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DPChallenge Forums >> Hardware and Software >> 40D vs 5D...That is the question
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05/06/2008 08:46:13 PM · #1
So, I am happy to announce that I'm finally ready to upgrade from my trusty Rebel. Now, I am well aware (and seen plenty of proof) of the 5D and it's awesomeness (yes, that's a word in my world). I'm not as informed on the awesomeness of the 40D.
My question to you folks is this...If you could go out and buy either the 40D or the 5D tomorrow, what you get? Also, to all the 5D owners, is there anything about the 5D that bugs you? 40D owners, are you happy with this new bundle of joy? Any issues/problems I should know about? I realize that most will probably say that "if you can afford it, go with the 5D", but I would still like to hear about people's experience with the 40D too.
This purchase is immanent so any advise, stories, pros/cons, would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you!
05/06/2008 08:49:12 PM · #2
I went from the Rebel to the 40D in November and I couldn't be happier! It's a nice upgrade, the 40D has a lot of nice features that the Rebel doesn't have. Sure a 5D would be great, but since I don't have the kind of money to shell out, the 40D is doing nicely.
05/06/2008 08:51:49 PM · #3
Well, do you find yourself shooting at the wide end or the tele end? Because the crop factor on APS-C size sensors like in the 40D is definitely an advantage for that. Aside from the longer length, you eliminate common lens issues such as corner softness, fall off, etc.

Also: Will you ever shoot in less than perfect conditions, with dust, moisture, etc? Will you ever need faster continuous shooting? How important is having the newest image processor? Give us some more information on your shooting style and I think it'll be a lot easier for people to suggest you a camera :)
05/06/2008 08:54:57 PM · #4
5D in my opinion is the way to go if I wasn't saving up for a new lens a 5d would be my next purchase.

edit: if your planning on shooting any stock photography buy the 5D.

Message edited by author 2008-05-06 21:01:58.
05/06/2008 08:56:46 PM · #5
I like the 40d better than the 5D, GASP, it has more pixel per sensor area than the 5D and I got frustrated when I had vignetting at even 24mm. But the 5D has its advantages too. Regardless, when given the choice of a very nice camera costing 3 oranges and a nice camera costing one, I will always go for just the nice one, and spend the other 2 oranges on lenses, lighting, and/or other accessories. In the end, there is a good chance that nice camera will do much much better. I wish I had some one to tell me this last year.....

Message edited by author 2008-05-06 20:58:48.
05/06/2008 08:59:54 PM · #6
To Anti-Martyr.....Headshots and Food shots mainly, so I suppose mostly tele end.
05/06/2008 09:02:55 PM · #7
5D is an awesome camera. I would say if wideangle photography is important for you, go with a full frame sensor (5D).
05/06/2008 09:03:29 PM · #8
Originally posted by FourTDSean:

I like the 40d better than the 5D, GASP, it has more pixel per sensor area than the 5D and I got frustrated when I had vignetting at even 24mm. But the 5D has its advantages too. Regardless, when given the choice of a very nice camera costing 3 oranges and a nice camera costing one, I will always go for just the nice one, and spend the other 2 oranges on lenses, lighting, and/or other accessories. In the end, there is a good chance that nice camera will do much much better. I wish I had some one to tell me this last year.....


Thank you for your opinion, albeit controversial :) ! One question...What is that button (AF) right next to where the tip of your thumb sits. I was playing with the 40D in the shop and couldn't figure it out, but it seemed to kind of get in the way.
05/06/2008 09:06:39 PM · #9
Originally posted by cloudsme:

5D is an awesome camera. I would say if wideangle photography is important for you, go with a full frame sensor (5D).


Thank you! What is most important to me, is a sharp, clean, clear shot with little to no noise (in the case of low light like band shots or headshots late in the day outdoors). Great quick focus and nice continuous shooting (headshots). I love a nice wide angle landscape shot as much as the next guy, but it's not where my bread and butter is, know what I mean?
05/06/2008 09:07:43 PM · #10
Well since food/headshots are probably going to be more "middle" focal lengths, it probably makes no difference which you go with. However, I'd say if the 5D is costly enough to prevent the acquisition of new glass, go with the 40D. New lenses are always fun :)

The 5D does have the seemingly magical ability to make any lens on it ridiculously sharp, though...
05/06/2008 09:09:57 PM · #11
[quote]40D owners, are you happy with this new bundle of joy? Any issues/problems I should know about? [\quote]

yes some issues, my 40d was purchased straight from canons factory through my work and arrived on my door on the release day.... in other words it was one of the first made and so this supposedly is the reason for the following:
While I have abused the everliving hell out of it, It does occasionally freeze up and for a few hours each time forcing me to switch to my 30d. Always happens when using a 580 or 430, and with extended use of 2-3 hrs continuous shooting. Minor but very annoying, has happened 4 times and 3 of those times during a professional setting.

Also, unlike the 30d, the 40d requires NR at 400 ISO which doesn't impress me.

I have tested its weatherproofing (with the new battery grip), and it is very sound. it was very very wet and I just dried it off to no damage. I was worried that my lens would be damaged, but I had 2 of them anyways.

But really, my problems are probably due to abuse in combination with being first out of factory. If you do get a 5d, wait until the 5d mk2 comes out and either get that or the then cheaper mk1. I still suggest a 40d and some L glass though, no EF-s though

Message edited by author 2008-05-06 21:11:13.
05/06/2008 09:10:39 PM · #12
Originally posted by Anti-Martyr:


The 5D does have the seemingly magical ability to make any lens on it ridiculously sharp, though...


I know, right? *sigh*
05/06/2008 09:12:12 PM · #13
Originally posted by FourTDSean:

[quote]40D owners, are you happy with this new bundle of joy? Any issues/problems I should know about? [\quote]

yes some issues, my 40d was purchased straight from canons factory through my work and arrived on my door on the release day.... in other words it was one of the first made and so this supposedly is the reason for the following:
While I have abused the everliving hell out of it, It does occasionally freeze up and for a few hours each time forcing me to switch to my 30d. Always happens when using a 580 or 430, and with extended use of 2-3 hrs continuous shooting. Minor but very annoying, has happened 4 times and 3 of those times during a professional setting.

Also, unlike the 30d, the 40d requires NR at 400 ISO which doesn't impress me.

I have tested its weatherproofing (with the new battery grip), and it is very sound. it was very very wet and I just dried it off to no damage. I was worried that my lens would be damaged, but I had 2 of them anyways.

But really, my problems are probably due to abuse in combination with being first out of factory. If you do get a 5d, wait until the 5d mk2 comes out and either get that or the then cheaper mk1. I still suggest a 40d and some L glass though, no EF-s though


I'm surprised you needed NR at ISO 400. What conditions were you shooting in?
05/06/2008 09:15:04 PM · #14
Originally posted by FourTDSean:

If you do get a 5d, wait until the 5d mk2 comes out and either get that or the then cheaper mk1. I still suggest a 40d and some L glass though, no EF-s though


I'm afraid I can't wait... BELIEVE ME, if I could I would. My Rebel is just becoming a hindrance as I try to branch out into the pro world, so I shall be making this huge purchase in the next day or two.
05/06/2008 09:20:29 PM · #15
It is every time, it may also be another problem with my particular 40d, regardless of flash, or natural light, dark or bright, It get a bit of noise. Now this is not nikon level noise, It is very low levels. But I know it is noise bc if i shoot jpeg + Raw, the jpeg is fine, and the raw has noise, which instantly clears up with NR. Nothing is set unusual on my camera, and know that only photogeeks would see it, but alas at 400 ISO it has noise. Ironically at 800 ISO it is pretty much the same level of noise. It rarely affects me though as I only go above 200 ISO when using a flash (or if light forces me to do so).
05/06/2008 09:26:09 PM · #16
Other than a money issue, there is no way I'd ever take a cropped sensor camera over a full frame camera. Get the 5D.
05/06/2008 09:27:26 PM · #17
Originally posted by FourTDSean:

It is every time, it may also be another problem with my particular 40d, regardless of flash, or natural light, dark or bright, It get a bit of noise. Now this is not nikon level noise, It is very low levels. But I know it is noise bc if i shoot jpeg + Raw, the jpeg is fine, and the raw has noise, which instantly clears up with NR. Nothing is set unusual on my camera, and know that only photogeeks would see it, but alas at 400 ISO it has noise. Ironically at 800 ISO it is pretty much the same level of noise. It rarely affects me though as I only go above 200 ISO when using a flash (or if light forces me to do so).


I've shot both raw and jpeg at 1600 and not had much noise to even speak of...hmmm.

Oh, OP...love my 40D. Went from XT to 40D and got glass with it! ;)

Message edited by author 2008-05-06 21:27:56.
05/06/2008 09:29:38 PM · #18
Originally posted by breadfan35:

Other than a money issue, there is no way I'd ever take a cropped sensor camera over a full frame camera. Get the 5D.


Do you notice a big difference using the 5D in your work situation? ( I saw in your profile that you use Canon at work)
05/06/2008 09:30:19 PM · #19
Originally posted by bergiekat:

Originally posted by FourTDSean:

It is every time, it may also be another problem with my particular 40d, regardless of flash, or natural light, dark or bright, It get a bit of noise. Now this is not nikon level noise, It is very low levels. But I know it is noise bc if i shoot jpeg + Raw, the jpeg is fine, and the raw has noise, which instantly clears up with NR. Nothing is set unusual on my camera, and know that only photogeeks would see it, but alas at 400 ISO it has noise. Ironically at 800 ISO it is pretty much the same level of noise. It rarely affects me though as I only go above 200 ISO when using a flash (or if light forces me to do so).


I've shot both raw and jpeg at 1600 and not had much noise to even speak of...hmmm.

Oh, OP...love my 40D. Went from XT to 40D and got glass with it! ;)


Thank you. This is exactly the kind of info I was looking for.
05/06/2008 09:32:07 PM · #20
[quote]as I try to branch out into the pro world, [/quote]

it is a dark and horrible place the pro world, be forewarned that it may not be what you expect.....
ok so maybe its not that bad, but just be sure you have worked under someone for a few months, and youll be fine.

If you are going pro, I promise you, concentrate your finances on lenses and Lighting. Lighting can run you $500 min to over a grand for the right stuff. And I am not trying to champion the 40d, I am just saying spend only a portion of your money on the camera, regardless of what camera you get. you will come back and thank me. I am really surprised no one is with me on this.

here is something for you too, but this guy has some glass already
40d or 5d
05/06/2008 09:37:15 PM · #21
Originally posted by FourTDSean:

[quote]as I try to branch out into the pro world,


it is a dark and horrible place the pro world, be forewarned that it may not be what you expect.....
ok so maybe its not that bad, but just be sure you have worked under someone for a few months, and youll be fine.

If you are going pro, I promise you, concentrate your finances on lenses and Lighting. Lighting can run you $500 min to over a grand for the right stuff. And I am not trying to champion the 40d, I am just saying spend only a portion of your money on the camera, regardless of what camera you get. you will come back and thank me. I am really surprised no one is with me on this.

here is something for you too, but this guy has some glass already
40d or 5d [/quote]

Thanks for the link to that thread.. I was too lazy to look! :-)
I'm sure there are a load of people who will agree with you about the lighting/lenses thing....to be honest though, I don't have a studio situation (yet!) so lighting isn't really an issue for now. My portrait lenses are pretty much in order too (though a couple more wouldn't hurt). I am sure you are right, it's just the magnetic pull of the 5D...it doesn't let up. I am going to go read that other thread now.
05/06/2008 09:41:24 PM · #22
The 800 dollar price savings on a 40D vs 5D is not going to get you a great lens. If you have the money, get the 5D.

05/06/2008 09:44:23 PM · #23
After reading the other thread, now I'm leaning towards the 40D....*BIG sigh*. Such a difficult choice (but a nice one to have to make, I admit).
05/06/2008 09:50:34 PM · #24
Originally posted by Rompy:

Originally posted by breadfan35:

Other than a money issue, there is no way I'd ever take a cropped sensor camera over a full frame camera. Get the 5D.


Do you notice a big difference using the 5D in your work situation? ( I saw in your profile that you use Canon at work)


Before I was using my personal D200 for all of my event shoots at work. The only difference is that Full Frame allows me to get the shots I want more easily most of the time. I do alot of wide and close quarters shots, and the ability to get a true 24mm at f/2.8 is great. And most of the time for the longer shots, the 70-200 has plenty of reach. There are times when I'd like the reach of an APS-C camera, but very rarely.

If you can afford it, get the 5D over any other crop sensor camera. You will not regret it.
05/06/2008 09:59:04 PM · #25
They're both great cameras, but I'd never trade my 5D for a 40D. :)
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