Have an XSi...I feel like getting a 40D already

Hey guys,

I'm on a beach vacation with my family right now, and after lugging around my XSi w/ 430EX flash, I almost had an epiphany. The grip is too small (for me), the flash unit is tipping my camera forward in my hands (body too light), and I realized my settings for adjusting what I'll take a picture of are pretty much the aperture and f-stop. I don't know, I just feel like the XSi is still a point-and-shoot camera with other glorified features. Well, I also think I need more reach on my lens, and the 40D kit lens should take care of that.

Now, I can sell the XSi kit on this site and, with help from my kind parents, get a 40D w/ kit lens. Is there any objection from this move? I feel that I can do this relatively painlessly, and I'll win something of everything in the end.

Thanks in advance for the opinions!

Sounds like you've already talked yourself into a 40D ............... but, other than size, what d'you think the 40D is going to do for you that the XSi doesn't? As regards the essential settings the two cameras are pretty much the same and you could always buy another lens for your XSi that will give you the reach you need which wouldn't be redundant if and when you do outgrow the XSi and upgrade. Also worth noting that must cameras will feel relatively top heavy or out of balance with an external flashgun on board - including the 40D.

Are you sure there's not some 'status symbol' going on in you mind (that's not meant as a derogatory comment before somebody jumps on me).

gofer wrote in post #5966626
Sounds like you've already talked yourself into a 40D ............... but, other than size, what d'you think the 40D is going to do for you that the XSi doesn't? As regards the essential settings the two cameras are pretty much the same and you could always buy another lens for your XSi that will give you the reach you need which wouldn't be redundant if and when you do outgrow the XSi and upgrade. Also worth noting that must cameras will feel relatively top heavy or out of balance with an external flashgun on board - including the 40D.

Are you sure there's not some 'status symbol' going on in you mind (that's not meant as a derogatory comment before somebody jumps on me).

Thanks gofer. Actually, the catalyst that got me started thinking was a friend of mine apparently got a 40D kit after asking her dad for it (bugged me, since I had to personally pay for my XSi). Over the past couple of weeks I was thinking about a 40D, because may budget so far is too small to get decent lenses (over here on the vacation I so wish I had a telescope and wide-angle lens), and with some selling-and-buying, I can get a slightly-better camera than the 450D and have a lens that has farther reach and closer focus.

I also plan on taking whatever camera I settle with to college in a month, and I really want to be able to be versatile and take pictures of anything from portraits (the "nifty fifty" will take care of that), to "normal" shots (what point-and-shoot people will do), sports (the XSi buffer does fill up quickly...), and landscapes/wide shots (I'll be close to a beach, and I'll be on a cruise ship soon).

Actually, I may get away with the BG-E5 Battery Grip to aid the small grip issue, and sell the kit lens to have funds for another lens....

Hmmm.... I see where you're coming from but from a photographic point of view I still think (given your budget) you would be better off getting something like a 55-250mm IS to add to your arsenal rather than selling your current camera and buying the 40D kit............... but hey, it's your money and you know what you want. If the Xsi doesn't fit the bill for you (for whatever reason) then the 40D may be the way to go, It is a very very nice camera

TheMadMule wrote in post #5966729
Actually, I may get away with the BG-E5 Battery Grip to aid the small grip issue, and sell the kit lens to have funds for another lens....

This could get confusing as our last posts crossed.

I assumed when you spoke about 'grip' in your first post that you had the BG-E5 already on the camera (that'll teach me to assume anything:oops. Anyway, I have to agree with your thinking here but personally I would sell the nifty 50 not the kit lens and add something like a 55-250mm IS

Hold of on the 40D. The Xsi/450D is a great camera. If it feels too small and light for you try with the battery grip this does add weight and size to the camera. Also if the camera feels too small to you theres also the Camera Armor, it does bulk up the grip some.

As for the lens get the lens with the longer range if thats what your after. Truthfully the glass is more important then the body (if the body is able to produce great pics, which the Xsi/450D is able to do), cheap crappy glass will put out the same quality photos be it a 40D or an Xsi/450D.

Move on to the 40D (or even a 1D) later. You can then keep the Xsi/450D as a backup body.

The settings you can do with the Xsi/450D isnt just the aperture (which is the f-stop), you can also set custom white balancing, setting focal points, picture styles (6 pre-programed styles with the ability to set up 3 of your own custom styles), exposure times, ect... basically everything you can do with the 40D. The Xsi/450D is far from a point and shoot camera, have you experimented with the creative zones yet, more specifically the M (Manual) setting. The creative zones give you the freedom to set up your own custom settings, where as the basic zones let the camera do all the work.

Just because the Xsi/450D is smaller and lighter then the 40D doesnt mean its isnt as good. There are a number of us Xsi/450D owners here who love the little camera, and I am sure others will chime in about the battery grip adding to the overall size and weight. I also believe even the 40D may have problems with tipping forward with certain flashes (and lenses), plus the 40D isnt that much heavier in the long run, only about 9 more ounces (Xsi/450 is 16.8oz and the 40D is 26.1oz), and the size isnt that like the 40D is a couple inches for each dimension larger either (40D is 5.7 x 4.2 x 2.9 in. where as the XSi/450D is 5.1 x 3.8 x 2.4 in., only an average of .5 in. per dimension). Plus if you have a bunch of SD cards then you will need to re-invest in CF cards for the 40D, add in the fact that CF card ports are notorious for getting bent pins. CF cards are also larger and heavier then the SD cards, you can care more SD cards in less space then you can CF cards.

These are just my opinions, you can take them or leave them, it doesnt matter to me since its not my camera. I have an Xsi/450D and I love it, matter of fact I am looking at getting a XS/1000D (with the battery grip) for use as a backup body.

as others have pointed out..... keep the XSI and spend the money on glass.

and Eldorf, how do you bend the CF pins?

Before I had my 30D I had a 350D. I too found the size of it a bit small for my hands for long periods of time. So I just bought the grip for it and the problem was solved. It also gives you double the battery life and a portrait shooting button which are very useful.

Gripped 400D felt so much better than ungripped.

I would get a longer zoom & grip if I were in your shoes. The XSi is more camera than many can handle. Lots of features and good IQ. Use the money for glass.

Kimberwhip wrote in post #5966796
as others have pointed out..... keep the XSI and spend the money on glass.

and Eldorf, how do you bend the CF pins?

Like this.

Get the grip, then the glass.. I have the same issues, but the battery grip makes all the difference for me as far as balance and feel in my big hammy hands. Now I'm targeting that first "L" lens.

You should keep the XSi if you like the light weight and size. If you don't, you can buy the grip, but that will bring you to the price of a 40D.

Have to agree that the XSi is a great camera. I waffled back and forth between the XSi and 40D, but finally decided on the XSi because I thought the 40D was too big. Needed a second camera body, so added the 40D and I found the larger size is not a problem at all.

BUT ... unless you are into things like sports or birds in flight, there is not a huge difference in performance of the two cameras (for the average user). Yes, having the extra dial makes shooting in manual a bit easier - but it's not difficult on the XSi. I prefer CF cards, but only because I find them easier to keep track of than the SD/SDHC cards.

Unless you are really unhappy with the size of the XSi, I'd agree that sticking with the XSi and using your money for a better lens is a good plan. The 55-250mm IS is less than $300 in the US, and is really a good performer for the price.

Good Luck with your decision.

gofer wrote in post #5966736
Hmmm.... I see where you're coming from but from a photographic point of view I still think (given your budget) you would be better off getting something like a 55-250mm IS to add to your arsenal rather than selling your current camera and buying the 40D kit............... but hey, it's your money and you know what you want. If the Xsi doesn't fit the bill for you (for whatever reason) then the 40D may be the way to go, It is a very very nice camera

That and he referred to the aperture and f-stop as two separate settings.

First things first, skill and glass. Upgrade later and don't worry about people commenting on the size of your camera, if they do. It's the size of the glass that counts.

Then you can get this.