500D or 40D?

So, the 500D and the 40D are pretty much around the price I'm willing to pay to upgrade from my 350D.

Basically, I'm not too fussed about the video, not being able to record video isn't a huge blow to me.

Which camera should I buy? I've read the 40D is mostly better. I think I would benefit from a camera being able to handle noise better and low light situations.

But, i'm still not sure. Help?

No one? :/

I guess it depends on you and what you want. Do you want video? If yes, the answer is simple. If you don't want video then what the other reasons that you want to upgrade? Which one fits the bill? I upgraded from my XTI to the 50d and could not be happier. Not sure if that helps, but that is the only experience I can offer.

There is also a size difference. Do you like the smaller feel of the Rebel or do you think you want something bigger. Not sure you can go anywhere and try them out, but you can try something close to the models you are comparing. The 50d is much bigger than my old XTI. I loved the grip on the Rebel so I bought it for the 50d and really use it.

Not bothered about the video and I'm more concerned about performance than how it feels in my hand.

I'd prefer a larger camera though with a bit more weight. That being the 40D.

Still, I'm more concerned about performance.

If you don't want video, definitly go with the 40D. Faster focus, able to track better, more FPS (not sure if you need it tho) I think they are comparable in noise for ISO; 40D maybe a bit better. 1600ISO your decent, but at 3200, ewww (could be wrong, haven't used the 500D)

I like the feel of the 40D over the 500D myself. Plus can take abit more abuse.

If I were you I would head over to dpreview.com and read their in depth performance reviews and do the side by side comparison. I love the XXD line, and there are things in that class of camera that would make me pass on a rebel. But the handling, and those little features may not mean anything to you. There is some advantage to the newer camera, but for a lot of everyday shots there may be little real world difference.

Personally, I would never get one of the mini plastic bodies if I can ever avoid it. 40D is the way to go. The larger body and control layout just feel right.

Been there, done that!

I love the control system of the 40D far better than the controls of the xx0D series cameras.

saintross wrote in post #12195939
Not bothered about the video and I'm more concerned about performance than how it feels in my hand.

I'd prefer a larger camera though with a bit more weight. That being the 40D.

Still, I'm more concerned about performance.

500D might have better high ISO performance. But I'm not sure if it does anything else better compare to 40D. Do you need more MP?

Go with the 40D - it was one of my favorite cameras. In fact, I liked it more than the 50D I had. Lack of micro-adjustment was a bummer, but the resolution was great and the camera was always responsive.

saintross wrote in post #12195939
Not bothered about the video and I'm more concerned about performance than how it feels in my hand.

I'd prefer a larger camera though with a bit more weight. That being the 40D.

Still, I'm more concerned about performance.

Sounds like you have made up your mind. Get the 40d and enjoy it.

You will love the 40d. Once you use a XD body, you will not want to go back to a rebel. Huge step up from your 350d.

Either spend the extra money for a 550D if you want video, or get the 40D.

The 40D is a much better camera than the 500D. The only advantage of the 500D is video, but it has limited video capability, so if you are serious about video you might as well spend the money on a 550D.

kf095 wrote in post #12196698
500D might have better high ISO performance. But I'm not sure if it does anything else better compare to 40D. Do you need more MP?

Nope, don't need more MP.

Looks like i'll be going with the 40D then! Thanks for all the replies

If you are a prime shooter, keep the 350 as a second body. Same memory cards and saves a lot of lens changes.