Reviving 400D, advice on kit needed

Hello,

I am preparing for long trip to India and looking cheap way to solve camera problem for my wife. It will also double as backup/2nd camera during trip. I have EM-1 for myself and tired looking how this creative soul makes visual wonders with her mobile phone. EM-6 in not yet available, so investing in new camera is not yet an option. But we still have Canon 400D gathering dust after daughter broke kit lens. We need:

- some general purpose zoom lens (or another kit zoom);

- pair of batteries; (I assume 8 years old battery is dead by now);

- pair of CF cards; (recommendations?)

I want to fit within $350. Considering investment do you think it is all worth it?

First of all I dislike idea to invest in ancient technology, and have two separate camera systems - EF-S and m43. But quick search on 2nd hand shop shows some lenses that are cheaper than investment into new camera and lens. So what do you think of these options - what are best choices optically AND price/performance wise:

- Canon ef-s 18-55 mm f3.5-5.6 is stm ~$100

- Canon ef-s 17-85mm f/4-5.6 is usm ~$250

- Canon ef-s 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 is stm ~$325

- Sigma af 18-50mm f/2.8 ~$260

- other recommendations to look for?

Thank you very much for your insights.

I can only talk to one of your questions, the question about the battery being dead.  I have a battery much older than that working in one of my sons toys.  I really don't think that age has much to do with it.

- pair of batteries; (I assume 8 years old battery is dead by now);

- pair of CF cards; (recommendations?)

Charge the battery according to your manual. I'm using batteries older than that in my 350-D and they still charge. They're sometimes hard to find but I'm able to buy them in a specialty photo store in my home town.

CF cards. I got some san disk cards at Office Depot.

Lenses -- same lenses as current Canons. I use both a t4i and the XT and all the lenses are used on both cameras. Might as the lens questions on the Canon lens forum.

Have a great trip!

The 18-55 STM is a great lens. The only reason to spend more would be to get the Sigma or Tamron 2.8 zoom to make up for the lack of high ISO capability in an older body. Even then, unless you get a stabilized version, the Canon lens should be at least as good with static shots due to the IS.

You should be able to pick up a couple of Wasabi or Sterlingtek batteries for about $30 if yours won't hold a charge.

Although the Canon ef-s 17-85mm f/4-5.6 is usm ~$250 is attractive for price, there does not seem to be many people very pleased with that lens.  The 15-85 is by all accounts much better, but at least twice the cost.  The Sigma 17-70 f2.8-4 Contemporary is also a well rated lens and price wise falls between the two.

As has been suggested, try your existing battery first.  An additional third party battery can be had for $20 or less.

CF cards are pretty cheap...

http://www.mymemory.co.uk/compatible-memory/Digital_Cameras/Canon/Canon+EOS+400D_Memory_Cards

As to the lens, if your budget is tight, get the 18-55 STM.  Otherwise the 18-135 STM will give you more reach (and fewer lens swaps).

Good luck,

R2