400D to 40D?

Simmotino · 15 Dec 2008

Yes, I know the 40D is a better spec'd unit (in the main) and appears to "feel" better to most when in use from what I've read, but is there an IQ difference to speak of between the two?

There are certain aspects of the potential upgrade that are already drawing me in, but I can't seem to find anything that directly compares IQ over what buttons this one has and that one doesn't etc.

Anyone made the move that can offer an informed opinion?

TIA

rockkeeper · 15 Dec 2008

i got rember my 400d now
well worth the jump, i like the 2xwheel to adjust things,re f numbers and shutter speed with other

Dave Stone · 15 Dec 2008

I made the change from 400D to 40D and have never looked back. The IQ in itself is probably no better. The glass on the front will improve IQ. However spot metering, 6.5 FPS, much easier & quicker to adjust settings etc will give you a better chance of getting a better shot.

I see you are in Hampshire. A few of us are getting together at Netley on the 20th. Come along and you can have a play with mine (40D that is).

Ant · 15 Dec 2008

IMO, the 40d is a massive step up from a 400d.

I currently own a 400d, and i often use my friends 40d. The 40D is so much nicer to hold, easier to use (Once you're used to it), and balances those bigger lenses better. For instance, when i have my 70-200 on my 400d, it wants to fall over forwards, whilst when it's on teh 40d, it's perfect. Also, IMO, the viewfinder is bigger on the 40d, lets more light in, and is much easier to see through.

And the extra features are better, and IMO, a slight increase in IQ is noticable.

MJ Stebbings · 15 Dec 2008

I upgraded from a 350d to a 40d and thought that the IQ was alot better. Im guessing that you will see a difference when you upgrade.

The 40d is an amazing camera, and at its current price, i think its a real steal!

Simmotino · 15 Dec 2008

rockkeeper said:
i got rember my 400d now
well worth the jump, i like the 2xwheel to adjust things,re f numbers and shutter speed with other

Thanks rockkeeper, that's one of the reasons I'm contemplating the upgrade.

Dave Stone said:
I made the change from 400D to 40D and have never looked back. The IQ in itself is probably no better. The glass on the front will improve IQ. However spot metering, 6.5 FPS, much easier & quicker to adjust settings etc will give you a better chance of getting a better shot.

I see you are in Hampshire. A few of us are getting together at Netley on the 20th. Come along and you can have a play with mine (40D that is).

Thanks Dave. The glass has been/is being upgraded along the way too, so really was wanting to make sure I was backing it up with sufficient quality. I know the 400D can take some quality shots, but wasn't sure if I could squeeze any more out of it before needing to make the next step. The 400D would stay as a second body anyway I expect.

Thanks for the kind offer re the 20th too, but sadly I'm otherwise engaged. Would have enjoyed the chance to play with yours. [*cough*] camera [/*cough*]

Ant said:
IMO, the 40d is a massive step up from a 400d.

I currently own a 400d, and i often use my friends 40d. The 40D is so much nicer to hold, easier to use (Once you're used to it), and balances those bigger lenses better. For instance, when i have my 70-200 on my 400d, it wants to fall over forwards, whilst when it's on teh 40d, it's perfect. Also, IMO, the viewfinder is bigger on the 40d, lets more light in, and is much easier to see through.

And the extra features are better, and IMO, a slight increase in IQ is noticable.

Thanks Ant. I use a grip on the 400D (and probably would with the 40D as well) so the balance thing is a slightly moot point, although everywhere I've read to date mentions the 40D being a nicer camera to hold, so your confirmation of that helps, thanks.

Interesting you notice an increase in the IQ too, which is what I was probably most interested in.

MJ Stebbings said:
I upgraded from a 350d to a 40d and thought that the IQ was alot better. Im guessing that you will see a difference when you upgrade.

The 40d is an amazing camera, and at its current price, i think its a real steal!

Thanks MJ. Another vote for imrpoved IQ it appears.

Dave_Taylor · 15 Dec 2008

Go for it. My 400D was pinched earlier this year. Fortunately the insurance paid out and I got myself a 40D instead. I love it. My 400D was an "upgrade" from my 10D, but not long after having it and selling the 10D I realised it was a mistake. For me, the 400D was just too small to hold, I wasn't comfortable with it. I also found the metering less reliable in awkward situations. The 40D feels like a proper camera again, the metering is excellent and it is a joy to use. I for one will not be tempted again by these smaller, "plasticky" bodies the 400, 450D have, even if on paper they do appear to be of a higher spec - Eg 12mp 450D. There is a lot to be said for being comfortable with, and confident about, the equipment you are using. It allows you to concentrate more on your pictures and less on the cameras limitations.

ratzz · 15 Dec 2008

This is what I'm considering ...

I'm not happy with the 400d's noise - how does it compare?

I'd love to see some side by side shots to compare the two ...

MJ Stebbings · 15 Dec 2008

Cant show you shots side by side, but i can comment that the noise handling at iso1600 and 3200 is pretty damn good. Its alot better then the noise handling with my old 350d

EDIT* And dont forget you have more control over what ISO to use. The old 350d had 100, 200, 400, 800 and 1600. The 40d has alot better choice then that set.

Simmotino · 15 Dec 2008

Dave_Taylor said:
...the metering is excellent...

This was one of the things that first instigated the thought of upgrading, as there have been a few times I've ended up with something I didn't expect using the 400D.

I'm sure a large percentage of those instances were down to the fingers behind the camera, but I know at least a few of them were the camera itself.

So, in essence, we seem to have a consensus that the 40D

Feels better
Is easier to use
Meters better
Handles noise better
Offers an improvement in IQ
Is just an all round 'good egg'

Any drawbacks that are worth considering that I may have overlooked (financial outlay aside of course)?

MJ Stebbings · 15 Dec 2008

Drawbacks of buying a higher grad of camera over a entry level camera? Erm, no :lol:

Simmotino · 15 Dec 2008

MJ Stebbings said:
Drawbacks of buying a higher grad of camera over a entry level camera? Erm, no

Well, yes, there's something in that I suppose!

There may have been issues with things like grips not giving the same functionality or reliability, or other peripherals not being available yet for the 40D etc., that sort of thing.

It was a sensible question in my head when I typed it! :razz:

MJ Stebbings · 15 Dec 2008

Hmmm, still cant think of any. The 40d has been around for long enough now, and i think uses the same stuff as the 30d so i cant think of anything that wouldn't be available for it.

Anyone else want to stop me rambling?