Toronto Photography Meetup Group

Hello

I currently own an E-PL1 and I want a full DSLR. I'm staring to take photography more seriously and I want something I can sink my teeth into.

At the moment, I'm looking into Canon. My target price range is about $550. For that amount, it seems that I can get a brand new T1i or a used 40D.

This is my reasoning for deciding

Canon T1i (500D)
- I can get it new
- 15 megapixels
- But, small cheap Rebel body (people say Rebel bodies can feel uncomfortably small)

Canon 40D
- Seems to be a more serious "workhorse" camera
- Larger body (it will probably feel better in hands)
- But used and 10 megapixels

Questions on my mind

-Which camera body can get better pictures if using the same lens?

-I've been told that I have large fingers when I operate equipment. Will a smaller Rebel body seem uncomfortable?

-Which camera will have better trade in value if I upgrade to a better DSLR body?

-If I plan to trade DSLR bodies in the future, would it really matter if I start with a Rebel?

Questions on my mind

-Which camera body can get better pictures if using the same lens?

You will get the pretty much the same results. The extra megapixels don't do much.

-I've been told that I have large fingers when I operate equipment. Will a smaller Rebel body seem uncomfortable?

Only you can answer that. But yes probably. You can always go to a store and try holding a Rebel vs a X0D camera.

-Which camera will have better trade in value if I upgrade to a better DSLR body?

Neither. By the time you are finished using either cameras, the price will either be the same or so low that it's not even worth selling/trading. Might as well keep it as a backup camera.

-If I plan to trade DSLR bodies in the future, would it really matter if I start with a Rebel?

No. I personally started with a rebel but upgraded to a 5D two years later.

My personal opinion: I would get the 40D. Much better camera.

Thanks for the response. Right now my decision is leaning towards the 40D.

Although, I am full of doubt about getting the 40D over the T1i. Since, the T1i has newer technology and more megapixels. Also, any 40D I get nowadays is used. From that prespective, getting the 40D seems like a strange decision.

I'd have to think a little, although the used 40D seems like the better choice.

I got my 40D last October and I have no regrets and also the 6.5 fps comes in handy sometimes

The "newer" technology that's missing is in the 40D is pretty much the video. Anything else won't affect you at all in taking photos.

Megapixels are nothing. The 40D has more than enough.

Buy new you get a warranty and can have some fun with video. The 40D is a couple of generations older. If you can find a inexpensive good condition 5D first generation then that would be an even better choice as you get full frame, a large body and generally better sensor then either the 40D or Ti (but no video)

At this point, the benefit in the T1i is that its new from the store. So, good condition and warranty.

I'm getting over the idea that the extra 5 megapixels is not worth it. Then the 40D is great if you want a serious camera.

I'd suggest the new camera (although I love my 40D). Having a warranty or not is a big factor for me (especially if you don't know how the previous owner treated the camera). I'd be mad if i bought a used camera, and it dies within few weeks/months...

Yeah, the idea of spending $500 on an as-is camera. Then having it break worries me.

Something new I saw on the T1i (500D) is the movie mode. I wasnt thinking about movie mode in looking for a DSLR. Although, it is quite nice. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y9LrRrGxPwk

Then again, the T1i (500D) is not quite the "workhorse" camera I'm looking for.

I will take a guess and say that both cameras will perform similarly if you have equal glass on them. Your choice of lens will likely be more important for image quality than the difference in the camera models you have to choose from.

I have used a 40D for three years and I bought it used. I have had a shutter button issue which I fixed myself. Fantastic camera.

That said, I bought a T1i for my son last summer, again used, off a forum member here and it has been steller.

Both are very nice. I like the rear wheel on the x0D series as I rarely need to take my eye down from the camera to make adjustments. I like the T1i for the video capabilities and weight factor.

Ten megapixels is more than enough, IMHO.

Some other points you should note between the 2 cameras:
Canon T1i
- 9 point AF with only center point cross-type
- plastic/stainless steel body
- pentamirror

Canon 40D
- 9 point AF with all cross-type
- magnesium alloy body
- pentaprism

40D is a better built camera, imo, with features that I personally value more. The main advantage of T1i over the 40D is video capability.

Have fun making your choice!

Have you tried out both bodies for functionality and handling? Do you anticipate wanting video?

I agree, try the bodies out. Using the VF with a pentaprism vs. a pentamirror is huge difference for everyday use. I like the job wheel on the back of the 40D and the overall feel just feels better.

I believe the t1i has the same sensor as the 50D plus the rebel may have a higher resolution rear lcd but I might be wrong.

I have big hands and prefer the feel and heft of the 40D. That said the TI1 has better ISO performance and Video but lower Speed (fps wise).

So what it comes down to is size and what kind of photos you like to take? Will the iso performance matter to you?

Yes, I've been to Future Shop twice to check out the bodies (T2i and 60D). What I like most was the wheel behind the X0D type. In full manual mode, separate controls for aperture and shutter seems very handy . The Rebel only had one wheel, which could be ok for Aperture Mode (Av) and Shutter Priority (Tv).

On the other hand, I dont mind the size of the Rebel body. I dont know if that is really how I feel, or because I'm currently using an E-PL1. Then I didnt really know what to think about the optical view finder. Rather than it was there.

My current reasoning
*Note, keep in mind I already have an E-PL1. Also, I'm not concerned about image quality of the 40D based on popular opinion and sample pictures.

T1i (500D)
- I can get it new
- Video mode
- Seems to be geared for beginners (like my E-PL1). Then it is probably missing features I might find important as I progress in photography.

Canon 40D
- Used (I have no warranty if it breaks)
- No video mode (I do have my E-PL1 , but video quality not as good)
- I do like the wheel on the back, handy once I get into full manual photography.

Edit: Doh! posted 30 seconds after you... (slightly revised)

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What limitations does the E-PL1 have that are bothering you?

If we know what you don't like about your current camera, perhaps we can advise...

(That said, I'd probably go with the 40D also; the reasons to go with the Rebel would be the movie mode or slightly, slightly better high iso performance)

You don't have a link to a flickr stream - what kind of photos do you like to take?

The E-PL1 is a great first interchangeable lens camera. Good for learning composition and other skills. Then at the moment, I'm learning how to get better pictures shooting RAW.

Although, as I learn photography skills on the E-PL1. Little reasons compel me to get a DSLR. Learning manual conrols is better on a full sized DSLR. Then I cant see myself buying a new lens for my E-PL1.

As for what pictures I take. Since I'm in Toronto for the moment. I'll be doing still life and urban photography. Although, it is important to note what got me (back) into photography is travelling. I've been travelling a lot and doing interesting things for the past year. There was a lot of picturesque moments that inspired me.

All of my pictures are on facebook, although I should get a Flicker account going.

As a side note, since I alredy have an E-PL1. I'm not in a rush to get a new camera. I am doing research and on the lookout for a good deal. As mentioned earlier, I'm only willing to spend about $550 for a Canon DSLR body.

Also, since I'm into travel photography. I figured that the E-PL1 would be a great travel camera. Although, it is too big for me to travel with. I may have to get a Canon G12 for when I travel.

I was going to suggest 40D because of the control wheel/build quality/fps and leave the E-PL1 in the bag for video, but if you think the E-PL1 is too big for travel then any regular DSLR body will be too big.

Have you considered one of the pancake lenses on the E-PL1 for travel?

And to throw another one out there, have you considered Olympus 4/3 bodies? With an adapter you can share (some) lenses with your E-PL1 so if you buy just a couple good lenses they could be used on either body, plus Olympus has some really small bodies like the E-420..

i've been using "big" DSLRs for a few years and early this year i bought an Oly E-P1 so i can have a smaller camera with full manual control if i need it. it also fits on my wife's purse she hates bringing big DSLRs. it's too bad that Olympus changed the back design from E-P1 to EP-L1. on my E-P1 there's 2 back dials. for aperture and shutter speed on M mode just like the 50D/40D. if you're not in a rush to purchase a "bigger" camera i would suggest to learn more about the EPL1. at least by the time you're ready to purchase a new camera, you already know what you're looking for and your preference. the only thing i don't like on my EP1 vs my 7D is the viewfinder. i also bought an adapter so i can use old Canon FD lenses. i'm shooting videos of my kids with great DOF on the EP1. FD lenses and adaptor are not expensive and you'll learn a lot by manual focusing.

of the 2 choices you mentioned, go with the 40D.

i really liked the T1I I had. In terms of comfort...it was light weight so you could just throw it into a bag and run away. However because it is so compact, it was uncomfortable to shoot with. Feature wise it has alot of bang for the buck. I personally would suggest buying used as it is a few generations ago, you could probably get a great deal. Save now...learn the style of shooting you are most interested in...then get afflicted with the sickness that is gear addiction.

Well, discussing about portability of cameras. I find the E-PL1 too in the middle. Too large to constantly have with me. Although, if I have to own just one camera it would be an Olympus digital Pen.

In terms of long term planning, I'm thinking of getting a Canon G12 and Canon DSLR combination. The G12 can fit in pouches and some of my pants pockets. I recently handled the G12, it feels like a miniature DSLR. It had a serious feel about it. Then the E-PL1 feels like a point and shoot turned into a DSLR. Doesnt really accomidate the ergonomics of manual controls, but I can live with it. Then, I'll have a Canon DSLR for when I can bring it or for learning photography.

It has occured to me to get a pancake lens for my E-PL1. Although, it feels like I'm going to loose range. Then I'll probably be better off saving for a Canon G12.

I has also occured to me to get an Olympus 4/3 camera. Although, the viewfinder was very small. Then it only had 3 focus points when taking pictures. I dont want to sound picky, I think I would be comptempt with a APS-C viewfinder and wouldnt be wanting a full frame any time soon.

The differences are clear. In the end, you're the one using the camera. Just buy something and shoot!

I would get the 40D used, which is currently my backup to my 5D2.

I could not go back to a rebel, the vf is so small in the rebel series!

My 40D feature picks over the T1i

Bigger viewfinder
Fast frames per second 6+ fps
Wheel control
Can swap out focus screen

The good news is by the time this thing breaks down you're ready for another body anyways

Also if you think you'll miss video, try the video mode on the t1i first and see if you like the manual focusing.

Just to settle things, I'm going to get a Canon 40D (or X0D series). Not now, but probably after I feel its time to move on from my E-PL1.

Are you getting that 40D with a lens?

Yes