G9 to DSLR

[rnicetin]

I currently have a G9, and am looking to purchase a DSLR. My problem is that I'm not sure which one! It will be Canon of course, but I can't decide between the 450D or the 40D. I am pretty comfortable with all the functions on the G9 by now, and shoot in RAW all the time. It's just that everywhere I go, I hear the 450D described as a 'beginner / entry level DSLR'. Does this mean I'll outgrow it too soon? I love photography, but I wouldn't say I'm very good at it, so I don't want to waste money, but at the same time, I want to be challenged.
Any ideas will help! :)

[5Dmaniac]

If you can swing it financially, get the 40D. The most important differences are the 2nd mode dial on the back of the camera to adjust exposure compensation and focus speed and accuracy. Do a search on this forum and you should get lots of info on these two cameras.

[Rudi]

Agreed! Get the 40D if you can, you will be much happier in the long run.

[Madweasel]

Hi rnicetin, welcome to the forum! Don't be put off by 'entry-level DSLR' - that's just marketing, making a slot for each body by giving it a label. Even the 450D is a very capable camera that you should not worry about outgrowing. All you get with the more advanced bodies is more features, generally making the picture taking process a little easier, but image quality itself will not improve much by going further up (indeed the 40D has fewer pixels than the 450D), unless you are going to be making giant prints.

One of the key considerations is size and weight, as the 450D is considerably smaller and lighter than the 40D. Try both in your hands to see which you prefer. They will seem big against the G9, but a DSLR gives you speed that the G9 can't match. You can also change lenses of course, but building a selection soon gets expensive.

The 40D is faster and has better autofocus than the 450D. It also extends to higher shutter speeds, frame rates and ISO setting. As 5Dmaniac says, the control wheel makes settings much quicker in Manual mode. I don't think the 450D offers mirror lock-up, but I'm not sure about that. One minor point is that the 450D uses the same memory cards as the G9 (SD), whereas the 40D doesn't (CF).

You may find like I did that as soon as you pick them up, one will feel much more right than the other. That counts for a lot, regardless of which one it is. Good luck deciding.

[rnicetin]

Thank you everyone for your help. I tried out the 500D and the 40D today, and realised the 40D was way too heavy and big for my hands! So that problem is easily solved. Thank you again :D

[2mnycars]

Good you checked!
Best test--what feels right for you.
Years ago had a Leica M3. Incredible; best camera (for me) ever.
It was stolen.
Bought a Leica M4P. Terrible! worst camera for me, same choice in lenses.

Moral--what works for me may not work for you.

DaveL

[mzondeki]

If you haven't invested in Canon Lenses..
Wait for Pentax-K7 and see how it stands against 50D or D300
Pair it with 16-50 F2.8 , it might be cheaper than 50D+17-55 F2.8IS

[SamClarkPhotography]

If you haven't invested in Canon Lenses..
Wait for Pentax-K7 and see how it stands against 50D or D300
Pair it with 16-50 F2.8 , it might be cheaper than 50D+17-55 F2.8IS

However, there is a reason 90% of professionals use Canon (the other 10%, Nikon)... :cool:

[twalker294]

However, there is a reason 90% of professionals use Canon (the other 10%, Nikon)... :cool:

I think your numbers are way off. That might have been the case a couple of years ago but with the D3 Nikon has hit a homerun and has taken more than a few Canon SLR customers to the "dark side."

And for the record, I've never owned a Nikon DSLR and the only Nikon I ever owned was a Coolpix 950 so I'm not a Nikon fanboy. Just calling it like it is...

[nate17]

I currently have a G9, and am looking to purchase a DSLR. My problem is that I'm not sure which one! It will be Canon of course, but I can't decide between the 450D or the 40D. I am pretty comfortable with all the functions on the G9 by now, and shoot in RAW all the time. It's just that everywhere I go, I hear the 450D described as a 'beginner / entry level DSLR'. Does this mean I'll outgrow it too soon? I love photography, but I wouldn't say I'm very good at it, so I don't want to waste money, but at the same time, I want to be challenged.
Any ideas will help! :)

Hey I have the rebel T1i or 500D and it is a great camera! here are some examples.

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z179/nate555_photos/wasp.png

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z179/nate555_photos/Moon.png

http://i191.photobucket.com/albums/z179/nate555_photos/bumblybee.png

[rklepper]

I think the biggest difference you will find between any of the xxxD cameras and the xxD cameras is the focus speed and accuracy.