Upgrading to A DSLR... buying advice needed

I'm going to be upgrading from my Powershot A640 to a DSLR. I was planning on a 400D with a sigma 18-50 f2.8 lens as my budget isn't huge and it seems a good starting point but a friend has just upgraded to a 40D and has offered me his 30D with canon 17-85 IS USM lens (haven't talked money but price would be about the same).

I have read this comparison... http://atinyblip.wordp​ress.com/eos-30d-vs-400d-a-comparison/ and the 30D seems the better model only thing bothering me is it being slightly older and used (albeit mint).

Any advice? and anything else I should think about buying with either camera? (apart from memory cards)

thanks in advance

The 30D is a fantastic camera.

It is far more "usable" than the 400D as the controls are easier to access and fits better in your hand.

It is also much more solid. It is not an outdated camera at all.
Try and find out how many shots the 30D has taken. The shutter is rated at 100,000 shots, so unless your friend is a mega pro who shoots all the time you should be safe.

The 17-85 IS lens is a great lens to start on. Wide enough for you to be able to have a bit of fun, and long enough for some portraits. If you have spare 50 pound, go grab a 50mm 1.8 lens while you are at it, and you'll have enough equipment to learn on for a long time.

Hi binliner, My 30D has recently become my backup camera. I can tell you this if you are serious about moving up to the your first dslr. You cant go wrong with the 30D lots of room for growth. It will still be a good body for years and you can add glass (most important) while you are learning.

Either the 30D or the 400D would be a great camera to get started with. They both have their advantages and disadvantages but their image quality is so close to one another that inreality the decision comes down to what feels best in your hand. Take a trip to your local camera shop and handle both. Choose the one that feels best in your hands.

Check this link which should give serve as a guide for buying a DSLR
http://www.photosafari​india.com/articles/beg​1-slr.html

http://photonotes.org/​articles/beginner-faq/

Both would be nice setups. I looked into the Sigma lens and while I'm sure the picture quality is as good or possibly better than the 17-85, I choose that lens because of the IS and the superfast USM. Having more reach is nice as well.

Used the 17-85 go for around $400 on this forum, the 30D somewhere around $700 i think.

Thanks for all the advice... it's helped me make my mind up to go for the 30D providing I like the feel of it

Hey, I'm shooting for the 30D as well later this year... Unless the price of the 40D comes close to the 30D prices of today, which probably won't happen.... 30D plus 3 good lenses are in my sights anyways... Have fun with it and from what I've been reading, the 30D is an awesome camera...