Best DSLR ?

[chkm8]

Given your budget I would go for the Canon 350D this should be available for around £350 the 400D is almost £500 and well above what you quoted. The only real difference between the 350D and the upgrade to the 400D is 10MP instead of 8MP and believe me you won't notice the extra 2MP in your shots it would be different if the previous model was only 6MP but the difference between 8 and 10 is negligable for the average user. The other main difference is the area at the back of the camera to view your pictures after taking them is much bigger on the 400D however the display 350D is adequate and with the zoom feature you can check every aspect of your picture to ensure it is in focus etc.
Other than that Canon made very little changes from the 350D to the 400D and any reviews I have read advises 350 owners not to upgrade as it isn't worth the extra for the minimal improvments.

John.

[GME]

Originally Posted by chkm8

Given your budget I would go for the Canon 350D this should be available for around £350 the 400D is almost £500 and well above what you quoted. The only real difference between the 350D and the upgrade to the 400D is 10MP instead of 8MP and believe me you won't notice the extra 2MP in your shots it would be different if the previous model was only 6MP but the difference between 8 and 10 is negligible for the average user. The other main difference is the area at the back of the camera to view your pictures after taking them is much bigger on the 400D however the display 350D is adequate and with the zoom feature you can check every aspect of your picture to ensure it is in focus etc.
Other than that Canon made very little changes from the 350D to the 400D and any reviews I have read advises 350 owners not to upgrade as it isn't worth the extra for the minimal improvments.

John.

If you don't own either would it not be better to buy the newer 400 though? Especially as you can get it with Canon Cashback until end of August for virtually the same price as the 350. I've seen the 400 and 350 for sale at the same place(s) with only about £30 difference once you take the cashback into consideration. Both of which are available for under the £400 budget originally posted. Even the similar spec Nikon D40x (10MP) can be found for about £400 with Nikon cashback (though I don't know if it is suitable for astro-imaging)). Ah well, decisions, decisions...

[eeyore]

Originally Posted by GME

If you don't own either would it not be better to buy the newer 400 though?

in a word yes - especially as some suppliers are doing it for not much over 400 notes. However as regards astroimaging I dont know a ferocious ammount about this but if its like digi scoping but with stars you might be better off with a highend compact as vignetting can be an issue when you use step down rings to attach a dslr to a telescope.

Also I would imagine that a live lcd would be a benefit and with the excetion of the olympus E system DSLRs do not have these.

[hairymunky]

Just back from holidays...

Tried a-focal imaging with my Canon powershot, it gives good,
but limited results. A DSLR is different, because you can take
off the lens, and attach the camera body to the scope, therefore
ending up with a big 'un
Well after much deliberation, between two cameras - the Nikon D40,
and the Canon 400, I think it will be the Canon as its more suitable
for all the astro imaging programs, whereas I just found out the
Nikon has a IR filter attached to it's CCD (and I don't fancy paying
£400 just to open it and break it - I can see the missus' face....!!!!!).

[galanthus]

Good decision, i love mine. Don't forget to post your pics

[Interpreter]

If the Canon 400D is priced the way the 350D was, then there is only about £10 difference between buying the body and buying the body with the kit lens. The lens isn't brilliant, but it will get you going for just a tenner. Go for it.

A good lens is an asset, but not as great as the skill of the photographer. Also with a £10 lens, I would go into places where I would not risk a £6000 L IS USM Prime lens. But, as everyone will tell you - go for the best lens you can afford and L glass is Canon's best.

[Flying Solo]

Hi, I treated myself to a Nikon D40 in january and then bought the 55-300mm lens on top and its soo easy to use, lots of good pre-set settings but is also easy to set-up urself

sophie