Jen i went into a local camera store today and really wanted to try it out but knew it would make it harder to wait till i can get it...some guy was buying one and i considered tackling him on his way out but had my granddaughter and didn't think the two of us would be able to make a fast get awayOkay, so I'm still drooling over the Amazon page for the 40D...have anyone dived in? How do you like it? What were you shooting with before, and what differences can you notice? And, of course, Let's See Those Shots!
Thanks for the feedback everyone!
For those who've experienced faster shutter and faster focus, are you using the same lenses as you had with your previous camera?
I got mine and am loving it! I like the spot metering - it seems to do a better job than the centre-weighted option on my XTi. I found a lot of my shots with the XTi were underexposed. No doubt user error, but a definite decease in exosure mistakes with the 40D. I haven't used the live view at all. I was reading that it's really best when used with a tripod - will have to try that. I love the new options for ISO setting too and the fact that it's registering in the viewfinder. While I like the size and weight, I have the grip on the XTi that allows me an extra battery. I think the grip on the 40D would be too much for me to handle, so I'll have to get used to shorter battery life.
Mine came with the 17-85 IS lens.
Lizziejane,
How is the battery life on the 40D? I thought long and hard about getting the battery /grip for the 30D so that I could have 2 batteries to kill, but I have had no problems shooting MANY MANY pics (like WELL over 300 at a time using all kinds of modes) without having a battery go dead on me yet. Eventually, I know they go low, but NEVER after one night/day of shooting. I don't know how the 40D does, but if it is this good, you may not need the grip anyways. Just bring along your extra battery and you should be fine.
Maybe you take many more pics than I do or use the flash alot though.
Congrats on your purchase of the 40D! I'm jealous. I should have waited...
Ok. Shutting up now.
What really bugs me is that the XTi and 40D take completely different batteries and rechargers. I mean, when you're spending the $ on up-grading, don't ya think they could cut you just a little bit of a break?!
The battery life is good, I got 500 large jpegs out of it before it died, including many with flash. In fact, I spent several hours trying to run it down because I needed a full battery for the next day, but I prefer not to recharge a partially dead battery - I worry about that whole "memory" thing.
What really bugs me is that the XTi and 40D take completely different batteries and rechargers. I mean, when you're spending the $ on up-grading, don't ya think they could cut you just a little bit of a break?!
Does anyone have info on this?
Lithium ion batteries do not suffer from memory at all, there is no reason to drain fully before recharging. In fact it is quite the opposite, frequent full discharge/recharge is actually worse for a lithium ion battery because as it ages, a full discharge can risk falling below the voltage level at which it becomes unsafe to recharge, and that will trip the safety circuit in the battery, irreversably disabling it.
Also, the maximum capacity of a lithium ion battery goes down over time no matter what (after 2-3 years, max capacity is greatly diminished), but the rate of deterioration depends on charge level and storage temperature. If a lithium ion battery is going to be unused for a while, it is best to store it at a 40% charge level, and at a cool temperature (even in the fridge). This will minimize deterioration, but there is absolutely no way to stop it completely.
If you have a lithium ion battery that is older than 3 years, replace it!
Hope this helps!