newbie purchase

[gtiballs61]

Thinking of getting a half decent cam.Budget about 250-300
I have seen a canon 400 dslr kit
includes:400d body only (uk model not rebel)
Box (barcode cut out for an offer at the time)
All discs and paperwork
Battery & battery cover
Original canon cap cover for front of body plus original neck strap
1gb sd card
Battery mains charger plus cables for pc etc
Loweprowe carry case
the guy wants about £150

I dont know anything about cameras only what i have read up on the interweb.
Im liking the quality of pics that Horney is taking,especially the ones from players.
i want to take some HD quality shots.
Please could someone help me choose a decent camera within my budget.
Many Thanks
Gavlar.

[T_J_G]

Does that come with a lense?

[gtiballs61]

Does that come with a lense?

Nope.
Is this worth it,how much are lenses?

[Diamond Hell]

If it's definitely working and sound then that sounds like a sensible price.

If you're not in a rush I'd be tempted to have a punt on this:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Canon-EOS-400d-Camera-Body-spares-repair-/220860718272?pt=UK_CamerasPhoto_DigitalCameras_DigitalCameras_JN&hash=item336c531cc0

Which would leave you in one of two situations:

1. put a lens on and the error will go away!  SLRs don't take pictures without a lens attached! (get Horney to verify his errors the same without the lens on)
2. put a lens on and the error will remain and you'll be into around £100 to have the unit serviced at a Canon Service Centre such as Colchester Cameras (where mine was done).  This gets you a fresh-out-of-the-box unit with a 6 month warrantee.

how much are lenses?

Proper newbie question. 

Probably the cheapest new Canon SLR lens on ebay:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/NEW-CANON-EF-50mm-f-1-8-II-AF-PRIME-LENS-f1-8-mark-2-/290373952199?pt=UK_Lenses_Filters_Lenses&hash=item439ba2e2c7

Same focal length, but L-Series (Canon professional):

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Canon-EF-L-series-50-mm-F-1-2-L-USM-Lens-MINT-CONDITION-/170699136788?pt=UK_Lenses_Filters_Lenses&hash=item27be761f14

You should be able to pick up an 18-55mm lens (that comes as the camera kit when new) for around £20-30.

[gtiballs61]

Thanks DH some good info there for me to take a look at.

So just as long as i dont try to take any pics on it without a lens im alright?

[Diamond Hell]

No, I'm saying that the error in that auction *may* be down to the numpty selling it trying to take pictures without the lens.

I don't think doing that will damage the camera, but the error may be caused by something else.

More information here: http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=63503

[gm8]

Looking at the sellers feedback he seems to buy/sell camera eqpt. I would think he has tried the camera with a lens already to see if the prob is as simple as that. But if the price is right it may still be worth a gamble.

[T_J_G]

I'd give £150 for a 400d body and spend £200 on a nice lense

[shepgti]

I'd give £150 for a 400d body and spend £200 on a nice lense

but would you spend 150 on a 450d body that needed repairing, thats the issue

[T_J_G]

No chance.

I'd buy the 400d on his first post!