Canon EOS 400D - xmas gift help

[autumndaze]

My wife is a very keen photographer, hobby rather than professional, but she wants this camera more than children. I can afford to spend about £600 for christmas, but know nothing about cameras. I understand there are many deals out there with different kits for this camera (bag,memory,lens etc), but i'm wondering if you all could point me in the direction of a good deal for my budget. I appreciate that all of the above are needed, but to begin with i'm looking for the camera and a lens, as they are the things i know the least about. The missus can choose the memory and case she wants after she has recieved this.

If anyone can help me i'd be really grateful. Thanks

[loz]

What about the Canon EOS-400D Twin Lens Kit
EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 II
EF 55-200mm f/4.5-5.6 II USM

£567 with cashback

http://www.warehouseexpress.com/?/ph...FQ9wZQodrHZUew

[Luffy]

Good Call its the way I'd go

and then there are years worth of presents extra lenses flash guns etc.

[bodoman]

I would buy the memory card at the same time as the camera, imagine getting this camera xmas day, then not being able to use it until the shops open.

I give you this information to ensure a lovely warm xmas night instead of a frosty one

[Luffy]

Originally Posted by bodoman

I would buy the memory card at the same time as the camera, imagine getting this camera xmas day, then not being able to use it until the shops open.

If give you this information to ensure a lovely warm xmas night instead of a frosty one

Now there is a good idea get a 2gig one loads of places on line sell them I use mymemory.co.uk

[Dar Kaus]

Thanks for all your help! My wife currently has two cameras she uses, one which uses an SD card and the other an XD. Will either of these work in the 400D? I really do appreciate the help as i don't have a clue with this stuff.

[h4rri]

Nah, they use Compact Flash cards, mymemory.co.uk has some great prices on these.

[GarryF]

Just to throw a spanner in the works, I was comparing 400D to 30D, prices on ebay now seem quite close and 30D would usually be considered the better camera.

Also keep in mind there's talk about a 400D replacement in February.

However if it's for a present then a new 400D + lenses is probably still best, just some thoughts

[autumndaze]

I replied earlier in the thread under the wrong username! Dar Kaus, i'm sorry but i obviously work with you in Hemel and you must've been logged in still when i posted! Oops! Anyway, thanks still for everyones help.

[autumndaze]

I've decided to go ahead with the twin lens kit mentioned earlier. I am going to get a card and case as well. Is the Canon EH-18L Semi-hard Case a good case to get, or should i look at something better? Again any help is appreciated.

[h4rri]

I would look at 'bags' rather than semi hard cases, the latter leaves no room for additional kit so you would need to buy another bag anyway.

Have a look at the LowePro range, in fact I think Digital Photo mag are giving away a free one with a subscription to their mag. Good mag to give as a gift too.

[autumndaze]

Good call about the bags. I found this on on the warehouseexpress site: Mini Mag AW - http://www.warehouseexpress.com/?/ph...pro/proaw.html

I don't know the dimensions of the camera and whether or not that bag would be suitable. Any thoughts?