All this while i have been photographing with normal digital cameras my latest one being Sony cyber Shot T9. I am planning to get a DSLR now...

I am kinda interested in taking closeup pictures of fast moving creatures (ex: fishes) and also indoor / outdoor human pictures and also scenaries.

I recently came across Canon EOS400D with 17-85mm lens (with image stabilizer). It costs alot, therefore i was hoping to get some advice before i jump in with the $$.

Is this lens enough to fulfill my hobby? I plan to get a flash pack to go with the camera also. Are there any other models that you would recommend? Is the ESO400D good?

Bro

Go try out different models of camera in the price range to get comfortable. I can tell you so many good things about it but best advice is try out the different models/brand before purchasing such an expensive equipment.

Depending on your budget, you can check out the other following cameras.

Nikon:
D40X, D80

Canon:
350D

I believe since you are a beginner, any of the DSLRs mentioned in here is good for you to begin your new hobby.

17-85mm lens (with image stabilizer)

1. more zoom than kit lens
2. comes with IS

but you must consider what kind of shots you like? a cheap 50mm f1.8 is nice. or you could get a 70 - 300mm for longer range shots.

so on so forth. it's entirely up to you.

Mavik. you mention 350D but D40x / D80 is more like 400D la.

Just mention all the models for him since its his jump to DSLR, the last time when I did that, I just went and bought the D40 on impulse without doing any research. Kind of regretted that now

At least now he has some other models to think about and ponder

why get d40x? focusing so slow. 350D and D80 is way faster than d40x

How much is ur budget for both camera, flash and lens?

Pls remember that IS is useless for taking moving subjects, it only useful for scenery and still portrait.

If he has the budget, of course get the D80 right? I would say that among the 4 mentioned above, it would be the best and it comes with a versatile 18-135mm kitlens

i'm still waiting to get an 18-200 lens.

ok , i will not talk other model since u have lock-on to 400D.

Looking at your requirement and as newbies....i think u can start with

1. closeup pictures of fast moving creatures (ex: fishes) > Go for 50mm F1.8 (about Rm280-310 depend on dealer)
2. indoor / outdoor human pictures and also scenaries > > Kitlens 18-55mm would be a good start. Alternatively 50mm F1.8 also very good for potrait.

So there is no need to get 17-85mm IS as it's not cheap.

Just make sure what u want then only buy

D80 n 30D almost same price... y dun consider 30D? 5fps

i'd say for a little more...u get d80...=)...

400D is a good camera for a beginner. If you're looking for a bargain, there are a lot of this model in the second hand market. My first DSLR was a second hand Konica Minolta 7D which is, I would say, a semi-pro body..... This is a great camera. I still miss it..... Shame that Sony never develop this model in Alpha series.... It took me a year to understand all the buttons and function and how it will affect the photo I'm taking. Then, I realized that there are all kind of lenses that are specialized for different kind of photography.... macro, landscape, sport, portrait and etc. I ended up with 7 or 8 lenses.....

Now, I'm with Canon 30D with only 3 lenses that I feel suit my type of photography. EFS17-55/2.8 IS, EF70-200/2.8L IS and Sigma 150/2.8 macro..... not to mention a lot of other accessories like flashes ( 550EX, 580EX, MT-24EX), tripod, dry cabinet, and etc.... I'm not bragging here (ok..ok.. a bit laa) but just like car, a kancil will do, but a BMW will be much better car. But once you got that BMW, there are a lot of other things you have to get. Like better ACE, sports rim, wider tires..... and the list is on and on......

What I'm trying to say is, with a DSLR, photography is a different planet all together compared to small, expensive compact camera. I was left alone researching what should I do with my DSLR. Often frustrated with results way off from what the camera is capable of. Then I realized that in digital photography, editing knowledge is a must. There must be a reason Photoshop cost so much....

Then, another one, which is equally important is your skill. Until now my photographic skill still suck..... need years to learn if not a life time..... So as a conclusion 3 things are equally important, I believe. (This is my own personal opinion and I'm not a professional).

1. Equipment (Good body and best glass)
2. Good editing skill
3. Good photographic skill.


If I were you, I go ahead and buy the 400D and a Tamron SP90/2.8. This Tammy, was my first macro/close up lens..... ugly but extremely sharp and saturated color...... good for portrait too..... Then, get a 50mm/1.8 and external flash like 430ex.

If your bank acc getting lesser and lesser..... don't blame me ya..... :

i thought 30D is more expensive than D80... or has the price dropped because of what i hear of the 40d?

30D dun think more expensive than D80 providing you have good LUBANG to buy

I thought the 30D body ONLy is same price as the D80 Kit?

then if got good LUBANG to buy D80, then how?