Question for DSLR experts, if we have any.

[67688c]

Just seeking a little advice to a DSLR decision I'm trying to make this evening.

On the way back from France this morning on a impulse buy (ya stupid I know) I bought a Canon 450D kit from Jessops on the south coast.
Cost was a total of £699 with a £30 back from Canon.
http://www.jessops.com/online.store/...7597/show.html

Kit consisted of the 450D with a standard 18-55 lens (non IS)
1x 17-200 cannon zoom lense (again non IS)
Spare lithium battery
8gb Sandisk Extreme card
Cleaning pen/brush
2 x Ultra violet protection filters.
1 DSLR camera bag.

Now having got back home and having net access, I now find that it's a possibility that in the very near future I suspect this camera model will cease, in effect I suspect Jessops are trying to move some older stock.

It would'nt have been so bad if one of the lense had been IS type with image stabilisation, though both seem to give superb images, having tried them this eveniing, with no evidence of shake even at the extreme zoom which I thought strange (they are definately not IS type however) so I would have expected some blur to be apparent at that focal length. (just hand held)

The thing is, I return to France in the early hours of Sunday, and due to the fact Jessops have a 14 day no quible return policy, I'm now wondering whether I should swap the gear for either the 500D which came out last year (the 450D actually came out early 2008 but is still rated well) or to go with something like the Nikon D5000.

IOW do I keep the 450D or swap it for either the 500D or the Nikon D5000, both of last 2 support video too which the 450D does not. (though no big deal as I have a HD camcorder for video's) so not too important.

I think what I'm concerned about is the fact that in the event the 450D gets discontinued which is a real possibility shortly, it's price is instantly going to drop like a stone, it's already come down quite a lot already.

Tomorrow morning is probaly the only chance I shall have to get it changed, If thats what I decide.

The very latest Cannon 550D is a possiblity but would likely have to pay out a little more.

So the question is do I swap it for one of the later and newer Canon's or perhaps for the Nikon D5000.

Any thoughts very much appreciated.

[GARY3306]

I would swap for the 500D. My daughter uses two 450D's and one of them is being traded in in a week or so for the 500D for the same reason.

[67688c]

Thanks Gary, yes thats what I was thinking too, but having done a bit of research/lots of googling. I think I shall go for the 550D, and maybe pick up a decent 18-105 or perhaps 200 IS lens later. IME a piece of good glass is often more important that the body sometimes, especially on large pixel sensors. The 550D is 18meg pixel, and you would really need a decent lens to get the best out of it, quite a few reviews mention that the standard lens does'nt quite do it justice.

[Grumpy1954]

I'm still learning, took SWMBO years to get me off SLR 35mm as I didn't think the quality was there, but I'd agree on a good lens being important. I have arthritus in knees, lower back and hands, so cannot manage without IS, but if you have steady hands you'd be OK. The 500D is very good, SWMBO wants one.

[ed taylor]

I would go for the Nikon too. But whatever camera you buy it will be outdated within a year or so. But I would get one that you are happy with. I have been very happy with my Nikon kit now. I used to use Minolta ubtill they "went bust".
PS the Image Stabalisation, is a must in my opinion too.

[Birchy63]

It's not a bad camera, they all go out of date extremely quickly..... But you should have bought just the camera + lense (my Nikon was from Jessops), Jessops charge like £30 for a £8 memory card and the rest of the accessories are a ripoff too!

[ed taylor]

www.warehouseexpress.co.uk is a good place to get your photographic kit from. I get mine from them and have been pleased with their service.

[Big Knox]

I can recommend Nikon too. Also, unless you're sure you are getting a good price, I wouldn't buy from Jessops, my understanding from my life as an amateur photographer is you go to Jessops to check the camera out, hold it, have a play with it, then buy it online somewhere else cheaper

[Birchy63]

my understanding from my life as an amateur photographer is you go to Jessops to check the camera out, hold it, have a play with it, then buy it online somewhere else cheaper

That was totally my plan!!! However on going into Jessops I found they had the camera/lens at the same price as the best online price AND the additional 55-200mm lens made the whole deal some £15 cheaper.
They tried to sell me bags, memory cards, filters and I just told the salesman I wasnt interested.

[lochgilp]

i would go for the Nikon D90 a total outstanding camera