Selling a backup 40D and buying an EOS M - good or bad idea?

julianhj

julianhj

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My wife and I shoot landscapes with our 5Dmk2s. We still have a 40D which comes with us on holidays, but hasn't been used for a year or two - it's purely a backup in case of some disaster out in the wilds of a US National Park.

I took my 5D2 round Goodwood last year, and didn't bother yesterday due to the weight. I wasn't there primarily for photos. My mate had his CSC with him and was snapping away occasionally, whilst I used my phone for the odd shot.

Given that 40D prices are falling, as are the new prices for the current EOS M system, we've just discussed 'upgrading' from one to the other.

The going rate appears to be around £250 for a good condition 40D, and we can get a white M, 18-55mm STM and EF adaptor for £295 after cashback. Given a little movement for negotiation on the 40D and postage for each, I think it can be done for a £100 cost to change.

Pros:
Much smaller everyday alternative to carting a DSLR around
Better sensor and processor (?)
Still able to use our EF lenses if a 5D2 packs up in the middle of nowhere
Good alternative for timelapses - no shutter to wear out

Cons:
Lack of control compared to a DSLR(?)
Lack of compatibility with remote releases(?)

Can anyone offer advice as to why this would be a good or bad idea?
 
I assume you've read quite a few reviews of the EOS M already? The main thing which would put me off is the slow AF compared to SLRs... while the EOS M might be nice for some situations I think the feeling of "if only I had an SLR I'd have got a great shot there" would annoy me too much. That said it's still a lot lighter and more compact than carrying the 40D around.
 
Yes, I've read some reviews. I've also seen that a new firmware version was released a couple of weeks ago which addressed the slow one shot AF issue. Someone on another forum has suggested a 100D. Another £100, no extra lens, but then if we've already got nice glass anyway, would there be much of an issue - plus accessories such as triggers, angle finders etc are going to work straight off. The body size is obviously a bit larger, but how much so?
 
Definitely worth looking at both and comparing them (EOS M vs 100D) to get a feel for difference in size as to an existing Canon DSLR user the 100D makes quite a bit of sense is size is the issue although I have a feeling the EOS M is noticeably smaller (from memory)
 
Well you've not used the 40D in a year, so potentially you don't need it. So I'd be asking myself do I need a backup then ?

The EOS M would maybe be a better bet for your holidays etc due to the size / compactness when you don't want to take a DSLR, but it could be limiting as you've mentioned.

I think I'd also be looking at and trying the EOS M out to see whether I like it, can get on with it etc...

Hope this is of some help...
 
Doesn't the eos-m need and adapter costing around £100 to use ef lenses? Nice camera though I have the 90ex flash that comes with it as it can act as a master flash ;)
 
I have a 5DII and kept my 40D as a backup, but I think I've only used it once or twice in the 3 or so years since I acquired the 5DII. Recently I purchased an EOS-M and have used it far more than I thought, as I tend to take it with me on those occasions when a DSLR is just too much camera. If a situation requires a DSLR, the 40D isn't my first choice, hence it's lack of use.

Due to the AF, I wouldn't use the EOS-M if I was shooting action shots, but for other occasions when I want a camera capable of delivering good images, but not the bulk of a DSLR, it suits my requirements just fine.
 
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