Canon 40d

sworks

sworks

Suspended / Banned
Messages
824
Name
Mark
Edit My Images
Yes
My daughter is thinking of having a go at photography. She's shared my camera in the past but is looking for her own camera. It has to be Canon for no other reason than that's what I use so she can use my lenses. Looking online I've found an as new 40d which looks good. Is this too old a body or still a good starter unit?
Thanks
 
I'd say it's a great starter unit - owned one myself. Was my second digital DSLR. Produces some great results, and is a fairly well built body that lasts a long time. If you can find one in reasonable condition with a reasonable shutter count - I'd go for it. the XXd range for me will always be better than the xxxd range in terms of build and quality.
 
Thanks for the comment, I started with a 400d and remembered that the xxd's were far better
 
Mt DSLR is a 30D that I bought new in 2008. I've never felt any need/want to upgrade or change it, and the 40D is supposed to be a fair step up, so it should be fine. By and large, lenses make far more difference than bodies.
 
Great camera, still has a focus point joystick in the back! Very robust! Only downside is the upper iso were it isn't the best.
 
I would, and indeed did, choose the 50D over the 40D- though neither would be a bad choice.
Does your daughter know how big the 40D is? If not it's probably a try before you buy.
 
Coyon said:
I would, and indeed did, choose the 50D over the 40D- though neither would be a bad choice.
Does your daughter know how big the 40D is? If not it's probably a try before you buy.
Click to expand...

I looked at 50d's but what swayed me was the 'like new' condition over the very used 50d's. It's going to be a surprise gift so I liked the thaught of as new condition, silly I know as the 50d's were cheaper. I don't think size will be an issue as she's been using my 1d
 
Last edited:
Sure she will be pleased, I had two of them and they served me well, one had at least 70k clicks on it.

If you hear a rattle, don't worry it's the pop up flash linkage, even mentions somewhere in the manual.

Also seem to remember live view needs to be activated in the menu, off by default.
 
Last edited:
Yes those 50Ds on MPB must have belonged to a war correspondent.
 
LongLensPhotography said:
The old original 5D would be my first pick. There is not much wrong with 40D as a first camera, but for the price you are much better off getting the full framer.
Click to expand...

I'd have said the old 5D too - cult classic for a reason. Only downsides might be the lack of live view and auto ISO, which might be a bit of a hindrance for a beginner.

The 40D was where I started - great bit of kit considering the age.
 
The old original 5D would be my first pick. There is not much wrong with 40D as a first camera, but for the price you are much better off getting the full framer.
Click to expand...

Bearing in mind its for a newcomer, sensor cleaner is one big advantage for the 40d as is live view and a much better lcd. Viewfinder information is much clearer too, could barely see it at times on the 5d.

Had both and yes the picture quality is better from the ff camera as you would expect, but not much else to recommend it, better range of cheaper EF-S lenses for the 40d too.
 
sworks said:
My daughter is thinking of having a go at photography. She's shared my camera in the past but is looking for her own camera. It has to be Canon for no other reason than that's what I use so she can use my lenses. Looking online I've found an as new 40d which looks good. Is this too old a body or still a good starter unit?
Thanks
Click to expand...

I've still got mine (not used much at present) and it's a great camera, I've very happy with mine and would certainly recommend one - I'm sure your daughter will be very pleased with it.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top