nicely summed up the differences between the 350D and 400D on the 400D review verdict page's paragraph entitled Upgrading from the EOS 350D / Digital Rebel XT.

I guess it's all down to budget. That's stating the obvious really but if it were me and I could afford to buy a 350D together with a better lens than the kit offering but couldn't do so if I bought a 400D then I would opt for the 350D. That isn't to say that the kit lens is rubbish, far from it, but you can do better.

If you can choose a zoom lens which will satisfy most, if not all, of your needs then the lack of an "anti-dust" feature on the 350D isn't a big issue. On the other hand, if you expect to change lenses often then maybe the 400D is more attractive.

Bob.

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OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.

Well I have looked at the comparison and still decided on the 350D... Thanks a lot. I just wanted to see whether there was anything I missed. I guess there isn't

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There are very few problems that cannot be solved by a suitable application of high explosives...

I am sure you will be delighted with the 350D. Please don't use high explosives to blow up your old camera.

Bob.

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OM-D E-M5 + ED 12-50mm, H-PS14042E, H-F007014E, L-RS014150E, M.ZUIKO DIGITAL 45mm 1:1.8.
Gitzo GT1541T, Arca-Swiss Z1 DP ball-head.
Astrophotography: TEC 140 'scope, FLI ML16803 camera, ASA DDM60 Pro mount.

Hahaha... I won't. It's awesome and I'll keep it around for when I don't wanna carry an slr bag around.

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There are very few problems that cannot be solved by a suitable application of high explosives...

Hello Olusegun, and welcome to the Camera Labs forum!

As to your question, although I have already been outed as a Nikon fanboi, I'd recommend to focus on lenses, not body.
If there is a restricted budget, why not buy the 350D. You're gonna replace it anyway (like the 400D) sooner or later. But the lenses you'll keep. So it's more important to be sure that the Canon lenses are the best for your purpose and you will not miss the world-best 18-200mm stabilized zoom from Nikon. Fat chance to mount this on any Canon-body

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Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

Id vote 400d, im a megapixels fanatic !

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Canon Rebel Xti (400D), EF-S 18-55, 50mm f/1.8, Sandisk Extreme III 2gb.
Http://cr4zyh3ad.sisimple.ca

Well, I don't mind the 2 mega-pixel difference. I don't usually make prints anyhow so...

I figure I'd start out on the kit-lens for the time being. See how far I can take it. And plan upgrades to lens as I require them.

Thanks a lot for all your replies... I've got a clearer idea of what I need now.

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There are very few problems that cannot be solved by a suitable application of high explosives...

You sure you want to become a Canon fanboi?
The Nikon D40 (6MP) is also a very nice camera. Great automatic modes, etc. (you certainly read Gordon's comprehensive review http://www.cameralabs.com/reviews/NikonD40/ ?!)

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Thomas (beware: Nikon-fanboy and moderator!) My Lens Reviews, My Pictures, My Photography Blog
D800+assorted lenses

Thomas, there's no need to convert everyone to Nikon you know!

PS - although he is right - if you're thinking of buying a 350D, you should also consider the D40...

Already considered it... Picked the 350D. I don't care for great auto modes. The powershot A640 is a "lowly" consumer camera as compared to the "big bad" dslrs but I can't stand to use even that lowly point 'n' shoot in auto mode

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There are very few problems that cannot be solved by a suitable application of high explosives...