EOS 40D for me I think, mind you I'm a Nikon fan anyway.

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/C ... os450d.asp

http://www.dpreview.com/reviews/specs/C ... eos40d.asp

 

For Camera stuff in NY try http://www.bhphotovideo.com/

The only thing is it isn't really a browsing shop, I knew what I wanted and just went in and picked it up. paid half the price I would in the UK

 

So is it worth getting the older, albeit similar technology, proper DSLR with its weather proofing and sturdier build (so heavier) or the more modern 450D?

40D is hardly ancient - came out late August/Sept?
I've got one and it's been excellent.

If they are coming out at about the same price, I would have thought it makes sense to go for the higher spec - unless you find the extra weight of it a problem (worth having a hold of both of them) and are likely to find the 450 had enough features anyway (which will almost certainly be true).
Another factor - they take different card types I think? (So if you have lots of SD cards already and don't want to buy compactflash - for the 40D - that may be another financial/convenience consideration)

 

For Camera stuff in NY try http://www.bhphotovideo.com/

The only thing is it isn't really a browsing shop, I knew what I wanted and just went in and picked it up. paid half the price I would in the UK

Yep, I concur. That's where I got my Canon 400D (well Rebel Xti over there) - excellent shop and very good prices!

 

Hold fire on those choices!

I was in Costco the other week with both in my hand, however I was told by a cameraman that I work with
that the new Olympus was the new kiddie on the street & looking at Amazon, they may well be right.

That's probably where my cash is going on the next trip.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Olympus-E-5...ra-14-42mm/dp/B000OKNKGM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1207236624&sr=1-1

Mart.

 

And about £340 if you buy it in NY!

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/488309-REG/Olympus_262072_Evolt_E_510_SLR_Digital.html

 

A friend of mine just bought that Olympus kit from Calumet @ £475
and it's a lovely little camera; my rugged Nikon D200 based DSLR might be 'better' :roll:
but as it's so big and heavy, I can't be ars*d to carry it around with me,
so I get no photos at all with it :lol:

 

Just to add to your confusion, consider the new Sony a350 but adding a Carl Zeiss lens - a very good combo.

If you're dead set on the Canons, it really is a matter of personal preference with the current rebate offer. We really are spoiled with choice at the moment! :?

 

Hold fire on those choices!

I was in Costco the other week with both in my hand, however I was told by a cameraman that I work with
that the new Olympus was the new kiddie on the street & looking at Amazon, they may well be right.

That's probably where my cash is going on the next trip.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Olympus-E-5...ra-14-42mm/dp/B000OKNKGM/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=electronics&qid=1207236624&sr=1-1

Mart.

Limited Lens choice with the Olympus should you wish to branch out to shooting a variety of other things.

 

Thanks guys. Popped into Jessops on the way home. Tried both the 450 and 40D out for size. Do prefer the 40D, despite being so much bigger than its sibling. And quite right, it's only been around 6 months or so - assumed it was much longer considering Canon's rebate scheme.

£729 (with rebate) for the 40D and 17-85mm image stablized and motorised focus lens is great value - considering the 450 is £650 with a 18-55mm lens, and actually cheaper than the US.

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/531271-REG/Canon_1901B010_EOS_40D_SLR_Digital.html

And almost as cheap as Amazon US.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000V5QV4S/ref=noref?ie=UTF8&s=photo

Just had a look at the Olympus 510 review on dpreview.com, and proves interesting reading. And the Pentax K10D and Nikon D200 are also worthy competitors. But I think I'm pretty much decided on the 40D. To be honest, I doubt I would be disappointed with any of them.

 

OK, having looked around the net for prices, Jessops (surprisingly) seem to be the cheapest.

What should I be looking to get with it? I thought 4gb fast CF card (266x upwards) and a reader (laptop only does SD and Sony Pro thing). I already have a reasonable, although light Samsonite tripod at home.

I might get another lens when in NY something that overlaps with the 17-85mm I thought, but has a much longer range - perhaps the Canon 55-250mm IS?

http://www.canon.co.uk/For_Home/Pro...Product_Finder/Cameras/EF_Lenses/Zoom_Lenses/EF-S_55-250mm_f_4-5_6_IS/index.asp

What do people think of the 3 year protection plan Jessops offer? £98 seems good - for accidental damage and faults. Canon only provide a 1 year return to base coverage, I believe. Do they offer warranty extension?

 

Karcsi

Did you get the 40D?

I have just the same choice to make, think I'll plump for the 40d too. Pistonheads photo forum seem to think so too.

Probably go the jessops route

Just wondered if it had lived up to your expectations?

J

 

I did a lot of research a few months ago and bought a 40D, from Jessops.

 

Yes, got the 40D from Jessops wth the 17-85 lens. Absolutely brilliant. Only been using it on auto / set picture settings and it has been flawless. Very clean pictures (hardly any noise at ISO 800), and auto focus is very fast. 6.5fps photo taking is awesome! Highly recommended - especially for £719 (including the £140 cashback from Canon). This is a huge step up from my Canon IS 2S.

The 17-85mm lens is a great starter lens to get - very good focal range, and the image stabiliser and motorised focus are brilliant. Considering getting a 70-250 IS USM lens from the US next week, but the kit lens alone should keep me occupied for some time.

Only one issue I (and quite a few others on the net) have found is that Vista SP1 refuses to recognise the camera, which means you cannot download your pictures directly to your PC and use the EOS Utility programe that comes with the camera. So make sure you get a CF reader, if you don't already have one. There are suggestions Vista is picking up the wrong driver for the camera (MS rather than Canon). However, I have no idea what the Canon one is (is not offered as a choice when updating the driver for the camera in Device Manager).

 

Glad you like it, I collect my new one this luchtime from Jessops.... I've then got a week on holiday to play with it!

 

Worth leaving it till you get to NY to check prices. I was there in January and similar equipment was a few hundred euro cheaper than at home. Was resarching it for a friend. A store in Downtown called B&H photo. It's a really class set up there if you get a chance to check it out