40d or 50d

[TeacherMan]

Looking at purchasing a new Cannon camera body for wildlife photography. I have been leaning toward the 40d, my dad is trying to get me to get the 50d (he is helping fund this endeavor). Which do you think is better? The 50 looks like it would be more of a pain than anything. Tons of storage room needed for so many mega pix, plus all the room the pics would take up on the computer. What are your thoughts on each? I'm not looking at doing portraits, just wildlife. I'm getting the 28-300 2.8f L series lens to top it. Plus a 1.4x or 2x double as well. Which doubler would you choose, Why? Thanks guys I've been learning a lot  from you. 

[yajsab]

In that case, I would opt for the 50.  The extra pixels help when cropping.

[popeshawnpaul]

Looking at purchasing a new Cannon camera body for wildlife photography. I have been leaning toward the 40d, my dad is trying to get me to get the 50d (he is helping fund this endeavor). Which do you think is better? The 50 looks like it would be more of a pain than anything. Tons of storage room needed for so many mega pix, plus all the room the pics would take up on the computer. What are your thoughts on each? I'm not looking at doing portraits, just wildlife. I'm getting the 28-300 2.8f L series lens to top it. Plus a 1.4x or 2x double as well. Which doubler would you choose, Why? Thanks guys I've been learning a lot  from you. 

T
If money is no object, get the 50D.  Personally, I would put any extra money I have into a lens and get a 40D.  The 28-300 lens is a decent lens but it isn't f2.8...  it's f5.6 and is slow for a wildlife lens at 300mm.  Plus it costs 2k.  You'd be better off getting a 100-400 and saving that extra money for a bigger lens some day.  The 28-300 is a specialty lens that photojournalists use mostly.  It will get the job done though just understand it's limitations.  If I had that kind of money I would get a 40D and a 300mm f2.8.

The 50D isn't a pain.  The card storage and space issues aren't real issues.  Cards are cheap.  8 gig cards are $17 at Frys on special and they are getting cheaper all the time.  Plus, you don't have to shoot it at 15 mp.  Why not just put it in sRAW mode which takes 7 mp pictures if you don't want all that resolution?  If you are shooting wildlife you will like the resolution...  By the way, a 1 terrabyte drive is about $100.  I took 30,000 pictures this year and still haven't filled up my terrabyte drive.

Read my photo equipment thread that is stickied.  Don't get a 2x.  The 1.4x will be troublesome enough on the 28-300.  First of all, you will lose autofocus because it will now be a 40-420mm f8 lens.  The 40D and 50D won't autofocus on lenses slower than f5.6...  Plus, teleconverters don't work well with zoom lenses.  They are designed for high quality prime lenses like the 300mm f2.8...  You can get one for use in a pinch but don't even attempt the 2x. 

Hope this helps.  I have definite opinions in this area and not everyone will agree with my opinions.  Take it for what it is.

Shawn

[boneaddict]

I would say up to you on the 40 and 50D.  I suppose its always best to buy the newest you can get if you can afford it, buthte 40D is a great camera.  As for lens I would go for a prime and I would get the 300mm F4 with the 1.4.  I think thats Sliders set up and it is obvious quite good.  If you have the cash then the 2.8.  Then again for a little more cash, the 400mm f4 DO, especially if money is not an object.  Even with a prime lens, I opt for the 1.4 over the 2.  Focus is too slow withthe 2x and you loose alot withthe picture and thats with a GREAT lens.

[huntnphool]

Then again for a little more cash, the 400mm f4 DO

That will be my next purchase

[popeshawnpaul]

Then again for a little more cash, the 400mm f4 DO

That will be my next purchase

Just sell the Porsche...    The fact that it even crossed your mind to sell your Porsche to buy a lens for wildlife photography should tell some people how fun and addicting it can get.

[boneaddict]

or that he is finally coming to his senses.

[Slider]

 

[TeacherMan]

Thanks for all the help, sounds like the solid 300mm lens would be better and if any the 1.4x I'm still not sure what body to get. The 50 is definatley more money but at the same time its a lot cheaper to buy a better camera know instead of getting a new one in a year because I want a better one.

[popeshawnpaul]

If you outgrow that 40D in a year you are a better photographer than I am.  If you can't get it done with the 40D...  It will take you at least a few years to outgrow the 40D.  You will outgrow the 300mm f4 IS lens before that camera, in my opinion.  You can find barely used deals on the 40D right now for about $600 which is incredible value.  Check the buy/sell section on fred miranda.

The 50D has a couple of benefits.  You can crop slightly more because there is more megapixels plus it has a higher definition LCD screen.  The extra megapixels would be useful but I'm not going to spend $500 extra for it.  Regardless, neither one of those benefits will make the 40D obsolete any time soon. 

[M_ray]

Must I say it again? ... Just follow Pope's lead!!!! 

[popeshawnpaul]

No no, I just have one opinion.  Heck, if you really want to pin me down to it go and buy the Nikon D300.  It is a better camera than the 50D.  However, I own Canon glass and Nikon doesn't make a 400mm F4 DO so I'll stick with Canon. 

It's just a light capturing devise.  There is nothing special about cameras.  They serve a purpose.  A rebel will take amazing photos.  You still have to get out there, learn the craft, find the animals, and do good post process work.  A decision between the 40D and 50D is fairly trivial but a fun one to chime in on if you are a gearhead like me.

Did anyone notice that my recent photos were shot with M_ray's 20D?  All my other shots are from a 40D but it is broken.  Did you notice my sheep shots looking worse at 6mp from the 20D?  The whole xxD series are relevant cameras that get the job done. 

[Slider]

What M-Ray said!!! You would out grow the lens before you out grow a 40D spend the difference on a Lens!!!

[boneaddict]

Hey Mray...speaking of, a 400mm is on its way to your house.

[M_ray]

 

Thanks Bone!!! I can't wait now I'll have to go steal my Camera back from Shawn!!!