[LearnToFly]

Hi there,

Im looking to purchase a DSLR this following week and I just need a bit of advice on my buy. Im doing Photography at A/AS level and I have been using D/SLR's on a regular basis at college but I have always taken huge interest often using my step-dads DSLR when possible. But I wish to have my own for my own studies/hobbie and for possible work. My main interest is to start concert or sport photography but I also wish to take nature/landscape on the side. So I have narrowed down to either the 500D or the 40D. I have a budget of around 700 to 750 for a body and lense ( will most likely get another lense around christmas time). So I was just wondering (with your knowledge) if you could help me coming to a better decision. I have taken forum advice and tried out handling both camera's and I have no particular preference - but i was wondering if either had better performance for my needs.

Thanks in advance.

EDIT: If there are other brands/models that you feel may fit into what I have stated above please dont refrain from mentioning them either .

[GarryF]

40D is a nice camera, for sports etc probably the better choice, can be had for 400-450 right now.

doesn't leave a huge amount for a lense though

to give you an idea the 17-55 is probably the best zoom for xxd/xxxD range and it's 600+, then you might add in a 70-200l f4 or 70-300 for approx 350-400

Or you can look at a single lense 18-200, they are about 400?

what everyone always says is spend all your cash on glass, get a cheap body, maybe consider a 30D etc?

[drsuave]

Originally Posted by GarryF

40D is a nice camera, for sports etc probably the better choice, can be had for 400-450 right now.

doesn't leave a huge amount for a lense though

to give you an idea the 17-55 is probably the best zoom for xxd/xxxD range and it's 600+, then you might add in a 70-200l f4 or 70-300 for approx 350-400

Or you can look at a single lense 18-200, they are about 400?

what everyone always says is spend all your cash on glass, get a cheap body, maybe consider a 30D etc?

40D great cam!! Had mine for over a year love it ( but upgrading to 5D mk2 now )

Also have a look at the Tamron lens great quality for the price:

Tamron 17-50mm F2.8 XR Di ll LD Aspherical (IF) from £327.99, UK Specialist Price Comparison Site, Camera Price Buster

[LearnToFly]

Ok thanks guys - so would you steer away from the 500D? And is there any particular reason? Im just wondering what the pro's and cons you were basing this advice on was. Thanks again.

[senu]

Originally Posted by LearnToFly

Ok thanks guys - so would you steer away from the 500D? And is there any particular reason? Im just wondering what the pro's and cons you were basing this advice on was. Thanks again.

I suppose the short answer is the 40D is more substantially built, is faster in use , ( Bigger buffer , start up ect), and access to the variuos settings are far more handy
There is a longer answer but suffice to say the different models exist for these reasons (And Im a bit lazy having had a glass of brew or 2..)
It is entirely possible to take identical images with either, or even higher res ones with the 500D but i doubt that any 40D owner would trade it in for a 500D
Canon does pitch at a different market for its X0D and it XX0D models and although the 450 and 500D are not entry level, they are not quite the 40/50D and the better 7D levels for SemiPro/ serious enthusiast use

Im surprised you have handled both and they feel identical ,, they are not, both in size and " feel" when shooting . I had to use both a 450 and 40D at a recent wedding abroad and it was hard work switching my " brain " from one to the other, despite both being stablemates

For Sports use I would really urge you to think about 6.5fps being a big plus for the 40D
The 30D is actually not bad and can be had for less leaving you with more for a decent lens , but the 40D is " better"
. I have the 30 and 40D and will likely get a 5D mk2 then sell of the 30D later. ll still hold onto the 40D though

But back on track
The lens is Paramount in all this and a " good body" with an average lens is not as desirable as the other way round.

[Jammyb]

I love my 500D, it has a better screen, video mode, higher ISO options and more upto date processor chip than the 40D.

Having said that I would still have bought the 40D if it had been the same price when I bought my 500D, it isn't and I'm not sure where you can buy a 40D new?

I agree for sport photography the higher fps the better.

Some other cameras to look at here:
Digital Cameras Side-by-Side, 9 cameras: Digital Photography Review

The sony A550 looks interesting, with 7fps in 'speed priority mode'

[LearnToFly]

Originally Posted by senu

I suppose the short answer is the 40D is more substantially built, is faster in use , ( Bigger buffer , start up ect), and access to the variuos settings are far more handy
There is a longer answer but suffice to say the different models exist for these reasons (And Im a bit lazy having had a glass of brew or 2..)
It is entirely possible to take identical images with either, or even higher res ones with the 500D but i doubt that any 40D owner would trade it in for a 500D
Canon does pitch at a different market for its X0D and it XX0D models and although the 450 and 500D are not entry level, they are not quite the 40/50D and the better 7D levels for SemiPro/ serious enthusiast use

Im surprised you have handled both and they feel identical ,, they are not, both in size and " feel" when shooting . I had to use both a 450 and 40D at a recent wedding abroad and it was hard work switching my " brain " from one to the other, despite both being stablemates

For Sports use I would really urge you to think about 6.5fps being a big plus for the 40D
The 30D is actually not bad and can be had for less leaving you with more for a decent lens , but the 40D is " better"
. I have the 30 and 40D and will likely get a 5D mk2 then sell of the 30D later. ll still hold onto the 40D though

But back on track
The lens is Paramount in all this and a " good body" with an average lens is not as desirable as the other way round.

Ok thanks for the advice. I didnt really say they felt identical, I just didnt have preference over the way either handle - I felt I could use either quite easily.But I understand if switching between them, I could see it being quite difficuilt with the size difference.

Also how do you have any knowledge of how the 40D would handle concert photography? Obviously it being lowlight etc. This is something that would come into the equation for me - as if it can tackle both sport and concert/gig photography this body seems the one for me.

And I was to have around the 300/400 mark to put on one lens after getting the body ( I would look to get another one around the christmas period) is there a particular lense you would reccomend first?

Thanks in advance.

[senu]

Originally Posted by LearnToFly

Also how do you have any knowledge of how the 40D would handle concert photography? Obviously it being lowlight etc. This is something that would come into the equation for me - as if it can tackle both sport and concert/gig photography this body seems the one for me.

I dont think any camera is especially optimised for concert photography although some will obvuisly be better at it than others
That is a function of Lowlight ability and to a large extent, fast Lens
. On paper the 500D is a better low light performers, especially with a usable higher ISO.The 50D get mixed reviews
In practice, Im none the wiser having not used them side by side
There is little doubt the 7D and 5D ( FF ) will really show thier strengths here

And I was to have around the 300/400 mark to put on one lens after getting the body ( I would look to get another one around the christmas period) is there a particular lens you would recommend first?

The choices are the Tamron 17-50 and Sigma 17-70, but the 50mm f1.8 is a must for quality on a shoestring

[LearnToFly]

Hmmm I will have a think this evening. You have been very helpful so thanks alot . I will update with my decision soon enough.

[GarryF]

something to consider btw, is for low light/concert shooting the best thing you can buy are prime lenses like the 50-1/4, 85-1.8 etc, these allow you to operate in much darker conditions than most of the zooms around

[Lor3nzo]

I just bought a 40D having owned a 350D for a few years. I compared it to the 500D but decided a big chunk of the price for the 500D was for the HD movie recording part which I wouldn't use.

I struggled to find a 40D in the shops. All that were left were ex-display etc. I ended up getting one on Ebay after a long hunt. It came from the states.

I also got the 17-55 lens F2.8 which gets a great right up. I got the chance to put it through its paces for the first time today - my kid's birthday party. I now understand why a better lens is useful. All of my shots were taken without flash, with great natural daylight from the windows. My old kit would never have managed that. The pics are brilliant for that reason.

I also used a EF 28-135 lens to take some actions shots at the dry ski slope. On sport setting the camera went off like a machine gun, and I can play the shots back almost like a movie they are in such quick succession.

Would think the 40D and a few prime lenses would do you well for low light concerts and sport.