That price is quite reasonable, I think. If you live in the States you may want to check Pricerunner too. Well the kit lens is crap anyway so you may as well invest in a better lens. Depends on what kind of pictures you take, if you are into landscape and nature then the 50mm f/1.8 is wide enough. You may want to check out some of those Sigma or Tamron lenses for Canon. Some of their lenses are just as good or better than those made by Canon and usually cheaper too. IS stands for Image Stabilization: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image_stabilization

Yeah, I'm more into landscape / nature / outdoors / buildings etc.
But with a wider lens like that can I still use it for more conventional things like when I'm with my family?
And how expensive are those lenses you were talking about? If your not too busy can you give me an example link to one or something?
Because I'm trying to only spend like 500-550 dollars. [Total, not just on the lens]

So is the 400D used still a good buy, or should I stay away from used cameras?

Thanks for all your guys' help btw

EDIT: Yeah I live in the states

This post was edited by Virtue on Jan 7 2009 04:54pm

IS is for image stabalized lens - means u can use a little slower shtterspeeds

i got the kit lens and its not very good.

in my opinion get the 400D and 50mm 1.8


im not sure about second hand but dont get a really heavily used one.

Well the site link I posted was the only one I've seen that is used, so I'm not sure if I can even see the camera until it comes :\
I'd assume it wouldn't be really heavily used since it's a credible site but who knows I guess :\

I have never bought anything from B&H before so I don't know if they can be trusted when buying used camera but it seems to be one of the largest camera stores in the States and is very well known among professional photographers.
Well... you can also check for used lenses. I believe Tamron has a good zoom lens: http://www.the-digital-picture.com/reviews/Tamron-17-50mm-f-2.8-XR-Di-II-Lens-Review.aspx
You can just get a cheap lens now, like the EF-50 f/1.8, and save money for a better one later on.

Well if I buy a cheaper lens will it be a waste of money?
Like when I take pictures will the quality be pretty bad and i'll regret buying it?

Also, if I buy the 55/1.8 you said that has a wider lens, can I use it on more than just nature and outdoors?
I'm a big hockey fan and I want to take pictures in the stadium sometimes too.
The majority of my pictures will be buildings/landscapes etc though.
Just meant that i'll be using it for other things every once and a while but not most of the time.

nah the 50mm f/1.8 is a very good lens I think the only bad thing i have heard about it is it's build quality but if you are careful and don't throw it around it'll be fine
It's a 100 dollar lens and it's very light and small so you can just have it as backup lens or for shooting portraits once you have enough money to buy a good zoom lens.
I am planning on to get a Sigma 10-20mm f/4-5.6 EX DC HSM in the near future that is if they will have a sale again at my local camera store (curse you Chantal for have been so lucky lol now it cost like 150 bucks more ). It's a ultra wide angle lens and it seems to be perfect for my need.

This post was edited by Futurama on Jan 7 2009 05:15pm

So the 50mm f/1.8 is only good for portraits?
And where do you find lenses for 100? All the ones I've seen are 200+ :\

uh you get what you paid for. I have seen crappy used kit lenses for 100 or less but you usually get like unsharp images or distortions and all that too

EDIT: heh it's up to you what you want to buy I am just giving you a few suggestions. I suggested 50mm f/1,8 only because you seem only want to spend like 100 bucks on a lens and I believe the best lens you can get for that amount of money would be either the 18-55 kit lens or the 50mm

This post was edited by Futurama on Jan 7 2009 05:38pm

So I shouldn't buy a 50 mm f/1.8 lens?
I r confused :\