40d or 550d??

cbjohnson02

cbjohnson02

Suspended / Banned
Messages
32
Name
Chris
Edit My Images
Yes
I have a canon 500d and have become the family photographer and to be honest I'm loving it. I'm looking for a second camera as I'm tired of changing lenses when taking pictures.

I really want to "up my game" and step away from the auto modes more than I currantly am so I've looked at acquiring a 40d, but the 550d just seems so much better even though its an entry level DSLR. So now I'm torn between the two.

I am limited by costs, hence looking at these models.

Any opinions?
 
In terms of actual picture quality, in my opinion the out of camera images from the 550d are far superior. Don't ask me to back this up but having owned both bodies and on image quality alone, I much prefer the 550d! Handling etc is of course a different story but you may be able to cope just fine with the differences!
 
its not really suprising as the 550D has the same 18mP sensor as the 60D and the 7D ( i think) - whereas the 40D has a 10.1MP sensor 3 itterations older - not that MP are the be all , but of course the focusing, firmware, digic etc are also newer on the 550D

Personally I don't see the point in upgrading as you can easily up your game and step away from automodes with the 500D. - however I'd tend to suggest that if you want to upgrade you upgrade to a newer xxD model , maybe a 50D if you can't afford a 60D

Alternately you could look at an older 1Dmk2 or mk2n - which wll be a major upgrade in perfomance if not MP - but remember that these are 1.3 crop cameras so you might also have to upgrade lenses as EFS mount lenses won't work on them.
 
Last edited:
I am not sure exactly what you shoot, but I assume family type shots. If so, why do you consider the 40D will "up your game"?

The 550D has more than enough "non-auto" modes for that purpose. Sure, the 40D has a tag which suggests pro-sumer, but its spec is really not a step change from the 550D which is capable of stunning results.

I would respectfully suggest you spend more time learning how to use the non-auto modes of the 550D, and when you are truly familiar with them, and having accumulated the requisite schekels, go for a 60D or even b3etter a 7D.
 
He's currently using a 500D not a 550 - but other than that agree with you.

results are far more about the user than they are about the camera - until last year I did a lot of my shooting with a 20D which was still more than capable despite being 8 years old. I upgraded to a 40D but still use the 20D and indeed a 450D which belongs to work.

If the OP really wants to up his game I suggest learning to fully use the 500D and only upgrading when it begins to seriously limit his photography (or when it dies which might well be sooner)
 
Thanks BSM, I've been typing without my reading glasses!
 
Cheers guys.

I'm aware that I still haven't scratched the surface of my currant camaras potential and agree with you all that I need to improve my confidence in the manual modes. I'm not wanting an upgrade, I'm wanting a second camara so I can switch between lenses quicker. I find myself missing stunning moments cos I'm too busy trying to change lenses.... Particulary at weddings.

Maybe I should focus more on predicting what's going to be happening..... But in the mean time I'd like a second camara to make things easier.

It looks like the 550d seems to be a safer bet.
 
I can't speak about IQ, AF comparisons or anything like that because I am not that familiar with the models but remember that much of what has already been said seems to be based on the misconception that you were looking to upgrade your 500D not based on a second body purchase.

If you want to explore and develop your use of the 'manual mode', then as has been said before, you can switch your 500D to manual - but a 40D is a much friendlier camera in manual mode because of the rear dial. The 40D has a reputation of being a very capable camera. If by 'up your game' you mean develop your manual mode shooting, then in my opinion, the 40D (or any XXD body) will be more suitable than an XXXD body based on ergonomic design alone.

Personally, if I wanted a second body to a 500D and had the budget considerations that you have, then manual mode aside, I reckon I'd go for a 40D or 50D not least because it gives a shooting experience that I prefer.

It begs the questions of why you want to go to manual shooting and are you unhappy with the performance of the 500D?
 
If its as a second camera rather than a replacement i'd say get a 550 or 600 because you want your two bodies to have the same handling charecteristics.

Incidentally when you said 'manual modes' did you actually mean manual , or are you just talking about stepping away from auto to the P.AV.TV.M end of the dial
 
Since I bought my camara its become a real passion. If I'm honest I'm using the auto mode mote than I'd want to. I think it boils down to confidence and the amount of time it takes me to set the camera up for each shot.

The wheel on the back of the xxd models looks a lot quicker for changing setting which is why I've looked at it.

I'm not a proffesional, but how quick should I be able to set my camera up for a shot?...... It takes me about 30 seconds and when taking pictures of kids its far too long.

When I say "up my game" I mean Ive looked at a studio lighting kit with a back drop and really want to explore what my cameras true potential is.
 
I like my 40D for handling but I upgraded to it from a 350D a few years ago
not sure how it would compare to a xxxD model now
you could get something similar, 650D or something and a 3rd party grip to help with the handling
all are capable cameras
however, just for details sake....you have a Canon 500D...not a Cannon D500 :p

the flip side is, stick with your canon 500D for longer lens action and get a 2nd hand lumix gf2 with a pancake lens for candid standard lens action :) just a thought
prime lenses will up your game and make you think about your photography imho
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top