View Full Version : Time to decide: 350D or 400D?
Ragnarak
01-10-2006, 14:51
I know there's already threads on both cameras but I've got a very specific question I'd like to get opinions on.
I have a film SLR and a Canon A520 digital compact. I've been planning for ages to get a DSLR but put it off slightly until the 400D was out and I could afford it.
Now it's out I can't decide whether to get the 400D or pick up a, hopefully reduced in price, 350D (either new or second hand from someone who's upgrading)?
What sort of prices are 350D's going for second hand now? Ebay gives a distorted view of this so I was hoping people on here had some advice (also can you set the Ebay search to show just finished auction? I can't seem to figure out how to).
I was leaning very strongly towards picking up a 400D but now I'm thinking should I go for the 350D? My budgets not that much of an issue but it's obviously better to save money if I can.
i just sold my bog standard 350d with kit lens for £400 on ebay!! i will be getting the 400d for around £500!! i think the cleaning technology plus the extra mp's is worth it!
What sort of prices are 350D's going for second hand now? Ebay gives a distorted view of this so I was hoping people on here had some advice (also can you set the Ebay search to show just finished auction? I can't seem to figure out how to).
Just add the item(s) you're interested in to your watch list and see how much they went for when the auction is finished.
I don't understand how you can say that ebay prices are distorted. Ebay is the ultimate free market. The prices people are willing to pay on ebay show you exactly how much something is worth.
As for the 400D over the 350D, I don't think there's much in it. If you can pick up a 350D body for £300 or less I'd probably go for it. The kit lens isn't great.
Best to go for the one you can afford and if you can get the 400d then get that instead of the 350d as you probably end up upgrading later on :) Or if you have a sensible head get the 350d and spend the extra money on a better lens. I had a 350d and fancy upgrading to a 400d but i couldn't justify paying the extra ££s just for a sensor clean, 10MP and a improved AF since i have my eyes on the 30d replacement when it comes out (if i can afford it). But instead i got a great offer on 20d for a few £s difference and upgraded.
KeyserSoze
01-10-2006, 21:05
Do people actually use auto focus on SLRs ?
I'd say 350D...I personally find the 400D sample pictures more grainy due to the increased pixel count. Thats why I went for the 30D
Do people actually use auto focus on SLRs ?
If I had to give up autofocus, I would have never bothered with a SLR!
Highlander
01-10-2006, 21:26
RE: Completed items. If you do a search for "Canon 350D", there will be a "search options" menu on the right. Tick the "completed listings" box, and then click on "show items". You will need to be logged in for this to work.
RE: 350D or 400D. I agree with ps2user, if you can afford a 400D, then go for it.
Do people actually use auto focus on SLRs ?
On digital yes, unless I'm doing macro or stuff at long-ish telephoto range.
On 35mm, no.
Ragnarak
01-10-2006, 21:39
Thanks for the advise so far guys.
I don't think the price is an issue budget wise, it's just whether I can justify the 400D being worth it over the 350D.
KeyserSoze
01-10-2006, 21:42
On digital yes
On 35mm, no.
Oh whys that?
Remember the 400D has the 9-point auto-focus too (350D has less). So if you're planning to shoot at F2.8 in low light, it'll help alot!
Sprout Crumble
02-10-2006, 04:01
I can see no reason if funds allow, not to get the 400D. The 350D is a terrific model but its been superceded. I also see little evidence to suggest the high-ISO performance is fundamentally inferior and the 400D has enhancements to operational useability that are worth the extra alone.
Get the 400D.
Do people actually use auto focus on SLRs ?
Yes, always. Lots more accurate / quicker than I can do it manually..
simonmac
02-10-2006, 18:41
From what I've read I'd buy a 350D and spend the extra on another lens?
The better quality lens on a 350D body only will more than make up for the few upgraded features, or go for a different size lens to give a broader range of pics.
RobDickinson
02-10-2006, 20:39
From what I understand a lot of film 35mm camera bodies have a manual focus split circle plate on the viewfinder. All the digital ones have the 7,9 or whatever point AF plates, making manual focus quite hard (i.e. there set up for autofocus more than manual).
I do beleive you can switch the plates over?
richard67
18-11-2006, 18:47
Best to go for the one you can afford and if you can get the 400d then get that instead of the 350d as you probably end up upgrading later on :) Or if you have a sensible head get the 350d and spend the extra money on a better lens. I had a 350d and fancy upgrading to a 400d but i couldn't justify paying the extra ££s just for a sensor clean, 10MP and a improved AF since i have my eyes on the 30d replacement when it comes out (if i can afford it). But instead i got a great offer on 20d for a few £s difference and upgraded.
Can you provide any info on that 20D deal? That model makes the 350D look like a toy and the metal chassis must add hugely to its durability, etc.
RobDickinson
18-11-2006, 19:13
Can you provide any info on that 20D deal? That model makes the 350D look like a toy and the metal chassis must add hugely to its durability, etc.
20D is a better camera for sure, but not that much better if you dont want its faster shoting, the better AF in low light is a bonus I suppose.
richard67
19-11-2006, 06:32
20D is a better camera for sure, but not that much better if you dont want its faster shoting, the better AF in low light is a bonus I suppose.
Rob, I consider that really good news! I mean, I do like the idea of a solid camera that is built to last, but if it isn't going to give me better quality pics as well (in most situations) then the much cheaper option beckons. I'll add that information to buying process.
RobDickinson
19-11-2006, 19:41
richard67 - the 20D has the same sensor as the 350d (apart from a sdlight resolution difference). Same processing etc.
Its a bigger more robust camera that can shoot quicker (5fps vs 3fps) and clear its buffer quicker so for sport etc it'll more likely get the shot, also as said its AF system is better especialy in low light.
Ignoring all that the pictures they will produce will be identical.
Professor Abronsius
19-11-2006, 20:31
Am sure i seen the 20D in the Clearance Section of Jessops at The Fort in Glasgow...
Price wise i cannot remember for sure, but it was very close to the price of the 30D.
I was also thinking about upgrading, andcould not decide between the 400D and a Lens or the 30D on it's own.
Ended up buying another XBox 360 instead!!! :D
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