Is it worth upgrading 400D to 40D

nfulcher

nfulcher

Suspended / Banned
Messages
227
Name
Neil
Edit My Images
Yes
Coming up to 10,000 clicks on my 400D and feel about ready to upgrade to improve image quality. Ideally, I'd love a 1D MkIII - but far to expensive just now. :bang:

I could push the boat out for a 5D, full frame and understand (from reading on here) that IQ is superb! Still looking at £1200 though.:thumbsdown:

Would a 40D give me any improvement on IQ - its nearer to my price range - but would I notice much improvement over a 400D?:shrug:
 
The 40D is certainly a nicer camera and a step up in build quality, features and feel, but in your case I would recommend upgrading the kit lens and 70-300. Sigma EX or Canon L range and you'll notice a massive increase in IQ.
 
andrewc said:
The 40D is certainly a nicer camera and a step up in build quality, features and feel, but in your case I would recommend upgrading the kit lens and 70-300. Sigma EX or Canon L range and you'll notice a massive increase in IQ.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the info Andrew. TBH, the 70-300 and 18-55 kit lens rarely come out of the bag since I got the Sigma 10-20 and 50mm F1.8.:D

My "Lens Christmas list" includes 70-200L 2.8 IS, 24-70L 2.8, and 100 Macro -I just hope Santa thinks I've been good enough this year :lol:
 
QUOTE=nfulcher;955288]Thanks for the info Andrew. TBH, the 70-300 and 18-55 kit lens rarely come out of the bag since I got the Sigma 10-20 and 50mm F1.8.:D

My "Lens Christmas list" includes 70-200L 2.8 IS, 24-70L 2.8, and 100 Macro -I just hope Santa thinks I've been good enough this year :lol:[/QUOTE]


I asked exactly the same question last week. see here
http://www.talkphotography.co.uk/forums/showthread.php?t=85190[

I decided that better glass will give me more (for now) than a slightly better body. Plus glass is long term, bodies always need an upgrade.
Don't get me wrong I would love a 40/5/1 D. But there only as good as the glass you are looking through, and apart from the EF-s lenses, they will stay with you.
Cheers
Ian..
 
However, IMO, there will not be a great increase in image quality. However, the operation of the 40D, size of the 40D, build and other bells and whistles such as increased burst speed and other advantages make the 40D a more enjoyable camera for me to shoot.

If possible, instead of selling/trading your 400D; a two camera setup is great. I will either use two cameras with shorter lenses (such as the 12-24mm Tokina and 17-55mm f/2.8 IS) on an OPTECH Reporter Strap or I will hang the camera with the shorter lens (such as the 17-55mm f/2.8 IS) on a strap around my neck and carry the second camera in a holster case at my left hit with the longer lens (such as the 70-200mm f/4L IS) and a hand strap attached. This last combination is my go-to travel and general purpose photography kit.
 
I don't think that the body change is likely to do stunning things to your shots and a new lens is the better option.
However, you do mention that a 70-200/2.8IS is maybe on the horizon and I think that a lens of this physical size will be far better suited to a larger body....the ergonomics of the 40D will balance it much better.

Bob
 
I have a 400d and I recently sold a Canon 75-300 IS and replaced it with a Canon 70-200 f/4 L, and I definitely made the right decision regarding the upgrade - the 40d would have given me extra features, but I would still have soft pictures. The 70-200 has made me feel like a better photographer, and it has other benefits - for instance, I can crop more tightly and still have a sharp photo. Go for glass!
 
Over summer I sold up my 350D and got a 40D.
All in, I'm very glad with the move - I'm actually using the camera more for no reason other than the fact it's more enjoyable to operate.

With the 40D you'll find the bigger body easier to handle (at least I did), you'll find the viewfinder info more useful (includes ISO), you'll find the spin-wheel on the rear easier to use than the "cross-pad" of the 400D and you've the info LCD on the top of the camera (one the 400D you don't have this...I did only my 350D, but I also wanted the bigger image LCD...which is a trade-off on the 400D).

So, kept all my lenses and just traded up the body. Net effect: I'm taking more photos (and therefore more good photos) not because the camera is taking better picture but because I'm enjoying using it more.

I'd recommend the move from the 400D to anyone who is doing anything more than just casual snaps (and can afford the move).
 
Canon Bob said:
I don't think that the body change is likely to do stunning things to your shots and a new lens is the better option.
However, you do mention that a 70-200/2.8IS is maybe on the horizon and I think that a lens of this physical size will be far better suited to a larger body....the ergonomics of the 40D will balance it much better.

Bob
Click to expand...

Thanks Bob - If I go for a top notch lens like the 70-200 2.8 I can get instant return in IQ. :thumbs:

I can struggle on with 400d until saved enough for 40D or 5D!:woot:
 
Canon Bob said:
I don't think that the body change is likely to do stunning things to your shots and a new lens is the better option.
However, you do mention that a 70-200/2.8IS is maybe on the horizon and I think that a lens of this physical size will be far better suited to a larger body....the ergonomics of the 40D will balance it much better.

Bob
Click to expand...

Neil, have you considered buying a battery grip for your 400D? Should help address any balance problems associated with a 70-200 f2.8 IS if you decide to stick with the 400D
 
This really is another one of those "what do you shoot ?" questions.

If you need/want 6fps, bigger images (so that a crop is better quality) and can get good use from the additional functions, then it makes sense to upgrade the body.

If not, spend money on glass. (Whoever said they were getting "soft" pictures with their 70-300 IS should take it back, mine is fine - but a 70-200 L would of course be better).

Steve
 
Sansovino said:
I have a 400d and I recently sold a Canon 75-300 IS and replaced it with a Canon 70-200 f/4 L, and I definitely made the right decision regarding the upgrade - the 40d would have given me extra features, but I would still have soft pictures. The 70-200 has made me feel like a better photographer, and it has other benefits - for instance, I can crop more tightly and still have a sharp photo. Go for glass!
Click to expand...

Although I like operating the 40D (and 30D also) far better than I enjoy using a Rebel Series camera; if it were a choice between a better lens and upgrading the camera, I would definitely opt for the better lens.

The difference between the 75-300mm and the 70-200mm f/4L image quality will be quantum in quality. The lens will also operate far better with faster and more accurate focus. Additionally the constant f/4 aperture will give you an extra stop in the longer focal ranges.

You should not see a quantum difference between images from the 350D and the 40D.

Now, the difference between the 70-300mm f/4-5.6 and 70-200mm f/4 is not as great and some photographers prefer the IS capability of the 70-300mm f/4-5.6 IS lens.
 
Jayst84 said:
Depends what you do, but I would get the body. Then use both, with a wangle on one, and a long lens on the other. Can't beat not changing lenses all day.

Better glass will serve you well, but only if you use it, and the pics aren't covered in dust.
Click to expand...

Thanks for the comments.

I guess that is my long term aim - two cameras, quality L glass. :nuts:

I'll get the glass first.

Now, to save for the 70-200 f2.8 or go for the f4? IS or non IS?....I feel a new thread coming on :bonk:
 
Hi slap any L len's on and stand back there is a noticeable difference in IQ now i just take better quality crap shots...:)


so which one you going for i recommend the 24-105mm if you want the extra reach try it with an extender 1.4 x2 you may loose AF but you will get the reach.



Regards Mark.
 
just to put a cat amongst the pigeons...I was involved with a test of the 400d, 450d and the 40d - they were put through the exact same paces, same image, lighting situations, same settings and same lens and I was utterly shocked to see the 450d utterly spank the 40d in IQ..personally I'm looking to upgrade and I'm eager to see if a) the 50d is as good as people are preaching as regards about image quality and low light performance and b) if/when canon run a cashback offer on it...! But have to agree with the fact that a better lens will be invaluable to image quality...have fun!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top