450D vs 40D - advice needed please

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Marcia
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I wonder if I could ask for your advice please?
At present I have a 450D, and my main photographic interests are wildlife, especially birds, butterflies, and dragonflies, but I also enjoy landscape photography, especially as I was bought a filter starter kit for Christmas!
What I was wondering, is whether or not a 40D would be a big advantage to me over the 450D bearing in mind the type of images I take.
I have seen a really good offer on a 40D but need to be sure it would be a worthwhile upgrade.
I have Rheumatoid Arthritis, so I spent yesterday trying to find a 50D to hold and see how it felt, for weight and size, as I realised I would be hard pushed to find a 40D locally.
I didn't realise that a 50D would also be impossible to find, as where I live I only have Jessops ("nah we haven't got one because of Christmas"), Currys ("Not sure we've got one and we're very pushed for staff" - this was the manager!!), and Comet ("Never heard of it").
I would go further afield today but with heavy snow forecast it's probably wiser not to!!
Anyway any advice would be very welcome
Thank you in advance!
 
yeah , it would be a good upgrade , but with Rheumatoid Arthritis you really need to check the weight and size first as nobody can decide that for you

personally, i have just gone from a 400d to a 50d. and find that, ergonomically, the 50d is a lot easyier to use, as my hands are already in the right place. although it weighs a hell of a lot more
 
The 450d is a super camera it really is but the 40d is so much better built and feels a lot more solid. The functions are better i.e. more choice of settings and easier to set aperture & shutter speed up with the 2 separate dials. If you can afford the 40d then i would go for that if you don't mind the weight and size gain.

Or get a Panasonic Lumix GF1 :D
 
I've just taken delivery of a 40D as an upgrade to my 1000D and I have to say all the comments about it feeling ''right'' are true. It does sit more naturally in my hands, however their is quite a large weight increase, obviously magnified by the fact my 40D has a battery grip fitted. As has been said, wait until the snow has cleared and get one in your hands.
Good luck with any future purchase :)
 
Still dont get the grip obsession. Aint the thing big and heavy enough as it is especially if you carry it round all day on assignment? Anyway, on topic....

titch124 said:
yeah , it would be a good upgrade , but with Rheumatoid Arthritis you really need to check the weight and size first as nobody can decide that for you

personally, i have just gone from a 400d to a 50d. and find that, ergonomically, the 50d is a lot easyier to use, as my hands are already in the right place. although it weighs a hell of a lot more
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Went from a 400D to a 40D and completely agree with the above post. Give it a go first. The reduced weight of the 400D might suit you over the 40D, but the 40D is just lovely!
 
Thank you for all the feedback. I realise that ideally I need to try one for size, and weight, but with the lack of availability local to me I would need to take a 60 mile round trip which is out of the question at the moment ;). But of course the particular body I have seen will probably be sold by then, which is very frustrating... :shake:
Still I guess I have to be sensible!!
I see a lot of you mention the increase in weight, which suggests that it is quite a noticable increase, which could be a bad thing for me.
However, I recently went from a 55-250mm lens to a 70-300mm lens and was very concerned how the increase in weight would effect me, but to be honest I really don't notice it!
Keep your fingers crossed that the weather improves soon!
If anyone else has any thoughts I would love to hear them. :)
 
IMHO you will find the 40D a lot better than the 450D. I changed from a 400D, had needed persuading that as a novice I would see any difference, and was blown away by the improvement in quality. Think of one as an entry-level DSLR, the other as "Pro-sumer" mutts nuts.
 
I upgraded from a 350D to a 40D a couple of years ago.

The 40D is much nicer ergonomically; the user interface is far better (yay for the jog wheel ;)) and it fits the hand far better.

In terms of technical improvements and image quality, other than the faster frame rate (for wildlife) I don't think the 40D will offer much over the 450D with regard to what you shoot.

While I'm not too familiar with Arthritis; I think the better fit and nicer user interface of the 40D can only be a bonus, while the weight might be a concern.

As you've already said the best choice is to try one.. where about are you? I'm sure the generous people of Talk Photography would be more than willing to let you have a play with their gear. I'm a bit North of Oxford if you're anywhere near ;)
 
tbm said:
The 40D is much nicer ergonomically; the user interface is far better (yay for the jog wheel ;)) and it fits the hand far better.

In terms of technical improvements and image quality, other than the faster frame rate (for wildlife) I don't think the 40D will offer much over the 450D with regard to what you shoot.

While I'm not too familiar with Arthritis; I think the better fit and nicer user interface of the 40D can only be a bonus, while the weight might be a concern.

As you've already said the best choice is to try one.. where about are you? I'm sure the generous people of Talk Photography would be more than willing to let you have a play with their gear. I'm a bit North of Oxford if you're anywhere near ;)
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Thank you so much for the very kind offer, but I am in North Bedfordshire!
As you rightly point out, a larger camera is in some ways better with hands that aren't the most dexterous due to the RA so that is probably a plus point.
But the weight may be the negative factor for me, especially carrying via a neck strap, although I should imagine that the extra weight and size help to balance out the larger lenses.
If only my husband wasn't into photography, I could use him as a photo gear caddy!!
I do agree with everyone about trying before buying though and hopefully I will get the chance before too long.
Many thanks to everyone who has replied so far :)
 
40D is a bit heavier, but also a lot bigger, so I'm also guessing that you'll actually find it easier to use.

If you can find a Canon 7D to try, it is very similar to the 40D/50D.
 
the 450D weight is 475g, the 40D is around 700g, and the 7D is 820g. hope this info is usefull to you. I have gone from a 450D to 40D to a 7D and have notice a improvment in picture quality in each step. Size wise the 40D and 7D a very close but as you can see the 7d weight is more so if you can try a 7d for size and wieght you should have a good idea weather you could handle a 40D. There are more buttons on a 7D to a 40D so do not get tied you with them.
 
can anyone comment on the "user interface"? I have a 450D - is the 40D's user interface the same?
 
Ziploc said:
the 450D weight is 475g, the 40D is around 700g, and the 7D is 820g. hope this info is usefull to you. I have gone from a 450D to 40D to a 7D and have notice a improvment in picture quality in each step. Size wise the 40D and 7D a very close but as you can see the 7d weight is more so if you can try a 7d for size and wieght you should have a good idea weather you could handle a 40D. There are more buttons on a 7D to a 40D so do not get tied you with them.
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Thank you Ziploc! Trying a 7D is certainly an option if I can't find a 40/50D anywhere.
 
mgdaviso said:
can anyone comment on the "user interface"? I have a 450D - is the 40D's user interface the same?
Click to expand...

No, completely different - and a lot better, I think most people agree.

40D body is 740g, not 700 as stated above.
 
mgdaviso said:
can anyone comment on the "user interface"? I have a 450D - is the 40D's user interface the same?
Click to expand...

No. For starters, it has the big wheel for selecting options (like the pro models).

Also, the settings aren't displayed on LCD - they're shown on the small top screen (again like the pro models).

You can choose to see the settings on LCD, but not automatically/by default (and, unlike the 450, the LCD doesn't go off when the camera is held to face).

The transition takes a bit of getting used to.
 
I don't think small tiny increase in weight is too important. It is a bit like holding a beer bootle vs a can of a same size, but maybe too exaggerated. I suppose your upper arm muscles are really responsible for holding it up, while the it is important to get a comfortable grip with your hands and fingers. I use my 40D just fine with leather gloves, which I couldn't do with friend's 400D. That probably tells something.
 
Speaking purely in terms of technical performance I don't really see the point in upgrading from a 450d to a 40d. I've considered it myself, but most of the improved features tend to be for build quality and convenience rather than image quality. I'm sure the 40d does produce better photos, but personally I will be skipping the ##d's and going straight to the #d's (7d or 5DmkII).

This comment isn't intended to provoke, it's just my personal opinion. I also realise that there's a several hundred pound gap between the two ranges, but I reckon it's worth it. :)
 
IanFlaherty said:
Speaking purely in terms of technical performance I don't really see the point in upgrading from a 450d to a 40d. I've considered it myself, but most of the improved features tend to be for build quality and convenience rather than image quality. I'm sure the 40d does produce better photos, but personally I will be skipping the ##d's and going straight to the #d's (7d or 5DmkII).

This comment isn't intended to provoke, it's just my personal opinion. I also realise that there's a several hundred pound gap between the two ranges, but I reckon it's worth it. :)
Click to expand...

I`m glad I`m not the only one thinking this. :)
 
furq said:
I agree, actually. And I went 400D > 450D > 40D.

The 450D is a great camera.
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I've been considering this move also. But when i have spoke to people in the camera shops, they have said that i will not see a huge difference in the quality of the pictures. I use a 17-70 sigma lens. I know the 40d is a better build, faster and is easier to use, however i can set my 400d pretty quick.

Having made the change, have you noticed a great difference in the quality of your photos, without upgrading lenses?
 
Interesting to see the last few posts. I am hoping to try some out tomorrow but as the 40D I was considering has been sold, I am now not in any rush to upgrade. Depending on how the 50D and 7D feel then I may hold off until prices on these begin to fall.
Again thank you to everyone for their comments and advice!
 
Andreww said:
Having made the change, have you noticed a great difference in the quality of your photos, without upgrading lenses?
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Nope! And I'm not sure you'll find anyone who can honestly say they have!
 
I`m sure the 7D will be an upgrade in image quality.

I went from a 450D and cheap lenses to 5DII and L glass, and there is an improvement but I`m sure it`s a combination of being full frame and the L lenses. My 450D was a great camera, far better than I realised at the time, just a bit noisy when going to ISO 800 and up.:)
 
I just thought I would update you all on how I got on with trying out a 50D.
Well weight wise not too bad although it was noticeable (mind you I was in a wheelchair at the time, but my husband did agree that it wasn't a prohibitive factor!). But I did find I had a problem with handspan ie the reach from my thumb holding the back of the camera to my fingers around the handgrip. So it looks like an upgrade is not to be!! :shake:
I would agree that it looks like a superb camera, and the extra weight balances larger heavier lenses very well.
However I will be sticking to my 450D until a further upgrade of similar size to the 450D tempts me. I may consider a battery grip as from what I understand it will add that extra bit of weight to balance heavier lenses.
Thank you everyone for your help.
 
IanFlaherty said:
Sorry to hear that the 50d isn't suitable, but the grip sounds like a good idea to me. I've considered getting one myself, so let me know how you get on if you do get one. :)
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Thanks Ian - I need to do some research first. If I was thinking straight I would have asked to try a grip out on a 450D whilst I was in store.
I have seen loads of cheapish ones on eBay but wonder if they are any good or would I be better sticking to Canon? May need to start another thread on that ;)
 
Try to stick to canon. The wieght of the grip and the two batteries well be around 400g.
 
Hi I went from a 350D to 40D and am pleased with the 40D, mainly its a nicer camera to use. I doubt you will see any difference in picture quality
I actually still use the 350D as well and it still takes nice pics so imagine the 450 is very good
As already said I would try out the 40D in a shop and see how you feel with it
BTW I mainly shoot butterflies an dragonflies too cant wait for the summer!
Pete
 
Ziploc said:
Try to stick to canon. The wieght of the grip and the two batteries well be around 400g.
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Thanks for the info Ziploc. Maybe a bit more weight than I was expecting so I will need to have a think about that!
 
LCPete said:
Hi I went from a 350D to 40D and am pleased with the 40D, mainly its a nicer camera to use. I doubt you will see any difference in picture quality
I actually still use the 350D as well and it still takes nice pics so imagine the 450 is very good
As already said I would try out the 40D in a shop and see how you feel with it
BTW I mainly shoot butterflies an dragonflies too cant wait for the summer!
Pete
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Thanks Pete. Having tried the 50D and found my hand hold isn't comfortable with the Rheumatoid, I think that takes the 40D out of the equation too, unfortunately. So I am sticking with my 450D and thinking about a better lens to replace the 18-55 kit lens.
Summer seems like a long way off right now, but there are plenty of birds around to photograph to keep me happy! :)
 
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