Wait or Buy? (Brand new 400D with lens for £350)

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Hi All,

I've just been offered some gift vouchers at a discounted rate to use in John Lewis. The discount is 12%, so I can basically get £400 of vouchers for £350 and as they stock the Canon 400D, I figured that £350 for the body and lens brand new was a good deal. The extra £50 can go on bag, memory card, tripod etc, whatever I need to get me started.

However, with the 450D coming out in a few weeks, I'm wondering whether I should hang around, hope that it comes in ~£400 (as that really is my max budget) and buy that instead from JL.

I don't NEED the new camera now, but it would certainly be very handy. Obviously, I also don't want JL to bring the 450D in at £600 and then discontinue the 400D. Then I'm stuck with £400 of vouchers I can't really use.

Any suggestions?
 
I think the 400D will be around for a year whilst the 450D establishes itself. The 350D has lingered around a while.. and some places i think even sell it.

Having said that, the 400D is a very capable camera.. don't knock it, just because a new model is out. If you don't need it asap, wait to see what the 450D offers (price/ deals etc) and then make the decision. Just be sure the vouchers don't come with an expiry date ;)

Whilst not trying to entice you more, you can get £20 off your John Lewis spend (over £100) by using the code SHE851PCH445 on their website. It can only be used on their website and is for first time customers requesting delivery. Voucher expires end of Feb :)
 
Thanks Madferrit, that extra voucher probably won't be applicable because if I get the vouchers, it will be a pay in store only deal I believe. They're actual paper vouchers that I would assume you can't use online (though I could well be wrong).

The thing is, I can only get the vouchers until the end of next week, the expiry will probably be a year which isn't a massive deal to be honest. It's really just a worry that the 400D will disappear from JL and then I'm stuck with either spending more (which isn't an option) or sitting on the vouchers hoping that something will come up.

If I can apply the voucher online and also use the paper vouchers that could well decide the deal.

[EDIT]
I've just checked and it would appear that I should be able to use the vouchers online providing they have the scratch off security code. Definitely think this is going to be worth going for. A brand new 400D with lens for £330 can't be a bad deal I think, plus it's from John Lewis who have a very good reputation for customer services rather than an online shop. I will have to go down and have a feel of the 400D asap to check it's a camera that suits me.
 
Yep, that's the thing, I really don't have the money to spend £500 at the moment plus all the associated things to go with it (memory cards, bag, tripod etc) which will put my at £550 probably. £400 is my top limit, especially as this is my first DSLR, and I should be able to get everything to get me started for ~£400 if I buy my accessories from 7 Day Shop.

I'm just off to my local JL and Jessops to have a feel of the cameras in that price range, but at the moment it seems like the 400D is going to be the camera for me. My dad has a D200 with some older lenses so I may look at the 40x, but I don't think I'll be able to AF with them as they are pretty old (i.e. over 20 years old, but still very good lenses).

Will keep you all updated.
 
I'm pretty sure Johm Lewis do a price match.
 
Thanks Admirable, I've actually just been and talked to a few shops in my area, I got to have a play with both the Canon and the D40x. The JL store had a D40x on display and it was the same price as the 400D, so that just opens a can of worms as I didn't think they sold it.

I think I preferred the feel of the D40x as it was a little bigger than the Canon, though I'll have another play when I go back next week with the vouchers. Leaves me plenty of time to do some more reading on the various features of each camera that might swing the decision.
 
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