Help choosing slr-bike/ski/outdoor

[Photo-John]

Bellingham! I've ridden up there - on Whidbey and Galbraith. Although we decided you must need a guide to find the good stuff at galbraith because it seemed like we just rode 15 miles of fire road. That was in 1999.

Ok - 400D vs 350D
The main things are that the 400D has a better auto focus system, better high ISO performance, and the sensor cleaning system. People who've never shot with a digital SLR won't appreciate the value of the sensor cleaning. But having done lots of dusty mountain bike shooting and had lots of photos with dust in the sky, I think it's invaluable.

You referred to the D40. There's always confusion because Nikon name their cameras the same and just swicth the position of the letter "D." So are you talking about the EOS 40D or the Nikon D40? I'm using the Nikon D40x right now and I think it's pretty nice. Unless you wanted to buy into the Nikon system, though, I'd still prefer the 400D.

I'm probably going to buy and EOS 40D in the next few days because I need a faster camera. I have the first EOS-1D but the resolution is too low. Even though my 1D is super fast, I'd rather use my 400D for the resolution and image quality. But the EOS 40D is looking really good.

That's all I've got the energy for right now. I'm sure you have more questions. I'll be here, Ask away. Always good to have another outdoor photographer here :-)

[agtaylor]

Nice, from what Ive heard alot has been built between 99 and now but I just moved up for school so some exploring is in order. Always have B.C. 20 minutes away too.

Sounds like the 400d is worth a little extra cash over the 350d if not just for the cleaning. Can definitely appreciate the dust factor. I was referring to the Nikon D40 or D40x but for some reason I kept coming back to Canon.

Between the 400d and the d40 I think I would be better off the the 400d?

Last night I started reading more about olympus after reading a little piece in a magazine on them. The E-510 looks like it might be a good fit too. The e-510 is slightly less expensive then the 400d. They both have sensor cleaning. They are both 10 megapixels. The olympus has built in image stabilization which could be a nice touch but may be a moot point when shooting mtn biking/skiing due to fast shutter speeds. Their lcds seem to be on par and the olympus weighs less. I could not find the shutter lag on the olympus though. If I remember correctly they were about equal at higher isos too. Would temperature be a factor to consider with either one since I plan on shooting lots of skiing/outdoors during the winter? There seems to be a large selection of lenses for the 4/3rds system but I know Canon has an equally impressive selection so now Im torn between the two. Sorry if thats all jumbled/hard to understand.

Thanks for the help John. Always enjoyed your images on mtbr and around. Actually how I found this site.