Newbie - 450D, 500D or 40D

Following previous advice to me (as new to the dSLR world) on the forum I think I'm leaning towards buying a 450D which was my original choice. I had been briefly tempted to go for a 500D but as it costs at least £200 more than the 450D I don't think it's worth it for the relatively low level of use that I will put it to.

I'm coming round to thinking that the best solution is to go for a decent all round camera (450D body only, no kit lens) and put extra money into budgeting for better quality lenses (not sure what yet).

My only other camera choice is a 40D which I can get for only about £120 more than a 450D. (Have been using a borrowed 40D which I like.)

But the "simple question" is - assuming I am taking say general family stuff, landscape, portrait and occasional sports shots is there any real difference in the quality of the resulting photographs between the above cameras IF you do side by side shots with each of them using the same settings, using the same lenses. Or is the difference just about extra facilities (e.g. megapixels, ISO speeds, ruggedness and so on)?

Hope this makes sense! Gary

The Image quality you will get from the 450D and/or 40D is superb
(and hard to tell apart)
go for the 450D and good glass

omer wrote in post #7856933
The Image quality you will get from the 450D and/or 40D is superb
(and hard to tell apart)
go for the 450D and good glass

I am a brand new DSLR user as well and bought a Canon XSI 450D two days ago. I have probably shuttered 200 pics already, and I couldn't be happier. The image quality is off the charts, and the amount of control you have over the camera is mind boggling.

I bought the kit, and an extra "nifty fifty" 50 MM lens for $89.

If you want to see some pics with it just to see the quality, check my Flickr stream here. Can't guarantee I am the greatest photog you have ever seen, but you can judge the quality of the pics.

http://www.flickr.com …2/sets/72157617​589133453/

Steve

Hello Gary. The only unquestionable good advice at such vague a question i can offer is:- To visit local studio`s and or visit a nearby college which teaches art an media or even a photography class and ask there.

Also the first two models you mention, i am sure use the same memory card. take a card to a retailer or anywhere else who supplies over the counter and try them yourself side by side. Take the card home and inspect your work.

If you have a cf card also, Then great take some images at the same settings with the 40d and view the images at home. Turn off the IS on which ever lens or lenses you test , This will give you a better idea of the cameras abilities at faster shutter speeds and continuous shooting. But hey lets keep it vague and you can always ask forum user pknight . He knows it all!! The best of luck, Warren.

SORRY!! Scratch my comments on the 40d, Take your mates 40d to the dealer and do your tests there.

Have you used the 450D? If not, you definitely want to hold one in your hand. The difference in feel between the 450D and 40D is material.

As for image quality I think you will be pleased with either choice.

check out the pics in the XSi 450D thread - with the right lens the 450D should be able to handle your photographic requirements

I would recommend the 450D and putting the most toward lenses.
The image quality from all those bodies (assuming 500D will be similar to the 50D) should all be excellent.

The xxD series have a more rugged build and better ergonomics. However, if you are new, a xxxD series may be easier to use and unless you really need the more rugged body or the features, I'd go with the cheapest body and spend the most on lenses.

Thanks for all the replies so far. Still to decide but I think the comments about handling both the 450D and 40D side by side and testing images on a card are very useful. Much appreciated.

Duplicate post - deleted!

Duplicate post - also deleted - original post didn't seem to send (but obviously did).

Sensor and image quality should be great on both 450D and 40D. I myself chose 40D over 450D because of the larger size of the camera body, which felt better in my hands (but makes it a little more space-consuming when packing for trips).

As has been mentioned, the lens choice (and money spent on lenses) is more important in the long run. If you take the cost savings of the 450D over the 40D and use it to invest in a better lens, you might be more satisfied with your choice. Get at least one lens that will make you say "wow" (maybe a prime lens like either the 85mm f/1.8 or 50mm f/1.4 or 50mm f/1.8 for portraits). But those are questions for the lens forum!

I was very close to getting a 40D to replace my stolen 400D, but whilst looking I found an excellent deal on the 450D so went for that instead.

I don't regret it at all. The 450 is a great camera. The only real bonuses for the 40D for me were the FPS and better AF system, but they weren't important enough to me to justify the price difference (useful for sports shots though if that's a big consideration?). Of course the size difference is a big deal, definitely have a play in the shop before you choose, but personally I'd recommend a 450D over the 40D for a start, then you'd have money for a decent lens or accessories.

Never tried the 500, but I'd guess the difference from the 450D wouldn't be enough to justify the price (in my experience, the 450D was surprisingly quite a bit better than the 400 but definitely not £200 better). I think you'd be much better off with a 40D if you were going to go for the pricier option.

Canon makes good cameras so the quality should be a non-issue. With this I say, let your budget dictate what you will be purchasing. Also factor in which one you feel most comfortable handling. Best of luck with your purchase! After you bought your unit, go ahead and shoot, shoot, and shoot. And don't forget to share your photos here.

Cheers!

Captain Kimo