Replacing my 350D

[jeannot18]

I have got a Canon 350D, had it for a few years now and it has served me good. I am thinking to upgrade it and I haven't kept informed and the new Canon's SLR ranges coming out on the market. Can anyone recommend a model I should go for. I was thinking of the 550D. Is this a good choice or shall I go for something cheaper (maybe second hand). I don't want to spend too much obviously. Thanks for any advice/info

[Dragonsfire]

ive just got the 600d which is almost exactly the same as the 550 but it has a pull out twisty screen which you can use in live view mode (comes in handy when you are in a crowd) just flip the screen hold the camera up and snap cost around £694 with kit lens which is worth getting as it has is on it where as my old kit lens for my 300d didnt. hope this helps

[jeannot18]

ive just got the 600d which is almost exactly the same as the 550 but it has a pull out twisty screen which you can use in live view mode (comes in handy when you are in a crowd) just flip the screen hold the camera up and snap cost around £694 with kit lens which is worth getting as it has is on it where as my old kit lens for my 300d didnt. hope this helps

Thanks Dragonfire. I knew this was going to be harder than I thought. The 600D looks pretty good, but obviously a bit more money needed. Amazon prices it is an extra £60 (for the body only), tempting. I am going to read about both camera and see what suit best my needs, thanks again.
JC

[Dragonsfire]

they all say the same really do you really need the flippy out screen i dont know if i did so i played it safe

[jeannot18]

Another question, we are off to the US in a couple of weeks, staying at some friends for the first few days. I have had a look at the prices from Amazon.com and I could have the camera delivered to their place. Is this a good idea? I am thinking warranty wise as I guess the product would be identical (Maybe I will have to get a charger for the UK). Total price would be £489 for the 600D (body only), a third-party grip + 2 batteries, + another 2 batteries.
Thanks
JC

[nickw]

Hi JC

I bought a few lenses and my pocket size Canon Powershot from Amazon in the US and had these delivered to my sister's place when she lived out there. At the time the dollar pound rate made my decision easier as effectively I got another lens with the difference. You mentioned warranty, and I think that US product warranties are probably only valid in the USA but I don't know how big a deal this would be.

If you do go ahead, check the power supply, normally Canons are 110-240v so with my Powershot all I had to do was buy an American UK power adapter and remember to take that along with the power supply, it works fine for me.

Hope this helps, good luck

[jeannot18]

Thanks Nick, I still really don't know what to do. I don't expect, if I buy a body in the States, to go wrong, but if it does my saving would be wiped out to get it repaired in the UK or I would have to send it by recorded delivery back to the US which would cost me a bomb. The saving is quite considerable though. A hard one to decide
JC

[nickw]

Its a difficult decision, looking at the prices it would be difficult for "me" to not go for the US one, and knowing me I would probably lose sleep over it too! I know where you are coming from, its that weighing up the options thing. Good luck.