which would capture better image?

40d with kit lens vs a rebel xt with a 24-70L. Which would you choose to take pictures with?

The latter will give you better IQ... no contest.

Will it allow you to actually "get" the better image.... I never had the XT, but do have the 40D... so I don't know.

Things like low light focussing, 6 fps...might be important if you're shooting stage shows or action sports.

The answer is not that obvious.

The better photographer

SlowBlink wrote in post #6520360
The better photographer

Let's say you're the only photographer using both cameras.

Which kit lens and what subjects?

Common sentiment on these forums is glass is more important than the camera body. With that in mind the XT and 24-70 should get you the better image quality.

All round IQ will go to the L but the tonal range of the 40 is better than the XT. The Kit lens has a fighting chance as long as it's mid zoom from about 25mm to 65mm.

ef 28-135 kit lens for the 40d..images of city life..parks..mainly outdoor images.

I was thinking of the 17-85, mine is pretty sharp for a kit.

XT + 24-70L

No contest IMO ... the XT with the 24-70 f/2.8L.

But a 40D with the Sigma 24-70 f/2.8 would be even better.

If you're shooting both wide open, then the 24-70L no contest. If you're willing to stop down to around f/8 and know how to perform effective PPing, then that's a tougher story. What would I personally get? The XT and 24-70L. But again, it depends on your situation.

Also another important factor is what you're shooting. The 40D has a much better AF system, so if you're shooting sports that's something extra to consider.

Having both an xti and 40d, and also having the Sigma 24-70 EX (which i think optically is better than the canon 24-70L)

I would go with the 40D + any old lens + either of my flashes (Sigma 530 Super/Canon 430EX)

Reasons.
While we love to argue on these forums that x lens is sharper than y lens, really almost any lens is sharp enough especially for shooting people. Pair up any lens and a flash and you can easily keep in the sweet spot of the lens, by using the flash effectively. I shot everything in M mode, and I'd rather have spot metering and dual wheels any day. So I can take a good shot.

Have an XT and I have a 40D. I also have the Sigma 24-70 EX DG. This is my 90% lens!

I agree wholeheartedly with KarlosDaJackal. It's not the either or situation you asked about but I think it's a wonderful compromise. A 40D with the Sigma 24-70 would be a great option.

If I had to choose between the XT and a 24-70L and a 40D and the 28-135 IS I would choose the former every time because in time you most likely will replace your body before you replace your lens and good glass lasts.

The things that people don't like about the Sigma 24-70 are: 82mm filter diameter, noisy focus motor, slower focusing than the Canon 24-70, no full time manual focus. There is a new Sigma 24-70 EX HSM coming out soon that should solve all of those except for the 82mm filter diameter.

Since I got my Sigma here used for about $300 I would say that if I were you I would buy a new 40D, a used Sigma 24-70 and a flash like KDJ suggested. Far more versatile than an XT and 24-70L

30D and a Tamron 28-75/2.8?