Upgrade thoughts XT-40D

Ok, so here's the deal. I've had my XT for a couple months now and I've been having some fun with it and taken some good/great pictures imo, but sometimes, it feels limiting. The overall size isn't very comfortable in my hands and the build quality is just 'acceptable'. I would like to have more customizable settings and a nice, speedy button layout like the 40D and a pc cord input for lights/external flashes.
It's a really nice camera but it's still built to fit into the 'entry-level' category, and I believe I have surpassed that.
ON the other hand...I still shoot with the 18-55mm f\3.5 kit lens. So, I also believe the image quality and what not hasn't been fully revealed because of the limiting lens set up. I was really looking forward to purchasing a Sigma 10-20mm lens by this Friday and either a Tamron 17-50mm or 28-70mm afterwards, followed by a Canon 70-200mm f\4. It will be a good while before I can afford those lenses tho, so only 1 for now.

I really like the feel of the 40D. It's sturdy and fits my hands nicely. I really like the larger screen and more AF points, self-cleaning sensor, and overall build quality. Basically, the advantages over the rebel series could justify my purchase. BUT, I can only afford the body for now and save up for a little bit + selling my XT kit for around say, $400 bucks because it's only around 3 months old and getting maybe a Tamron 17-50mm.

It's a tough decision, what do you guys think?

You won't get much for your XT, get the new lens.

Personally I would keep the XT as a backup body. Something I have really made sure I do in the future.

nwa2 wrote in post #5033828
You won't get much for your XT, get the new lens.

With so many people here, I'm sure I'd get a catch be it $350-$400 better than nothing I suppose.

elysium wrote in post #5033852
Personally I would keep the XT as a backup body. Something I have really made sure I do in the future.

I thought about it, for the meanwhile, I'd have to use the kit lens if I did buy the 40D until I sold the XT or saved up enough for a new lens.
I am in the midst of starting a new photography business with some friends and I'm hoping things will pick up in cash flow, cause if that happens then I can afford to have a backup. But for now, it's those 2 choices.

EOSBoy wrote in post #5033907
I thought about it, for the meanwhile, I'd have to use the kit lens if I did buy the 40D until I sold the XT or saved up enough for a new lens.
I am in the midst of starting a new photography business with some friends and I'm hoping things will pick up in cash flow, cause if that happens then I can afford to have a backup. But for now, it's those 2 choices.

As for a business, I would aim for everyone to really stick with the same brand. That way the lenses can really be shared so the cost is spread.

I can imagine the arguments it will end up causing if people are stubborn. For business purposes, I would defo have a backup camera as well as memory cards. When I make the upgrade to a 30D or 40D, I will still keep the XTi as my backup for the just in case moments.

Also, if I manage to appoint a second shooter, I would rather they use my gear so if I need to teach on the fly, I can do without any major problems.

EOSBoy wrote in post #5033887
With so many people here, I'm sure I'd get a catch be it $350-$400 better than nothing I suppose.

i'de guess closer to the 200-300 range unless it's mint condition

basroil wrote in post #5034099
i'de guess closer to the 200-300 range unless it's mint condition

Well, it is 2-3months old. I take good care of my cameras, not even dust marks on the XT. But I am taking it into consideration to possibly keep this as a second body.
If I were to sell the xt, it would come with everything plus the empty warranty card. I am leaning towards a 40D tho.

Whew, looks like the majority of you guys are thinkin' about what I'm thinkin'.
I'm going to hold myself down and enjoy my XT while I can and save up for the long run (40D).
I suppose it's for the better. Hopefully I won't be put into too much pressure on the field. (concert, portraits, events) which will beg for new lens...
And if for some reason I happen to stumble across a lot of projects and gain some more cash, I may target the 5D >.<

While I picked the second option, I really think that you might as well keep the XT as a backup. To be honest, you're probably not going to get much money for it, and it's still a very good camera. Plus, down the road if you go to nasty environments, you can have two cameras with different lenses and not have to risk your sensor.

The IQ difference between a XT and a 40 is not nearly as great as the IQ difference between the kit lens and a good piece of glass. Glass will give you an immediate bump in the quality of your pics. A new body will have almost no impact to the IQ of your pics.

I also checked the second option but you've only had the XT for a couple of months. I'm sure you haven't explored all that that camera can do. Especially with just the kit lens. I've had mine for a couple of years and I'm just now thinking of going to the 40D. The XT is capable of taking some great images with the right lenses.

Glass glass and get more glass. Then body somewhere down the line.

You guys are right, but I was only basing the advantages with the 40D, not the image quality. I would only do so if I was faced with cropped vs. fullframe. Cameras are usually 2nd important under Lenses. Image quality wise, the 40D does have the edge, not to mention higher dynamic range. But if I based my decision off IQ, I would die.
Cause I can't afford the 1D series or 5D :<
I'll consider the XT as a backup, and I'll give this a nice long thought, it'll be less or more than a month before I can actually afford a 40D anyways.