Canon 40D vs Canon 450D / Digital Rebel XSi
It came as quite a shock to many that the lower-priced Canon XSi / EOS 450D that was introduced in January 2008 had better specifications in some areas when compared to its more expensive sibling, the Canon 40D which was released not even half a year before in August 2007.
In this post, I attempt to compare and summarize the differences between these two digital SLR cameras from Canon and hopefully, this will help those deciding whether to get the 40D or 450D.
Canon EOS 40D Advantages
Availability
You might think it's weird to qualify this factor as a 40D advantage, but as of today, 30-Jan-2008, if you need a camera urgently, you can get the 40D right now. The XSi / 450D starts shipping only in April 2008. Now that the XSi / 450D is shipping worldwide, this is no longer a 40D advantage.
For those who can wait, Amazon and B&H Photo Video have already started taking pre-orders for what seems to be four possible XSi / 450D configurations :- body, black or silver, with or without the EF-S 18-55mm IS kit lens - more details here.
Autofocus points
On surface, both cameras seem to have the same 9 AF points. The AF system in the 40D is superior to that in the 450D because all 9 AF sensors in the 40D are of the cross type, whereas in the 450D, only the center AF point is a cross type sensor. With the 40D, even the non-center AF points can be used to track subjects with greater precision and accuracy (especially on low contrast subjects in low light - think indoor sports) than you could with the outlying AF points on the 450D.
Construction and build
You'd be better served by the Canon 40D if you have a preference for well-built hardware. The 40D is larger with a more solid, magnesium shell while the 450D uses durable plastic on the outer body.
ISO range
The 40D is able to go to ISO 3200 in a pinch, while the 450D maxes out at ISO 1600. For those who anticipate shooting a lot of low light action photography where high ISO values are needed to freeze action, the 40D serves this purpose better.
Viewfinder
The viewfinder in the 40D uses a pentaprism while a pentamirror is used for the viewfinder in the 450D. Pentaprism viewfinders give a brighter and larger image compared to pentamirror types. Viewfinder magnification is higher in the 40D, 0.95x compare to only 0.87x on the 450D's viewfinder.
The 40D has a higher eyepoint (22mm) than the 450D (19mm). This is an advantage for those who wear glasses as it means that you can still view the entire image in the viewfinder even if your eye is physically 22mm away.
For a really good read on viewfinders, please refer to this Luminous Landscape article.
Frames per second (fps)
The 40D is rated at 6.5 fps compared to 3.5 fps on the 450D. If you shoot lots of action or sports photography where high frame rates is paramount, or even want to capture as many frames within the shortest interval of time possible, then the 40D is your camera.
Top shutter speed
The fastest shutter speed on the Canon 40D is 1/8000 sec while you can only go as fast as 1/4000 sec on the XSi / 450D. The difference probably won't matter significantly in most photography, but it's always a convenience to be able to call on fast shutter speeds if you're shooting at low ISO values with your lens at wide open apertures (say, larger than f/2) in bright light.
Shot buffer
The 40D has a larger memory buffer, being able to store 75 JPEG or 17 RAW files in one continuous burst, while the 450D only manages 53 JPG files or 6 RAW files in one burst. This is a huge difference in buffer performance, something that is significant if you shoot a lot of RAW photos in quick succession, say at weddings, sports or any other event where the action is thick and fast and you don't want to miss shots.
White balance
The 40D allows you to dial in exact Kelvin values for setting the white balance. The 450D has no such feature.
Battery life
The Canon BP-511A / BP-511 / BP-512 battery in the 40D gives you 1100 shots on a single charge if flash isn't used, while you get only 600 shots with a fully-charged LP-E5 battery in the 450D.
Top LCD
Photographers who desire the flexibility to be able to glance at important camera settings off the top LCD get this feature on the 40D. The XSi / 450D only shows this information on the rear LCD.
sRAW format
For photographers who want the flexibility of processing that RAW files offer, yet are willing to give up some loss of bit information in return for smaller files, the sRAW format offered on the 40D is the answer. sRAW files are approximately only a quarter of the size of regular RAW files and is a feature that's not found on the XSi / 450D.
Canon EOS 450D Advantages
Price
No comparison here - the 450D is expected to sell for no more than $800 USD once it hits the shelves sells for only $570, while the best price you can get now from a reputable store for the 40D is about $823. There's a collection of direct links to various Canon XSi / 450D pricing information at reputable stores.
Sensor Resolution
This is a curious one - the 450D, despite being lower priced, has more resolution than the 40D. The 450D sensor is rated at 12.2 MP (Megapixels), compared to the 10.1 MP sensor found in the 40D. A 2 MP difference might be considered negligible, but if you intend to crop or print large, every additional megapixel helps.
DPReview.com, in its Canon XSi / 450D review, puts the resolution advantage of the 450D / XSi a little more strongly:
- In the conclusion page: "The new sensor is superb, and from a resolution point of view puts the EOS 40D to shame without losing any of the high ISO performance that has been Canon's trump card for so long."
- RAW output compared with the Nikon D60: " ... and in fact these are some of the most detailed results we've ever seen from a non-professional Canon DSLR thanks to what appears to be a slightly lighter anti alias filter (certainly compared to the 40D, for example)."
Dimensions and weight
Those with smaller hands and want a lighter camera might prefer the 450D - here are the relevant specifications:
- Dimensions:
Canon 40D - 146 x 108 x 74 mm (5.7 x 4.2 x 2.9 in)
Canon 450D - 129 x 98 x 62 mm (5.1 x 3.9 x 2.4 in) - Weight:
Canon 40D - 740 g (1.6 lb)
Canon 450D - 475 g (1.0 lb)
Despite its smaller size, the grip on the 450D is reported to be much better built than the older 400D / XTi and 350D / XT models, so this should go a long way toward making the camera feel more comfortable to hold.
Autofocus during LiveView mode
The 450D introduces an additional, contrast-detection Autofocus capability when you're shooting in LiveView mode. By pressing the AE lock button on the back of the camera, the 450D can focus the lens while continuously showing an image of the scene on the rear LCD. Focus is slower in this mode, but is nevertheless useful when you're composing for static objects while having the camera mounted on the tripod. See the video on this page which explains the Live View mode on the 450D. Like the 40D, the 450D also has the traditional mirror-down Autofocus where the focus acquisition is very much faster but requires the mirror in the body to come down causing a momentary loss of image on the LCD.
Shooting information on the rear LCD
The 450D instantly displays all the usual shooting information at the back of LCD. On the 40D, you would need to hit the "Info" button twice (or once if you change a setting) in order to view that information. Those who wear glasses swear that it's so much more functional and easier to view this data on a bright, clear 3-inch screen than squint at the small characters on the top LCD (which the 450D doesn't have but the 40D does). When you have your camera set up high on a tripod, it's also impossible to view the information on the top LCD so getting that same information on the rear screen is a strong benefit.
Multi-shot self timer mode
The 450D is the first digital SLR from Canon to have this feature. This allows you to capture multiple photos every time you activate the self-timer. Imagine being able to shoot a continuous series of group shots with yourself in it - very handy indeed for photographing such moments.
Additional resources
The Canon 40D Journal: Regular updates on the Canon 40D.
The Canon XSi / 450D / Kiss X2 Journal: Regular updates on the Canon XSi / 450D / Kiss X2.
January 31st, 2008 at 1:41 am
VERY informative, thank you very much for this indepth review.
clearly 40D is the way to go
February 7th, 2008 at 12:55 am
superbly comprehensive comparison. I am still hesitant between both of them. The advantages/disadvantages on both sides balance each other out! I can't choose!
February 21st, 2008 at 12:47 am
Good article on such short notice. I was definitely headed to buying the 40D, but now am leaning toward the 450D because (in descending priority)
1) Lower price by approx $350
2) I like the lighter weight and have no problem with a strong plastic body versus metal
3) 12mp vs 10mp - May not be a huge deal, but why not go with higher resolution?
In the end, they both appear to be great choices. The 40D had many advantages, but none of them were huge to me. Price is the biggest factor. I plan to buy the package that includes the Canon 18-55mm lense for a total of $899 (Amazon) With the $350 I save by buying the 450D vs. the 40D I plan to get the fixed 50mm Canon F1.8 lense which is great for portraits, as well as a yet-to-be-determined zoom lense (probably 55-200mm).
This will be my fifth Canon Camera in the last 20 years and I have loved the prior four. Can't wait for the April 15 release of the 450D.
March 13th, 2008 at 3:10 am
Enjoyed very much this article! Not the usual comparisons.
But actually the price of the 40D body is only slightly higher than the 450D with the 18-55mm IS lens and since Canon is offering a $200 cashback on the 40D... well that's a very good help to buy the 18-55mm IS lens. Sum made with the same lens in both cameras the difference is only 80€ (at amazon.uk.co)!!!
March 15th, 2008 at 12:38 am
Price may not be an advantage for 450D. The price of 40D has dropped a lot since it comes out last year 450D is in pre-ordering status the price is very stiff. You may be able to find a cheaper 40D than 450D in the market now.
March 18th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
I was just placed upon the same choise: 450D or 40D.
My choise fell upon the 40D.. It's a superior camera, it's more pro and for only a margin more with cashback.
450D won't be bang for the buck before the price drops.
40D is bang now.
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:01 pm
I think I would go with the 450D as the price difference as of now is big. Later on when 450D will have a decline in pricing, but till then, I can't wait. More than price, the 450D is very light in weight, so for a slim & short person like me, carrying 40D with huge lenses makes it around 1.5 Kg or more, which might prove tiresome. In 450D (475 gms) it would be only 1.1 Kg, if I use a Sigma 18-200 with 660 gms.
I know 40D is a Semi-pro, but afterwards, I will straightaway think of a full-frame camera like a 5D Mark II which is long due and rumored to be released soon, with "L" lenses of Canon & a Tripod. But right now, for me a 450d is the way to go. I am an extremist, so I would go with an entry level one now and a Fully-Pro one after 6-8 months. May be then, I might go with Nikon D3 or 1Ds Mark-III or 5Ds Mark-II. Why tread inbetween !! This would be my first DSLR. So rather than upgrading from a 40D to 5D Mark II, I would start with a Basic model. There's not much of a difference in 40D and 5D like there is not much difference between a 450D and a 40D, but a huge difference between a 450D and a Mark-III. And I might be having a 2 DSLR's with 6-8 lenses then, which will help me avoiding changing of lenses every now and then, thereby safeguarding the Sensor etc. from dust, as opposed to having only 1 SLR with 6-8 lenses. Having 2 cameras is a luxury and I will definitely like to do that. I might also have 2 different brands, i.e. one canon & other nikon. Sounds uneconomical & impractical as then I would have to buy different lenses, but I would like to experience both the brands and know personally as to which is better. For those who want to have only one Camera for a long time should go for a 40D for sure.
If any of you tend to disagree with me then please criticize freely and give any suggestions if I am going wrong anywhere in my planning or being over-ambitious. Your thoughts are welcome. If you think you can change my decision of buying a 450D in favour of 40D then please give me points in its favour. I have to take decision quickly.
There is a difference of :
1. ISO : 3200 v/s 1600
2. Shutter Speed 4000 v/s 8000
FPS (frames per sec.) 6.5 v/s 3.5
3. Body : metal-plastic v/s magnesium alloy
4. Weight : 475 v/s 740 gms
5. AutoFocus Points & Spot Metering
6. View Finder 87 v/s 95 %
7. Megapixels 12 v/s 10
Thanx......All friends of this blog,
Happy Snapping, Clicking, Shooting,
Cheers, have a Great Life-Time.
April 12th, 2008 at 8:01 am
A very nice comparison - very useful! But I think you forgot at least one thing:
The 450D has the ability to use simple and low-priced (IR) remote controller. (David Chin adds: The Canon Wireless Remote Control RC1 for Digital Rebel
is one such remote). To remote trigger the shutter on the 40D you need solutions, which are much more expensive.
Greetings from germany!
April 12th, 2008 at 9:21 am
Marcee - thanks for that tip on the infrared remote control for the XSi!
For those looking for a 2-in-1 wired / wireless RF remote, the $50 USD (shipped) Phottix Cleon C8 (C6 for the XSi / 450D) comes in highly recommended by yours truly.
April 14th, 2008 at 10:34 pm
thanx Marcee & David for the feedback
April 23rd, 2008 at 10:18 am
5. Both 40D and 450D have spot metering
6. It's .87 vs .95 magnification, but both are 95% coverage I believe
April 30th, 2008 at 9:13 pm
I own 40D , used to have 350D .
350D (450D the same size) looks even like a toy in comparison with 40D. plus don't forget a serious advantage is that 40d has dust and water drops protection.
40 minutes under the rain in the forest with that camera working, prooved that it actualy is a significant plus. 450D does not have such protection.
Please dont forget that 40D has bigger shutter resource - that is a great plus as well,because eventually you can throw away your second 450D while still using 40D,and then you'll recall your wish to save $300.
Cheers from Ukraine! and happy shooting
May 3rd, 2008 at 7:24 am
Thank you for the reviews. Extremely helpful.
I will go with the 40D - the droplets and dust resistance is important as I will be taking photos of dogs on the beach, by the river, in the bush etc etc. I also think the 6.5fps and low light capacity is the way to go.
Thank you for sharing your knowledge with those who are new to the details.
May 11th, 2008 at 9:44 pm
Thanks for the comparison. Still split over which to go for but leaning towards the 40D for being more robustly built. The now small price difference is a small premium to pay for insurance against rain and dust.
Perhaps Canon is considering a upgrade to 40D -> 45D with 12MPixels?
Greetings from Australia
May 28th, 2008 at 9:31 am
In my opinion, as far as 450D (XSi) vs 40D, it's kind of a no-brainer, at least until July 19th when the instant $200 rebate on the 40D expires. The 40D (body only) can be had for around $930-$950 street price at the moment. The XSi can be found for just under $800, body only. It's a very easy decision, given the above comparison, to spend the extra $150 and get the 40D. After July 19th, the price goes back up to around $1150 (street)!
June 9th, 2008 at 12:06 am
I have the 450D, and did a lot of research and comparison shopping online, including looking at the nikon D300.. but what sealed the deal for me was actually handling the cameras in person. The 40D and D300 are TANKS compared to the 450D, and I need a smaller camera. I'm a pilot and a DSLR of ANY size is on the verge of impractical in the cramped cockpit of a private turboprop. Also, the advantages noted in this comparison are not necessary for my use. The only one I wish I had was the sRAW format. The whole megapixel factor isn't something I drool over readily.. (take into account the mars rovers with their ONE MEGAPIXEL sensors) given the fact that more MP = smaller pixels = more noise (all other factors being equal), but given dpreview's comments on it being a superior sensor, that noise factor may have been overcome by a newer manufacturing process. In the end if I can make a better looking large print, well then all is good imo.
If I'm ever in a position of affording another camera for non-flying use, I'll look at more high end gear such as the D300 or whatever the current offering from Canon/Nikon is in that class, or pro level full frame equipment.
June 9th, 2008 at 8:59 am
I bought the 40D a month ago. This is my first DSLR. Just wanted to add a couple of points: being able to dial-in custom Kelvin values is a powerful feature you don't want to miss. I upgraded from a Sony DSC717, bypassed the Nikons and Sony DSLRs primarily because I liked the out-of-box warmer tones of Canon. But just having warmer tones is not enough - lenses have their idiosyncratic behavior. My Tamron 17-50mm 2.8 produces sharp, vivid but cooler colors that I am able to overcome by choosing custom Kelvin values for early morning sunlight, noon time etc. Color warmth is a subjective and creative area that you don't want to miss.
The other huge plus of 40D over the more basic series is the brighter viewfinder. Since there is no other way to typically frame a picture on the DSLR , I think a view finder is very very important - in fact this was the primary reason for me going with the 40D over the 400D, which had a very dim viewfinder - I didn't want to experiment with 3rd party magnifiers.
June 16th, 2008 at 9:01 am
This is an informative discussion. I own a 400D and plan to upgrade to either the 450D or 40D. ISO settings play a significant role for my type of photography. The rigid body of the 40D is also helpful to protect from dust and rain.
June 17th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
i haven't tried comparing the output of 40D with 450D but i did try 40D with 350D. Same CF card and lens (24-105mm F5 L lens) tried on two different bodies (40D vs 350D). The result was remarkably awesome. The colour of pictures from 40D are much warmer compared to 350D . And im not sure about this but the pictures from 40D are much sharper even when i used the same L lens. after all the discussions above i strongly suggest 40D
June 21st, 2008 at 2:32 am
buy a 40D body for around $1000 and then buy a good lens.........excellent review...very helpful
June 23rd, 2008 at 11:18 am
[...] a little more too. There’s a nice write-up about the differences between the 40D and the Xsi here. Dear God, help my wallet now! Oh, while I’m on this, anyone interested in buying a nice [...]
June 30th, 2008 at 8:10 am
Thank you all so much for all of the outstanding information. I, too, have been torn between the 450D and the 40D...I think now that I will go with the 40D. The one difference between the two, that was one of the many deciding factors and hasn't really been mentioned, is the fact that the 450D uses an SD card as opposed to the 40D's CF. I have a 350D (CF) and a Sony point and shoot (SD). I have had problems with 2 SD's and never even a hic-up with the CF's (and I use the Canon much more frequently). There is probably a technical reason for this but I seem to think that the CF card is more durable (and dependable) than the SD.
July 1st, 2008 at 10:01 am
I recently bought the 40D, my first DSLR. Before I made the purchase, I did some extensive research on both XSI/450D and 40D online (specs, pros/cons); I was actually leaning towards the XSI/450D. When I actually saw the real thing, my instinct told me to get the 40D. It has a better finish, wasn't as heavy as I anticipated, a solid grip, and fits my hand. The XSI/450D on the other hand seemed a little, I wouldn't say 'cheap' but 'plastic' and rather small. I also really like the droplets and dust resistance feature as I'm taking a fair amount of pictures with my bunnies...
Anyhow, cheers and happy shooting!
July 2nd, 2008 at 10:16 am
I was in doubt wether buying the 40 D or 450D Rebel XSI. I decided to buy the 40 D after doing my research on the web by studying various comparison charts and comments about both cameras. If you are switching to a SLR camera for the first time, you will find both cameras big and heavy compared to regular digital small cameras. So if you are in doubt i can tell you to clearly decide to go with the 40 D, higher ISO, more solid, faster shooting, more frames per second, better protected against dust and rain, higher battery capacity and also features a 3 inch LCD backscreen.
Cheers from Brazil and happy shooting!
July 2nd, 2008 at 1:38 pm
Good comparison.
I was also shopping between the 450D an 40D for our first DSLR. Ended up eventually getting the 450D for the lower price point and put the price difference into a decent fast prime lens. The 2 extra mpix is negligable.
But the most compelling reason for the 450D was the SD card and it being smaller and lighter formfactor which sits better with my fiancee's smaller hands. The 40D (as was the D80) was just a little much of a handfull for her.
Small hands = 450D, rest of us = 40D
I would probably still re-consider the 40D or its replacement again after seeing what sort of pricing impact the new Nikon "D90" will have on the 40D.
July 8th, 2008 at 3:23 am
I'm not into professional photography at first and I am constrained with my budget and the eagerness to acquire a DSLR soonest, so, I bought a 450D (799.99, others have the cheapest at 830 without SD, 40D then was priced at 1299.90) since it is newer and will plan to buy a 1Ds Mark III, next top of the line combined with my newly acquired EF-S f/100-400mm L IS USM. Playing along with the settings and getting more acquainted with them will help anybody get what anybody wants, after all 40D is still semi-professional despite all its features. It is the lens, Photoshop, artistic patience and creativity that bring better understanding and appreciation of what digital imaging is all about.
July 19th, 2008 at 5:16 pm
I am so glad I came across this page! The original comparison review was great but the contributions from everyone else has been superb.
I am almost sure I will be going for the 40D. The reasons 1) Better protection from rain and dust as we do a lot of outdoor photography 2) We are looking for a second camera to join the 400D we already have and would like our equipment to be compatible. As Patt pointed out, we would have to buy SD cards for storage if we go for the 450D 3) Early in the review was this sentence about the focusing on the 40D "With the 40D, even the non-center AF points can be used to track subjects with greater precision". I have lost many a good shot through the subject being slightly out of focus and would deem this to be more valuable than the extra 2m megapixels.
I am going to visit Jessops shortly to see how the cameras feel in my hands and to see if I can haggle the price down a little further. The instore price today for body only is £629.99
January 21st, 2009 at 1:01 pm
Six months since the last comment here and I'm finally getting close to my 1st DSLR. Have shot over 11,000 pics on my Sony D717. So many of the shots I took with it, I wish I had had better eqpt. Time to say good by to 5meg and capture some stunning images rather the just medicore photo's.
The comparisons given here and the comments left by everyone have locked me into my decission.
I still have our 25 year old Canon AE-1 Program. Tried to put it up on Ebay the otherday to help raise funds towards the DSLR, but our eldest child is taking a 'FILM' class in collage, starting this week. Tha's about $250 I'm out, for now. Hard to believe that's all I might get for it. Very happy our daughter is persuing the old school film class though.
I digress- the 40D will surely be my choice. As of this date, the XSI/450D body only, can be had for $575. The 40D around $700.
I hope to steer clear of any kit lens and invest into, perhaps, the Canon EF 24-70mm F/2.8L IS USM for the crisp portraits and weddings. Also on the wish list, (this will cost me either 3 weeks sleeping on the couch or a divorce), the Canon 70-200mm F/4.0 IS USM. (the 2.8 version is not as crisp)That's also going to cost me lot's of honey due's.
The FPS advantage I will get, with competitive swimming shoots and occasional golf swing colages that I make, will really open my creativity.
More rugged build, gotta have it!
Larger buffer- a must!
Although I would really like to have the rearview controls for the high tripod shots, it's a sacrifice I'm willing to give up.
I had considered the Nikon D90. Got spoiled w/ the video mode w/ the Sony F717. The reviews on the D90's video are pretty poor at this time, so why invest into it?
Sony's Alpha, a350 was a bit tempting with the tilt screen but had to many drawbacks compared to the Canons.
The 450d/XSI was nearly a lock-in until reading a few (hundred) reviews. Seems the majority buying the XSI are looking for something of good quality, great technology, lighter weight anad a bit more affordable. There's no doubt, that's excatly what they got.
So, I hope that since the previous postings, everyone has been getting some awesome, quality, stunning photo's! Hope to join you in the near future.
Cheers! And thanks for your words.
January 28th, 2009 at 4:58 am
To CHIRAG PARIKH
>>And I might be having a 2 DSLR's with 6-8 lenses then, which will help me avoiding changing of lenses every now and then<>being able to dial-in custom Kelvin values is a powerful feature you don't want to miss<>since it is newer and will plan to buy a 1Ds Mark III, next top of the line combined with my newly acquired EF-S f/100-400mm L IS USM.<<
Are you sure that lens is an EF-S? I know they make and EF version…if its EF-S, then again, that lens won’t work on a 1D or any full frame.
As for myself, back in July 2008, I was debating (as most) between the two. I went with the 450D. Well, after 7 months of shooting, taking photo classes, shooting concerts, parties, portraits and what not…. I regret my decision. If I were to go back, I’d get the 40D. Construction is better (I have to hide my camera from any type of rain / snow), but more importantly, I would love the better low light pictures, which I love doing but am limited, even with fast glass.
February 11th, 2009 at 1:27 pm
[...] To expand further on the huge performance advantage the 40D has over the XSi, please read Canon 40D vs Canon XSi / 450D. [...]
February 18th, 2009 at 5:50 am
Great info!!..but I'm still up in the air. I'm basically trying to capture motorcycle racing (MotoGp). Last year i got decent photos with my 790IS...but it's time to step up. Is the FPS really matter that much...I mean i took decent continuous pics with my point and shoot. Is the kit lens on the 40D decent enough? Also I dont want to travel with a bunch of lens..any insight would be appreciated. THANKS!
March 18th, 2009 at 9:14 pm
You forgot the main difrence betwen this two cameras,40d uses compact flash cards,450d uses sd cards,that is a big difrence because sd cards are a lot cheaper than cf,from canon comes the notice that in the future all dslr cameras will work sd cards...
i couldnt deside betwen this two cameras so i bought 50d,its not so good,i would go with 450 if i could go back you know.
March 31st, 2009 at 10:41 am
Im so torn between the 450D n 40D. The reviews are more favourable towards 40D. But I really love the 450D a lot..
Dilemma.. Any can help/?.. Its really a big headache.. Too bulky for me on a 40D, with lenses near to 1kg++ .
450D, price is comparative with 40D, but slack some features. Not too concern for on the difference of 2 megapixels tho..
Headache..
April 5th, 2009 at 5:05 am
It's great to know I'm not the only one struggling with this!! The information here is phenomenal. Now if the price on the 40D would come down about $100 . . .
May 10th, 2009 at 12:34 pm
I also went from a Sony717 to a Panasonic TZ5 and now to an XSi. Many reviews later, the factors that determined what to pick were usage-needs and sharing accessories (CF cards) between the TZ5. The durability is a non issue (I say this now) as a wrist grip should be a required purchase by everyone - best $7 you'll spend! Lightweight is a MUST if you have large lenses to hold so the almost 1/2 the weight is nice. The 250mm zoom lens with the battery grip attached gets pretty beefy. I've owned the XSi for exactly 2 months now and about 2000 shots later, love the results and choice. Remember on the Kelvin setting, you can manipulate it post-processing when shooting in RAW. I always tweak the Kelvins up for a warmer skin-tone - yes, on the XSi - just shoot in neutral mode for best post-processing opportunities - always shoot in RAW.
The 3.5fps I've only used a handful of times to capture people and can't say I could use double that.
The rain-guard of the body could be useful - would be less apprehensive in humid climates. Though drops on the lens would ruin the shot anyway so why take the camera out in that situation without any protection then?
I was considering a D90 for the all-in-one movie factor but the reviews were not there to support that price-tag. I love the TZ5 for this. Takes high-def wide-screen movies and is a great point and shoot camera that fits in your pocket - you ALWAYS take a camera with you and when a giant DSLR does not work for where you're going, the TZ5 is the best backup - LOVE the camera!
Changing lenses was a big learning curve for me. Love the flexibility - HATE the changing and hauling of the extra stuff! I used the price-savings for extra lenses - you'll spend more on lenses than the camera anyway. Zoom lens is required!!! Stability control a must. I digress from choosing a camera.
I could use a tad more freedom for low-lighting conditions - most evident in high zoom-ranges. No issues/experience in a need for the faster shutter - all photos turn out great with the max on this. Battery life is a no issue - it's just fine. And with a battery grip (with the two batteries inside it) it'll amaze you - don't even bother bringing a charger on your trip!
So to sum up, the lenses will suck up more of the overall cost anyway - choose based on what you'll shoot. My biggest problems are now to choose which lenses to bring when there's a need to pack light for a small excursion. Again, hauling all this STUFF is a sure change from the Sony and TZ5...
Best of luck - no bad choices - just better ones.
May 12th, 2009 at 3:48 am
if anyone plans to jump to Mark series later on, 40D would be a better choice because it's more compatible with higher ends, sharing flash gears and storage type.