[twinaircant]

I bought a Canon 350D with the 18-55mm lens. The reason why I bought it was that every image I compared to the Olympus E-500 just looked better. There was more detail and less noise. The sensor in the 350D is far larger than the E-500 sensor so less noise.

I just don't like the feel of the 350D. Maybe I'll get used to it. My problem is that I really liked the feel of the E-500 and the fact it comes with a 17.5-45mm and 40-150mm lens for the same price as the 350D.

So am I being stupid wanting to return the 350D?

The main purpose for buying the camera was to take studio shots of the product line my company sells. I just don't have the money for the next tier of camera. My company won't buy me the camera even though it will save them tons of money on photoshoot costs. I have 8 years in professional studio experience in film cameras under my belt. I design all the ads and the catalog as well. Most of the images I get from the company's photoshoots are terrible.

Noisy images just can't be used for display or catalog work IMO. Noise Ninja works but blurs everything slightly. The two cameras are equal in noise up to iso400 and I can't think why I would need a higher ISO for studio shots anyway. Autofocus is kind of a non issue as well.

When I do use the camera for vacations and general photography the extra lens would be nice.

To me the E-500 has:

Better body
Better stock lenses
better feel

350D

Better images
Better autofocus system

For what I need image quality is the main concern. The 350D matches the image quality level of many $1500 DSLRs but does it with a build and body I'm not happy with. Should I trade slightly less image quality for a better feel in my hands?

[infinkPoode]

If its image quality that is important, then stick with the 350D.

I agree that its size and ergonomics are not for everyone, but it is a cracking camera, even with the kit lens.

[Eagevawax]

Give it some time, and get used to the new feel! You won't regret it!

[UHlVExs7]

you can get used to almost every ergonomic although it can annoy you every time you get the camera again. personally I would get the camera that has the right feeling cause I think it helps when you are comfortable with the camera when it comes to taking a good picture.

do I understand it right and you have both camera's yourself and have to return one?

when it comes to the costs of your camera, just charge money for every shoot, lets say halve the costs they would have with a traditional camera, or be stubborn, get a film-slr and have far better image quality anyway

[Katrinsitter]

I love my 350D but then I already had several good lenses that I could use with it. If you don't like the feel of the body I think you can buy some sort of battery pack add on that also provides extra grip dunno if that would make it feel any better for you.

[t78VPkdO]

you can get used to almost every ergonomic although it can annoy you every time you get the camera again. personally I would get the camera that has the right feeling cause I think it helps when you are comfortable with the camera when it comes to taking a good picture.

Completely agree... you can get used to something you don't like but it may become an excuse latter... if you don't like using it then it may end up sitting unused.

[Trercakaressy]

I have the 350D but I played around with the E500 in a couple store for quite a while. If it was a business only purchase I'd keep the 350D due to the slightly better photo quality and I'd be using a tripod.

However since I'm paying for it and going to use it as my camera I want something that feels very good. I still use a Canon AE-1 as my everyday camera. Thats probably why I think the RebelXT doesn't feel all that good. I have really big palms and short fingers. The 350D just doesn't feel right at all. I also really do not see myself able to buy a whole bunch of good lenses any time soon.

Another interesting thing is that the Sony DSC-R1 has dropped in price to $739. The noise levels are less than the E-500 and slightly more than the 350D. It has an incredible Zeiss 24 - 120 mm lens and attachments are available. The speed and quality of the lens really seems to be as good as many $600 or more SLR lenses. The sensor is 10.3 Megapixels which would give me bigger photos that would need less enlargement for displays and posters.

Thanks for all the suggestions guys. I'm going to decide what I should do tomorrow.