If you had to choose: Canon 40D vs Canon T1i

[brigden]

I was going to pick up a Canon T1i, but I've found a great deal on a gently used Canon 40D for about the same price. Is it worth buying a two year-old, albeit higher-end camera, over a newer model?

 

[repoman0]

40D has bigger viewfinder, higher FPS, higher quality build but less MP (with around the same image quality), and no video. Not sure about the focusing systems, both should be acceptable. I use an XSi now but have used my stepmom's 50D and love the ergonomics of it compared to my rebel. Back wheel is a huge addition if you ever shoot in M mode, and the body feels much more substantial. The bigger viewfinder is very nice as well. I love my XSi, great little camera, but my next upgrade will be something from the XXD line (probably used 50D in a couple years) or a used 7D a few years down.

Really depends whether you'd appreciate the ergonomics of an XXd camera over a Rebel. Some care, some don't - go to a camera shop and feel a rebel and an xxD to see if it matters to you.

 

[996GT2]

40D has bigger viewfinder, higher FPS, higher quality build but less MP (with around the same image quality), and no video. Not sure about the focusing systems, both should be acceptable. I use an XSi now but have used my stepmom's 50D and love the ergonomics of it compared to my rebel. Back wheel is a huge addition if you ever shoot in M mode, and the body feels much more substantial. The bigger viewfinder is very nice as well. I love my XSi, great little camera, but my next upgrade will be something from the XXD line (probably used 50D in a couple years) or a used 7D a few years down.

Really depends whether you'd appreciate the ergonomics of an XXd camera over a Rebel. Some care, some don't - go to a camera shop and feel a rebel and an xxD to see if it matters to you.

40D vs. T1i? I'd pick 40D.

Why? Bigger, brighter viewfinder, better AF (9 cross points vs. 1), two control wheels, bigger, more ergonomic body, much better build quality, faster framerate, and similar image quality.

However, if it was 40D vs. T2i I would take the T2i because the sensor in that is much improved over the T1i/50D sensor.

 

[speedy2]

I just sold my 40D. I used to have an XT before that. And I've held all the rebel series since then. No way I'd pick a T1i over a 40D. The VF and controls alone are worth it.

 

[ElFenix]

40D vs. T1i? I'd pick 40D.

Why? Bigger, brighter viewfinder, better AF (9 cross points vs. 1), two control wheels, bigger, more ergonomic body, much better build quality, faster framerate, and similar image quality.

However, if it was 40D vs. T2i I would take the T2i because the sensor in that is much improved over the T1i/50D sensor.

this. t1i is nice but the IQ isn't that much better than the 40D to outweigh the other considerations. the t2i has so much more going for it from an IQ/video standpoint that it's much more compelling against the 40D or even the 50D.

 

[randomlinh]

40D. hands down. even over a T2i. Sensor might be more advanced, but I will not give up the x0D line handling. YMMV given your priorities.

 

[AkumaX]

40D, T1i's video not worth it

 

[Miklebud]

I'd go with the 40D definitely! Unless you have any plans of shooting video.

 

[brigden]

Thanks so much for the replies, guys. Appreciated.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

I'm a T1i shooter, and once you go to the 40D/7D size, you can't go back... however in terms of IQ, the T1i is very nice. The T1i outdoes the 50D. Many people will complain how the 50D vs 40D was not as good in terms of noise, but if you look at T1i vs 50D reviews, the T1i is a notch better and improves on high ISO noise.

10MP vs 15MP is pretty big, so to me if you NEED to blow stuff up, the T1i will do fine. With that said the framerate and write speed of SD cards is terrible. I can never do any sports shooting on my T1i. I always feel like I'm waiting. But maybe this is an issue because I shoot my T1i like I expect to shoot my 7D sometimes 😀 tsk tsk tsk spoiled me!

 

[aimvideo]

looking around. lol

 

[996GT2]

I'm a T1i shooter, and once you go to the 40D/7D size, you can't go back... however in terms of IQ, the T1i is very nice. The T1i outdoes the 50D. Many people will complain how the 50D vs 40D was not as good in terms of noise, but if you look at T1i vs 50D reviews, the T1i is a notch better and improves on high ISO noise.

Where did you get this info? As far as I know, the T1i and 50D have the same 15 megapixel sensor.

DxoMark results seem to confirm this: http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/en...0/(brand)/Canon/(brand2)/Canon/(brand3)/Canon

 

[cparker]

My own preference would be for the t1i because it's smaller and lighter and I'd take it more places. Being new with a warranty also would help. Another possibility is picking up a refurb d40 (Nikon) which every now and then appears at a great price at Adorama. In the end you'll probably be happy with whatever you get.

 

[alkemyst]

Gently used or not always get a shutter count.

 

[Suspicious-Teach8788]

Where did you get this info? As far as I know, the T1i and 50D have the same 15 megapixel sensor.

DxoMark results seem to confirm this: http://www.dxomark.com/index.php/en/Camera-Sensor/Compare-sensors/%28appareil1%29/272|0/%28appareil2%29/586|0/%28appareil3%29/180|0/%28onglet%29/0/%28brand%29/Canon/%28brand2%29/Canon/%28brand3%29/Canon

They do, but I read a few reviews here and there. Digital-Picture shows it too, but it seems the T1i cleans up the images a bit better if you compared say 1600 or 3200 ISO.

The problem with these reviews is that it might be a firmware revision or something. So the 50D bench might've been based on an old 50D when it first came out, so perhaps a firmware update would put them on the same level?

It's hard to say.