40D vs. 450D

I am new to POTN, in fact, I joined to check out the forums and decide whether I should buy a 40D or a 450D. I am aware of the 450D file format and lens compatibility limitation. However, I am not sure how well does the pros and cons balance.

Post pictures, anecdotes, or frustrations with either camera.

Now, how would I use this camera would be the first obvious question. I am an architecture student and I am interested in detail in materials, built environment (buildings), urban fabric, and would of course want to document my life, and lighting situations.

So which is the winner? Let's hear the comments. DING DING DING!

Well if you need something to get you going, both are capable cameras. Student is the key word here so I assume you want to keep the costs down to a minimum first.

I would recommend the 450D since there is not much in it. Build and specs on the 40D are slightly better but photos are just as good. 450D takes SD cards if I remember correctly so you may have loads lying about as opposed to CF cards.

There is no limitation between file formates and lens compatibility between the 450D and 40D. Both take the same lenses and file formats.

The only time you will run into things like lens limitations if you use a 10D, 5D, or a 1D series camera which takes EF lenses only. All other cameras like the 40D and 450D accept EF and EF-S lenses.

As for lenses, you will need to think carefully about this since you will want something for buildings, so something along the wide end and details in materials, maybe a macro lens?

Do you have any idea on a budget?

Cost is definitely a factor, but I am willing to spend the money if the 40D proves to be more flexible and durable. It will probably be a good amount of time before I can upgrade again since I will soon be going into grad school. So the question is, would NOW be the time to invest or wait after grad school?

cant go wrong with either. both are excellent cameras. it will come down to what you need &/or afford.

i opted for the 40D because of its size, feel & layout of controls.

There are 16 threads on "40d v 450D" with hundreds of answers.

A lot of reading if you're willing to click "Search"

jguadian wrote in post #6464598
Cost is definitely a factor, but I am willing to spend the money if the 40D proves to be more flexible and durable. It will probably be a good amount of time before I can upgrade again since I will soon be going into grad school. So the question is, would NOW be the time to invest or wait after grad school?

Personally, bodies WILL come and go but glass will serve you even longer.

I would go for the 450D and then invest more towards glass.

Maybe think about
- Sigma 10-20 for your wide angle
- Canon EF-S 60mm (for macro work/details in materials)
- One more lens, something like a 24-105L?

I've heard great things about the Sigma 10-20. Also, I was thinking of going for the 50mm (still deciding on the 1/8 or 1/4), it all depends on what "walk around" i get. Unless I keep my 10-20 as my walk around since I am likely to shoot buildings rather than...people. Would u recommend the 60mm over the 50mm?

Finally, are there any good rebates out there?

jguadian wrote in post #6464676
I've heard great things about the Sigma 10-20. Also, I was thinking of going for the 50mm (still deciding on the 1/8 or 1/4), it all depends on what "walk around" i get. Unless I keep my 10-20 as my walk around since I am likely to shoot buildings rather than...people. Would u recommend the 60mm over the 50mm?

Finally, are there any good rebates out there?

The 60mm is a dedicated macro lens but I suppose you can pick up a 50 1.8 second hand pretty cheap and pick up some extension tubes which would work just as well to be honest.

As for rebates, not aware of any at the moment but keep an eye out. Forum members may know something I dont.

Ive had both, my opinion is get the 40D its a great camera

I had a 450D (Rebel XSI) for about a week and really liked it however, the feel and the added features edged me to turn to the 40D. Even though the 450D was 12MP and the 40D is 10MP the picture quality is close but the winner goes to the 40D.

Go to a camera store and handle both. I went for 450D because it feels better on my hands and it's lighter. Many others found the 40D handles better.

If you are planning to shoot fast moving sports or wildlife the extra frame rate of the the 40D is really useful.
When I bought my 40D I went through a similar dilema and found an article that compared the two, even though the 40D has less megapixels it produced sharper pictures ( I cannot find it again to give you the link ). It is however significantly larger than the 450D so as already stated it is essential to go and actually get a feel of them both.

You may find this interesting on the 45D vs 40D.....

Interesting IQ on "Comparometer" on 40D and 450D....

It is no secret that I have been looking to upgrade from my XT 350D.......Just spent an hour at Imaging Resource on the "Comparometer" looking to see what differences there were in IQ, colors, sharpness etc.....

I found the 450D to be surprisingly good...much better than the 350D that I own.....and on my Monitor (Dell 2407) some of the pictures were better with the 450D over the 50D...and then some on the 50D were better....All were improved over my current Rebel XT 350.

Is it my monitor? Is the resolution on the 450 that good? The resolution on the 50D made it look better than the 40D except for a few color shots.
Any thoughts?

P.S. I hope this is not considered bashing of any model. I love my Canon and will buy a 450 or 40/50 as soon as I make a decision.

m-bartelt wrote in post #6464616
There are 16 threads on "40d v 450D" with hundreds of answers.

A lot of reading if you're willing to click "Search"

DING DING DING!

ahendarman wrote in post #6489623
Go to a camera store and handle both. I went for 450D because it feels better on my hands and it's lighter. Many others found the 40D handles better.

+1...the cameras may have very similar specs...but they are entirely different...go to best buy/circuit city...pick them both up...and you'll be sold on one over the other...guaranteed...