40D vs 450D ?

[Pierscoe1]

..well, is the 40D worth the (relatively small) extra over the 450D?

it's obviously an out-of-date model now, but does that matter (I know Canon aren't removing it from their price-lists yet)?
the 450D obviously has a 2Mp advantage.. but what else are points of comparison?

(for reference... this would be upgrading from a 350D)

[flat-planedCrank]

Pierscoe1 said:

..well, is the 40D worth the (relatively small) extra over the 450D?

it's obviously an out-of-date model now, but does that matter (I know Canon aren't removing it from their price-lists yet)?
the 450D obviously has a 2Mp advantage.. but what else are points of comparison?

(for reference... this would be upgrading from a 350D)

Personally, I'd go for the 40D...

Better AF
'Larger' viewfinder
Faster max shutter (1/8000th 40D, 1/4000th 450D)
Much (!) bigger frame buffer (75 jpg's:17 RAW's, 53 jpg's:6 RAW's)
Faster burst speed (6.3fps, 3.5fps)
Higher shutter sync (1/250th, 1/200th)
Higher ISO setting (3200iso, 1600iso)
etc...

Even without those differences I would go for the 40D due to the extra dial / LCD panel that make the **D cameras much more ergonomic - you generally don't need to access the menu system in the camera to change common settings like iso - its much faster to work with.
Plus there is the better build quality...

I guess it really depends on how you use your camera If you value the portability of the 350D/450D range with their smaller size & lighter weight then the 40D might not be for you (450D:475g, 40D:740g (350D:540g)).
If possible I'd go to a local camera store and check them out


Hope this helps.


Cheers.

[VxDuncan]

As said, worth it for the big dial on the back that scrolls through images etc. God I wish my D300 had one of those (not worth changing to Canon for though!)

TBH the higher ISO (the higher pixel count on the 450D probably mean it's noiser so can't go as high) and faster flash sync speed is worth the extra alone.

I'm a Nikon type, but when passed a 450D a couple of weeks ago I really didn't get on with the AF and tiny viewfinder. I'd have the 40D everytime.*

• that said, if you're a beginner and will be using it solely in the creative modes, you maybe better with the more novice friendly consumer models.

[LukeBird]

^^ Excellent stuff up there.
Having used my dad's 40D I had a look at the 450 & 40D next to each other and realised I had () to have the 40D.
It just felt 'right'; the chunkier feel and better weight were the big differences in your hands.
Pop inot a local camera store and have a play!

[cirks]

Pierscoe1 said:

it's obviously an out-of-date model now

According to Canon in all the tests I've seen, the 50D isn't a replacement for the 40D so really the 40D isn't an out of date model!

[Gizmo!]

As above really - the 40D isn't being deleted for some time, because the 50D is 15MP and 30% more.

I had the same decision a little while ago and went for the 40D. It feels like it's built to last rather than plasticky, and I'm not intending on replacing it any time soon. The extra shooting speed is going to be useful too.

[miniman]

flat-planedCrank said:

Even without those differences I would go for the 40D due to the extra dial / LCD panel that make the **D cameras much more ergonomic - you generally don't need to access the menu system in the camera to change common settings like iso - its much faster to work with.
Plus there is the better build quality...

This might not sound like a big deal, but once you have used a **D camera you'll never want to go back. I used a mate's 400D last night and the number of steps you have to go through to adjust flash comp, ISO, AF mode, Drive mode, even exposure comp, makes it really laborious in comparison. Plus comparatively speaking, in terms of build, the 40D is the brick st house to the 450Ds Portaloo.

[Pierscoe1]

Thanks for the comments all... much appreciated!

flat-planedCrank said:

Personally, I'd go for the 40D...
Better AF
'Larger' viewfinder

what specifically is 'better' about the AF?
thought they were both 9-point etc.. or is there more to it than that?

...and larger viewfinder - is it just physically a bigger bit of glass to look through?

I'll go and have a play with one next w.end in the shop I think.....

[flat-planedCrank]

Pierscoe1 said:

Thanks for the comments all... much appreciated!

flat-planedCrank said:

Personally, I'd go for the 40D...
Better AF
'Larger' viewfinder

what specifically is 'better' about the AF?
thought they were both 9-point etc.. or is there more to it than that?

...and larger viewfinder - is it just physically a bigger bit of glass to look through?

I'll go and have a play with one next w.end in the shop I think.....

Both cameras have 9 point AF, however the 40D's 9 points are all 'cross type' and the center point is even more accurate with lenses f2.8 and faster. The 450D only has one 'cross type' point at the centre, but its also more accurate with lenses f2.8 and faster.


Thought the 40D's viewfinder covered are larger area of the frame than the 450D's but I've just checked and their both 95%. However, the magnification of the viewfinder on the 40D is better - 40D: 0.95x, 450D: 0.87x (350D: 0.8x).


Taking a look in the shop is definatly a good idea you'll certainly feel the build quality / ergonomic differences in the two models (just take care you don't walk out with a 1D series camera )

If you want to buy from a highstreet store then you may get them to price-match some of the larger online stores like warehouseexpress.com (who are selling the 40D for £564.99 currently)

One last thing, just noticed Canon has a cash-back offer running until 12th Jan 2009 - http://www.canon.co.uk/eoscashback/


Cheers.

[RobDickinson]

40D is the better camera IMO.

Doesnt weight much more, faster shooting, feels better etc.

[havoc]

Piers,

I have a 40D. If you want to have a play with it, just let me know.

I compared 20D with 350D a few years back, and bought the 20D as it 'handled' better, had better fps and functionality, and felt better-built. All those comments apply equally to your dilemma.


Also - re: Megapixels - IMHO anything about 6 or 7 is irrelevant unless you want poster-size prints. A Nikon D70 (6.2?) will print on A4 very clearly and OK on A3. So both are now overkill...