40D vs Rebel 500D

Our trusty 300D has finally bit the bucket and now we are trying to figure out what camera to get. I'd consider ourselves serious amateur photographers on a budget. I'm torn between upgrading into the X0D family and getting the new Rebel with it's newer technology. I just don't know enough about the actual sensors, focusing systems, etc to know if it's worth it to get the 40D or go for the newer Rebel. I like the feel of the 40D bettter, but we do a ton of outdoor photography so having a smaller lighter body can be nice ... anyway thoughts would be appreciated.

MS

40D has all cross focus sensor. Which is useful if you shoot action but not so much difference if you are shooting regular everyday things.

The 500D sensor is, IMHO, quite good (although I have the 50D). 40D a lot of people will tell you it's great but why not update to the newest instead of something 1 generation old? Plus you get HD video with the 500D which from my friend's examples are well worth the price of the camera. Even without aperture and shutter control.

msteudel wrote in post #8882181
Our trusty 300D has finally bit the bucket and now we are trying to figure out what camera to get. I'd consider ourselves serious amateur photographers on a budget. I'm torn between upgrading into the X0D family and getting the new Rebel with it's newer technology. I just don't know enough about the actual sensors, focusing systems, etc to know if it's worth it to get the 40D or go for the newer Rebel. I like the feel of the 40D bettter, but we do a ton of outdoor photography so having a smaller lighter body can be nice ... anyway thoughts would be appreciated.

MS

they are different cameras - if you like the video feature and the Rebel ergonomics get the 500D, if you like the XXD models with higher FPS get the 50D or the newest 7D. (the 40D is discontinued)

40D Pros:

-better build
-brighter viewfinder that is a little bigger
-better controls (I think anyway)
-better grip
-better AF system (all 9 cross type vs just center on 500D)
-Uses CF cards so you can use your mem from your 300D
-6.5fps burst vs 3.5 on the 500D.

500D pros:
lighter
higher ISO options (up to 12800 vs 3200 on 40D)
HD video
More resolution (can be debated if that is an advantage)
better high-res LCD
newer processor (Digic 4)

I'd get the 500d personally but the 40d may be better for you. You say you like the feel of the 40d. If you dislike the feel of the rebel then don't get it...That said:

40d advantages:
1. Higher fps. Almost double actually!
3. Better protected against the weather. (Could be a big advantage).
4. More advanced auto focus.
5. Flash pc-cord socket.

Neither advantages or disadvantages, just differences:
1. Size. (40d is larger, rebel is smaller)
2. CF vs. SD cards.

500d advantages:
1. Video (this may or may not matter to you).
2. Captures more detail. (This isn't debatable, it flat out captures more detail than the 40d).
3. Better IQ at high isos (for a given print size...check out imaging-resource crops if you want further comparisons)

If you need video or need better af pick based on that. If not pick based on which one you think you'd be happier holding in your hand . I honestly wouldn't wory about the IQ differences but meh.

Thanks for all the replies!

Hi msteudel. I was in the same boat about a year ago. I tried to decide between the 400D and the 30D. I ended up paying a whole of a lot more money on the 30D and I personally hate it. I sincerely regret buying it. And yeah, the relevant point in this heated reply is that I went for the same consideration: I really liked how the 30D feels in my hand.

But take it from me, this is not a very intelligent decision factor. I mean yeah, for a pro this could be the most serious factor to consider cuz' you just do your job and get paid for it. But when I go hiking during summer times and have a brick around my neck...Nope, it's not worth it. I mean if you're an amateur why consider the "feel"? Nobody will ever force you to shoot for hours!

So I'll say it again: big cameras are worthless for amateurs. I strongly recommend against the 40D because I was in the same situation as you are. Oh, and the 500D has better ISO performance and for me, that's the most important thing.

My last advice for you is this: forget DSLR's and buy something like the G11 or the S90. I mean, just look into it, it won't hurt. From what I'm seeing, these cameras will deliver results comparable with my 30D at the same ISO setting. But they also have fast lenses, they're small and shoot video. I'd think about it if I were you. If you don't have fast lenses, you'll soon come to a point where you must use your flash and a guy with some compact shoots without it. I was there. It's simply humiliating. So really, properly analyze your true requirements and look into good compacts. You might get a surprise.

Later edit: actually there's one more BIG advantage of compacts (in my view): they have the damn AF light! Why is it so hard for Canon to put a LED or something on their DSLR's? The reason I'm so obsessed over this AF-light is because Canon DSLR's with no external flashes are 99% impossible to use at night-clubs and other parties with very low light. First of all, everybody hates you for the 5 seconds of flashing needed for proper AF and when you finally get focus lock everybody's gone because they thought you already took the picture (because you were bursting the flash strobe for several seconds). So you end up with crappy out of focus shots of nervous people. And a guy with a compact comes along, the camera uses the AF-light and everybody's waiting for the flash. Because they know that the picture is taken after the "orange light". Again, that's very sad.

OK, I'm putting on my flame-suit...

40D. Don't waste your money on a rebel.

I have owned a 5D and 1DMKII years ago. I sold them and bought a 40D and couldn't be happier. The price is very good and the quality is awesome. The live view thing I never use but I am always amazed with the images I get from it.

If you can find a good 40D go for it. If you can afford a 50D then buy that but you can not go wrong with a 40D where as a rebel are cheaply built and less user friendly.

cjm wrote in post #8887606
40D. Don't waste your money on a rebel.

I have owned a 5D and 1DMKII years ago. I sold them and bought a 40D and couldn't be happier. The price is very good and the quality is awesome. The live view thing I never use but I am always amazed with the images I get from it.
If you can find a good 40D go for it. If you can afford a 50D then buy that but you can not go wrong with a 40D where as a rebel are cheaply built and less user friendly.

actually those Rebels put the 40D to shame !

www.dpreview.com
"The new Canon 450D sensor is superb, and from a resolution point of view puts the EOS 40D to shame without losing any of the high ISO performance that has been Canon's trump card for so long." RAW output compared with the Nikon D60: " … these are some of the most detailed results we've ever seen from a non-professional Canon DSLR thanks to what appears to be a slightly lighter anti alias filter (certainly compared to the 40D, for example)."

I upgraded from a Rebel 1000D (XS) to the 40D, and while the XS is not quite in the same league as the 500D, the upgrade was worth every penny IMHO.

The pros of the 40D:
-Better build (grip, weight)
-AF System
-Controls
-LCD
-6.5fps burst

The pros of the 1000D (perhaps somewhat applicable to the 500D):
-Lighter
-Smaller

As far as the 500D goes, it looks like you'll lose some resolution, video capabilities, some ISO options, and maybe some other things by going with the 40D. In the end, I'd still go with the 40D.

one point to consider is af in low light. i take A LOT of shots in low light. my 40d would always lock on but i've had to borrow a 450d the last 2 weeks and it regularly fails to find a target, taking more time to select an alternate af point. apart from that the 450d does 99% of what the 40d does, although it feels like i'm going to drop it half the time as its awkwardly balanced with a large lens/flash combo. although for light use it should be fine.