Canon EOS 350D vs Canon EOS 400D

s_abartlett79 · May 2, 2007

Hi there,

Let me put my cards on the table

...I'm by no means anything close to being a knowledgable photographer but i'm desperately trying to find the right camera for my camera-loving boyfriend for his birthday without asking him!

I have read a pile of photography magazines and reviews and am just trying to decide between the Canon EOS 350D and the Canon EOS 400D.

Could you highlight what you see as the key differentiators and whether you think 400D is worth the extra money?

Thanks for your help!

table1349 · May 2, 2007

IMHO The right camera would be a gift certificate or gift card and let him go pick it out. Set your price range and let him choose. Go shopping together. Buying a camera can be a very personal and subjective thing and a camera that the owner truly likes will get used and not sit on the shelf.

MPowerM3 · May 2, 2007

gryphonslair99 said:
IMHO The right camera would be a gift certificate or gift card and let him go pick it out. Set your price range and let him choose. Go shopping together. Buying a camera can be a very personal and subjective thing and a camera that the owner truly likes will get used and not sit on the shelf.

And on top of that if he decides he wants a 30D or even a Nikon of some sort he will have most the money to put towards it.

Sw1tchFX · May 2, 2007

...and unless he has unusually small hands, the rebel could be too uncomfortable since you can't really put a proper grip on it.

Ranger · May 2, 2007

How long has he been into photography? Does he already own a DSLR? and has he said he would like?

I have a Canon XT 350D that I love, it is my first DSLR so I figure if for some reason I want a better camera when I get better with photography than I will buy one then. But I am completely satisfied with it!

xfloggingkylex · May 2, 2007

While a gift card is nice, it is always fun to be able to hand someone a physical gift and if they dont like it, they can return it and get what they want. Something about a giftcard and saying "lets go buy a camera" just doesn't have the same impact as opening a box with a camera in it.

As for what to get, we need a little more info. Is he already into photography, what camera does he use now? Any lenses? What are you looking to spend?

I personally would go with the 350D over the 400D just because the extra features aren't fully worth the extra price IMO, and the money would be better spent on more lenses.