help selecting a camera

[julie_hubbard]

I have been reading all the camera reviews that I can find and I have narrowed

it down to a Canon EOS 40D and a Canon Rebel XTi. Can anyone give me some

pointers that might help me decide between the two? I will be using it for

vacation photos, wildlife, landscapes and tennis matches.

[jimstrutz]

The 40D is the better camera, but it might not make any real difference to you, and it is larger and heavier too.

 

The 40D focuses and shoots faster, so it is better for tennis matches. It has a very slightly better image quality too. The 40D has more features, but also has more external controls to make using it quicker to use.

 

More people like the way the 40D feels in their hands, and many complain about the XTi's small grip. But if your hands are small you might prefer it.

 

The 40D offers Live View, so you can see what's happening in the LCD on the camera's back. The XTi can't do that. Normally you use the viewfinder anyway, but Live View is a nice feature sometimes.

 

The selection of lenses you choose will make far more difference than the choice between these two cameras.

[colinsouthern]

I made the mistake of purchasing the XT a few years ago - ended up selling it at a loss to upgrade to a 20D because the XT was just too "toyish" in it's look and feel (including useage and controls) - these days it's a tossup between the XTi and 40D - I'd suggest getting the 40D.

[zigzag]

They have many similarities in that they take the same lenses, have the same 1.6x 'crop factor' which can be advantageous for distant objects like wildlife. The 40D is heavier and has more features. If you only want to use the camera in its automatic modes you may not care about some of these. The 40D is a better camera but it may not be the better camera for you. If you intend to be a keen power-user get the 40D, if you intend to be a keen user who likes to use all the auto functions and like a lightweight camera, consider the XTi. WHatever you do, make sure you keep some money aside to buy some good lenses - for the tennis you may want both a zoom lens (e.g. Canon 70-300mm IS and a standard lens, e.g. the new Canon 18-55mm IS.)

 

 

You can read some more here

 

 

 

http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/canon_eos_40D_review_1.html

 

http://www.bobatkins.com/photography/digital/canon_eos_400D.html

 

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00MKel

 

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00Mh4Y

 

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00MSlM

 

http://www.photo.net/bboard/q-and-a-fetch-msg?msg_id=00Mlil

[sattler123]

If you are a serious photographer and like to use more control over the picture taking process, then the 40D is the camera for you. If on the other hand you tend to only use automtic functions and just want to press the shutter button, then the XTI is perfectly fine.

 

I think we sometimes forget here that many folks use their cameras only sporadically and really don't get into all the features these cameras offer. A friend of mine just recently faced the same decision. Knowing him quite well, I steared him towards the XTI, incl. grip and he couldn't be happier with it. The 40D would have been an overkill for him.

 

You need to be honest with yourself and decide what type of photographer you are or want to be. For casual users, the XTI is a great camera, for more serious users the decision will be the 40D.

[gdanmitchell]

<p>I used the predecessor of the XTi (the Rebel XT/300D) for about two years and I found it to be an excellent little camera. In terms of image quality the Rebel series is every bit the equal

of the more expensive 20D/30D/40D series. Using good lenses and careful technique I made photographs with my XT that I have sold and continue to sell today.

 

<p>The real question is not which is the <i>better camera</i> but <i>which is the right camera for you</i>.

 

<p>There are a few specific features that the 40D provides that are not provide by the XTi. How important are these to you? Both cameras provide a high speed "burst mode" that

automatically fires a number of photos in rapid succession. This can be useful for subjects such as action sports. The 40D has a faster burst mode and can go a bit longer before filling its

memory buffer. Most people who are not specifically sports photography (or similar) specialists will find that the burst mode of the XTi is just fine.

 

<p>The 40D has a larger body. Some people prefer this. Some don't. Some are simply reassured that having a larger camera body makes them "look more pro." I currently use a 5D, which

is in the "larger body" category. I can report that some aspects of the XT/XTi interface are actually superior to that of the 5D, while others are arguably less user friendly. But in the end,

most photographers adapt to whatever camera system they use, and once they learn its interface it becomes second nature.

 

<p>The larger body can be a liability for some people. If your primary goal when you travel or otherwise carry a camera is the photography itself you will put up with the additional size

and bulk (of the camera and lenses and flash units and tripods...), but if you want the photography to be <i>part</i> of you activities rather than the main focus it can be nice to decrease

the bulk of the gear.

 

<p>Don't buy the 40D over the XTi for reasons such as "it must be better because it is bigger," or "it must be better because it costs more," or "it has features like spot metering and 6.5

fps" (unless you know what they are and know you need them). Buy one or the other because its features and design fit best with the type of photography your are likely to do.

 

<p>Take care,

 

<p>Dan

[ronald_biggar]

If you are getting the kit lens, make sure it is the 18-55 IS. The non IS is not very good. Either camera will be fine. Always buy the best lens you are comfortable affording. A fast prime such as 50 1.8,

85 1.8 and a good zoom 70-200 f4L make a good system. Use the kit lens

first and see how you like it. Don't buy a cheap zoom. Save up for a good one, the pictures will reward you.

[frankz]

Assuming you're going to buy one or the other of your stated choices, get the 40D; more usable features (and quite a few that are solutions looking for a problem).

 

 

These things are more like computers as far as picking what to buy. The best advice is to buy all you can afford.

[gdanmitchell]

<p>Frank wrote: <i>"These things are more like computers as far as picking what to buy. The best advice is to buy all you can afford."</i>

 

<p>With all due respect, I have to disagree - regarding computer and cameras. If money is no object, perhaps. But you will not always get more

value for more money, and sometime the more expensive thing is actually less functional for your purposes.

 

<p>I could have a high-end modular Mac system, but instead I <i>chose</i> to get a 24" iMac. This is plenty powerful for running Photoshop and

Bridge and ACR. (And Logic Pro, Reason, and so on.) It was less expensive and takes a lot less space on my desk. If I had spent nearly twice as much

for the "tower" system and a separate 24" monitor, what would I have gained in terms of ability to do the work that I do? Essentially nothing.

 

<p>The same holds true with cameras. There is little to no value in buying, say, a 1DsMKIII or a 1DMKIII just because you can afford it - unless

your photography benefits from this and the use of the larger heavier gear doesn't intrude on the particular type of shooting you like to do.

 

<p>There are times and places in which the very expensive stuff really does make sense. But there are far more situations in which less expensive

options are more appropriate and just as satisfying and functional.

 

<p>The trick is knowing the difference. :-)

 

<p>Dan

[alan_myers]

Julie,

 

You mention vacation photos... if you will be traveling a lot with the camera, the smaller and lighter XTi might be just the thing for you.

 

The 40D is more "durable" and "professional" feeling. I think most find it's user interface a little faster and easier to use.

 

Still, either will make great photos. And one can learn to use either effectively and efficiently.

 

I'd suggest you go to a store and handle both, to see which feels most comfortable to you.

[mendel_leisk]

"I'd suggest you go to a store and handle both, to see which feels most comfortable to you."

 

That's the ticket. And whatever you do, don't ask to see the 5D ;)

[gdanmitchell]

Mendel: "And whatever you do, don't ask to see the 5D ;)"

 

Yes, GOOD advice! :-)

 

Dan

[JDMvW]

I for one do not like that there is only the back LCD to show settings and so forth on the XTi, and would prefer the control settings of the 40D for that reason. If the XTi is too light and small,however, just add the battery grip.

 

I have shot both with the XTi (before my daughter needed it for photography school) and the 20D (a predecessor to the 40D). There's no question that the D series are more rugged and heavier and also more solid, but the XTi is good too, and the difference in cost will buy another lens.

 

Do buy a kit lens for the little extra it costs, but if you can, get the new IS version of the 18-55mm (about 50-80$ more). The cost of a kit lens with the body is a bargain.

[julie_hubbard]

Thanks everyone, great feedback. It sounds like I really can't go wrong with either camera. The pictures that I tend to be the most disapointed with are the ones I take at tennis matches. They sometimes are blurred, too dark or the delay causes me to miss the shot. It sounds like this may be where the manual controls would come in handy, but based on your feedback it sounds like the qaulity of the lens may be even more important assuming that you know how to use the features of either camera. I am headed to store to check them both out and I promise not to ask to see the 5D.

[andys]

My personal preference is for the 40D over the 400D. We have one of each and the 40D feels like a purposeful tool with everything to hand. The 400D is capable of excellent results, but for me, it takes more work.

[nhut-nguyen]

I have the 40D and the 350D/XT (predecessor of the 400D/XTi). If I spend more time carrying my camera than using with it, I opt for the XT with the 18-55 kit lens. With the price of the 40D, you can get the XTi with the very good 17-40 f/4L for landscape or the 70-200 f/4L for tennis. Put your money in good glass, good filters, some extra battery and memory cards.

 

P.S what weird for me is that I get more blurry shots when using the XT than using the 40D due to camera shake. I guess the XT body is too small to balance out the heavy lenses that I have, even with the BG-E3 grip on.