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View Full Version : Canon 350D for R4800, buy? yes, no?



HiMyNameIs
11-06-2008, 07:42 PM
Hey guys

I really wanna get myself a SLR and have been looking for a while, came across this one today, heading says it all, the 350D is bundled with a printer and a 2gig memory stick. I know this Canon has been discontinued but I've heard it's still a really good camera?

Is it worth my while spending $$ on it? I'm already pushing budgets:o

Thanks in advance

(My bad its R4899)

mooK
11-06-2008, 08:17 PM
Keep in mind the Canon 1000D, a new entry level camera positioned under the also new 450D (3rd generation 350D), has been announced this week. This new 1000D has better specs than the 350D and will push the 350D price down much more.

Overall in buying a camera, always remember that the camera body is about its ergonomics, image quality will be a function of the lens. The body's role is to make photography ergonomic and functional.

ldmelsa
11-06-2008, 08:20 PM
image quality will be a function of the lens

BS :D

Sneeky
11-06-2008, 10:18 PM
BS :D
No it is not.
You can have a Canon Mk1DS and ****ty to average lens and I will produce better images with a 300D,350D,400D anything and good quality glass under the same conditions.

Anyone that knows anything about camera equipment will tell you, if you have a half decent body and want to improve your image quality, you spend money on your glass first!


Craig, I have had a 350D for some time now and it is a great camera.
If you are an amateur it has everything you need and more.
Do yourself a favour though. Have a look at the link below, and browse through the classifieds there. Often there are very good deals on top notch 2nd hand DSLR's together with kit and sometimes even a few lenses.
This should give you an idea of pricing.
http://www.outdoorphoto.co.za/forum/classifieds/showcat.php?cat=3
The printer in your deal is a sweetner. How much are you really going to print?
The camera is fine and more than capable, if you keep your eye on that classified section for a while though, I have seen 350D's going for lower than that+plus kit, albeit 2nd hand.

ldmelsa
11-06-2008, 10:58 PM
Anyone that knows anything about camera equipment will tell you, if you have a half decent body and want to improve your image quality, you spend money on your glass first!

here we go again - lens sharpness
you guys don't have a clue
you worry about irrelevant stuff (unless you need faster glass)
canon and nikon are very good at making lenses



No it is not.
You can have a Canon Mk1DS and ****ty to average lens and I will produce better images with a 300D,350D,400D anything and good quality glass under the same conditions.

i agree with you that the photos will look almost the same, but the mk3 will still be sharper
the mk3 is very sharp, you know
what do you mean by sh|tty glass? :confused:


does my EFS 18-55mm II lens qualify as sh|tty?
the guy at the shop thinks so :(:D

Sneeky
12-06-2008, 09:34 AM
Just because IQ might be largely irrelevant to the happy snapper it does not mean the statement about lens sharpness is bogus. You pay premium for sharpness and speed of a lens.

Take a 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM, a 300mm L f/4, 300mm L f/2.8 IS USM
The first one you can pick up for R2k if not less, the last one closer to R50K.
I have all 3 and know which one I want to shoot with at 300mm. ;)

If I had a 350D + 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM or even a 300mm F/4 L for a while and wanted to add to my kit to improve my image quality it would not be by buying a 400D or even a 40D, it would be with better quality glass.

Take the 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM and a 70-200mm L IS USM f/2.8. I have used both, with the same body, on any given day I would opt to shoot with he 70-200, without question purely based on the IQ it delivers.

bwana
12-06-2008, 09:42 AM
Hey guys

I really wanna get myself a SLR and have been looking for a while, came across this one today, heading says it all, the 350D is bundled with a printer and a 2gig memory stick. I know this Canon has been discontinued but I've heard it's still a really good camera?

Is it worth my while spending $$ on it? I'm already pushing budgets:o

Thanks in advance

(My bad its R4899)Decent camera (they all are these days) but there are probably better to be had - unless you need a printer?

You'll want to budget for a lens too - the EFS 18-55mm II might be good enough but great it aint. Most of the problems associated with it can be sorted out in photoshop though :)

BTW - when it comes to printing its often cheaper to take it into a lab than to print it yourself.

Sneeky
12-06-2008, 10:51 AM
another thing, if you are unperturbed about IQ as a result of lens choice, you certainly wont notice any difference whatsoever between a 300D 350D 400D 40D with a entry level lens. You may have one or 2 more functions, bigger view area, faster shutter speed perhaps and bragging rights that you own a later model camera (whoopee) but at the end of the day the result will be the same, so again go for a more cost effective body.

koffiejunkie
12-06-2008, 11:48 AM
Just because IQ might be largely irrelevant to the happy snapper it does not mean the statement about lens sharpness is bogus. You pay premium for sharpness and speed of a lens.

Take a 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM, a 300mm L f/4, 300mm L f/2.8 IS USM
The first one you can pick up for R2k if not less, the last one closer to R50K.
I have all 3 and know which one I want to shoot with at 300mm. ;)

Someone looking for a discontinued camera at under 5 grand is clearly not in the market for L glass. I'm with the other guys on this one, the kit lens is pretty good.

I have a picture in my flickr page of Tower bridge, taken with a "lowly" 6MP Pentax K100D Super and their old kit lens. This weekend we had clear skies and I decided to take that same shot with my 40D + 24-105L to compare. Guess what? Aside from having higher resolution (10MP on the 40D), the IQ is no better.

There are incredibly cheap lenses that perform very very well. In the film days the camera body was little more than a light-proof container for the film. That's not true any more. The final result depends greatly on the camera's ability to capture and interpret what comes through the lens. A good lens doesn't guarantee you great results - check out the reviews on the Sigma DP1...

Sneeky
12-06-2008, 12:13 PM
Someone looking for a discontinued camera at under 5 grand is clearly not in the market for L glass. I'm with the other guys on this one, the kit lens is pretty good.

I concur Koffie, which is why I said the 350D was a good bet. It has everything you need to get going and more.
Pointless buying up on a body if you are starting out. The kit lens is good for happy snapping, and a basis to work off.
Megapixels, imho, mean little unless you are printing A1 or bigger regularly which 99% of people wont ever consider, and even then good glass is recommended.

As for body DIGICII vs DIGICIII vs price for beginner, wont know the diff.

My 300mm F/2.8 renders consistently better quality than any other lens of equal focul length that I have tried, especially for BiF shots (with extender might add) where detail with entry level lenses disappears.

koffiejunkie
12-06-2008, 12:28 PM
BiF?

Sneeky
12-06-2008, 01:10 PM
my bad, birds in flight.

koffiejunkie
12-06-2008, 01:19 PM
Oh. New one to me...

ldmelsa
12-06-2008, 01:24 PM
Take a 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM ----
The first one you can pick up for R2k if not less
http://www.mykindaprices.com/cgi-bin/mykindaprices/compare.pl?Canon%20EF%2070-300mm%20F4-5.6%20USM%20IS%20Lens
dude, that's R7k, not R2k

that lens is sharp throughout the entire range on a canon 5d
and just to make sure it was not a fluke lens i used another one and it was the same


Take the 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS USM and a 70-200mm L IS USM f/2.8. I have used both, with the same body, on any given day I would opt to shoot with he 70-200, without question purely based on the IQ it delivers.
i have also used both with the 5d
the 70-200 was sharper at larger f-stops
it costs R15k :rolleyes:
http://www.pricecheck.co.za/offers/809/Canon+70-200mm+f_2.8L+USM+Lens/



R50K.
I have all 3 and know which one I want to shoot with at 300mm. ;)
maybe you did not read Craig's post:

Is it worth my while spending $$ on it? I'm already pushing budgets:o



another thing, if you are unperturbed about IQ as a result of lens choice, you certainly wont notice any difference whatsoever between a 300D 350D 400D 40D with a entry level lens.
the 40d is a better camera than the 300d in every respect
having used both, i can confirm that the 40d is a joy to use

speed - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRMyNrmWvvg :sick::D
superior ergonomics
better lowlight
records more colour information (i think :o)
your statements are confusing
everybody knows the 40d is a better camera than the 300d, yes?



Just because IQ might be largely irrelevant to the happy snapper...
i thought it was important to you?
just kidding :D:D

Sneeky
12-06-2008, 01:45 PM
LOL, 'not' mykindaprices!
If you pay R7K for that lens you have rocks in your head, seriously!
They often go for much less than that 2nd hand.
I brought mine in from the states and landed it at R3K, probably more now because of exchange rates, I give you that.

I am fully aware that the lenses are more expensive, but I am missing your point. You acknowledge they are sharper, yet you dissed the concept of lens over body earlier?

I completely agree the 40D is better than a 300D.
Would a beginner be prepared to splash on a 40D at R16500 with kit lens, maybe if they are well off.
http://www.mykindaprices.com/cgi-bin/mykindaprices/compare.pl?Canon%2040D%20with%2017-85mm%20f4/5.6%20IS%20USM%20(PRE-ORDER%20NO
;)

You do relalise i was refering too Image Quality (IQ)

To quote my initial response to the question before your BS statement.


Craig, I have had a 350D for some time now and it is a great camera.
If you are an amateur it has everything you need and more.
Do yourself a favour though. Have a look at the link below, and browse through the classifieds there. Often there are very good deals on top notch 2nd hand DSLR's together with kit and sometimes even a few lenses.
This should give you an idea of pricing.
http://www.outdoorphoto.co.za/forum/...wcat.php?cat=3
The printer in your deal is a sweetner. How much are you really going to print?
The camera is fine and more than capable, if you keep your eye on that classified section for a while though, I have seen 350D's going for lower than that+plus kit, albeit 2nd hand.
Sound advice.
He is on a budget, no need to look at later models, he wont be able to afford them and the 350D is more than most people need/or use anyway.

ldmelsa
12-06-2008, 02:00 PM
ah :)
that's better :D

Sneeky
12-06-2008, 02:05 PM
ah :)
that's better :D

no different from what I was saying before really.

bwana
12-06-2008, 02:20 PM
I have a picture in my flickr page of Tower bridge, taken with a "lowly" 6MP Pentax K100D Super and their old kit lens. This weekend we had clear skies and I decided to take that same shot with my 40D + 24-105L to compare. Guess what? Aside from having higher resolution (10MP on the 40D), the IQ is no better.Bet you feel kinda silly for having spent all that money on the 40D and the L glass then :eek: :D
There are incredibly cheap lenses that perform very very well.I'm compiling a shopping list - (apart from the 50mm f/1.8) what are they?

koffiejunkie
12-06-2008, 02:32 PM
Bet you feel kinda silly for having spent all that money on the 40D and the L glass then :eek: :D

I do feel the price is excessive, but that comparison was at the same focal range, where I don't expect there to be much difference. There are other differences: build quality, IS, USM, weather proofing, f/4 right through the range. My point was the great glass doesn't really make me take better pictures :)


I'm compiling a shopping list - (apart from the 50mm f/1.8) what are they?

The sigma 70-300. That said, I am going to replace it sooner or later, because I want IS and I don't like the grating sound of the motor drive - I'm too spoiled with the USM/HSM in the 24-105L and the Sigma 10-20.

Speaking of the 10-20, that's another cheapy that really impresses. Of course, if you want one that you can use on a FF, then this isn't for you. I figure if/when I go FF, I'll invest in the Canon EF 16-35mm f2.8 L MKII USM Lens for the same range...

bwana
12-06-2008, 02:39 PM
The sigma 70-300.So there's one cheap lens? The 10-20 is $500 (available for r5500 in SA) so in all fairness that only comparatively cheap if you're used to buying expensive L lenses.

EDIT - and why if expensive glass doesn't make a difference would you want to invest in even more L glass? :confused:

ldmelsa
12-06-2008, 03:12 PM
My point was the great glass doesn't really make me take better pictures :)

exactly! :cool:

koffiejunkie
12-06-2008, 03:15 PM
So there's one cheap lens?

You already have the nifty fifty ;)


The 10-20 is $500 (available for r5500 in SA) so in all fairness that only comparatively cheap if you're used to buying expensive L lenses.

It's cheap compared to L glass, it's cheap compared to Canon's non-L 10-22mm (about half the price).

ldmelsa
12-06-2008, 03:31 PM
So there's one cheap lens? The 10-20 is $500 (available for r5500 in SA) so in all fairness that only comparatively cheap if you're used to buying expensive L lenses.

Canon EFS 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 IS
excellent lens
very sharp on the 450d

Canon EFS 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 II
optically, just as good
just does not have IS

bwana
12-06-2008, 03:35 PM
You guys seem to think it has to be either/or. IMO camera and glass are both important but not nearly as much as the guy taking the photo in the first place as even the best gear cant make up for a poor eye.

My advice - spend as little as possible to begin with and figure out the rest later. :)
Canon EFS 18-55mm F3.5-5.6 II
optically, just as good
just does not have ISAs I've already said
You'll want to budget for a lens too - the EFS 18-55mm II might be good enough but great it aint. Most of the problems associated with it can be sorted out in photoshop though :)

ldmelsa
12-06-2008, 03:37 PM
You guys seem to think it has to be either/or. IMO camera and glass are both important but not nearly as much as the guy taking the photo in the first place as even the best gear cant make up for a poor eye.

somebody is talking sense

koffiejunkie
12-06-2008, 03:44 PM
You guys seem to think it has to be either/or. IMO camera and glass are both important but not nearly as much as the guy taking the photo in the first place as even the best gear cant make up for a poor eye.

I claim innocence ;)


The final result depends greatly on the camera's ability to capture and interpret what comes through the lens. A good lens doesn't guarantee you great results - check out the reviews on the Sigma DP1...


My point was the great glass doesn't really make me take better pictures :)

:D

I say buy the 350D if you can afford it.

HiMyNameIs
12-06-2008, 04:26 PM
Ok firstly shot for all the input and ideas..


The printer in your deal is a sweetner. How much are you really going to print?

The only reason I want the bundle is because where I can get hold of the 350D 1st hand they wanna charge me about R6300 just for the camera? Are they serious? Whereas I can get a bundled one for R4899, I dont need or want the printer its just that its a bundled special and possibly my cheapest bet unless I'm looking in the wrong places:)


You guys seem to think it has to be either/or. IMO camera and glass are both important but not nearly as much as the guy taking the photo in the first place as even the best gear cant make up for a poor eye.

My advice - spend as little as possible to begin with and figure out the rest later. :)As I've already said

>>26 posts and pieces of advice compressed into one sentence:D



I say buy the 350D if you can afford it.
Gonna try...

koffiejunkie
12-06-2008, 04:30 PM
Does the deal include a lens? Which one?

ldmelsa
12-06-2008, 04:54 PM
The only reason I want the bundle is because where I can get hold of the 350D 1st hand they wanna charge me about R6300 just for the camera? Are they serious?

Holy sh|t!!! :eek:

Kick them in the balls!!! :mad:

HiMyNameIs
12-06-2008, 05:02 PM
Does the deal include a lens? Which one?

Yeah the 18-55mm lens

koffiejunkie
12-06-2008, 05:14 PM
cool.

ldmelsa
12-06-2008, 05:26 PM
http://www.game.co.za/portal/upload_2008_10_10/rsa/images/rsa-2008-06-09-19.jpg

HiMyNameIs
12-06-2008, 05:38 PM
http://www.game.co.za/portal/upload_2008_10_10/rsa/images/rsa-2008-06-09-19.jpg

yeah thats the one>

Stokstert
12-06-2008, 07:30 PM
4 GB Lexar SDHC memory cards for R229.99 until 16 June 08 at P&P Hyper.

koffiejunkie
12-06-2008, 07:53 PM
Not bad, Lexar is good.

Yogotta B. Kidding
12-06-2008, 10:26 PM
Except the Canon cameras you have to upgrade the firmware when using Lexar... buy SanDisk, no troubles; no issues

Stokstert
12-06-2008, 10:38 PM
Except the Canon cameras you have to upgrade the firmware when using Lexar... buy SanDisk, no troubles; no issues

Is that for all Canon cameras or only certain models?
I am using it in my A720 IS and have no problems which I know of. Could you please explain in more detail.

koffiejunkie
12-06-2008, 10:38 PM
Except the Canon cameras you have to upgrade the firmware when using Lexar... buy SanDisk, no troubles; no issues

Which cameras? I have a Lexar card in mine - I've never bothered with the firmware. There are updates available, but I don't have any problems with the camera, so I haven't bothered to update it. I have two Sandisk cards as well - I really can't tell a difference between the Sandisk and the Lexar (except that my Sandisk is 8GB so it takes longer to fill it up).

BigAl-sa
13-06-2008, 09:02 AM
I reckon it's a decent buy - I still use my 350d for macro work, and my missus uses it often. The old 18-55 is not too bad once you get used to its lack of weight.

If you have a bit more cash, you may want to consider this deal with the 400d:
http://www.outdoorphotoshop.co.za/ProductInfo.aspx?productid=1237B193AA
I can tell you from personal experience with the 40d that the self-cleaning sensor is worth its weight in gold.

spacebar
13-06-2008, 11:08 AM
Which cameras? I have a Lexar card in mine - I've never bothered with the firmware. There are updates available, but I don't have any problems with the camera, so I haven't bothered to update it. I have two Sandisk cards as well - I really can't tell a difference between the Sandisk and the Lexar (except that my Sandisk is 8GB so it takes longer to fill it up).

Have a look at Problems with Canon SLRs and Lexar cards (http://www.dpreview.com/news/0505/05052001canonlexaralert.asp) or Google it (http://www.google.co.za/search?hl=en&q=canon+firmware+upgrade+lexar&meta=)

Canon 350D Firmware Upgrade Page: EOS DIGITAL REBEL XT / EOS 350D DIGITAL Firmware Update Version 1.0.3 (http://web.canon.jp/imaging/eosdigital2/e3kr2_firmware-e.html)

koffiejunkie
13-06-2008, 11:35 AM
Looks like a Canon firmware bug - fixed two years ago. I see no explanation about why this affects Lexar specifically. Replacing 'Lexar' with 'Sandisk' brings up lost/corruped image stories too. Looks like Lexar was just first to say there's a problem.

HiMyNameIs
14-06-2008, 12:06 AM
What do you guys think of the idea of rather buying a 2nd hand body (the 350D) for R2500 i think i saw advertised, and then spend R2400 on a good lens? If you can get a decent one for that price...this instead of the bundle for R4899

koffiejunkie
14-06-2008, 12:54 AM
If you know the seller to be good and honest and you know the camera is in good shape, go for it. Personally, I'm not comforable buying a DSLR secondhand - but that's just me.

ldmelsa
14-06-2008, 11:51 AM
What do you guys think of the idea of rather buying a 2nd hand body (the 350D) for R2500 i think i saw advertised, and then spend R2400 on a good lens? If you can get a decent one for that price...this instead of the bundle for R4899

R2500 + R2400 = R4900 :confused: (am i missing something?)
there is no money saving there, yes?

from 18mm to 55mm should be enough for now
you're going to need that range anyway
i also don't like the idea of a second hand dslr (the shutter might have been used like 30k time or something - you never know)

HiMyNameIs
14-06-2008, 01:55 PM
R2500 + R2400 = R4900 :confused: (am i missing something?)
there is no money saving there, yes?

from 18mm to 55mm should be enough for now
you're going to need that range anyway
i also don't like the idea of a second hand dslr (the shutter might have been used like 30k time or something - you never know)

Yeah what i meant was seeing i'm spending R4900 with a bundled printer i dont need why not get the body 2nd hand and spend more on the lense, but I hear what you guys are saying:) ...think I'll wait till I get a really good deal on just the body + lens, not the bundle, for now. But i have until tommorrow to decide...

Thanks again

koffiejunkie
14-06-2008, 02:39 PM
It just occurred to me, the 350D is fairly old. A second hand 350D is probably a well used 350D so yeah, I'm with ldmelsa, get the new one.

Here are a few pics I could find that was taken with that combination.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3127/2437956848_cec9e03e2d_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/dpurdy/2437956848/sizes/l/)http://farm1.static.flickr.com/162/425308881_7ab7607e94_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/stoicviking/425308881/sizes/l/)

One with the same lens and the 30D (also 8MP):
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/67/392992923_092d12f3e9_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/nikitab/392992923/sizes/l/)

And a few more with the same lens and 400D (10MP):
http://farm1.static.flickr.com/128/378134112_8cdcc4ba65_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wernerwattenbergh/378134112/sizes/l/)http://farm1.static.flickr.com/81/264070847_16f9bf824c_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/wernerwattenbergh/264070847/sizes/l/)http://farm1.static.flickr.com/212/467638299_df8d47072a_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/jagot/467638299/sizes/l/)http://farm1.static.flickr.com/114/270576118_1094952725_m.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/andy_caddyshack/270576118/sizes/l/)

I guess these show why the kit lens is that much cheaper than L glass, but it's still good enough for a first lens.

ldmelsa
14-06-2008, 06:12 PM
Yeah what i meant was seeing i'm spending R4900 with a bundled printer i dont need why not get the body 2nd hand and spend more on the lense, but I hear what you guys are saying:) ...think I'll wait till I get a really good deal on just the body + lens, not the bundle, for now. But i have until tommorrow to decide...

Thanks again

also look at the nikon d40 + 18-55mm

koffiejunkie
14-06-2008, 06:59 PM
also look at the nikon d40 + 18-55mm

And the Pentax K100D Super + 18-55mm kit - both excellent cameras at that price point. I see both of them for £220-£250 odd here.

HiMyNameIs
15-06-2008, 02:12 PM
also look at the nikon d40 + 18-55mm


And the Pentax K100D Super + 18-55mm kit - both excellent cameras at that price point. I see both of them for £220-£250 odd here.

Awesome thanks...will look into it:D

HiMyNameIs
18-06-2008, 06:38 PM
Just saw this bundle now being advertised for R4599 somewhere:eek:, screw the extra's in the bundle I Just want a SLR but for that price its just getting soo cheap all bundled:confused:

Do you guys think the 400D would drop this much once the 1000D is launched? However there's not much difference between them besides megapixels hey? (350D vs 400D)

i want

koffiejunkie
18-06-2008, 06:49 PM
Just saw this bundle now being advertised for R4599 somewhere:eek:

Nice!


Do you guys think the 400D would drop this much once the 1000D is launched?

I don't think the 400D will reach that price anytime soon. The 350D is out of production, shops are trying to get them off the shelves, and I think they're past the point of being able to ship those back to Canon.

EDIT:fixed my model number confusion

bwana
18-06-2008, 06:54 PM
I don't think the 400D will reach that price anytime soon. The 450D is out of production, shops are trying to get them off the shelves, and I think they're past the point of being able to ship those back to Canon.350D - getting confusing isnt it! ;)

koffiejunkie
18-06-2008, 07:33 PM
350D - getting confusing isnt it! ;)

Oops! Fixed it!

bwana
18-06-2008, 08:34 PM
Just saw this bundle now being advertised for R4599 somewhere:eek:, screw the extra's in the bundle I Just want a SLR but for that price its just getting soo cheap all bundled:confused:

Do you guys think the 400D would drop this much once the 1000D is launched? However there's not much difference between them besides megapixels hey? (350D vs 400D)

i wantScary thing is that the 400D is going for just about that very price in the US (body only) so I wonder how low its going to go there in the near future. I dont suppose you know anyone going to the US in the near future?

I do think the 400D is going to drop in price - at least it should - and it does have a few things going for it that the 350 doesnt have (such as sensor cleaning) but for now that 350 seems to be one of the better deals going.

koffiejunkie
18-06-2008, 09:04 PM
Scary thing is that the 400D is going for just about that very price in the US (body only) so I wonder how low its going to go there in the near future. I dont suppose you know anyone going to the US in the near future?

I'm hopefully going later this year, maybe in August or if not some time November. But I'm not planning on being in S.A. anytime soon. And I'm already going to buy a camera and some glass :D

bwana
18-06-2008, 09:06 PM
I'm hopefully going later this year, maybe in August or if not some time November. But I'm not planning on being in S.A. anytime soon. And I'm already going to buy a camera and some glass :DFortunately I've got fossils in the vicinity . . . and I'm not afraid to use them :D

Yogotta B. Kidding
18-06-2008, 09:56 PM
The 350D is one od the longer produced cameras from Canon. The dealers have to move them. Imagine they have new 350D, 400D and 450D cameras on the shelves.... a no-no in todays techno world.
The sad news tho is that the 400D is gonna go the same route, in price I mean. Now that the 1000D is gonna break cover locally, you gonna have another entry level camera.
I would say if you really have to buy a camera now, buy one of those last 350Ds for around the 4500mark. Cameratek have a demo or two for cheaper..... If you can wait, hold on for another 12 weeks and look for a well priced 400D

Dont invest in camera bodies, they are becoming more and more like computers, better and cheaper.... and the model life shorter and shorter.

koffiejunkie
18-06-2008, 10:17 PM
Yeah, once the 1000D hit the shelves there's no way they'll be able to move the 350D

HiMyNameIs
19-06-2008, 08:43 AM
Scary thing is that the 400D is going for just about that very price in the US (body only) so I wonder how low its going to go there in the near future. I dont suppose you know anyone going to the US in the near future?

I do think the 400D is going to drop in price - at least it should - and it does have a few things going for it that the 350 doesnt have (such as sensor cleaning) but for now that 350 seems to be one of the better deals going.

I actually do know someone going over in August, won't there be customs duty/import taxes on it though..:confused:


The 350D is one od the longer produced cameras from Canon. The dealers have to move them. Imagine they have new 350D, 400D and 450D cameras on the shelves.... a no-no in todays techno world.
The sad news tho is that the 400D is gonna go the same route, in price I mean. Now that the 1000D is gonna break cover locally, you gonna have another entry level camera.
I would say if you really have to buy a camera now, buy one of those last 350Ds for around the 4500mark. Cameratek have a demo or two for cheaper..... If you can wait, hold on for another 12 weeks and look for a well priced 400D

Dont invest in camera bodies, they are becoming more and more like computers, better and cheaper.... and the model life shorter and shorter.

Right now the 350D is really cheeap, its not that I need a camera now, I just would like one soon, waiting for the 400D I don't mind, however whether its going to drop to R4599 is anyone's guess because right now $$$ is my main concern.

As for camera bodies are you saying wait for a good one to drop price or to juat get the 350D and then put some good glass on?

bwana
19-06-2008, 08:58 AM
I actually do know someone going over in August, won't there be customs duty/import taxes on it though..:confused:Only if they declare it. Even if they do it will be considerably cheaper - afaik only VAT.

koffiejunkie
19-06-2008, 11:04 AM
I actually do know someone going over in August, won't there be customs duty/import taxes on it though..:confused:

Someone posted a link to the relevant SARS/Customs page recently. As far as I remember there was no duties on cameras.

greg_SA
19-06-2008, 01:58 PM
Someone posted a link to the relevant SARS/Customs page recently. As far as I remember there was no duties on cameras.

That is possible, but there will always be VAT.

bwana
19-06-2008, 02:13 PM
That is possible, but there will always be VAT.If the guy is hand carrying it through then it's up to him to declare it . . . which of course he should do.

Snoekie
23-07-2008, 04:18 PM
bit late on this post but i recently bought a 350D with Sigma 18 - 200mm lens, 4 gig CF card, Lowepro bag, 4 batteries and battery grip for R3500. all i can say is gumtree all the way. there were lots of deals and the week after that i bought my gf the 400D body, still in original packaging and wrapped. never used for R4k.