Canon 350d/Olympus E-510

[scientuslatens]

Just wanted some guidance for bang for the buck, and or personal experience. I have researched both. Sorry for being snobbish Nikon fans but the only one iseemed to meet my criteria was the d200, and well,it's out of my price range still. I know this is like apples and oranges, but you all seem to be the type of people who can do such analyses...

Oh and I'm looking basically for longevity with photojournalism + portraits (I learned on a fully manual chinon slr so i'm not afraid of thinking while i shoot) and sub $800.

[scientuslatens]

*bump* can anyone give any information via experience about either of these two cameras?

[HuBBaTheMan]

The 350D is an excellent camera and a good entry level camera.

I would like to give you the advice to not be too hung up on the camera. In general you should put the money on the lenses rather than on the body unless you have very specific demands in regard to speed of AF, frames per second, etc.

I can't talk about the olympus as i haven't used it but in regard to quality lenses, Canon has a lot more to choose from than Olympus =)

[scientuslatens]

Thanks,yeah that's what is the quandary. Canon = lots of good glass. Olympus = less more expensive glass, but on-body IS is hard to beat for an added ~$100 (IS Canon mount lens get bumped by 300 or more...) Thanks!

[Leukeh]

My sister just bought the 400D + a Sigma 17-200mm lens... I'm so jealous. I bought mine with the twin lens kit and was fairly unimpressed with the telephoto that came with. Now she has both in one and high quality glass... not sure how much it is, but I strongly suggest you look into it... or at least that lens.

[zemotion]

I'd say 400D, I heard the quality difference for the upgrade is a lot more and better than 350D (I used 350D back then, not that it's bad). I heard a replacement of 400D is coming out, so in a bit of time 400D should be in a pretty good price range.

[mohwu]

I think I read somewhere that the in camera IS doesn't work as well - that is, it doesn't drop you down as many stops.

As for Zemotion's recommendation of the 400D over the 350, I'd agree. I have the 350 and my girlfriend has a 400D, and her LCD display is a million times more useful (much bigger) and she has the added benefit of the automatic dust cleaner mechanism (which is so much better than having to clean it yourself).