Upgrade from 40D to 7D, can one really justify it ?

Just want to fire this one out there to the 7D owners, I think there is justification when upgrading from the lower end DSLR units (450's,500D's) but can one justify the cost when upgrading from a 40D/50D ?

I've been subtly reducing my overall camera spend the last few years, as I have slowly come to realise that its not so much the "Kit" that makes the image but the photographer, although the urge to splash out on some new shiny camera is always there, regardless of whether or not its actually worth it.

I’m interested to hear from those photogs that upgraded from the 40D/50D, is the 7D worth it in terms of IQ/performance/feature​s ?

I went from the 50D and it was totally worth it. The new AF system was my driving factor. The low noise at high ISO is leaps and bounds better than the 40/50D.

I upgraded from thr 40D. Never looked back. THe 7D has so many useful new features that it is easily worth the upgrade.

I'm not entirely convinced. I was very happy with the IQ from the 40D. For the extra it cost to make the switch I could've got myself another nice L lens. I'm considering going to a 1DIII

From 40D too, well worth it for me, also the longer you keep the older models the less they are worth for trade in. I dont think I would have from a 50D though, maybe, but I like to jump every couple of generations of body rather than each one. The 7D was a bit different though, the price made the jump from x0D to xD line hard to resist.

I'm the same boat. I've been researching the hell out of the 7D, I've watched all the videos, read the manual, read the posts. I've been trying to prepare for the switch. I shoot my 40D daily and know it cold. There is a big change procedurally with the 7D. The new AF, High ISO performance, and video are my driving factors.

Just like primalcarl points out, I've also considered upgrading my 70-200 F4L to the 70-200 f/2.8L IS. It is pretty much the same cost.

I switched from a 40D and I'll admit I like the improved AF & LCD, the brighter viewfinder, the integrated speedlite transmitter, improvements on some of the buttons (especially the on-off switch) and the custom controls feature. But I didn't need or want the 18 megapixels and video.

On the other hand if faced with a choice betweeen upgrading the body or getting better glass, like primalcarl said - go for the glass. There will always be a new improved body to lust after next year.

Timphoto wrote in post #9364000
I switched from a 40D and I'll admit I like the improved AF & LCD, the brighter viewfinder...

On the other hand if faced with a choice betweeen upgrading the body or getting better glass, like primalcarl said - go for the glass. There will always be a new improved body to lust after next year.

This is true, I use allot of old glass all manual focus the 100% vf & brightness are advantageous, I know there is huge debate on cropped vs full frame censors, but I will probably always remain cropped, the 1D's hold the middle ground though with 1.3x but the 1D form factor is just too bulky.

I also prefer spending money on the lenses, as they seem to hold their value very well and in some cases can give you a return on your investment.

In my opinion the 7D isnt really an upgrade from the 40/50D bodies its a new series of camera occupying the same APS-C format, I guess that’s why its a difficult choice.

Everyone's situation is different. It sounds like better glass would be more appropriate for your situation.

And then to muddy the waters even further, and make the decision even more difficult, there are the rumors about what features will be included in the 60D.

Cost obviously means different things to different people so only you can decide if it's justified. To me, it's worth it. The big difference is, given the way I shoot, the 7D allows me to get shots I simply can't get with the 40D. The 7D's functionality in lesser conditions--both high-ISO performance and AF--is vastly superior; I regularly shoot it at ISO 3200 and 6400, whereas I think 1600 on the 40D is pushing it, and even that's reluctant. The AF is significantly better, I love the additional AF points (and greater coverage within the viewfinder), the metering is noticeably improved. The end result is I get better and more keeper images in less than ideal circumstances (such as low light, indoors, moving subjects, etc.) which, for me, seems the rule, not exception.

That said, the 40D is a great camera, I still use it, and for images made in good circumstances (good light, subjects relatively static), I don't think there is an appreciable difference in image quality.

I wasn't convinced at first (before I learned how to use 7D), but for the ISO performance alone it was totally worth it for me. With 40D I rarely went above ISO 800, now I take pictures between ISO 1000-2000 all the time. Plus, the new AF system rocks. If you shoot wildlife (or sports, or anything that moves quickly) 7D could more useful than 40D, at least it's been for me. Big time. I wasn't crazy about 18 megapixels, but I got used to it. I love more details, the clarity.

40D is an awesome camera, so you don't need to upgrade if you're satisfied with it. Investing in a good lens is a good choice, too. Don't forget there's going to be even a better camera out soon, so you can always upgrade later.

You can buy all the fast glass you want. The 40D in low light will just not give you anything close to what the 7D can do. I have 1.4 and 2.8 glass. The difference in images at 1600ISO and higher is quite large.

The 7D has more MP, faster FPS, built in wireless flash control, a new autofocusing system with the ability to do many cool features I will cover below, and many other advantages like video.

Some cool features of the AF:
1) More points for AF
2) More AF options (Zone, expanded point af, etc)
3) Memorized AF points. IE. use center spot AF and with the click of one button, jump to far right point for that shot. Instant creativity.
4) Different AF points for horizontal vs vertical shots.
5) built in leveling system for live view and in the viewfinder.
6) Configure the joystick on the camera to give you the ability to move the AF point arounddd the viewfinder as you compose your shot.

I am sure there are more I am leaving out.

Don't get me wrong. I loved my 40D. But a week or 2 with the 7D and the 40d will move to a permanent backup role for you. Mine has not had one click on it since I bought my 7D.

Timphoto wrote in post #9364000
But I didn't need or want the 18 megapixels

This is one of the cons in my current decision process. I don't want the increased noise that is the result of cramming so many pixels into the same sensor. There is the potential hidden cost of computer upgrade on my part. My two year old MacBook Pro is keeping up with my 40D images, I think I'd have to upgrade my computer along with the 7D. If I shoot video, my older CF cards aren't going to cut it, at about $100 a pop for the new cards, they add up. I cannot live without my RRS gear, I'd have to get a new RRS L-Plate for the 7D, that's $140 plus a ten day wait. The camera's ability to wirelessly control my canon flashes kind of negates my recent Cybersync investment (kind of).

the low light ability and quality was worth it to me. Right now I'm starting to really notice a big difference in the amount of detail captured in my 7D images compared to what I had in my 40D images. The AF system is really nice as well as is the LCD screen on the 7D compared to the 40D. Oh yeah and don't forget the HD video.

I shot some comparison photos the other night with a 40D and I was really suprised to see a really noticable difference in image quality from the 7D. I thought the images would be bigger but not really "better", but after comparing the 2 cameras I am really glad I did the upgrade.

all you have to do is look at your 40d files at 1600-3200 and compare to a 7d file from 1600-3200.........no other explanation is needed really

but the 19 focal points that work and the other goodies are a big contributing factor.

no comparison b/t the 2 cameras.......if you dont plan on shooting above 1000 iso.......stay with your 40d