[ssabripo]

been trying to get my hands on a used 40D, but they are going for $700s in the used market. I like the better grips of the 40D/50D, but the t1i (500d) has the same sensor/processor as the 50D, has video, and is $800!!

I tried them both and I'm not too unhappy about the grip of the smaller ones.

anyone have any pros/cons on which one suits best for a beginner?

[1013mm]

the 50D, if you understand what you want to do thats the camera, its a mid level. The t1i is a beginners. Videos on these cameras are pretty limited from a photographers point of view you would be better off with a camera that takes photos and a camcorder that records videos. a normal person would probably use a 2-4gb card on these cameras and with videos itll take up a lot of space so whats left for photos?

[asian010]

50d, to my knowledge the 500d has the same processor and stuff as a 40d. it is basically a 40d in a xsi body with hd recording. i never found a situation to use the hd recording feature while doing shoots.

[ssabripo]

Originally Posted by asian010

50d, to my knowledge the 500d has the same processor and stuff as a 40d. it is basically a 40d in a xsi body with hd recording. i never found a situation to use the hd recording feature while doing shoots.

actually, the 500D has a similar processor (DIGIC 4) and sensor as the 50D, not the 40D...
http://www.dpreview.com/previews/canoneos500d/

specifically:
http://www.dpreview.com/previews/CanonEOS500D/page3.asp

it also has similar ISO performance as the 50D (3200), and has the same LCD and menu system as the 50D.


this is what is hard...it's a pretty substantial jump from the XSi in terms of features, and it really narrows the gap from the mid level 50D.

[asian010]

Originally Posted by ssabripo

actually, the 500D has a similar processor (DIGIC 4) and sensor as the 50D, not the 40D...
http://www.dpreview.com/previews/canoneos500d/

specifically:
http://www.dpreview.com/previews/CanonEOS500D/page3.asp

it also has similar ISO performance as the 50D (3200), and has the same LCD and menu system as the 50D.


this is what is hard...it's a pretty substantial jump from the XSi in terms of features, and it really narrows the gap from the mid level 50D.

ahh my bad

[BMW F22]

Hmmm that is a tough choice indeed since they're so similar. Basically if you don't mind the smaller grip and think you will use the video feature often then go for the T1i. Otherwise go with the 50D. I have an XSi right now but sometimes wish for a bigger grip. Of course if you want the best of everything without spending a fortune ($5-8k or so), the 5D Mark II would be THE way to go. I was going to sell the XSi and get a T1i for the higher ISO but I'm just going to save my money and get the 5D MkII later on.

[Cyruz]

no matter which body you choose, keep in mind they are all limited by the glass you are shooting through. put the kit lens of the old rebel xt on a 1DIII body and you will have some expensive shitty pics. put one of the better "L" lenses on the XT body and its a whole different story.

[ssabripo]

Originally Posted by Cyruz

no matter which body you choose, keep in mind they are all limited by the glass you are shooting through. put the kit lens of the old rebel xt on a 1DIII body and you will have some expensive shitty pics. put one of the better "L" lenses on the XT body and its a whole different story.

correct...I plan on getting one good L lens, and one good wide angle lens.

what I'm having a hard time with is:
a) the T1i not having a rear wheel for adjustment
b) being smaller (good and bad).

but I'm also not very keen on:
a) 50D having such a higher premium
b) not having any video at all.

[vachss]

If you don't mind the small grip size and don't need the 50D's higher frame rate then get the 500D. Same or better sensor and features at a cheaper price. Don't let the Beginner vs. Semi-pro labels fool you. Both are fine cameras capable of producing professional results.

A year ago I "downgraded" from a 20D to a 450D and, while I missed the rear wheel a bit" felt the 450D gave me more than a 40D for a lot less money. Your 500D vs. 50D decision is the same thing with 1 year newer technology.

[Cyruz]

the wheel is key, i dont think i can see myself going to a camera with out one if shooting in manual.

[lyndon_h]

I'd probably get the 500d and get a battery grip (if the grip size doesn't fit your likings). Like others have said, the 500d seems to have the same processor and apparently very similar performance to the 50D for less money.

[asdflkijd]

Originally Posted by ssabripo

been trying to get my hands on a used 40D, but they are going for $700s in the used market. I like the better grips of the 40D/50D, but the t1i (500d) has the same sensor/processor as the 50D, has video, and is $800!!

I tried them both and I'm not too unhappy about the grip of the smaller ones.

anyone have any pros/cons on which one suits best for a beginner?

I picked up my 40D for $600, try looking on local craigslist!

and as for the 500d vs 50d, I can speak for 450d and 40d... The difference is night and day.. for starters, the construction of the 40d compared to the xti is so much better... I love the way it feels in my hands and the build quality is much much better.. I even got a battery grip for my 40d to make it even BIGGER and I love it.. The image quality between the two are identical but the 40d has a faster shutter.

[asdflkijd]

Originally Posted by Cyruz

the wheel is key, i dont think i can see myself going to a camera with out one if shooting in manual.

+1, also I wanna add the LCD display on the top, its so convenient... after using the 40d for a couple of months I tried out my xti before I sold it and I had a hard time using it... so much slower.......... GET THE 40d/50d!!!!!

[asdflkijd]

And for beginners the 400d/500d would be ideal but in the long run you'll end up wanting a bigger body (40d/50d).. I went through 2 xti's before I found the need to upgrade to a 40d. Hope that helps...

[ssabripo]

i'm gonna get the 40D tomorrow....it's cheaper, and will use the extra $ towards better glass.

[BMW F22]

The 40D is a great choice. Be sure go out and shoot when you receive the camera!

[clubspec330i]

500D is pretty good for the money you will spend but it won't give you the picture you will get from 40D. Digic III, IV, V, VI...It does not mean a thing to me.

As a self-employed engineer, these equipments are business related to me. I was using my 5D+24-105L daily on my investigation. Is it overkill? Absolutely, but it has paid for itself many times over.

Two weeks ago as I was climbing a ladder at Union Station in Los Angeles, I almost dropped my 5D. Crap, the lens alone will cost more than 40D, 500D, or 50D. So, I went out that afternoon and picked up 500D just to use for daily work. Do I care if I drop 500D with kit-lens? Probably, but not as much as a 5D.

Over the weekend, I did a comparison of 500D+50F1.4 and 5D+85F1.8. As expected, pictures from 500D came out very clear but do not have the dynamic range of 5D. Also, it doesn't not look as sharp.

If I were to start out shooting as a newbie in photography, I will not get a 500D. 40D + 50F1.4 will be my first step. My 500D is an expensive point and shoot.

[john0213]

completely agree. one major point when choosing a suitable body for yourself is the body's ergonmy. how it feels on your hand is one of the main factor that dominates the decision for buyers when deciding between the 450d and 40d. trust me, go to your local electronic store and try them on your hand. you will know what to get right away!

for me, i started out with a used 40d body w/ 17-55 f/2.8 IS. I personally appreciate the back dial a lot more as i shoot 90% of my photos at manual mode. As others have said, the back dial does make a very huge difference!

[ssabripo]

I ended up picking up the 40D last nite at a fabulous price!

looking for a Tamron 17-50mm 2.8, so if anyone knows a good link for used one, I would appreciate it. I'm looking in p-o-t-n and fredmiranda as well.

[ontopofm]

Originally Posted by ssabripo

I ended up picking up the 40D last nite at a fabulous price!

looking for a Tamron 17-50mm 2.8, so if anyone knows a good link for used one, I would appreciate it. I'm looking in p-o-t-n and fredmiranda as well.

try amazon.com, i got mine from there and make sure ask them to send the lense "Made in Japan" and not "Made in China", love the lense so far, images are sharp
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[ssabripo]

Originally Posted by ontopofm

try amazon.com, i got mine from there and make sure ask them to send the lense "Made in Japan" and not "Made in China", love the lense so far, images are sharp

been looking everywhere....cannot find anything used at the $300-$330 price range, which is what they are going on in Fredmiranda.com and photo-on-the-net

I guess I'll have to wait...

[InsaneSkippy]

I've been wanting to upgrade to a 40D for quite some time now. Just a matter of getting enough spare $ to spend on it.


EDIT: Just ordered one from BH Photo Video, it should be here on Wednesday