I had my xti stolen 2 month ago and was doing some window shopping. Megapixel count isn't everything I've heard. Canon T1i seems more like a beginner's camera using its 15.1 sensor to attract the masses. I may be wrong, but was wondering which one is better if megapixel count doesn't bother me? Also which of these two would be a better choice if I want a camera that would retain its value over the next 3-5 years?
If you choose the 40d, do you think a samys camera or a ritz camera store would have one(body only) lying somewhere?
This can be a bit tricky because the 40d is already 2.5 years old. But it's definitely the camera for the more serious photographer that isn't all crazy into video. It has a better body, and probably does a bit better in low light high ISO.
With the same size sensor, and the T1i cramming in all those pixels, I'd avoid it if photography is serious to you, and it's your focus.. And finally, retain value? Forget about it. dSLRs are meant to drop in value and fast. In the film days, that wasn't the case because a 10 year old body could do just as well as the new body if they had the same film, But now things have changed. The flagship models tend to hang onto their value a bit more, but they are the exception.
If you purchased a Nikon D3 (announced 2.5 years ago) at about 5 grand, you'd see that today it hasn't taken a huge hit. That's the exception. So put that out of your head, just get what you need and accept the fact that it's going to drop in value, like a rock. Because things change so fast, you'll find that if you try to flip a dSLR once it hits the 5 year mark, you'll take not only a huge hit in price, but moving it could be slow when better, cheaper cameras are around. Buy the 40d used since it's lost half its value already, you won't take a bath on it.
Hey,
If you want video, then go for the T1i.
If not, go for the 40D.
I'd buy the 40D, because I shoot sports, 6.5fps is fast enough, auto focus is fast and accurate.
Also, images from 40D have less noise probably, because it has less megapixels on an APS-C sensor.
And 40D Body is cheaper than T1i. 10 megapixels is enough, it's perfect for most.
I thought I would include the 50D, since I think the 40D is discontinued.
Below I listed 2 links to web pages that should help, the 1st one is to a side by side list if the
Canon T1i (500D), 40D, and 50D so you can compare features and specs. Also the page has links to reviews of each camera with sample images.
The next link is to a page on fredmiranda.com that has links to reviews and discussions on these cameras.
Hope this helps.
Mark
On a camera holding its value; let me stop you now and say that DSLRs depreciate very much like personal computers. Being electronic devices, the imaging sensors and firmware are evolving at a similar pace. The point lurking here is their value typically drops like a rock. There are rare exceptions to this rule but in general, people don't buy DSLRs as an investment. Many professional photographers simply count them as a business expense and buy new cameras every 2-3 years to keep up to date with modern technology. SLR lenses are another story. Lenses may remain current for 5-10 years and retain a much more substantial amount of their value over that time. For example, a EF 70-200mm f/2.8 IS USM telephoto zoom purchased at the time of its introduction in 2001, could still be sold in top condition today for at least 80% of the current retail price.
Given a choice between the T1i and the 40D, I'd personally take the 40D. I have video in my 7D and I firmly believe a dedicated video camera is a better choice for that purpose. And while the T1i offers higher resolution, it's not enough to be significant unless you are trying to make prints larger than 16x24 inches. The higher resolution sensor also results in more noise. I've shot the 40D for two years. I evaluated the 50D as a possible upgrade but decided there was no signifcant increase in image quality. Still, either camera is faster and better built camera than the T1i as they are part of a completely different class of cameras.
As another poster noted, the 40D has been discontinued. You might find one burried on a back shelf at Ritz or Samys but, they will probably demand an excessively high price for it. I'd buy a used one from B&H Photo, Adorama or KEH.com. If you are looking for a new camera, you'll have an easier time finding the very similar 50D which has the same sensor/resolution and image quality as the T1i. It should be noted that current pricing of the 50D (below $1000) indicates it is facing a possible replacement in the next 6-12 months. There is still talk of a "60D" that will get the 7D's imaging sensor and image quality but retain the build quality and older 9-point AF system of the 40D/50D.
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