need help deciding to upgrade Canon SLR

Hey guys, i need some help deciding whether it is worth it to upgrade from my xti to a 40d. For all of you camera savvy people out there, is there a huge difference? Besides the size and control functions, what is the main difference? One of the main reasons that i want to change is that the xti feels like a toy in my hand, especially when i have bigger lenses on it. I have been spending money on glass and i think that i should upgrade now but wanted to know what you all think...40 or 50d?
Not ready to go to 5d b/c of price.
thanks
brad

 

My first question back to you is, what type of photography are you doing? All of these cameras models are made for specific reasons.

I have a 40D and love it. I'm a part time sports photographer and the 40D fits my needs very nicely. The biggest diff between your camera and the 40D is inside. The electronics and shutter inside are upgraded from the xti, so it will shoot and process the data faster.

The size of the camera body is the same I think, but the camera body material on the 40D is not plastic and will feel more solid in your hands (not cheap or like a toy). If the size of the camera is an issue for you, get a battery grip. That will make the camera feel larger, like a 1 series body, and should add some balance when using larger lenses. It will also give you additional buttons for shooting vertical.

As far as comparing the 40D to the 50D...... IMO the 50D is not worth extra money. If your really thinking about the 50D, wait for a few more months. I've read that Canon may be releasing a new model (60D) soon, and that will drive down the prices of all previoulsy released modes, so you could save some serious cash.

 

What Rocketball said, but to add:

40D is a magnesium alloy body, the same you find in their other pro-series bodies. Adds weight and durability (not that you plan on dropping it or something). 40D will have faster shutter speed, and the images will be better quality. Controls will be a bit different - there's a wheel up top near the shutter, plus a large wheel where your thumb sits. Makes controls in manual mode much easier.

Size of body is the same.

50D is completely not worth it from what I've heard. It is slower than the 40D's blazing fast shutter, costs more, and gives you no benefit except some live mode enhancements. All for a larger hit to your wallet.

The 5d is your next leap. It can shoot HD video, is much larger, and you will be stepping to a full frame camera. The pictures will be much more brilliant, and definitely separates you from the average photographer. However, the price tag is mighty - many pros are plenty happy with a 40D and another L-series lens, and still shoot excellent photos.

 

Hi guys, thanks for the input.
To answer a few of your questions i will be using this camera for a little of everything. Sports photography...mt biking and skiing pics, outdoor shoots, and lots of pics of my new baby girl . I've been talking to a friend who shoots semi professionally and he said he would take the 40 over the 50d. especially for the price.

Body size is the same for 40 and 50d but from my xti it is quite a bit more substantial...

Just out of curiosity do most of the canon lenses work for both the 40/50 and the 5d as it is full frame...
i am currently using the
1.4 50mm
28-135mm
17-40mm

thanks for the input

 

All of your lenses will fit.

The only time a Canon lens is not interchangeable between the 40D and the 1 Series (5d) is when the lens specifically states that it is for a digital camera. "Digital" lenses are made slightly different where the lens connects to the body and they will not work on a camera like the 5d.

 

All Canon bodies in the past 10 years or better all use the same mounting. For instance, I took a Tamron 75-300 off my parent's Rebel 2000 and put it on my XSi with no problems.

The difference between a 40D and a 5D, as mentioned, is that crop factor. If you put a lens on a 40D and then put it on a 5D, you will notice that you have lost some 'zoom', but gain... I guess the best way to put it is 'space', kind of like looking at an old TV and then stepping to widescreen where you can see a greater amount of width.

If you are simply an avid photographer with minimal to semi-pro aspirations, keep with the 40D. The shutter speed is phenomenal and the 5d is going to look like a ridiculous waste, especially since bodies are like computers (always new stuff coming out), but lenses are forever.
If you are full-on pro, you probably wouldn't be asking the difference, you would already know and be trying to find ways to get a loan or pawn your wife's silverware. The 5D for you would most noticeably give you better ISO settings, but the finer points would be wasted. I'm the same way - I do a variety of photos, do some post processing, but I'm not out there every weekend making a living out of it and printing media the size of movie posters or bigger every other day.


More than anything, try the XSi vs. the 40D. I would want you to go with the 40D obviously, but if it makes sense, an XSi is a nice upgrade from the XTi

 

The 5D Mark II is digital, same with the 40D and EOS-1D series. That's what the 'D' stands for.
The limitations you would find would be when you try to mate up a modern-day lens with stuff like autofocus and image stabilization to a vintage, fully manual body. In that case, it's most likely that you would simply lose those electronic features.


EDIT: I should also say that modern lenses will work with electronic film cameras as well that have abilities to harness autofocus, etc.