The best advice is to get yourself down to the nearest branch of Jessops and try them out for fit and feel in your hand. (I'm not suggesting you actually buy from them, just make use of their facilities) Check the buttons are placed logically, try and navigate the menus a little to see how idiosyncratic they are, examine the build quality thoroughly etc. I think you'll find the 400D a bit 'plasticky' in comparison with the D80, for example.
One thing I would advise against buying is the D40 of either variety, with no in-body focus motor they're limited to the newer AF-S lenses so your used (read: budget) choice for fast glass is quite limited.
Or you could think outside the box and go for something a bit different. I'm very happy with my Pentax K10D, and the Olympus E-400 twin lens kits are getting ludicrously cheap of late...
All modern DSLRs even with 'kit' lenses are capable of producing stunning images, but as mole2k already stated lenses are what ultimately make or break a system so if you're looking for action shots a la Mr Oople you're currently better off with Canon and Nikon... go and get your hands on them, mate.
|