New member! Questions regarding 40D/50D

Hi there everyone!

I'm based in Sydney, Australia, greetings from down under to all the Americans here.

I currently own a 400D and two lenses, however, recently I've been researching both the 40D and 50D.

Please share your knowledge on the two, which one would you recommend over the other, and why?

Also, aside from the basic lens kits that come with the 40D and 50D respectively, what do you suggest?

For some background information. I'm 18 years old, interested in general photos, mountaineering, sport (action) photos and I take a chance at HDR photography every so often!


Regards,
Harry

Hi, and welcome. This topic has been discussed at length on this forum. Search the site. In short, the 40D is value for money. The 50D is better, but some people wonder if the upgrade is worth the extra money. Personally I would go for the 50D after reading most or all of the discussions on this topic.

I on the other hand I like to skip a version and because I have a 40D, I am waiting for the 60D. Release date is still a rumor, so don't let this cloud your judgement.

Honestly I don't think you are going to go wrong with either body. I have the 40D and I am absolutely thrilled with it. My suggestion would be to go with the 40D, save a little money to put towards some new glass

As for glass it's a freaking addition worse than any drug especially when you are like me that doesn't specialize in any one or two things. I have a need / use for lenses all the way from my 17-40 up to my 100-400mm and everything in between. Best suggestion is to figure out what you will use most and start there then move on to the next one.

David Ransley wrote in post #7996109
Hi, and welcome. This topic has been discussed at length on this forum. Search the site. In short, the 40D is value for money. The 50D is better, but some people wonder if the upgrade is worth the extra money. Personally I would go for the 50D after reading most or all of the discussions on this topic.

I on the other hand I like to skip a version and because I have a 40D, I am waiting for the 60D. Release date is still a rumor, so don't let this cloud your judgement.

Thanks David. I noticed there was many topics on it already! I've done lots of reading however I'm yet to make up my mind!

I have a couple of friends who make the point that the 40D shoots quicker and more consistently. I guess I'll have to try both before I buy either.

Happy shooting!

funhouse69 wrote in post #7996111
Honestly I don't think you are going to go wrong with either body. I have the 40D and I am absolutely thrilled with it. My suggestion would be to go with the 40D, save a little money to put towards some new glass

As for glass it's a freaking addition worse than any drug especially when you are like me that doesn't specialize in any one or two things. I have a need / use for lenses all the way from my 17-40 up to my 100-400mm and everything in between. Best suggestion is to figure out what you will use most and start there then move on to the next one.

Thanks for your input. My sister has said the same thing. She too has a Canon DSLR and raves on about the lenses and getting more glass!

I think I'll stick to some standard sizes. My dream though is to buy a 15mm f/2.8 Fisheye, or the 10-22mm f/3.5-4.5 USM.


Any recommendations for accessories I should be buying? I don't have too much apart from a simple tripod and some other gadgets.
The spare batteries? Flashes?

Welcome to the forums!

Im sure you will love it here and also get some great advice

I reckon go with the 40D and use some money for mabey a new lens?

~ Josh

Thanks, Josh. It's great to see another Australian on the forums!

Is there a large contingent of Australians here?

My first DSLR was the original Canon Digital Rebel back when it first came out. At the time this was a huge purchase for me.

I started out with the body and kit lens (which was nothing compared to the ones they come with today) from there I added a decent zoom and an external flash. That setup worked really well for me for quite some time.

Where you go will all depend on your specific needs, desires and lets not forget budget.

I can say that this forum is a great place to guide you in whatever direction you are looking when it comes to making a decision on a specific lens, accessory or any other related item you can imagine. There are tons of knowledgeable people here that have been there / done that and are certainly willing to offer their advice when asked.

Welcome and enjoy.

Nothing wrong with either, but the 50D has a much, much better LCD on the back, and has micro-adjustment of your lenses should they need it. I believe it is also slightly better weatherproofed.

Harreh wrote in post #7996115
Thanks David. I noticed there was many topics on it already! I've done lots of reading however I'm yet to make up my mind!

I have a couple of friends who make the point that the 40D shoots quicker and more consistently. I guess I'll have to try both before I buy either.

Happy shooting!

I can only speak for the 40D, but do read up on the Micro Adjustment feature. If you get a front or back focusing lens, then life is difficult. I like my 40D and the saving on money could get you a lens. You will have to balance features and glass.

NinetyEight wrote in post #7996207
Nothing wrong with either, but the 50D has a much, much better LCD on the back, and has micro-adjustment of your lenses should they need it. I believe it is also slightly better weatherproofed.

As I do plan to take it out and about, notably going hiking, is the weatherproofing such a big issue?

The camera obviously won't get soaking wet, however it would be interesting to find out what minor differences have been made in terms of the weatherproofing.

Picking upon the "I have a couple of friends who make the point that the 40D shoots quicker and more consistently." - If by this you mean the frames per second, then don't be fooled by this, the 6.5 fps of the 40D was a 'rounded-up' figure from around 6.3fps. The 50D states the exact figure (to the nearest 10th i believe). This was to bring all the camera manufacturers in line with recognized standards for advertising.

As for the "more consistantly", I'd take that with a pinch of salt - Try for yourself...

If you have the money than get the 50D. If you want to save a few bucks for a better lens, then get the 40D. You will not be disappointed with either. I have both, and both are excellent bodies.

Harreh wrote in post #7996078
Hi there everyone!

I'm based in Sydney, Australia, greetings from down under to all the Americans here.

Regards,
Harry

What about all the other nationalites?

I don't believe that any of the lower end bodies are weather sealing. From what I understand it only applies to the pro bodies. I did a quick scan of the 50D Specs and didn't see any mention of weather sealing.