400D as a First DSLR?

[unseenshadows]

helo unseenshadows,
Recently I mentioned this, you probably recall:
1) Definitely a whole lot of our good old Shop houses (mostly 2-3 storeys, in a row or singular, not the model skyscrapers)
2) Portraits (of people in their daily life activities)
3) Incredible Sunsets (something I have always wanted to do but was hardly ever successful with PnS)

Or are you asking about something else?

Haha no wasn't asking about something else. Just that this thread has gotten rather long and I can't remember. lol.

Anyway, 50 mm f/1.8 would work with nos 2 and 3

Either the 18-55 or 17-85 should suit nos 1 and 3 too. Just a matter of stopping down for the 18-55 when necessary.

Now left with the problem of your exhibitions. I really don't know if the 50mm f/1.8 is enough. Hmm.

 

[LittleWolf]

1) Definitely a whole lot of our good old Shop houses (mostly 2-3 storeys, in a row or singular, not the model skyscrapers)
2) Portraits (of people in their daily life activities)
3) Incredible Sunsets (something I have always wanted to do but was hardly ever successful with PnS)

The 18-55 mm kit lens can do all that. It's not the best lens in the world, but one can get pretty far with it if one is willing to learn to work around its limitations. Getting something much better, especially at the wide angle end, is going to be expensive. If you have no previous experience with various types of lenses, it is probably the best start to finding out where your preferences lie.

Please don't take it wrong, but concerning 3), I suspect the limiting factor may not necessarily have been the PnS lens/camera. High contrast scenes, i.e. anything where you shoot more or less straight into the sun, require a bit extra effort on part of the photographer, with any lens/camera. And witnessing an incredible sunset in the first place depends more on luck and patience than your equipment.

 

[Milopok]

helo unseenshadows,
Yea...this topic has gone on for a while now. I am also researching what other Brands could do. Currently reading up on Live View from the Olympus E510 and its a IS body as well. Very interesting topic there and now realise that it is possible afterall in DSLR to have Live View. Think Olympus 330 also have Live View. And Nikon with their D300. Canon no Live View so far?

 

[Milopok]

Thanks for your comments LittleWolf. I will drum it into my head the 18-55 could do all three. Great.

 

[unseenshadows]

helo unseenshadows,
Yea...this topic has gone on for a while now. I am also researching what other Brands could do. Currently reading up on Live View from the Olympus E510 and its a IS body as well. Very interesting topic there and now realise that it is possible afterall in DSLR to have Live View. Think Olympus 330 also have Live View. And Nikon with their D300. Canon no Live View so far?

40D has Live View.

 

[Milopok]

Looks like there is competition. Have not seen the Olympus E-3 in the shops yet.

 

[roger8]

I think you would definitely need a sturdy tripod and shutter release for you work but I am not sure if the places you want to take the photos would allow you. Low noise at say ISO 400 is also highly preferred. So a preloved 20D (currrently around $800) would certainly fit the bill. I am not sure how noisy the 400D pictures are at ISO400?

You would also need a 50mm lens with a large aperture f1.8 or larger. Goodluck.

 

[unseenshadows]

Noise is well controlled at ISO400 on the 400D. =)