Canon 40D vs 550/600D

Lunawolfy

Lunawolfy

Lunawolfy

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Hey all,

I'm currently perplexed, I am in the market for a new camera, and have been eyeing up the new 550D/600D. But in a MM a 40D has come on sale.

Help me out here guys, its cheaper than the newer bodies, and I would easily be able to afford a good IS lens to stick on it, although its considerably older than a 600D.

Help please?
 
Any reasoning? A stat comparison website shows the newer models hand down, more MP, better detailing, better ISO performance, better light sensitivity :/
 
Caracus2k said:
the build quality of the 40 will mean its more robust but it is showing its age in terms of features.
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Yeah this is what's worrying me.

I don't have an interest in video and the swivel screen would be a sheer premium. However I feel like going 400D > 40D would be somewhat of a sidestep. Although the 40D apparently goes to ISO3200?
 
Better build, faster continuous burst mode and much bigger buffer, 9 cross type AF points, dial on the back of the body, top LCD, rear joystick. I'd take those over more megapixels, better metering and ISO performance personally.
 
Lunawolfy said:
Would it be wrong to say that the 40D focuses faster/better?
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No it wouldn't. Unless I'm much mistaken, all of the 40D's focus points are cross-type, whereas on the 550/600D, only the centre one is.

Regards your dilemma generally, yes when it comes down to pure specs, the 550D and 600D seem to have the edge in most areas over the 40D. Areas where the 40D still has the advantage are higher burst frame rate, better viewfinder (proper prism whereas the xxxD uses a mirror still I think), slightly better AF due to cross-type points and better noise performance.

The other huge difference of course is in feel and usability. The size, weight and solidity of the thing, combined with useful features like the rear dial and top LCD can make all the difference. When I got my 40D, it made my old 400D feel like a toy in comparison :)
 
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I went from a 450d to a 40d, whilst it wasn't a step down in features really (zomg 2MP down!) the difference in feel is amazing. The 40d feels so much better built, and the functionality of the wheel/joystick on the back and extra buttons is really nice.

Very hard call to make here though really, comes down to what you like. I've tried 500d and 550d's belonging to friends before I had the 40d and they really did produce some great images.

For me in the end it came down to wanting 6.5fps burst fire and a more solid body so it didn't feel so silly with a F2.8 70-200 on it :D
 
FYI: I'm going for the 40D

Now I just need to find a good lens for it, as it is body only I need something to whack on it as the kit lens will be sold to my folks with the 400D =]

Still got my 50 1.8 and a Sigma 70-300mm =]
 
Tamron 17-50 f2.8 non VC if you want something the same range as the kitlens that's a good step up :). Under £200 easily Second hand.
 
Update, got the 40D today, for a 2nd hander it is in IMMACULATE condition, way better than my 400D

I also now understand every point raised here, the body is Arnie as the 400D is Danny DeVito. The 400D feels like child play, the AF is outstanding, my 400D would always focus on the bars to my Buns cage, the 40D goes through and focus on the buns every time =]

Also the shutter sound just screams real man camera =]

And I can remove the CF card! Yay!!!

Now just to buy a good CF card and tripod =]
 
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