First, you don't need to buy either body with a lens..

I've not handled the 400, but my 20D/30D vs. XT/XTi experience says that the extra $300 buys you:.

A larger body. I consider that a plus..

A tougher body. Though I think both will stand up fine to normal use..

Better ergonomics. Both the size and the scroll wheel..

Sonoma County, CA..

Darkestar wrote:.

I'm looking to get into DSLRs and like most newbies I am overwhelmedby the choices, reviews & side-by-side comparisons..

I have not settled on any particular brand/model yet..

But I do have a questions regarding the 400D vs 30D.

Sounds like you have settled on canon to me..

It seems there is little difference between these two camera modelsyet one is priced about $300 more than the other. Is their somefeature/functionality one provides over the other that justfies theprice? I would hate to find, as I gain experience, I have limited myexperince for the sake of a feww hundred bucks..

400d handles like a camera made by Fisher Price. 30D handles like a real camera.Use the side-by-side feature of the site..

It seems that the 30D "kit" comes with a more serviceable lens (EF28-135 f/3.5 -5.6) - however would I be better served with a 400Dbody and a lens of my choice..

Possibly..

In general kit lenses are worth what you pay for 'm.Don't wait for the Nikon D-whatever, have fun now!http://www.flickr.com/photos/j_wijnands/..

I was in your situation a couple of weeks ago. I took the plunge and spent the extra cash on the 30D. Will never regret the choise the 30D is a mean camera and even though it is said to be a pro-sumer and unsuitable for a beginner I would dissagree. It has all the same Auto modes but also gives you the freedom and quality. I know it sound small but what won me over was the fast burst speed and high iso as I take mainly sports shots..

But one thing to remember is to not blow your whole budget on a camera. Keep some money for the lenses you want because I had to wait 2 months before I had the money to buy the telephoto lens I wanted..

Hope this helps...

In addition to what other posters have already mentioned:.

The 400d is strictly an amateur camera. It is ideal if you want a D-SLR that does all the thinking for you, that is light and compact and will never let you down were image quality is concerned..

The 30d is a camera that is much more aimed at users that do want the possibility to set the camera up to their exact wishes, without having to scroll endlessly through menus. There is much more direct control through knobs and wheels on the body. If you want the 30d to do everything for you, it will. However, if you want to work with the camera in order to get the results you want in the way you want to get them, the 30d is much more versatile than the 400d..

Another big plus is that the 30d has a much more sturdy body. It's built better, has better ergonomics and is heavier. A bit more substantial size and weight will offer you more stability. Any idea how a big 2.8/70-200 L or other beast of a lens will feel on something as small and light as the 400d? Trust me, it just won't work....

If you do have the budget, go for the 30d. If you don't, you can very well live with the 400d and maybe never even regret it...There's no problem so big that you can't run away from it!..

Thanks for the response..

I will probably limit my camera choice to a Cannikon of some description. I don't think there are any poor choices there..

As I stated, I am overwelmed with the wealth of information available to the consumer - what I don't have is the experience to decide which bell or wihstle is better for me personally..

I'm hoping to narrow my choice down to two to three cameras and focus (no pun) on features and lens choices that will suit me best. Further, who ever's system I go with it has to offer expansion choices as my interest/experience grows..

BTW I'm also considering the Nikon D80 or D200 (although the latter is bit beyond what I want to spend)..

Try and visit a shop to handle your options. The 30d and the Nikon D80 have a rather different design. Since both are capable of producing very good pictures ergonomics will play a role in your choice.Don't wait for the Nikon D-whatever, have fun now!http://www.flickr.com/photos/j_wijnands/..