40D or XSi

I've been debating on upgrading my XT as of late, and find I'm driving myself (and my better half) slightly crazy trying to decide which camera to go with.

now, I realize the 40D is considered a more 'pro-sumer' camera, but the only difference I can see is frame-rate, metal body, CF card usage, and 3200 ISO capability.

The XSi has all the features of the 40D and is about $600 less
with the 18-55 IS lens

All I have for my XT is the crap 18-55 EF, 50mm 1.8, and a sigma 75-300 4.5, and an infrared remote.

I have shot a couple weddings, and do a bit of other client work and would like to get into more of it in the future, so I do feel the need for a more professional piece of equipment. (both in look and feel as well) but it's hard to resist the small compactness of the XSi for everyday shooting, and the exceptional price point for what you're getting.

whats the opinions here? I suspect more will say the 40D, but is that really because of the plastic body on the XSi? and how it just feels less professional?!?

help me decide

bzride wrote in post #5447357
I've been debating on upgrading my XT as of late, and find I'm driving myself (and my better half) slightly crazy trying to decide which camera to go with.

now, I realize the 40D is considered a more 'pro-sumer' camera, but the only difference I can see is frame-rate, metal body, CF card usage, and 3200 ISO capability.

The XSi has all the features of the 40D and is about $600 less
with the 18-55 IS lens

All I have for my XT is the crap 18-55 EF, 50mm 1.8, and a sigma 75-300 4.5, and an infrared remote.

I have shot a couple weddings, and do a bit of other client work and would like to get into more of it in the future, so I do feel the need for a more professional piece of equipment. (both in look and feel as well) but it's hard to resist the small compactness of the XSi for everyday shooting, and the exceptional price point for what you're getting.

whats the opinions here? I suspect more will say the 40D, but is that really because of the plastic body on the XSi? and how it just feels less professional?!?

help me decide

I suspect even more will suggest keeping the XT and using the money for additional/better lenses.

I've considered that too, but I also know it will make a decent back-up camera

and I'd like the advantages of the newer sensor and dust reduction systems

The XSi is my first DSLR camera, and it's been a great camera so far. I haven't seen any major issues with it that would limit my ability to take a picture the way I want it to. I think it would make a fine upgrade compared to the XT you currently have.

However, have you looked at the 30D instead? This was the other camera I was thinking of purchasing, but I decided on the XSi solely on the fact that it was entry level. The 30D has a lot of similar features that you might find suitable, and it has better ISO range and manipulation vs. the XSi. It doesn't have the latest DIGIC III processor, but from what I've seen the results for IQ is negligible. It will also fit your price point very well, even if you get the body only and add a seperate lens.

this was a link from the market watch section...but they've got the 40D for 999 body only
http://www.robertsimag​ing.com/cmItemDetail.j​sp?pid=12150

here's the thread it came from
https://photography-on-the.net/forum/showthre​ad.php?t=495519

puts the price at 1174 if you spring for the 18-55is on it's own vs. 899 for xsi with 18-55is

puts the price difference at 275

Hope this helps, and doesnt confuse you more.
But there are more Diffences then the ones you stated.
He also has a nice "answer" to your question at the bottem of the page.
http://www.bobatkins.c​om …os_xsi_vs_xti_v​s_40D.html

I've owned the XT, XTi, 30D and now 40D.

Going after the newest body is something I was caught up in. However, after getting my hands on good lenses like the 70-200L and 100 2.8 Macro, the argument for glass is superior in my opinion. I'd gladly give up my 40D for an XT plus L glass.

If you want to keep your camera over a year or so, I would get the 40D. Just better build and handling characteristics. I also prefer the compatible battery and memory cards, with my older camera bodies. However, the place you can make the best IQ improvments is always in the glass. (when comparing Canon dslrs) Be sure you can have good glass for whatever body you choose. I have had Rebel, 10d,20d,30d, 40D and have used the 40D since it first was available, I like it best. I Use a 17-55 f2.8 IS efs lens on it the most. Lots of other lenses have been collected and used over the years and I can use them all on the EOS system. The 17-55 is the best IQ for the "crop" body of any zoom, in my opinion. Adequate build, not L build but L IQ+.

I have to reiterate what has been said above as well:

bodies come and go, but glass is forever

invest in good glass first. but if you are adamant in changing bodies, I would, without any hesitation, opt for the 40D over the XSi.

have to reiterate what has been said above as well (as well):

bodies come and go, but glass is forever

invest in good glass first. but if you are adamant in changing bodies, I would, without any hesitation, opt for the 40D over the XSi.

Looking at your lens lineup, I would get better glass.
Getting the XSi (or 40D) won't give you dramatic differences in IQ.

The things that kept me from getting a XSi are just what you listed and already know.
+1 40D for me and XT for backup

From what I can see, all you have stated as the reasons you would like to upgrade is for a different look and feel. I guess you have to evaluate how much that is worth it to you. One thing is for sure, unless you can afford a better lens for an upgraded camera, your photos probably won't improve much.

Looking at your lens lineup, you would definitely benefit from something to perform better at the wide end. A faster, better wide to medium zoom would do amazing things for your lens choices. It seems you are committed to the aps-c cameras, I would vote for picking up a 17-55 2.8IS in a heartbeat, possibly even upgrading the 50 to a 1.4. That would give you have better focus performance with the natural light at weddings and such. Doesn't look like you have a flash either, that could be put at either end of the priority scale.

Lenses first!

Hermeto wrote in post #5460110
Lenses first!

+1.