Hi Guys

As some of you may have read, I'm going to work on a nature reserve for 3 months this coming October.

The manual has basically said that I can and should take a DSLR as being in a jeep most of the time, weight won't be a problem.

I've had a look online and a Canon 400D seems to be a good option. Most of the reviews state that the 18-55mm lenses is rubbish and basically worthless. If I were to go with this, would it be better getting the body only with a better lense? If so what lense?

Cheers for any help you can give.

i've got a 300d with a 35-80 lens with rubber lens hood, lowepro holster bag,cobra 800af-p flashgun, all manuals and discs including photoshop.
2 batteries, 2 memory cards.
some wear on hot shoe and rubber hand grip but it is minor.
£250.00

Hi Guys

As some of you may have read, I'm going to work on a nature reserve for 3 months this coming October.

The manual has basically said that I can and should take a DSLR as being in a jeep most of the time, weight won't be a problem.

I've had a look online and a Canon 400D seems to be a good option. Most of the reviews state that the 18-55mm lenses is rubbish and basically worthless. If I were to go with this, would it be better getting the body only with a better lense? If so what lense?

Cheers for any help you can give.

I asked the very same question about the 400D and the kit lens a while ago, a buddy of mine has just purchased the 400D and i had a bit of a play about with it so and i think its the camera im going to go for. The kit lens may not be the greatest lens in the world but the image quality of the pics i took with it where fine, and when you think the 400D kit costs only about £20 - £30 more than the body only you may as well just buy the kit

I wouldn't worry too much about what you have read about the kit lens. Most of the negative comments will be from pixel-peepers, not your average user.

Having said that, if it (lens quality) will concern you, try pricing up the camera as 'body only' and a separate lens. Have a look at EBay and/or 3rd party (Sigma/Tamron etc) for compatible lenses that may not cost as much as the Canon made ones.

As the others have said, I'd get the kit lens anyway because it only costs a small amount and is fine as a general purpose lens. If you're off to a reserve though you should probably consider investing in a quality telephoto lens as well. Something in the 300-400mm range would allow you to get in close, you could even consider a teleconvertor for those really shy subjects.

Cheers so far guys. Think I'll end up buying the standard lense anyway. Going to pop down to Jessops one day this week and have a play. :)

I'd also recommend you have a look at the Nikon range of cameras at the same time. Try both Nikon and Canon side by side, play with the controls and make your choice. Both Nikon and Canon are excellent - it's down to personal preference.

Nikon fit my hand much better, I find them more ergonomic, easier to use and prefer the build.

The Nikon 18-70 kit lens is very highly regarded for the price and has a bit bigger range than a 55. Not sure which bodies it comes with though.

If you are shooting on a nature reserve, also look into a telephoto zoom lens in the region of 70-300mm. Sigma make some great, affordable lenses.

Harrisons on London road is another good shop with great range of dSLRs and lenses.

D70s, D80 and D200 are all offered in kits with the 18-70 lens.

I've got a Nikon D80 with 18-70 (amongst others) and its excellent.

eems to me GazE has decided on the 400d, but as we're recommending cameras... can I suggest you at least try the Sony Alpha?

I've got one and love it :)

Got the 400d a week ago and it's lovely to have a SLR again and love using the layout of the canon. Iv'e had my Canon EOS 500 for a while now. Go and look at some, handle them and see which you like then have a look at specs and reviews and all of that.

Got the 400d a week ago and it's lovely to have a SLR again and love using the layout of the canon. Iv'e had my Canon EOS 500 for a while now. Go and look at some, handle them and see which you like then have a look at specs and reviews and all of that.
Cheers to everyone, that's the plan at the minute okka, I'm going to go down to Jessops one dinnertime this week and have a good look.