New Canon 500d or second hand 40d?

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james-bailey

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Hi, following on from my recent thread, I went to a shop today and really do like the feel of the Canon camera!
Mind you, nothing stood out as been an ergonomic disaster either, they all feel very good!

A brand new 500d with 18-55mm IS lens is available for 499 quid from Kerso. (Imported from America)

Its evident that for a similar price I could maybe find a second hand 40d?

Is the 40d really that much better? In a nutshell what makes the Canon a 'Pro-sumer' camera?

I have tried comparing specs on the Canon website but with me being a newbie the figures and description seem a bit confusing!

Regards,

James
 
HI,
I am not here to comment or compare between 40D and 500D.
Just my thought, I own a 40D for the last 6 months and it has been a joy to use, feels solid, shoots fast and gives you a big smile:D
:thumbs: for a 40D
 
You could always ask your bro -David? :D

It's a difficult one. The 500D has 15 million pixels against 10 million for the 40D. That may not be important unless you want to do a lot of hard cropping of your images - usually associated with wildlife and long lens work, when it does become a serious consideration.

Apart from that it's down to feel - the 40D is bigger and may feel better depending on the size of your hands or just on preference.

What makes the 40D a prosumer camera is build quality - it has a tough magnesium shell inside that outer coating, whereas the 500D doesn't. The shuuter life of the 40D is also estimated at 100,000 actuations,wheras for the 500D it's 50,000.
 
I agree with CT here, and he's summed it up pretty well. Either are quite capable of taking stunning pics.
The Mega pixel issue is largely a marketing ploy, (unless you're into huge enlargements or heavy cropping), and in real life won't make much difference. The best advice is to physically get your hands on both bodies and you'll immediately see the difference in build. But I know that's just not always possible.

My personal opinion? I'd go for the 40D. But that's all it is... a personal opinion. I'm afraid only you can really make the decision. On the bright side though... I doubt that you'd regret it whichever you choose.
 
I was in the same position, and went for the 40D.. just seems to be a better camera, as its like the level above the 500D to start, even though its slightly older.
 
The handling of the 40D/50D simply blows the xxxD range out of the water. Unless you have some very specific requirements that the 500D offers, a secondhand 40D is the better bet, and should last you a fair while longer.
 
40d has a nice lcd on the top right that gives you quick feedback about the settings, and there's a row of buttons above it for quick access to commonly changed settings.

It's bigger, heavier and nicer to hold. Fewer pixels than the 500d, but more frames per second (if that matters to you).
 
I have a 40D for sale in the classifieds if you decide you want one :)
 
isnt the 40d better at ISO handling as well?
 
Cheers folks, been reading review after review and my head is buzzing with opinions!

However, I think its clear that which ever Canon I choose, I wont be dissapointed!

Hey Ziggy, yeh I saw that earlier and assumed it would be nire on sold! 420 seems a very good price too!
 
james-bailey said:
Hey Ziggy, yeh I saw that earlier and assumed it would be nire on sold! 420 seems a very good price too!
Click to expand...

Is a very good price I feel, just want it to go to a good home and someone who will enjoy using it to be honest. I could get more on Ebay for sure but not interested.
 
you will not be disappointed!
 
Just a case of finding an ideal lens now!
Whole new can of worms! Stand by for another thread in the next few days hehe!
 
I know the decision is made but I'm currently using a 400D and looking to upgrade to a 40D. Their are clear reasons to upgrade due to the more professional feel of the 40D, but the main justification for the upgrade is I'm advised that at ISO 400 and above I should get less noise on the 40D. Good luck with your lens search!
 
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