40D vs 400D/350D

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andyitr

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Andy
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Hi Guys,

Just wondering has any of you guys gone from a 400D to a 40D?

What are you opinions on it? Would you say its worth the extra dosh:lol:

Thanks
 
I haven't upgraded from my 350D. But if I could offer an opinion: whether it's worth it depends entirely on one's circumstances. It might be worth it for other people but not for you. Or vice versa.

The 40D has a bunch of features which are helpful in some circumstances but not all. For example faster continuous shooting, better AF, better high-ISO performance, Live View. If you shoot sports or theatre or macro then it could help you get shots that you otherwise couldn't. But if you do landscapes or architecture or portraits then these features are less useful.

The 40D has better build quality (though I don't think my 350D is particularly flimsy) and better ergonomics. It's hard to put a value on these.

But the image quality won't be in a different league from the 350D/400D. So if you want better image quality, upgrading your lens(es) might well be more cost-effective than upgrading the camera.

And it won't make you a better photographer!
 
I went from a 300D to a 40D - now that was very worthwhile.

Not sure I would have gone from a 400D. You've already got 10Mpixels, fast shutter, decent enough buffer size.

I suppose it just depends on if you think you need the additional functions.
 
Just to pick out some key improvements:

The difference between 14 and 12 bit processing is enormous - you will see a significant improvement in IQ.

It has a degree of environmental sealing and

it employs digic III processing technology.

the viewfinder is bigger and brighter

it has live view

if you're into chimping, it has a 3inch screen. If you're not into chimping, it has a 3inch screen you can use to manually focus in live view mode - invaluable for macro work.

There is a BIG difference between the 350 / 400ds and the 40d - only you will know if its worthwhile to you. I suggest you read some product reviews and look at some sample pictures and then judge for yourself. :shrug:
 
I think it may have significant advantages for long lens users, who usually have to make substantial crops for small critters and birds...erm... that'd be me then.

The ideal camera for me as far as I can see would be a 1DMK3 with a 1.6 crop sensor but Canon aint making it! :(
 
CT said:
I think it may have significant advantages for long lens users, who usually have to make substantial crops for small critters and birds...erm... that'd be me then.

The ideal camera for me as far as I can see would be a 1DMK3 with a 1.6 crop sensor but Canon aint making it! :(
Click to expand...

If you ask VERY nicely, Canon might do a limited edition 1D mkIII ct.

You never know ;)

If they don't and, if you like, for an extortionate fee, i can sell you one with black electrical tape around the edges of the vf and sensor? :D
 
JR... I'm choking back a tear mate... your selfless offer is so humbling.:D

It's all Stewart R's fault anyway. I've been dong crop comparison tests with the available sample images for the 1DMK3, and it's very impressive as you'd expect with all those pixels, but Stewart's excellent sensor comparison thread shows the 40D seeming to beat everything for pixel count per square foot of sensor real estate. The advantages could be really significant for bird togs.

The 40D is excellent value for money and it's build quality is good - only really suffering in comparison to 1 Series bodies, but then again, you don't need a mortgage to get one.
 
CT said:
JR... I'm choking back a tear mate... your selfless offer is so humbling.:D

It's all Stewart R's fault anyway. I've been dong crop comparison tests with the available sample images for the 1DMK3, and it's very impressive as you'd expect with all those pixels, but Stewart's excellent sensor comparison thread shows the 40D seeming to beat everything for pixel count per square foot of sensor real estate. The advantages could be really significant for bird togs.

The 40D is excellent value for money and it's build quality is good - only really suffering in comparison to 1 Series bodies, but then again, you don't need a mortgage to get one.
Click to expand...

You save that tear me old mucker, wot with Christmas fast approaching and Tiny Tim taking a tumble it may well be needed :)

I had a play with Robs 40d last night - it is a beaut and the difference in view finder between that and my old 30d is immense. It got weather sealing where you'd expect it and seems a real steal for the £notes. Obviously you wouldn't want to use a pair for putting down puppies, but it is very nicely finished. :thumbs:
 
I'd guess the viewfinder image must be close to the size of the 1D anyway now?
 
certainly very, very close! moving slightly off topic, and its largely an optical illusion, but unless i have them side by side the mk3's seems bigger than the 1ds'. It may be because the graphics are considerably larger or because the magnification is greater - just seems brighter:shrug:
 
CT said:
the 40D seeming to beat everything for pixel count per square foot of sensor real estate.
Click to expand...

Isn't the new StewartR approved terminology for this "Pixels Per Duck" now? :lol:
 
I got my 40D 2 days ago. ... upgrading from the 20D.
So here's my pitch as to what I've noticed so far..

The 40D over the 20D has:
+ Custom Settings :) Yes! You can setup 3 shooting modes to use at the twiddle of a dial
+ Spot Metering. :) Yes!
+ Sensor cleaning :)
+ Improved AF on moving things. You can actually use AI-Servo. It works (mostly).
Also seems to be faster.
+ An AF button and custom functions to suit. Excellent
+ RGB histogram
. No more CLACK! CLACK! CLACK! shutter noise, but bRrmp, bRrmp, ... it is considerably quieter
. Sensor noise at ISO400 and above is nothing to shout about. It's not greatly worse, but then... I'd hoped it would be better.
. Gimmicky live view (with a tripod a 400mm lens and 10x digital zoom (1/10th of the sensor) you can be a real voyeur.
- The gap between the lens and the grip has been shrunk. So its a currently a tad harder to hold, but I'll get used to that. :(
- Slightly heavier :shrug:
- A lot more options/opportunity for c*****g it up. :coat:
- No PS2 Raw support ... BOOO! bad Adobe BOOO!
 
oldgit said:
- The gap between the lens and the grip has been shrunk. So its a currently a tad harder to hold, but I'll get used to that. :(
!
Click to expand...

Congrats mate. I'm surprised at the grip/room thing as that was a problem with the 20D they supposedly improved with the 30D.

We need some example shots mate re the noise.... that's disappointing on your findings so far.
 
Is the "noise problem" with or without the custom function noise suppression turned on?
 
Noise is not that big an issue. I've not found anything worth getting worked up about.
I'll post some ISO400...800 shots later (tonight...??) been out squidgering at lunchtime. Doesnt look too shabby to me.
 
And are the differences between 30d and 40d worth upgrading for?

Liveview, sensor cleaning (ahem!!) and what else?? I thought liveview to be a gimmick but in macro it would help certainly and also when taking shots of birds at a feeder it would be good to focus on a point and nice to stand well back and be able to see when it is right in shot.
 
CT said:
It's all Stewart R's fault anyway. I've been dong crop comparison tests with the available sample images for the 1DMK3, and it's very impressive as you'd expect with all those pixels, but Stewart's excellent sensor comparison thread shows the 40D seeming to beat everything for pixel count per square foot of sensor real estate. The advantages could be really significant for bird togs.
Click to expand...
Thanks for the praise, CT. By the way I'm still waiting for the commission on that £5,000 I've saved you... ;)
Grendel said:
Isn't the new StewartR approved terminology for this "Pixels Per Duck" now? :lol:
Click to expand...
CT said:
Indeed... priceless! :D

Pixels per Pipit might be more apt for me.
Click to expand...
Hey, there's no approvals process necessary! I didn't invent "Pixels Per Duck" anyway. Can't remember exactly where I heard it, but I'm not that creative. I must admit "Pixels Per Pipit" does have a nice alliterative ring to it, but I bet most people don't know what a pipit is anyway. I don't. I'd guess it's probably some variety of duck. :) (To laymen like me, virtually all waterfowl are varieties of duck. Except swans of course. Even I know that a swan isn't a duck.)

For those who don't know what we're talking about, the "excellent sensor comparison thread" is here.
 
IF I understand your question correctly you are uncertain as to upgrading from a 350D to a 400D or possibly the 40D?:thinking:


IMHO

The 20D still kicks 40D A** when you compare high ISO noise (YES, with noise reduction.) but for just about all other reasons I would say go for the 40D!!


HTH!:thumbs:
 
StewartR said:
Thanks for the praise, CT. By the way I'm still waiting for the commission on that £5,000 I've saved you... ;)
Click to expand...
LOL. Well I'm not sure you've saved it me yet, but (see below * ) While people could be forgiven for thinking otherwise, I am interested in other forms of photography, and the cropping ability of the Mk3 is still going to be very impressive, so I'm still very undecided.

There are other considerations, the build quality of the 1 Series does rather spoil you somewhat. Also the 500f4L is so nose heavy that using the 20D sans battery grip and converters I can't balance it on my gimbal head, and that's using the longest Arca plate which Wimberley do.
Hey, there's no approvals process necessary! I didn't invent "Pixels Per Duck" anyway. Can't remember exactly where I heard it, but I'm not that creative. I must admit "Pixels Per Pipit" does have a nice alliterative ring to it, but I bet most people don't know what a pipit is anyway. I don't. I'd guess it's probably some variety of duck. :) (To laymen like me, virtually all waterfowl are varieties of duck. Except swans of course. Even I know that a swan isn't a duck.)
Click to expand...

There are several varieties of Pipit to be seen in the UK, this a Meadow Pipit. CLICKY

* For furthering your bird education - no charge! :D
 
CT said:
There are several varieties of Pipit to be seen in the UK, this a Meadow Pipit. CLICKY

* For furthering your bird education - no charge! :D
Click to expand...
Ooh. Not very duck-like at all! Thanks.
 
Anton Roland said:
IF I understand your question correctly you are uncertain as to upgrading from a 350D to a 400D or possibly the 40D?:thinking:


IMHO

The 20D still kicks 40D A** when you compare high ISO noise (YES, with noise reduction.) but for just about all other reasons I would say go for the 40D!!


HTH!:thumbs:
Click to expand...


Yes thats correct. 400D ill be upgrading from.

I'm finding the 400d a bit too small, to handle. We have a 5D @ work and thats lovely. However, i think thats way too much for me.

Andy
 
So far have enjoyed the change up from the 350 to 40D - be glad when I get my replacement as mine has been tempremental and canon are replacing.

Viewfinder is much cleared - good for a glasses wearer and the screen is great for checking and in my case showing kids their picture. There is room for the histogram and a the same size as on the 350.view. getting used to the change in position of controls and it feels nice to handle - and so much quieter. looking forward to taking some of my visitors to the bird table. I think I have been unlucky with a gitch on mine, but pleased with my new toy.
 
After having a look / play with the camera in Jacobs

I'm sold, that 40D is much nicer to handel.

£729.99 for the body + £50.00 Canon Cash Back

£679.99. Thats not a bad price.

Andy
 
Make sure if that price quoted is including the barcode on the box.... or no Canon cash back for you....
 
andyitr said:
Yes includes that.

How can it not include the barcode :thinking:

Andy
Click to expand...

Some "dealers" will remove the bar codes claim the 50 ( or whatever) quid for themselves then sell the "items" at a slight reduction. You think that's a bargain when you enter the cash back offer into the equation but the sneaky barstewards had already claimed it
 
Particularly happens on ebay...
 
Cobra said:
Some "dealers" will remove the bar codes claim the 50 ( or whatever) quid for themselves then sell the "items" at a slight reduction. You think that's a bargain when you enter the cash back offer into the equation but the sneaky barstewards had already claimed it
Click to expand...

Oh right.

Thats not fair, are they legally aloud to do that :thinking::nono:?

Andy
 
Usually happens on ebay... rather than from proper dealers. You could probably argue for your money back from ebay if the item is sold as "new" though as I'm sure technically the offer is for end users to get a rebate when they register it, so effectively the item is "second hand" even if unused.
 
desantnik said:
Usually happens on ebay... rather than from proper dealers. You could probably argue for your money back from ebay if the item is sold as "new" though as I'm sure technically the offer is for end users to get a rebate when they register it, so effectively the item is "second hand" even if unused.
Click to expand...

Your quite right of course, I left the "flea-bay" bit off by mistake... Interesting point about being "second hand" I wonder if you could get "recourse"? Also I have found that it is mentioned in the "small print" about being "sans tags" but not always though
 
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