40D vs XSi

[sqweak]

I'm an out of practice hobbyist photog, and I'm looking to (finally) make the jump to DSLR.  Any DSLR geeks wanna weigh in on the 40D vs the XSi?

The XSi with 18-55is and 55-200is lens can be had for within $100 bucks of the 40D with 28-135is.  I'm leaning towards the 40D because of the more solid construction, larger size, and a few other minor differences.  My (seldom used) film SLR is a 10ish year old Elan IIe and the 40D is the digital evolution of that.  Before it gets suggested, I'm not considering body only because the only glass I have is the kit lens that came with the Elan all those years ago.  Might as well spring the extra hundy for some up to date IS goodness.

I just wanna mess around and take some shots.  I'm a no frills photog, don't really care for all the tripod and flash junk, I'd much rather just shoot with what I've got.  Goals: urban landscapes(graffiti, buildings, etc), gearhead porn (bikes, cars, etc. moving and still), motorsports/action (trackdays, races, etc).  Since it's been 10+ years since the last SLR, i'd say it's more important to me to get something that's capable today while having enough features and capabilities to last for quite a while.  In other words, I'm leaning towards the 40D because I'd rather spend an extra few hundred now than be forced to replace it in a few years because I'm being limited.

[sqweak]

[crickets]

[derby]

In other words, I'm leaning towards the 40D because I'd rather spend an extra few hundred now than be forced to replace it in a few years because I'm being limited.

i think you've answered your own question.

[Shortie]

www.dpreview.com

Lots of good info- sample shots, user reviews, professional reviews, pros, cons... you get the idea.

[Shortie]

Oh and www.bhphotovideo.com has some of the best prices and service I've found. A photog friend of mine has used them a number of times and has been very satisfied.

[x136]

I have an XT, and I'm pretty pleased with it. I got it after the XTi came out, so it was cheap. It feels a bit small and plasticky, but once I added a battery grip, that was improved a lot. The similar-era 20D was a very solid camera, as well.

I haven't looked into the XSi/40D, but I can't imagine you'd be wasting your money on either. Canon makes a great camera.

Check out the side-by-side comparison at Digital Photography Review (and read the reviews at DCRP, as well), and see if the more inexpensive body will suit your needs. If so, that's more money to spend on some shiny new lenses, a flash unit, tripod, large & fast memory cards, and all that fun stuff.

Seconding B&H, as well.

[sqweak]

Thanks!  I'm aware of dpreview, and have read the stat sheets endlessly.  I guess I was looking for more subjective experience from folks who had shot with both the Rebel series and the x0D series.  I think because of the rebate on the 40D putting them so close in price I'll probably just go with it.

[Shortie]

Good luck and have fun! 

Check it:
http://www.pbase.com/cameras/canon/eos_40d

[tommys67]

I went with the same line of thinking you did and bought a 30D last year.

I'm exceedingly happy with it.  For me it was all about two things - 1) the feel - the heavier 30D felt better than any XT body and 2) the fact that it would last me for at least 5 years - tech wise - than other bodies.

I have been sooooo happy with this camera.  The battery life is incredible, the ease of shooting is unreal, and almost 5,000 exposures later I'm STILL learning the best way to use this camera.

My glass budget is gone, though - one L lens and that did it for a while .

Also - the Canon digital forum (www.photography-on-the.net) is just as good for digital shooting as this place is for Monsters.

[x136]

If you can get a 40D for near the price of an XSi, I'd say go for it. The 40D looks to have a few nice features over the XSi. It has a 1/8000 shutter speed (vs 1/4000), and would seem to have a larger and/or faster buffer, so those spray-'n'-pray moments can last longer. It probably has a bunch of other little advanced features as well. Only thing the XSi seems to have over the 40D is more megapixels, and meh, don't worry about that.

My glass budget is gone, though - one L lens and that did it for a while .

Ha, no kidding.

[55Spy]

Just bought the wife an XSI, went with it over the 40D because of weight.  I wanted her first DSLR to be portable and a little more user friendly than the 40D allowed.  But realize this is her first SLR,  Either way I'm sure you'll be happy, it all seems to come down to feel on the bodies anyway.  The lens is the more imporant piece IMHO.

She's happy with it so far, I have made her shoot with the kit glass for a month to determine what she wants on a tele lens.  I thing we are going to compromise for her with a std carry lens of the canon  70-300 IS USM and then see what  she uses it to determine a good prime L lense for her to keep up with the kids or if she needs something for multiple ranges.