Wwyd?

[Pixeldust Fairy]

I need some advice from all you experts. I have a canon 40D and a digital rebel. We are on our way to WDW at the end of this month, and DH suggested that I take the rebel as it is smaller and lighter and takes just as good of photos. I on the other hand want to take my new 40D, but I can see his point, we will be traveling with 12 people, and only one small stroller, so i will have to carry my stuff (camera, lenses, flash) because the stroller is not large enough to give me a break. I have a cool little sling bag that will fit over my shoulder like a back pack that accomodates my 40D and my rebel plus 4 lenses, but do I really want or need to take all of that? And I have a little handy dandy bag that holds my rebel perfectly and I can attatch it to my waist. Hmmm, decisions, decisions. Maybe you can help me make the best one.
Thank you in advance

 

[ukcatfan]

I think the IQ is going to be very similar. Are there any of the convenience features on the 40D that you will really miss?

 

[Pixeldust Fairy]

I think the IQ is going to be very similar. Are there any of the convenience features on the 40D that you will really miss?

Well, it is a it does have a more rapid processor and allows me to shoot faster.

 

[AndrewWG]

Well, it is a it does have a more rapid processor and allows me to shoot faster.

Faster isn't something that you will necessarily miss in Disney, I think. I would go with the Rebel and your finest lenses. There really isn't much that you will need fast frames per second stuff for and like Kevin said, the IQ is probably very similar. Heck the Rebels do about 3fps anyways. That should be more than enough for anything you may shoot in WDW.

 

[SueInBoston]

You didn't say what your lenses are but I don't think you'll need to take all 4 lenses. I would take the 40D with your most versatile lens mounted, flash and an low light lens in a bag. THe 40D will be mostly around your neck anyway. I have not touch my XT since I got the 40D and the one option I can no longer live without is the screen on top showing ISO. I found that to be invaluable especially in WDW, you'll be going in and out side alot and constantly changing ISO.

 

[peyjax]

You didn't say what your lenses are but I don't think you'll need to take all 4 lenses. I would take the 40D with your most versatile lens mounted, flash and an low light lens in a bag. THe 40D will be mostly around your neck anyway. I have not touch my XT since I got the 40D and the one option I can no longer live without is the screen on top showing ISO. I found that to be invaluable especially in WDW, you'll be going in and out side alot and constantly changing ISO.

May I ask why you prefer your 40d over your rebel? Is the screen thing the only reason? Still making my decision between the nikon and canon. Thanks!

 

[Todd_H]

If it were me, I would base my decision on 3 things:
1) am I comfortable using the controls of BOTH cameras (since getting my 40D, I haven't picked up my XTi and I'm sure I would need a little time just to get used to the controls of the XTi again... wouldn't want to waste time doing that at WDW)
2) do I plan on shooting on any dark rides? If so, the ISO 3200 capability on the 40D may come in handy, even with a fast lens.
3) do I plan on shooting anything where the 6fps of the 40D will come in handy?

If the answer to questions 2) and 3) is "yes," I would go with the 40D. If 2) and 3) don't matter and you're still comforable with the XTi controls, I would definitely go with the XTi.

 

[SueInBoston]

May I ask why you prefer your 40d over your rebel? Is the screen thing the only reason? Still making my decision between the nikon and canon. Thanks!

Both 40D and Rebel are Canons, but yes, I prefer the 40D because of the screen on top showing the ISO speed. I messed up alot on my XT because I forgot to change the ISO setting. Another reason is because the bigger lenses, when you mount a bigger lens on the xt, it feels off balance. The 40D feels alot more solid.

I saw your thread on bridge camera...I was making the same decision 4 years ago and decided on a bridge, Fuji S7000 but within a year yearned for a DSLR, so upgraded to xt, and just 3 months ago upgraded to the 40D.

My intial though was that a DSLR is too difficult, big and bulky but I'm loving it and can't imagine taking pictures with a P&S.

 

[SueInBoston]

If it were me, I would base my decision on 3 things:
1) am I comfortable using the controls of BOTH cameras (since getting my 40D, I haven't picked up my XTi and I'm sure I would need a little time just to get used to the controls of the XTi again... wouldn't want to waste time doing that at WDW)

So true...this morning I took out my XT to lend to a college friend. I couldn't remember where some of the functions are and keep looking for the dial

 

[Pixeldust Fairy]

If it were me, I would base my decision on 3 things:
1) am I comfortable using the controls of BOTH cameras (since getting my 40D, I haven't picked up my XTi and I'm sure I would need a little time just to get used to the controls of the XTi again... wouldn't want to waste time doing that at WDW)
2) do I plan on shooting on any dark rides? If so, the ISO 3200 capability on the 40D may come in handy, even with a fast lens.
3) do I plan on shooting anything where the 6fps of the 40D will come in handy?

If the answer to questions 2) and 3) is "yes," I would go with the 40D. If 2) and 3) don't matter and you're still comforable with the XTi controls, I would definitely go with the XTi.

Great informative answer, I never thought of it in these terms. You are absolutely right, I would have to re aquaint myself with my Rebel as I too have not picked it up since I got my 40D. and being said, my Rebel is not even the XTi model, it is one of the even older ones.

Thank you

 

[Pixeldust Fairy]

You didn't say what your lenses are but I don't think you'll need to take all 4 lenses. I would take the 40D with your most versatile lens mounted, flash and an low light lens in a bag. THe 40D will be mostly around your neck anyway. I have not touch my XT since I got the 40D and the one option I can no longer live without is the screen on top showing ISO. I found that to be invaluable especially in WDW, you'll be going in and out side alot and constantly changing ISO.

My lenses are as follows 75-300 zoom, 50mm fixed. 18-55mm, and then on my 40D the kit lens 28-135 img stabilizing lens.

 

[Master Mason]

I would take the 40D for the spot metering alone, then add to it ISO 3200 and to me it makes it a no brainer.

 

[mabas9395]

Looks like you can save 8/10 of an inch in size and 10oz in weight by taking the XT instead of the 40d.

The 40d has many features that are better than the XT, if those 10 ounces are more important to you, bring the XT.

 

[handicap18]

Great informative answer, I never thought of it in these terms. You are absolutely right, I would have to re aquaint myself with my Rebel as I too have not picked it up since I got my 40D. and being said, my Rebel is not even the XTi model, it is one of the even older ones.

Thank you

Based on this, then I would think that the idea the IQ being the same is no longer true. I would think that a newly released 40D would have much better IQ along with a newer sensor, spot metering, better high ISO capabilities, live view to assist with fireworks and other night shots on a tripod along with a host of other features. Not to mention that is the camera your currently familiar with and no messing with buttons in different spots.

If it were between the XTi and the 40D, then that argument might have some weight.

If your talking only about 1/2 a pound between the 2 bodies, then carry less other stuff in your pockets like no change, or take a few things out of your wallet. 10 oz, heck, you might have a steak one night for dinner that is 10 oz.

If your really worried about the "extra" weight then make sure you have a really good strap like an Op/Tek.

 

[peyjax]

Both 40D and Rebel are Canons, but yes, I prefer the 40D because of the screen on top showing the ISO speed. I messed up alot on my XT because I forgot to change the ISO setting. Another reason is because the bigger lenses, when you mount a bigger lens on the xt, it feels off balance. The 40D feels alot more solid.

I saw your thread on bridge camera...I was making the same decision 4 years ago and decided on a bridge, Fuji S7000 but within a year yearned for a DSLR, so upgraded to xt, and just 3 months ago upgraded to the 40D.

My intial though was that a DSLR is too difficult, big and bulky but I'm loving it and can't imagine taking pictures with a P&S.

I felt bad hijacking the thread a bit and then I show that I don't even know what I am talking about. LOL I was confused and thought it was the nikon 40 dx. Thanks for responding though.

I guess I am in the right company though since you all must be canon lovers. I am just getting started on playing the the XTI, I think it will be quite awhile until I upgrade and own another DSLR. I can see though how it can happen once you get into it. Hope things work out for you OP!

Quick question do you guys overly worry about taking you DSLRs to Disney. I would never be too concerned with my point and shoot, however I can already tell I am worried about taking care of my new XTI. The main reason I did buy it was for vacations and trips. (usually disney)

 

[mabas9395]

Quick question do you guys overly worry about taking you DSLRs to Disney. I would never be too concerned with my point and shoot, however I can already tell I am worried about taking care of my new XTI. The main reason I did buy it was for vacations and trips. (usually disney)

A guy at my church has a sweet little sports car that is very expensive. He loves it so much that he is afraid to drive it anywhere because of what might happen to it when he parks it. Seems kind of silly to spend that much on a car that is too precious to use.

Unless you are just a photography gear head, it doesn't make much sense to get any camera equipment that you would be too afraid to use. Just be careful with it and have some fun.

 

[Groucho]

Definitely the 40D... if you're used to that and not your Rebel, you'll probably get really frustrating trying to use the front dial when there is none!
Four lenses isn't all that much... I had six last trip and the one that got the least use was the one that most people probably would have used the most. (Tamron 28-75mm F2.8.)

Anyway, if you're concerned about slowing things down, the more advanced camera should slow things down less, and is the difference in size/weight really all that much? I had no problems going from carrying a DL or K100D (smaller DSLRs) to a K20D (larger DSLR).

 

[Mr._The_King]

I would agree with the last few posts. If you went ahead and got the 40D you must have done so for a reason. 10 oz is not really that much and you went ahead and bought the 40D. As the owner of only an xt (and 2 fairly cheap sigma lenses) I would love to have this kind of decision to make . Also you didn't mention how many days you will be there, and how you are getting there. I say if you are going for a multi day trip and have room to pack both bring them both (and all the lenses). Take the 40D the first day(s) you are there. (seeing as the only draw back may be weight and size) if you start to find it annoying or cumbersome switch to the xt later in the trip(if your trip and packing accommodations allow this kind of flexibility). Also, it seems as if you want to bring the 40D anyway and you are basing some of your decision on the fact that there are 12 people in your party and your husband said the xt is smaller and lighter. However although this is true we're not talking about the difference between an ultra slim p&s and a DSLR. You won't be able to whip the xt in and out of your hip pocket. Whatever you choose you won't really loose you've got two great choices. I hope you enjoy your trip

 

[Suburbanmom]

If I could, I'd take them both....I've become such a camera nerd. If not both, then I'd take the 40D. I couldn't stand being at WDW without my best equipment.

 

[Pixeldust Fairy]

Quick question do you guys overly worry about taking you DSLRs to Disney. I would never be too concerned with my point and shoot, however I can already tell I am worried about taking care of my new XTI. The main reason I did buy it was for vacations and trips. (usually disney)

I have a small paranoia worry that I might get distracted and forget my camera somewhere, but thats why I always keep it around my neck or in my bag firmly attached to me. It might be nice one day to walk the park bag free, but to me it is so worth it to have those fabulous memories caught on camera. If I have it stuck in a closet afraid to take it any where, I am really missing the whole purpose of why I bought it.

I would agree with the last few posts. If you went ahead and got the 40D you must have done so for a reason. 10 oz is not really that much and you went ahead and bought the 40D. As the owner of only an xt (and 2 fairly cheap sigma lenses) I would love to have this kind of decision to make . Also you didn't mention how many days you will be there, and how you are getting there. I say if you are going for a multi day trip and have room to pack both bring them both (and all the lenses). Take the 40D the first day(s) you are there. (seeing as the only draw back may be weight and size) if you start to find it annoying or cumbersome switch to the xt later in the trip(if your trip and packing accommodations allow this kind of flexibility). Also, it seems as if you want to bring the 40D anyway and you are basing some of your decision on the fact that there are 12 people in your party and your husband said the xt is smaller and lighter. However although this is true we're not talking about the difference between an ultra slim p&s and a DSLR. You won't be able to whip the xt in and out of your hip pocket. Whatever you choose you won't really loose you've got two great choices. I hope you enjoy your trip

Thanks, I will be enjoying WDW for 11 days, and we have lots planned. I am thinking I will end up taking my 40D. My Dh would have a coronary if I packed both, but you bet Im trying. I have a sling type bag and Im trying to take both. I just cant seem to fit all of it in there. I think his only beef is that I will have to burden of carrying it. But I guess when it call comes down to it, I dont see taking photos as a burden, I see it as my passion.