Canon 30D or 40D...Perplexed...

[PhotobearSam]

I was all set to buy a 40D until I came upon an Ebay listing for the 30D with the 17-85 lens I covet...Now I am not sure what to do.


It would be about $1000 difference between the 2 purchases. I know with the new camera, I could get a warrantee but it's a $1000 dollars....


What are the major differences between the 30D and the 40D?

Which would you choose if there was a $1000 difference?


A little background, I used to do a lot of film photography but now it's limited to vacations and the odd portrait shoot. I was hoping this new purchase would rekindle the love. I don't have a lot of time to shoot because I own a business...but I do want a really good camera when I do use one. I was also looking at the XTI but it feels like a rebel and I was so used to my Elan when I was shooting film.



Please let me know...I am so torn.

 

[DizzyV6P]

The short answer is to goto www.photography-on-the.net/forums and do a search on 30D and 40D. You'll find about 1000 threads asking the same question.

Many people w/ 30D's already kept their 30Ds. Many people w/ XT, 300D, XTi got 40D's. The rest of the 30Ders who moved to 40D did so because they simply get the newest technology available. What kind of person are you? I have no idea

Moving from the Elan, either one will do fine. Me? I like new technology so I would choose the 40D. There are so many advances in the 40D to ignore in my book.

 

[Code]

Hmm, I doubt it will still be a $1000 difference by the time that auction ends. Probably closer to $500, but that's still a big deal.

 

[Master Mason]

Faster frame rate, larger buffer, better processor, more MP, better high ISO, enhanced focusing at larger apetures.

Is it worth the extra money to you, only you can decide that. The 30D did not become a bad camera simply because they put out a newer version.

However, with the 30D your a model behind on the advances, and it won't be that long till your 2 models behind. Only you know how much you personally covet the newest tech.

I bought the 40D shortly after it came out, I will NOT even look at the 50D when it comes out, but will most likely concider what the 60D would have to offer me.

 

[MassJester]

The only thought that I would offer is that $500 seems like a big difference today, but in this particular hobby it gets lost pretty fast. DPReview has a nice side by side comparison feature. I think you will find that there are more differences than simply the warranty.

I went through the same sort of hand wringing when I bought the XTi--the XT was cheaper, sometimes a lot.

 

[MarkBarbieri]

I've noticed that Canon has been upgrading cameras in a major/minor fashion. The D60 was a major upgrade over the D30. The 10D was a minor upgrade over the D60. The 20D was a major upgrade over the 10D. The 30D was a minor upgrade over the 20D. I think the 40D is a major upgrade over the 30D.

 

[MassJester]

Hmmm, so what does that leave us with for the 5D replacement? Major or Minor?

I don't know anything about what came before the 5D, so I have to ask.

In any event, a couple of years from now, I can see myself looking at the successor to the 5D.

 

[Master Mason]

Hmmm, so what does that leave us with for the 5D replacement? Major or Minor?

I don't know anything about what came before the 5D, so I have to ask.

In any event, a couple of years from now, I can see myself looking at the successor to the 5D.

I think the 5D is the oldest model of any maker that is still the current model in the particular line. I would guess it will be a major update.

 

[MassJester]

 

[PhotobearSam]

Thanks all....

The camera with lens (17-85) went for $910 total and the 40D is $1699 plus 13% tax around here so there is still quite a difference. BUT I did not purchase the 30D...I wanted new and fabulous...I will buy the 40D instead...Thank you all...

 

[MarkBarbieri]

Thanks all....

The camera with lens (17-85) went for $910 total and the 40D is $1699 plus 13% tax around here so there is still quite a difference. BUT I did not purchase the 30D...I wanted new and fabulous...I will buy the 40D instead...Thank you all...

The 40D is $1,085 on Amazon and the lens is $500. That USD. I don't know how that translates to Canadian.

 

[PhotobearSam]

Amazon does not deliver cameras to Canadian addys and the duty would make it no a good option. Here, it's the camera and the lens for $1699...

This is what I found on Amazon...
Item number: 300216159949 $1549.90...So $150 less but it would cost that with shipping and duty. Our dollars are about worth the same right now but I guess that does not translate to Cameras yet...

 

[DizzyV6P]

Try www.adorama.com , www.bhphoto.com or www.beachcamera.com
One of them MUST ship to Canada. They are also the store used by many pros on another forum. Beware the internet shops that sound too good to be true...cuz they probably are.

 

[PhotobearSam]

Yes, they do ship to Canada but the DUTY imposed at the border can be hundreds so the savings then vanish. I would need to pay 13% plus shipping and insurance...It's no savings at this point and I would have no way of returning it if there was a problem.

I will just hope and pray for a sale on soon.