40D to 70D, will I be happy?

I want the 70d for the video mode. However, I use the 40d for kids sports and it has worked well.

Will I be happy with the build quality and auto-focus? The 40d still has a magnesium body and the focus has been good. My hope is the 70d can lock on a subject, center point, and hold the subject while shooting 6+ frames per second? My 40d does...

I don't want to keep the old 40d if the 70d is reliable and can be my everyday crop. I mount the 200f2 on the 40d, only hold the body, and have no wear or loose fit after years or doing this. Will the plastic hold up?

Thanks in advance.

You do realize the 70d has almost the same AF system as the 7d right? 19 point ALL crosstyped. It is superior to your 40d.

The body is "Aluminium and polycarbonate resin with glass and conductive fiber" with "Working Temperature Range 32-104°F/0-40°C". It isn't plastic. Plastic is a generic term, that gets frowned upon as being less than durable in the camera world by some people because it implies bendy and soft This isn't plastic cup plastic. The main reason it is considered less durable in harsh conditions is the weather sealing, it isn't as robustly sealed as a 7d, so the question is, do you shoot in environments that subject your camera to dust and water a lot?

The only thing that will disappoint you, is that you didn't do it sooner.

Controls will be a little different (no joystick or rear control wheel), IQ will be roughly the same, with better High ISO performance. The extra MP can be very nice, for cropping.

No I did not know the auto focus is nearly the same as the 7D. I still use my 5DC and 40D and have been happy. I have been waiting for Canon to implement a proper video mode with working with AF before I upgrade. I really wanted the 5d3 to have a good video AF... I expect that could be years away, shame.

But the information you gave has convinced me I will not be disappointed with the 70D for what it is. Thanks

Do pigs fly?

Talley wrote in post #16648015
Do pigs fly?

Our piggy does.

I dislike the control layout of the 70D vs the 40/7D; missing the thumbstick, etc. Also, the 70D uses SD/SDHC cards, instead of the CF cards your 40D uses, which is another downside. I prefer the 7D, for those reasons.

But, any of the more recent bodies that have the 18mp sensor are going to give you a nice boost over the 40D. The extra MP give you a larger reproduction of your subject to work with from the outset, which is quite nice.

I used a 40D for about 5 years, and have had the 70D since September. The grip is a little smaller, and the controls took a few minutes to adjust to, but other than that, it's better in every way for my purposes, and opened up video in a big way for me.

Rimwalker, thanks for your first hand experience. I expect I will like it also. I really need the video since my youngest is going to be in a play.

Snydremark, I wish they had the video features on the 7d, I would prefer the 7D but I am ready for video (with a good AF) now... I am excited at the option for SDHC cards, CF cards are becoming harder to find/ costly. But I appreciate you throwing in the pros and cons.

The 70D is a great camera. I know it sounds crazy with your lens list, but consider getting a kit with an STM lens for when you want a lightweight video setup.

Gabe63 wrote in post #16648186
Snydremark, I wish they had the video features on the 7d, I would prefer the 7D but I am ready for video (with a good AF) now... I am excited at the option for SDHC cards, CF cards are becoming harder to find/ costly. But I appreciate you throwing in the pros and cons.

What video features? The 7D does have video. Or do you mean the newer features such as video AF?

I bought the 40D new when the 30D was still available new. I replaced my 40D with a 70D when the 70D was announced (I pre-ordered it within 8 hours of announcement). The 70D has a smaller grip and a different layout, but I do not miss the joystick, and everything else is an improvement. I LOVE the touch screen and focusing system, plus the higher FPS capabilities of the 70D. You'll have to ditch your CF cards but you probably need bigger ones for the 70D if you are doing any serous video anyway. I do not regret the upgrade one iota and love the new features and expanded capabilities this new tool gives me. I still respect the 40D as it is a great camera, but I don't miss mine.

Talley wrote in post #16648015
Do pigs fly?

Gabe63 wrote in post #16647955
No I did not know the auto focus is nearly the same as the 7D. I still use my 5DC and 40D and have been happy. I have been waiting for Canon to implement a proper video mode with working with AF before I upgrade. I really wanted the 5d3 to have a good video AF... I expect that could be years away, shame.

But the information you gave has convinced me I will not be disappointed with the 70D for what it is. Thanks

Have you consider adding another system/format? If you are trying to film kidds and other moving subjects you vill always have focus issues. I bought a Panasonic g5. It takes outstanding 080p@60fps (INVALID EMAIL). It wan't replace my eos gear, but it's a Nice lightweight addtion.

I went from a 40D to a 7D and very quickly learned the differences and love the 7D. You will be very happy! The ISO performance alone will open so many new opportunites to you! Happy Shooting!

Pertinent thread. I have a 40D and am considering a similar upgrade for different reasons. Not really that interested in video - looking to increase pixel count. I do a lot of product shots.

I was looking primarily at the 70D because it is 20MP versus the 7D at 18MP.

The 7D is more expensive (slightly) but are the camera's features worth the loss of 2MP?

I know --------- I won't be able to tell the difference in 2MP, but the question stands.

Thanks in advance for any response.