canon 350d versus samsung v800?

[serendipity2]

Hiya I am currently using a samsung digimax v800 which has 8 million pixels, but want to progress to a canon eos 350d. Can anyone tell me how much more I will be getting for the money, in the way of picture quality etc (even though it will be someone else buying it for me). The camera I have takes excellent pictures but if I want to get into photography as a business I'm sure i will need an SLR. Many thanks in advance...Angie

[mattfox]

I haven't used a v800 but I do have a Canon EOS 300D and the quality is excellent , being an SLR. But it is an "entry level" camera - if it's for business use and you're into photography, then you might want to look at one of the models aimed towards the pro market... of course, that means ��� more!!

[fo3nix]

the pixel number isn't hugely important. with the canon you're also paying for excellent optics, as well as many other more advanced controls.

[Fitzer]

I have a 300d with the upgraded firmware so that it now has a lot of the features/functions of the 30D and I think that as a good amateur/light pro use camera it is hard to beat for the money. The advantages of SLR over 'compact' cameras are many, interchangeability of lenses, greater ISO range, better framing of shots, mirror lock up (to prevent blur) among others. The 350D is a great little camera (I have used a friends), smaller than the 300, more pixels and the selector control is rather reminiscent of my old OM2. The extra advantages of the more 'pro' cameras are a tougher build quality and faster processors so that you can shoot more shots in the same length of time (v. useful for sports etc).
In short the 350D in RAW mode will give shots that can be blown up to A3 size with no problems

[Cetti]

Hello Angie, My son bought the Canon EOS 350D in May and I don't think it's left his side yet!

The picture quality is breathtaking and the Menu is straightforward, simpler than his friends Nikon D50 (his opinion) sits very comfortably in the hand as well.

Good luck in your chosen career!

[mattfox]

Sorry to ask another question on this post - hope you don't mind!!

Fitzer - was it easy to upgrade the firmware? I want to do it to mine but haven't talked to anyone that has done it yet!!!

[serendipity2]

Thanks all of you for your replies. Mattfox, how many more �'s are we talking for a pro model? Fitzer, thanks for all those details you have given me. Cetti, your son sounds like me...I always have my camera at my side just in case I miss a good shot. If the picture quality is THAT breathtaking I defiantely want one. maybe if I make enough money doing what i want to do, I can progress to a pro quality one at a later date. Thanks again x

[Fitzer]

Matt, it's very simple to do the upgrade, you just find the firmware listed on many review sites and follow the instructions in the Canon manual. IIRC all you do is load the file to a blank CF card and stick it in the camera! The extra settings aren't particularly intuitive to use but the same review sites will tell you what's what.

[fo3nix]

serendipity2: all cameras can take breathtaking photos. you just need a good enough operator to spot and take it.

The pro models are more expensive because they're made to be tougher (if you're a photographer for example for a newspaper, they can take some knocks); an example is the Nikon D2X. Don't buy a pro one though unless you will be using the features; you'll just be wasting your money otherwise.

Steve's Digicams is an invaluable source of information, with great reviews.

[serendipity2]

I see what you are saying fo3nix...I was just thinking that I wouldn't be taken seriously as a photographer with a digital compact camera even though I get brilliant pictures from it. I couldn't see myself turning up at someones home to take pics for them unless I had a semi pro model at least.

[fo3nix]

Then sure, go for an SLR if that will help. but no need for a pro model; a Nikon D50 or D70, or Canon 350D will do just fine.