Camera Gurus, need some help.

[garboui]

Hey guys,

I'm now in the market to go back to SLR shooting as I am finally fed up with this digital p&s stuff. Recently i have really been eyeing up the rebel XSi (450D) and the 40D. More so the xsi due to price. Now im somewhat set on staying canon as i already have some lenses and accessories from my 35mm cannon stuff.

Now, ive looked at henrys and they have the xsi kit for an allright price. Is there anywhere else i should be looking to get a better deal on a new rig. Also for the experts is the alloy case and a few features (3200iso, 1/8000 shutter, 6fps) that the 40d has over the xsi worth the extra coin?

[MSMitch]

Hey guys,

I'm now in the market to go back to SLR shooting as I am finally fed up with this digital p&s stuff. Recently i have really been eyeing up the rebel XSi (450D) and the 40D. More so the xsi due to price. Now im somewhat set on staying canon as i already have some lenses and accessories from my 35mm cannon stuff.

Now, ive looked at henrys and they have the xsi kit for an allright price. Is there anywhere else i should be looking to get a better deal on a new rig. Also for the experts is the alloy case and a few features (3200iso, 1/8000 shutter, 6fps) that the 40d has over the xsi worth the extra coin?

I got my Dig Rebel (original) when it first came out off ebay from a camera store in Ottawa at (then) a great price. When I buy big ticket items, I just try to make sure it's from someone in Canada and shipped from Canada.

IMO, I prefer the 40d - mainly for the alloy body - feels nicer too! But for the price, the Xsi is hard to beat (I also had a collection of Canon lenses). However, I haven't played with both cameras side by side. Either way though, I think you'll be happy. WOW, I was a lot of help!!! :chuckle

[b3GS]

the body of the 40D feels so much better... I recently upgraded from an XT, and I'm very glad I went with the 40D... the rebel body just feels like a toy now in comparison.

the 40D also has the top LCD which saves alot on battery power, whereas the XSi uses the rear screen all the time to display your settings.

overall.. the 40D is a much better built camera for not really that much more money

[Noisy Crow]

If you check out www.stevesdigicams.com (http://www.stevesdigicams.com) there is tons of good info on all of the current models. He does a full review, including test shots, battery life, features, etc. etc. and suggest similar models you might want to consider....

[bhrm]

the big question is, what do you need and what are you using it for?

Would you still be happy if you bought an older DSLR? 20D and 30Ds can be had for pretty cheap these days, as with older rebels.

No point in paying extra for things you don't need, not often would you shoot 1/8000th of a second. 6FPS is nice to have if you need it.

but if you want speed, 1D mk1 are cheap at $1000, you get 1/16000th shutter and 8FPS. but only 4.3MP CCD sensor.

[Xerox]

If you get the 450D I suggest getting the battery/vertical grip.

Other than the weight difference I personally can't tell the difference between plastic and magnesium alloy body. I personally wouldn't use that as a deciding factor.

ISO 3200 on 40D is extended. Native it supports upto 1600. So just because it can be pushed to 3200 don't expect amazing noise control.

Keep in mind that the 450D uses SD and not CF.

I think the 450D is packed with pretty good features. It has live view, same metering modes as 40D, sensor cleaning, 9-point AF (although I don't think they are all cross-type like the 40D).

If you're not sure maybe you can get cheaper body (450D) and use money left over for better lens. Bodies come and go. Glass is forever.

Canon lenses are international warranty. Canon bodies are continental warranty (so you have warranty as long as you buy in North America). B&H prices are good but in USA. (B&H sells 40D body for $939.95 USD)

[garboui]

Hmmm.. thanks for the advice so far guys.

Ive been doing some research that last few days and it seems like going from 12mp to 8 or 10mp is to no real disadvantage as i cant ever see myself printing anything larger than 8x10 and i tend to try and keep cropping to a minimum. I also like the idea of a metal case vs plastic. A used 30D is looking pretty apealing right now for the options/features that i would like to have over the 450D. One biggie for me is that the 30D will give me an extra 2fps over the 450D and at used i could esentially have a 30d kit for less than a 450D kit would cost.

edit: i found a "lightly" used 30D body for $650. Is this about average for used value on these?

[Xerox]

Are you talking about a used 30D or 40D?

Your talk about megapixel is a little confusing.
30D 8.2mp
40D 10mp
450D 12mp

If you buy used, find out about the shutter cycles (there's really no way to know with Canon's xxxD lines so you'll have to take the seller's word for it). 30D is rated at 100,000 shutter life.

[garboui]

Are you talking about a used 30D or 40D?

Your talk about megapixel is a little confusing.
30D 8.2mp
40D 10mp
450D 12mp

If you buy used, find out about the shutter cycles (there's really no way to know with Canon's xxxD lines so you'll have to take the seller's word for it). 30D is rated at 100,000 shutter life.

sorry about that i just noticed that blunder. Ultimately the bottom line to my conclusion is that i probably wont miss the few extra mp of a brand new body over the 30D.

Is there a way to check the # of actuations on the 30D?

[Xerox]

Is there a way to check the # of actuations on the 30D?

To my knowledge, on xxxD line (ie. 450D, 30D, 40D) the only way to check is by Canon.
You can use continous file count as a guide to how many pictures you've taken but this ofcourse can be reset.
Canon's xD lines (ie. 5D, 1D) can be checked in EXIF if you use a program that can read it (ie. Panda).

By getting a 30D you will be losing out on sensor cleaning, DIGIC III, live view.

[garboui]

Ive seen some digicIII examples and overall quality isnt too different allthough the sensoe cleaning part is defiantly a disadvantage. as for the live view mode i cant really see myself using it all that much more than it being a novelty feature.

i guess my ultamate goal right now is a best bang for buck package thats going to stand up (hence metal case) and fit into a students budget.