Upgrade 30D to 40D?

Hello everyone,

I've had my 30D for a little less than a year and a half and love it. It is my first dslr after upgrading from a powershot, and I have never experienced any problems. At this point I am very familiar with its functionality, performance, etc. You might even say I'm attached to it in a way I could only expect other photographers to understand.

I have the opportunity to "upgrade" to a 40D for little to no cost if I so desire. I'm aware of the new features such as Live View and the self cleaning sensor, and the differences in the menu set up. I've even gotten to snap a few shots with my friend's 40D. When I asked him if he felt the 30D out performed the 40D in any way, or if there were any features that were part of the 30D that were not available with the 40D, he simply said no.

My question is, should I trade in my 30D for the 40D? I've read several complaints about the 40D on this forum which give me pause. Is my hesitation unfounded, or should I hold on to my 30D?

All opinions are welcome!

Well, if someone doesn't need it and their going to hand you it for free, then a 40d is definitely an upgrade to the 30d. More mp, live view, etc. You will see little differences in the quality of the prints. I haven't seen any posts about posts with 40d.

I wouldn't worry about a few posts on here about problems. For every problem posted here there are a million good cameras out there.

My 40D consistantly gives blurry, out of focus (OOF), barely recognizable shots, not to mention the absolute worst composition and framing...when my 5 year old is snapping away. I really have to get her her own camera. However, in my hands, well I still get the same results but more because of user error than camera error. I have never had a problem with my 40D. In the end my upgrade from the 30D cost me about $30 and it was worth it. You have absolutely nothing to lose so go for it!

I love the 6.5 fps, dust shaker, and the custom menu is the bomb. I have quality, format, white balance and a couple of other things in My Menu and really like not having to tab around to do those things I do about 99% of the time.

I don't notice any difference in prints or photos. I do however like the new menu setup of the 40D and the larger viewfinder prism. If you won't pay much out of pocket go for it. But if you have other things to spend money on I'd do that instead.

I shoot them both side by side often, the 30D is a very good camera. I actually prefer the button layout around the LCD better on the 30D, else the 40D is a very nice rig.

DDan wrote in post #5272141
I wouldn't worry about a few posts on here about problems. For every problem posted here there are a million good cameras out there.

Well stated

I upgraded from the EOS 30D which I throughly enjoyed in every aspect of its use. The EOS 40D has been a nice step up with all the available new features and yes Live View is very helpful in Macro & Landscape work. The ability to check focus at 10x works wonders.

IQ wise the two are nearly the same but with the 40D's 14 bit RAW file will give you smoother transitions in the color levels.

MrChad wrote in post #5272490
I shoot them both side by side often, the 30D is a very good camera. I actually prefer the button layout around the LCD better on the 30D, else the 40D is a very nice rig.

I prefer the button layout as well, but figured I could adjust.

No other thoughts?

I'm in the same dilemma. I got a good feel of the camera and got to play around with the menu a bit. It really wasn't all that hard to figure out it's sub-menus and custom settings.

I really like the fact that you can have 3 different custom settings and still be able to make change,s if need be. The 6.5 fps is really nice too.

Check out this review..it's a good read, good luck.

If, as you say, if you can change for "little or no cost" - well why not?

However, I suppose it really depends if you call yourself a "photographer" or a "camera collector"

The 14 bit processor and improved AF made it an easy decision for me.

If it were me in the same position, the 40D would be in my hands right now.

The 30D is a great camera but, if you can get the 40D for little or no money extra then I say go for it.

I have a 30D and 40D. There are a few things that might appeal to you. First of all the focusing is faster and more accurate on the 40D and that includes Servo. If you like to photograph birds in flight etc. the 40D is a better camera. Live view is something I thought I wouldn't use but it is very helpful in landscapes as you can get a much better view of what is acceptably in focus. If you like to shoot macro the live view will help you there as well as you can magnify the image 10X for critical focusing. Beyond that it is all little stuff, another frame and a half pe rsecond of continuous shooting, a different menu layout, highlight priority,etc.

Larry Weinman wrote in post #5277349
I have a 30D and 40D. There are a few things that might appeal to you. First of all the focusing is faster and more accurate on the 40D and that includes Servo. If you like to photograph birds in flight etc. the 40D is a better camera. Live view is something I thought I wouldn't use but it is very helpful in landscapes as you can get a much better view of what is acceptably in focus. If you like to shoot macro the live view will help you there as well as you can magnify the image 10X for critical focusing. Beyond that it is all little stuff, another frame and a half pe rsecond of continuous shooting, a different menu layout, highlight priority,etc.

In what instances do you choose to use the 30D over the 40D, or does it simply serve as a back up?