40D or 50D for the average consumer?

bikinpunk wrote in post #11552586
ps: Can someone tell me why it seems like the more research I do, the harder the choice gets!?

If you buy an L lens then you will be adding L Disease to your current affliction! For me the worst thing is deciding on a new bag.....absolutely hate that one. Your decision is so difficult because Canon has so many ways to achieve the same goal, it all comes down to how much you want to contribute to their bottom line.

The Rebel option is potentially valid... depends much on how they actually feel in your hands + how you (and your wife) like the controls + what the various pros / cons are for these lines. Might take a gander at these kinds of threads too:
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=860755
http://snapsort.com …0D-vs-Canon_EOS_Rebel_T2i
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=823862

Well, after calling around it appears no one near me stocks the 50d or even the 60D. Wife and I were about to take off and start doing some comparing... so now I'm back at square one.


I appreciate the suggestion for the 28-135mm lens. Looks like a very viable option; much cheaper than going L, too. Seems on par with the 10-22mm I have and love so that may just take the cake. Also allows me to pick up a 50 1.8 as well.


At this point, I feel like I'm just taking a shot in the dark. The 50d vs. t2i comparison leaves trade offs on both ends so it's just a matter of figuring which trade offs I can accept. I love that the 50D has a higher frame rate, but I'm intrigued by the possibility of having a higher quality picture via the t2i.
Might as well flip a quarter at this point. :/

for what it's worth, I have the 40D and find it very responsive with great IQ

ShadowCaver wrote in post #11553099
http://snapsort.com …0D-vs-Canon_EOS_Rebel_T2i

THANK YOU VERY MUCH for this link!
That really takes a whole lot of the 'myth' out of the comparison. And, quite honestly, it helps to make my decision easier.
The t2i, based on the above site's information, has ever-so-slightly better color depth and dynamic range while retaining a larger screen and smaller body. That helps relinquish my concerns of the 50D taking "better" photos. Though, the t2i doesn't have IS, the lenses I purchase will, so it's not a driving factor.
I also like that the t2i has an SD slot. This is much more convenient for us over the standard CF. I also like the "live view" LCD on the t2i. I believe the 50D has this as well, but it's a nice step up from our xt.

At this point I'll have to discuss with the wife which is ultimately more important:
A higher fps of the 50D or the ability to have the larger screen and potential for HD video. Otherwise, the products seem to be similar.

So, again, thank you for that link. You really have helped me make a more educated decision. I just wish Canon could cram the 40d's framerate into the t2i.

bikinpunk wrote in post #11553325
At this point, I feel like I'm just taking a shot in the dark. The 50d vs. t2i comparison leaves trade offs on both ends so it's just a matter of figuring which trade offs I can accept. I love that the 50D has a higher frame rate, but I'm intrigued by the possibility of having a higher quality picture via the t2i.
Might as well flip a quarter at this point. :/

That is where most of us end up. I would love to get a 1D4 for sports but it ain't happenin', so I have a 7D instead, which is not a bad deal at all. Every choice is personal but unless you shoot a lot of action the fps of the 50D isn't going to do much for you versus the IQ of the T2i. I shoot a lot of sports and I don't use 8 fps all that much.

Edit: FWIW the 50D doesn't have buil-in IS either, with Canon it's in their lenses.

Guys, again, I truly appreciate all the help and input. I figured that I would get snubbed and rather receive a whole lot of "search nooB" replies. Your input and advice has been very comforting and I truly appreciate it all.

What a great group of guys here. Much more helpful than most of the other forums I am a part of.

Now, if only I could get someone to increase my post count to 30 so I can make a friggin' WTB thread. lol.

bikinpunk wrote in post #11553423
THANK YOU VERY MUCH for this link!
That really takes a whole lot of the 'myth' out of the comparison. And, quite honestly, it helps to make my decision easier.
The t2i, based on the above site's information, has ever-so-slightly better color depth and dynamic range while retaining a larger screen and smaller body. That helps relinquish my concerns of the 50D taking "better" photos. Though, the t2i doesn't have IS, the lenses I purchase will, so it's not a driving factor.
I also like that the t2i has an SD slot. This is much more convenient for us over the standard CF. I also like the "live view" LCD on the t2i. I believe the 50D has this as well, but it's a nice step up from our xt.

At this point I'll have to discuss with the wife which is ultimately more important:
A higher fps of the 50D or the ability to have the larger screen and potential for HD video. Otherwise, the products seem to be similar.

So, again, thank you for that link. You really have helped me make a more educated decision. I just wish Canon could cram the 40d's framerate into the t2i.

Quite welcome... anything for a "fellow" 'bamian [LIved on Sand Mtn in NE corner for few years - wonderful place 'n people] As to the fps - even though take photos of one of the boys playing soccer, I don't think that there'd be "that" much difference between ~4 and ~6 frames per second, when comparing to all other features... such as the benefits that you and your lady are leading towards, esp. the size factor and the card.

Yes, I think the decision has been made: the t2i is going to be our pony.
I'm currently shopping this forum's classifieds for used ones, but I'm finding body-only t2i's on amazon for $699, so it seems that may be the wiser choice. I'm now searching to see if Canon is also offering a MIR with this camera body right now. No such luck yet.

I feel really comfortable with this decision. Especially after seeing the comparison between our xt and the t2i:
http://snapsort.com …XT-vs-Canon_EOS_Rebel_T2i

Just purchased the t2i from amazon for $699 shipped. Thanks, everyone, for your help.

bikinpunk wrote in post #11555464
Just purchased the t2i from amazon for $699 shipped. Thanks, everyone, for your help.

Very ... after receiving it, please share some photos.

Short and sweet - I had a Rebel XT, now have a 40D. It's a the camera anyone needs. Although I wish Santa would have put a 5dMKII in my stocking!

trickyricky wrote in post #11556230
Short and sweet - I had a Rebel XT, now have a 40D. It's a the camera anyone needs.

I love these kinds of posts. After someone has made their decision, what's the point of adding this kind of comment?

^ I'm the one who feels bad for posting a thread asking about 2 items, then buying one that wasn't even in the OP.


He may have just read the OP and then given his answer based on that. I've been known to skip replies before, too, so I wasn't too distraught over the post.

I'm in the same dilemma and I am thinking about going with the 40D just to save a few extra bucks. I have a T1i now and it's just too small, even with the battery grip so I think I am going to try and trade it or sell it and buy a 40D. From the pictures I've seen it seems as if the 40D actually performs a little better as far as resolution goes when using lower end lenses. The 50D really shines when you put that good glass on it, but thats serious $$$.