Canon 40D + sigma 18-200 OS or canon 400D + sigma 18-200 OS

Hi there,
i am new to posting and forums and a bit new to digital photography too. Learned the basics of photography a few years back, on my dads 40 years old but still alive Roliflex twin lens film camera. Now I'm looking to buy my first Digital SLR. I am an architect and enjoy biking, traveling and art. id like to click landscapes, architecture, portraits, people, a bit of wildlife etc. but not sports.

After researching a bit i have narrowed down the search to Canon 40D or 400D , both with Sigma 18-200 OS zoom lens. i didn't consider Nikon cause Canon has some sort of dust removal system, which i feel is essential being in India. i want a single zoom lens to be on my camera to avoid dust on sensor and to travel light, so i narrowed down to Sigma 18-200 OS. i am confused and have some questions. Id really appreciate if someone can help me in choosing.
1. Plastic body of 400D is good enough for my needs and for my requirement?
2. I wear spectacles so will buying 40D with Live View function going to help much in avoiding the view finder? i don't now how much trouble is it to use the viewfinder with spectacles.
3. Partial weather sealing of 40D vs. no weather sealing of 400D , considering Indian conditions?
4. No top LCD panel in 400D matter much?
5. No spot metering in 400D matter much?
6. Will 40D help me a great deal in taking better pictures? i can afford both 40D and 400D but don't want to spend extra if 400D will suit my needs. Maybe itl be better to upgrade after say 3-4 years to say 60D.

please help

I'm a Nikon guy but will give general advice. First if you are going to keep one lens on, just about always, you won't have trouble with dust on the sensor. If you can afford either and are willing to learn how to use it, I'd go with the 40d. I wear spectacles and have no trouble with the view finder on my camera.
Don't know if top lcd panel matters.....some people like them and some don't. I wouldn't want all that info on my back lcd.
The 400 or 40 will be as good at taking pictures as you are and how much you want to improve your skills.
If I were you, I'd go with the 40d but regular Canon users might differ.

Do you take the camera out in the rain? If no, then the weather sealing makes no difference. I have a 5D which is not weather sealed and I use mine in the rain with no problems.

I wear glasses and the viewfinder is fine. In bright sunlight I would not trust focusing using the LCD but after reading a thread by Loupey on another forum not sure its that much of a problem on the 40D. I only use the LCD to check the histogram.

I assume you have played with both camera's as the 40D is much bigger and heavier than the 400D so that may be a consideration if carrying a long way. Which is more comfortable in your hand?

I could not do without my spot meter so I would go for the 40D. But that is me, is spot metering really important to you?

If you are ready to upgrade do it now otherwise you will always be waiting for the next version.

Hope that helps you decide.

Roger

I have always been one, that, you buy the best you can afford.
I would love the 40D and will own one when my 20D gets worn out.
If you wait for a new model to come out then you will always be waiting, because Canon
brings out new models every couple of years.
Know several people that own the 400D and the plastic body does fine. Not unless you are planning on throwing it a lot. "pun here"
Glad that, frog, let you know about glasses. I wear reading glasses but have to remove them you look through the view finder and then put them back on to see the LCD.
I feel the weather sealing of the 40D is not much. I would not make this a deal breaker on choosing either camera.
My 20D has a top LCD and I use it, only looking at the back for the histogram. But then if never used one, probably would not miss it.
I feel the 40D will help you get better photos, but at double the price,only you can justify that. I shoot a lot of indoor sports so the up-grade to a 40D would help me.
On lens, you mention the Sigma 18-200, have you looked at the Tamron 18-250?
I own both brands and usually love Sigma but Tamron does have some nice lens. Unless the OS of the Sigma is a must. The Tamron 18-250 has better ratings.
One last note, if you are ordering on-line go to a trusted dealer. Please look at the dealer section here, it will help, mostly to locate the bait & switch stores. I saw on-line a 40D for under $600. When I went and looked the rating for the store it was less then "1". B&H has a rating of 9.65.

thank you Frog, readingr, rovowen for your time and effort in answering some of my questions. i really appreciate it. i think il buy 400D for now and improve my photography skills for a few years and then upgrade to the best available at that time say 1D mark 4.

its really nice to have u guys around. il keep you posted on developments including how the OS of the Sigma fairs.