40D vs 5D vs D300 vs D2X for landscapes and portraits

Hello,

Which do you think is the best bang for the buck for (mainly) landscapes and (outdoor) portraits?
Here are the used prices in my country:
40D -300-350$
D300 - 600-700$
5D -800-1000$
D2X - around 800$

First of all I hate everything that feels cheap and poorly built. (XXXXD/XXXD/60D/DXXXX/​DXX)

40D- cheap, has sensor cleaning
D300- pro AF system, modern features, nice build, weather sealing
5D - FF sensor, beautiful "film like" grain at ISO 3200. Old, worst feature set of all. No weather sealing, bad and ancient AF system.
D2X - Pro body. Bad high ISO.

I am also planning to use the camera in bad weather conditions. 3000+ meters high mountains, cold temperatures, snow, wind or dusty, hot environments.
5D would be the best bet considering the sensor but the body is quite weak for extreme weather.

ps:I am really in love with the D700 but I wouldn't have enough money for lens then.

Have you looked into the 1D mark ii n? I don't know what country you're in, but the mark ii n is going for about $700 - $800 in the US at this time. The crop factor is less than the 40D (1.3 vs 1.6), plus you've got the weather sealing that you're looking for. Of course, the disadvantage for you may be size--unless you're looking at a gripped 40D or 5D, the 1D will be much larger and heavier. Regardless, it's something for you to consider.

I've used both the 40D and 5D. IMO, the 40D trumps the 5D. Better AF, IQ is about the same, faster FPS, cheaper, and it feels sturdier (to me).

40D + Canon 10-22 is magical for landscapes. I've taken plenty of portraits with the 40D too.

But, instead of the 40D, why not go for the 50D? A little bit better specs and Magic Lantern released a firmware to allow it to shoot RAW video.

#Blkjpg
The 1D Mark II N is about 1000$ here.
#BFox549
It is nice to see that you have both crop and FF bodies and you are not blinded by "the magic"

BFox549 wrote in post #16044916
I've used both the 40D and 5D. IMO, the 40D trumps the 5D. Better AF, IQ is about the same, faster FPS, cheaper, and it feels sturdier (to me).

40D + Canon 10-22 is magical for landscapes. I've taken plenty of portraits with the 40D too.

But, instead of the 40D, why not go for the 50D? A little bit better specs and Magic Lantern released a firmware to allow it to shoot RAW video.

This. I've got a 50D with the Magic Lantern firmware and the RAW video modules and all I can say is WOW it's just stunning the quality of images and video I can get out of this camera with a some decent glass in front of it

I dont know what Bfox is smoking, but for landscapes and portraits the 5D is far superior to the 40D. I have them both and while I love my 40D is doesnt compare to the 5D in image quality. And for landscape and portrait focus speed and frame rate doesnt really add anything.

Well the 5Dc only has 11.1 EVs, while the 40D has 11.3 EVs as far as their respective dynamic range is concerned. I would give the edge to the 5D purely on the basis of sensor size and larger pixels, but the 40D really is quite good for what it is given its age.

outmywindow wrote in post #16045031
...I would give the edge to the 5D purely on the basis of sensor size and larger pixels, but the 40D really is quite good for what it is given its age.

I have a 5D and 40D. Although the 5D is new to me, I'm quickly discovering its advantages over the 40D in certain situations. For instance, the 5D has better overall image quality, and has significantly less noise throughout the ISO range. I plan to use this body primarily for portraits, weddings, and concerts. Also, although I rarely do landscape photography, this will be my go to body when I do.

That being said, the 40D is an excellent camera and it has served me very well over the years--so much so that I haven't replaced it, even though the 50D and 60D have a few features that would be nice to have. The 40D has reasonably quick and accurate AF (not what you'll find in a 1D or even 6/7D body, but better than the 5D), a quick 6.5 fps burst speed, and a perfectly useable 10mp sensor. I would also agree with BFox that the 40D feels a little sturdier than the 5D.

I am thinking about saving up for a 1Ds Mark II.

You will need weather sealed lens first or bunch of old cheap, but build well MF lens, which belongs to FF for portraits and landscapes. If old lens is done, you'll be able to get another one cheap.

So, even if you save for 1DS MKII it is useless in terms of weather sealing and AF advantage of D-series, without at least cheapest 17_40L and 70_200F4 IS for landscapes.

Look at the sealed OM-D with their sealed zoom lens. Makes much more sense for

with your limited budget.
Where are only few photogs who would dare to do it at 3000+ meters, you are going to be almost exclusive with any reasonable IQ camera, which OM-D is.

Okay, I got an offer from a bird/wildlife photographer.
1D Mk II , heavy wear, 270k actuations for 500$.
What do you think ?

270k is super high, I would personally spend the $500 on a moderately used 5D.

Yeah, 270k is very high, even for a 1D. Personally, I would look for something with a lower shutter count.