New camera

guitarguy90 · 08-10-2009, 12:28 PM

Since I got interested in photography, I have been using my parents Canon Digital Rebel (300D), but It's old, slow, limited, and most importantly, not mine. I'm looking at either a Canon T1i or a 40D.
In fact, I probably could have called this thread T1i vs 40D, since I'm not interested in anything below a T1i, 50D and up are all too expensive, and it's gotta be Canon (I already have lenses)

I'm leaning towards the 40D now, because I found what looks to be a pretty good deal (I don't know if I would use the lens that comes with it, but if not, it retails for close to $400) and it seems like it's the better camera. So. . .yeah. Anyone have experience with these cameras, and advice on which I should go for?

**redbaron** · 08-10-2009, 01:10 PM

don't forget to look at the used market as well. Oftentimes you can get a great condition used body that is several steps above where your budget ends new. I'm sure one of the canon guys could give you a better recommendation on a Canon DSLR than I could here though

I would definitely buy a good body, but try not to spend a fortune on it, so you can save money for lenses, which are where the real payoff is.

metropolis4 · 08-10-2009, 02:01 PM

I looked at both of these a lot recently when I bought my first DSLR. Overall I think the 40d is a better buy. It's a step above the T1i and a generation older and you can get a body for about $100 cheaper. It has a better viewfinder and it's overall more ruggedly built. I've heard people say they think the last generation of Canon's were a little better in the image quality department mostly due to the huge 15 MP sensors they are now using. Apparently they pushed a little too far on megapixels and it's hurting ISO performance and causing other issues. Really the only thing I can see that the t1i has over the 40d is the ability to shoot video, and a higher resolution LCD. It also has a little smaller body if you like that, and the ability to use SD cards if you prefer them over CF.

If you go with the 40d I think you can find better deals than the one you posted. I've seen them regularly go for between $700-800. Personally I don't think that midrange zoom would be the most useful lens, but that's just my opinion. It's not that wide on the wide end and not that long on the long end... It would be fine for full frame, but when you figure in the x1.6 crop your looking at a wide end of almost 45mm!

spyrotheleo · 08-10-2009, 04:03 PM

I would personally get the 40d, much better build. I would also look for a tamron 17-50 2.8 and then save up and get the canon 70-200 f4

ApparentlyNothing · 08-11-2009, 01:05 AM

Another vote for the 40D. I love mine. The T1i is awesome if you want to stay in the consumer level. But the 40D is a big step towards professional. The T1i might have some added bells and whistles like taking video, but the 40D is still the more professional and will likely last you a lot longer (so long as you aren't tempted by the 5D). It's much more solid than the Rebel line, easier to use in Manual mode, better ISO performance, and you just have a lot more control over the camera. It's the #1 Canon camera I would recommend in your price range, even over the 50D.

RipVanWinkle · 08-11-2009, 09:52 AM

Check out keh.com

I trust them the most when it comes to buying used camera gear from a 'store'

I buy most of my used stuff off the buy and sell fourm of fredmiranda.com: Specialized in Canon - Nikon SLR Cameras, Forum, Photoshop Plugins, Actions, Reviews, Hosting and Digital Darkroom.

guitarguy90 · 08-11-2009, 10:32 AM

Yeah, I was thinking the 40D for all the reasons you have all listed. I'm watching a few on ebay now, as well as one on craigslist. It looks like on eBay they go for $650-700 in excellent condition.

guitarguy90 · 08-11-2009, 01:50 PM

What about 30D's? Is there that much difference between them at 40D's? They tend to sell for about $250 cheaper on eBay, and I'm all about cheap. At a cursory glance, it looks like the main differences are buffer size, frame rate, live view and sensor cleaning. None of these are huge issues for me.

spyrotheleo · 08-11-2009, 02:20 PM

Hey,
I have a 30d that I picked up for $400 with the kit lens. Your glass is more important than the camera body. Check out mtmountainman.blogspot.com Most of the pictures were taken with a 30d and canon 70-200 f4L and almost no post processing. I am really happy with this setup.

ApparentlyNothing · 08-11-2009, 05:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by guitarguy90

What about 30D's? Is there that much difference between them at 40D's? They tend to sell for about $250 cheaper on eBay, and I'm all about cheap. At a cursory glance, it looks like the main differences are buffer size, frame rate, live view and sensor cleaning. None of these are huge issues for me.

40D is 10mp, 30D is 8mp. If you plan on making large prints or cropping, that can be an issue. The buffer and frame rate will effect you if you do things like sports photography where you have to take a lot of photos in rapid succession. And I know it's minor, but the 40D has the ISO displayed in the viewfinder so you always know what ISO you're shooting at. Minor, yes, until you shoot outside in direct sun at 3200 ISO and don't realize it.

Read the review at dpreview about the 40D, particularly the introduction and conclusion. The 40D does improve image quality as well, which is what really matters. Canon EOS 40D Review: 1. Introduction: Digital Photography Review

One thing I'd say before you decide 30D over 40D is to try them both out. Honestly, the dust removal is a pretty cool feature, especially if you change lenses a lot. Ask any pro who has dealt with dust on the sensor and you'll understand how frustrating dust can be.

But, $250 can be a lot of money, so it's understandable if you decide the difference isn't worth that much to you. The 30D certainly isn't a bad camera. Even the 20D isn't. I've seen some fantastic images taken with the 20D. I've seen fantastic images taken with the Rebel line as well. What it comes down to is the glass you use and the photographer hitting the shutter. DSLR camera bodies come and go, so don't stress too much about it. If you can afford it, I personally think the 40D is worth the extra money.

spyrotheleo · 08-11-2009, 05:57 PM

I agree that the dust removal would be extremely nice! That is the one feature I wish I had. All the other ones I havent really seen myself needing all that much. They would be nice, but for the money I saved, I could do without.

RipVanWinkle · 08-11-2009, 06:11 PM

I am speaking from experience here, I feel you would do better with a 40D.
I have a 30D...its my only body and I use it for everything...weddings, sports, hobby stuff.

Its a great body, but I really do find myself limited at times by a few things. For me, the faster FPS and larger buffer size would be amazing. I do lots of sports for my school, and I'm constantly wishing I had more fps. More than that, I find myself wishing for a bit more resolution. Aggressive crops with my 30D tend to leave a bit to be desired.

But, they are both good cameras. The market will be great for both of them. I think you *might* get a bit more resale value out of a 40D because its newer if you ever choose to sell

RipVanWinkle · 08-11-2009, 06:27 PM

I am speaking from experience here, I feel you would do better with a 40D.
I have a 30D...its my only body and I use it for everything...weddings, sports, hobby stuff.

Its a great body, but I really do find myself limited at times by a few things. For me, the faster FPS and larger buffer size would be amazing. I do lots of sports for my school, and I'm constantly wishing I had more fps. More than that, I find myself wishing for a bit more resolution. Aggressive crops with my 30D tend to leave a bit to be desired.

But, they are both good cameras. The market will be great for both of them. I think you *might* get a bit more resale value out of a 40D because its newer if you ever choose to sell

guitarguy90 · 08-25-2009, 06:53 PM

Crap. My camera died. It now makes a weird noise (which is not the shutter opening and closing - I'm not sure what it's doing) and gives me error 99 when I press the shutter button.

I have, however, decided on the 40D. I'll probably get one sometime this week or weekend. I've been watching eBay, but now one came up locally for $900 with the 28-135 (sells for $250-$300 used, if I don't keep it). He said they only have 203 shutter actuations on them and come with all the original accessories, so theyr'e basically brand new.

guitarguy90 · 08-31-2009, 03:06 PM

I just went and picked up a mint 40D. I'm super excited about it! It's like, literally mint (no signs of wear whatsoever, around 200 pictures taken with it, everything still in the box, mostly unopened), and I paid $900 for it and Canon's 28-135 IS USM lens. It was a pretty dang good deal, especially since I'm planning on selling that lens fairly soon.