Camera and software advice

OK so I have dusted off my old Canon 300D, I know a bit dated now. So that is why I am considering updating to either a 550D or a 50D. Would love to get the 7D but it is a bit beyond my price range at the moment.
If anyone uses the 550D or the 50D I would love to read your comments.

Also I have recently downloaded GIMP (a free image editing program). But I have seen a number of posts on here talking about Photoshop which is very expensive. Has anyone used both and if so is there much difference?

:bump:

Sorry I haven't used GIMP so can't help there with a comparison. I'm also a Nikon girl but I believe the 50D is a very good camera :)

Photoshop is a very powerful and complicated program but well worth it once you learn all the intricacies of how it works. You can download a free 30 day trial if you want to see how it works and if you have a library near by see if you can et your hands on a Scott Kelby book Photoshop for Digital Photographers (it will also have the version eg CS3 is the PS version I have but the current one is CS5 so look out for that).

I haven't used GIMP but have heard good things about it, I use Photoshop Elements because have had it for years (is a much cheaper cut down version of Photoshop ($80 I think) but so far I haven't found anything that I am unable to do in it). If I wasn't so used to Elements (I am still on version 3 but I think they are up to 7 now) I would have a go at using GIMP. All depends exactly what you want to do - personally I would start with something free or cheap and see how much you use it and what you use it for. From what I have read for all but professional users (I just do image editing and artwork for fun using Elements and use it most days) GIMP can do pretty much most things Photoshop can.

I use Photoshop, but bought it for work purposes initially. But I would definitely just start with a trial version, and also try trials of the other programs and see what suits you best. Sometimes photoshop can be a bit confusing and I use it most days :lol:

The 50D is a big step up from the 550D, I guess you need to consider what you plan on using it for, I have a 400D and am more than happy with the high quality photos I can take with it, I would consider the 550D and perhaps spending a bit on an extra lense or two ;) Like a Macro or Wide Angle Lense, depending on what you want to take photos of :D

Subscribing as I'm hoping to get the Canon 50D or 550D at some stage... hopefully sooner than later.

Hey Girls
Thanks for the info
I am hoping not to need to use software too much. I intend to do most of the composition work with the camera. Many years ago I used to do a bit of photography with film cameras and apart from a few tricks in the darkroom much of the work was done with the camera. Now with digital picturers and software you can realy 'play' and I like to play.

Beema
I am interested in photographing nature so a Macro lense would be very useful. I currently have the standered 58mm and also a 90-300mm (1.4-5.6).

Still looking for more comments.