Planning to upgrade

[Cathathome]

I have an XT and the 2 year itch.

The choices: Canon Xsi or Canon 40D

Both offer DigicIII sensor tech. Many features found on the 40D are now available on the Xsi.

40D offers slightly more features, including 3200ISO, WB in Kelvin & faster frame rate.

40D has more rugged build but the double weight. More conspicuous and twice the size of the Xsi, which is smaller than the XT.

40D is still about $300 more than the Xsi.

My Dilemma? If I buy the Xsi (strong contender) I'm concerned that I will wish I'd gone for the higher ISO and other features. Yet don't really want to haul around a tank. I have a couple of good lenses that also weigh a fair bit but have trouble with camera shake since my hands are small.

If I had money to burn...

Users of the 40D/Xsi represent,. The reviews aren't enough.

[JETA]

I shoot with a Mark III and 70-200mm f/2.8. It's a lot of camera. In all honesty the big lens feels so much better on a bigger camera (I used to use the 300d (1 pound) with that lens) and is easier for me to hang onto the mark III because of the balance.

My line of thinking in upgrading is no regrets (if $$ isn't a huge issue). I don't want to have to upgrade again.

[JETA]

Forgot to add:

I'm a 5' 4" female and hand hold for everything except macro or a long day of shoot portraits.

[Rivman]

I had ask a very similar question when I was contemplating a switch from P&S to DSLR Cath, and got some very informative responses from members who took the time to reply.
You can find them here, and they may help in your decision about the 40D.
Canon EOS 40D, or 50D ?
As you will see, I opted for a complete outfit with an almost new XSi from 'Used Ottawa', at a price well within my budget, and am most happy with the XSi camera !
Goodluck with your decision. :thumbsup:

[Cathathome]

I had ask a very similar question when I was contemplating a switch from P&S to DSLR Cath, and got some very informative responses from members who took the time to reply.
You can find them here, and they may help in your decision about the 40D.
Canon EOS 40D, or 50D ?
As you will see, I opted for a complete outfit with an almost new XSi from 'Used Ottawa', at a price well within my budget, and am most happy with the XSi camera !
Goodluck with your decision. :thumbsup:

Thanks for the redirect, Riv. I don't know why I didn't look at this before.

I have been considering going with the Xsi and putting the saving towards another new lens - my walk around is a 28-105/ 3.5-4.5 and though I like the range in focal length, it's too slow indoors without flash.

Fortunately, I have a bit of time to chew on my options since I'm not planning any purchase before later this spring . Maybe seeing (any) new offerings from Canon in the spring line up will give me some ideas on where to put my money. Now if only I had a crystal ball to tell me when the 40D will be discontinued...

Cheers,

[Loupey]

It sounds like it can go either way for you. What is your primary shooting subject? How significant is the price difference to you? Sounds like weight/size is a factor for you as well. Tough decisions, I wouldn't want to be in your shoes

I don't know if the high ISO will be that necessary (again, I don't know what and how you shoot) or the high fps.

The controls layout are quite different between the two. And as JETA mentioned, a larger camera balances better with larger (EF) lenses - should that be the direction you're heading.

[susaan]

Don't know if this helps,but I just upgraded from a Sony superzoom P & S to a Canon 40D, - in one day of shooting,I notice the weight is already not a problem,that it actually helps me with 'the shakes" which are far less,my hands are small,but fit really well,and I love the strong build - the Rebels just didn't look tough enough for me - my primary work/pleasure shooting takes place outside.
I bought a used ( but very good condition ) camera,which saved me a tun of cash.
- try checking out B & H ( N.Y.) for models,they have a great rep.

[random one]

hi, this is my first post here. but seeing as how i just got a 40D about a month ago, i figured i could add an opinion.

first of all i went straight from a point-and-shoot to the 40D, so i don't have much to compare it to. i have held a rebel and compared to the 40D/50D it feels like a toy (no offense). i understand how the weight could be and issue, but my girlfriend is right around your height and has no problem using the 40D for extended periods of time. and i agree with susaan, the extra weight seems to automatically help with shaking.

the kit lens the 40d came with isn't the greatest and i am planning on getting the canon 50mm 1.4 for better low light performance. but the camera itself is great, the lens is the only problem.

and as far as the 40D being discontinued, i heard production has already been stopped and once the warehouses are empty, that's it. i may be wrong, but that's what i was told from a local camera shop while i was waiting for my 40D to come in.

when i was looking to get a new camera, i didn't even consider a rebel. i was going between the 40D and 50D. the rebels have their customer base for sure, but a 40D seems much, much more durable, and has more features (not a lot more anymore, but still).

[Cathathome]

Thanks all!

Loupey, high fps is desirable, as is the higher ISO. My biggest lens is a 70-200 f/4 and it's very hard to handhold - I've been meaning to get a monopod in time for the kids' soccer in the spring. I have a Sigma 20-40 that weighs a fair bit but because it's not as long, it's a bit easier to manage.

Speaking of kids, most of my out and about time is with them which means I've got to be able to grab and go as much as I need to be able to stash it when it's in the way. Maybe I just need a longer shoulder strap? The ones that come with the bodies don't let you throw it over the shoulder like a knapsack.

Finally, I'm concerned with how conspicuous it looks because of it's size. Then again, a white lens is a pretty strong beacon.

Cost is a definite factor - it'll take me longer to put together enough cash for a 40D. But I've almost convinced myself that it really is the way to go. I'd like to be able to get one used, but again, for the price, I'd want to have at least the 1st year warranty & exchange options with the camera shop.

After all, I don't really need another lens, do I?

[mn shutterbug]

I have a friend, who after seeing my bird photos, decided to get into photography. He bought the XS and after shooting with me (I have the 30D), he figured he was missing something. He was getting some excellent shots, but missing some opportunities due to the slow fps of the XS. He also found it much simpler to change the EC on the fly, with a 30D. So, he now owns both. He has the XS for landscapes and the 30D for birds. The 40D is just a slight step up from the 30D, with a tad faster fps, more megapixels and live view.