Duds

I am bias...Get the body only of 30D Canon (I was being nice before...yes 400D is fairly ordinary) and a good 28-70mm 2.8 (that number 2.8 is the important part and refers to the aperture size...the lower the number the faster the lense and will generaly be better for action shots and lower light conditions). You could get Canon but will cost you a fortune....$2,000 just for lense...so can get just as good in a Tamron which I have for less than half price. At least this way you can use a 28-70 for other more run of mill photgraphy. If you get into it and want something for shooting ridi

Not about the camera initially, look for the lenses when spending some $$$. Both great (Nikon and Canon) and can't go wrong. That said though go for the 30D over 400D and spend a bit more in the body....better build, more solid, more fps and a good camera for getting quality shots. I found the 400D (or was Rebel XT prior) a bit too small to handle. I have 20D which the 30D superseeded and still going strong after 2 years on getting knocked around.

I was hoping someone could help out with a referral for a Tele instructor in Niseko. Heading up there in March and giving teleskiing a crack. I am keen to get someone who may be well known as a good teacher and gets some good results (obviously alot ofit up to me as well). Anyway I know alot of forum members would know "who's who" in Niseko so any help is appreciated. Have heard Ross from NAC is worth a call.