40D versus 400D

Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Matt Needham on November 13, 2009 at 6:44am

Image quality potential is the same. The 40D has a few more features. You can go to dpreview.com for a side by side comparison of feature/spec lists. I tried to see what the current prices are, and it seemed like the 40D with a similar lens would be about $400 or $500 more. I don't see any features that would make me spend $500 extra, but I do prefer the button/wheel layout of the ##D series over the Rebels. Having 2 dials rather than that +/- button might be worth the extra $400 or $500 to me.

I own a 40D. It's a fine camera, but it doesn't thrill me. If I were spending between $1000 and $2000 on a Canon DSLR (without HD video) I'd be inclined to go with the 5D (old mk 1 model), which seems to be running about $1500 for a new body.

Permalink Reply by alison oxley on November 13, 2009 at 8:06am

thankyou matt

Permalink Reply by Matt Needham on December 10, 2009 at 9:16am

When I say "Image quality potential is the same" that may require doing your own raw processing. I assume those who are getting unacceptable noise over ISO 400 are shooting jpeg and relying on in-camera processing. I get very nice high ISO from raw even from older DSLRs like the 20D and Rebel XT. My ISO 1600 8"x12" prints from those cameras are very clean, better than ISO 400 neg film. In-camera processing is probably better in the newer models than in the older models, but even in the latest and greatest cameras, such as the 7D, it's still not anywhere near as good as what's possible by doing it yourself (just like most folks (once trained) got better results developing and printing their own film in the darkroom than at the one hour place). It's not hard to learn raw processing, but it does take some investment of time and practice.

Permalink Reply by Matt Needham on December 12, 2009 at 6:00am

Compare the signal to noise ratio of the cameras mentioned in this thread at Dxomark.com The old, obsolete 40D beats the new 7D by at least 1/3rd stop. Check out the 7D's low light score compared to the old, obsolete 5D mk1. :)

Permalink Reply by Richard Crowe on November 14, 2009 at 7:51am

I cannot compare the 40D with the 400D but, my 40D is head and shoulders above the 350D which I previously used. The 40D will not necessarily provide better image quality than the 400D but, is, IMO, a lot more ergonomic and enjoyable to shoot. I like the controls far better and I like the larger size of the 40D. Would I opt for a 40D if I were shooting a 400D? That would depend on how well I liked my 400D and the uses to which I might put the camera - AND OF COURSE, the price at which I could get the 40D. I am afraid that I would be disappointed if I were expecting night and day difference in image quality. BTW: a 400D with a top line lens will beat the 40D with a less superior lens. Along the same line, a 40D with a top-line lens will blow the 400D out of the water if the 400D is used with a mediocre lens.

Permalink Reply by alison oxley on November 14, 2009 at 8:45am

many thanks richard, i had the opportunity of a 40D fairly cheap but i think i may be better off to invest the money in another lens and keep my 400D which i do love.

Permalink Reply by alison oxley on November 14, 2009 at 3:14pm

thankyou frenzyyyy

Permalink Reply by Michelle on November 19, 2009 at 7:20pm

I'd urge you to check the dpreview side by side. Biggest difference overall is that the 40D is intended for basic professional use and the 400D is intended for the average consumer.
There are a lot of differences in the two when it comes to high ISO handling, build quality, features. The 40D is made for more heavy duty professional work as well. Personally I wouldn't bother with either of them. I have the XTi for my daughter (400D in the US) and it's terrible on nose once you hit ISO 400. The sensitivity of the sensor is really noticibly different-the 40d is more accurate and the 50d is even better. . Skip both and go for the 50D or better yet the new 7d. I have an XTi (400D) 50D and 5D II. HATE the xti. Love the other two

Permalink Reply by Sean on December 7, 2009 at 6:50pm

As others have stated the noise on the 400D is really bad over 400 ISO. I have the 400d as my back up now that I have upgraded to the 50D and I love this camera. I have heard people say the 40D is better than the 50D but I have yet to have anyone prove it to me. There are tons of articles arguing both sides.

Permalink Reply by Jordan Stead on April 29, 2010 at 5:30pm

The Rebel series is a whole tier lower than the xxD bodies for a number of reasons - a simply sweep of stats will tell you that. But what's really important is how they feel and "work" for you. Being male, I found going from a Rebel to a 40D (and then to a 5D and 1D 2) just got better and better because of my hands.

Rebels = intro level cameras; beginners.
xxD = Prosumers / pros.
5D/1D/1Ds = pro level cameras.