Can't decide- 40D or 500D, help?

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MatthewWhittle

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So what would you get, I have about £700 to spend on a D-SLR and lenses etc. I want the 6 fps of the 40d and it's slightly cheaper but the 500d has DIGIC 4 processor(how much better than DIGIC 3?) and 15.1 mp. If i bought the 500d i'd also have more chance of getting money back if I sold it. But the 40d is more in the proffesional range.
Really can't decide. Someone help?

Matt
 
As you have already said.. the 40D is in the semi-professional range and do offer big advantages. Its not til you start using a camera in a different league that you realise the benefits even if it is an older model.

Unless you plan on printing big the extra megapixels won't offer much in the way of advantages, and semi-pro cameras may hold their value better imho.
 
If you are looking at FPS then has to be the 40D, have 2 myself and love them, also have the 7D and there is not much difference in quality with the newer chip to be honest (obviously there will be a small difference but not worth worrying about)
 
40D all day, I have a 400D at the mo but when I upgrade it will be to a **D range.

Good luck with what ever you buy

Spike
 
Good decision

A few decent lens will make up for anySLIGHT improvement on a processor
 
with a budget of £700 you should be able to pick up a 40d and a decent walk about lens, tamron 17-50 would be a good shout
 
Anyone got one for sale at a decent price then?
Thinking of getting a refurb one off ebay-good/bad idea?
 
The 40D has a bigger body than the 500D, and it feels much more comfortable and solid to hold and use. Plus you have the second control wheel on the back which is nice for changing settings and scrolling through images.

Obviously the 500D also has a movie mode and sharper LCD, and being smaller it may be better if you travel light. You would need to try one out to see if it is comfortable for you.

I personally have had my 40D for 10 months and it is an excellent camera. I won't be upgrading until I've saved for a 1 series!

Lens wise, I have a Sigma 18-50mm f2.8 and it is a great walkaround lens, fast enough for shooting without flash indoors and good value. You could also consider the Tamron 17-50mm, which is also highly regarded, both under £350 new or about £200-250 used.

If you have some money left over, you could also consider a 50mm f1.8 prime or a telephoto such as a Tamron 55-200mm f4-5.6. Don't forget good compact flash cards (I use Sandisk Extreme III) and a nice case!
 
Ebay is fine, check the feedback see what they are also selling etc etc.

if he is selling bath tubs with taps and washers and is then selling camera's then maybe a bad idea but if what he sells is mainlt camera gear then go for it.

Feedback is the key though.

save some money too
 
There's a refurb from canon uk with less than a day left at about £380 which seems a decent price.
Thinking about a kit lens, nifty 50 and 55-250 is. Not sure yet though.
 
I have a 40D and will not be getting rid of it, even when i get my 5D.

great camera and the **D series is nicer to use than the ***D series IMO
 
40D definitely have you been to the shops have felt them both? anyways the 40D is a semi pro while the 500D is more amateur but still does take great photos though but it depends on you. :/
 
Danger_Mouse said:
I have a 40D and will not be getting rid of it, even when i get my 5D.

great camera and the **D series is nicer to use than the ***D series IMO
Click to expand...

I'm with Danger Mouse. I too will be upgrading to a 5 at some point, but will not be getting rid of my 40D. Fantastic camera which has served me well as my first DSLR.
 
Guess according to what u need the camera for.

40d is a more pro and def more fancy then 500 but holding them both (granted I had already bought the 500 ) Id say for me being an ametuer with NO intentions of going anywhere beyond that pt Im glad im didnt get the 40d. Walking around the country side with a 40 strapped around my neck would surely have gotten me a hunch or worst a couple of slip discs :p
 
Tried a 500 and a 50 (same size as the 40), preferred the 500 because I have rather small hands for my size

No doubt the 40 is a better built camera with a better spec, but wouldn't be much use if it was uncomfortable in use and stayed at home

Have a try, its the only way
 
I have just bought myself a D700 and have my 40D and grip boxed up here ready to go. Someone told me they would have it but haven't come up with the cash yet so it's gathering dust. Shutter just replaced by Canon too.
 
I wouldn`t hesitate to go for the 500D to be honest, newer technology. Granted the 40 is heavier and better built but spec wise the 500D edges it as far as I`m concerned. I used to have the 450D and loved it and the 500D must be better! :)
 
40D every time. Mine is my backup for my 5D as I prefer full frame but that said it's a great piece of kit and the only way I would part with it would be if I bought another 5D.
 
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