need advice on 40D

[jueluo]

hi all, am thinking of getting my first DSLR, am eyeing on 40D, would wanna seek some advice

My interest lies more on macro, landscape, sceneries, photojournalism, I have a budget of around 1.5k.

- is MS Color's 40d kit: Ef-s 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 is $1535 good enough for me to start with? Or should I actually saved bit more for Ef-s 17-85mm f/4-5.6 is usm?

- anyone using battery grip? does it really help it a lot in taking photos and also prolonging the batt life?

- I have to start from scratch, meaning I need to get a dry box too, any good recommendation for a good and not so ex one?

- since 50D is out, is 40D's pricing going down some more in the near future? I heard most places 40D are out of stock?

Thanks all!

[Redkangoo]

i would suggest get the 2nd hand 40D body only with the Tamron/ Tokina 17-50 F2.8 if your budget is 1.5K

[jueluo]

thanks Redkangoo, I did thought of getting a 2nd hand one but kinda hesitate coz I am not that expert to gauge how good condition is that 2nd hand camera.

anything to look out for if getting a 2nd hand one?

[Redkangoo]

get those with warranty and low shutter count if possible. Anything go back to Canon Service Center to re-do calibration FOC....

It would be much cheaper than getting new by 2-300 bucks from 1.4K new....

[Octarine]

The grip doesn't prolong any battery life. It can be used to insert a 2nd battery so that you shoot longer without running out of power. Both batteries will be used in parallel. In addition, the grip provides the dial and buttons of right hand in a convenient position when shooting portrait orientation.
Dry box or dry cabinets are heavily discussed here, just check the existing threads in Newbies Corner or General Discussion. You will need one.

[issic]

I also think that a 2nd hand 40D will be a good option. If you prefer a new one, then you can consider getting it with the 18-55 IS kit lens. Don't bother with the 17-85, it is not really worth it based on its not so good review. Start with the 18-55 IS first and see what you like to shoot so that you can make better decision on your next lens purchase.

[jueluo]

Thanks Redkangoo, will give it some thought, by the way, re-do calibration FOC is only when you are still under warranty right?

Octarine, i do meant "shoot longer without running out of power", guess "prolonging batt life" isnt the right way to say.

But I don't quite understand "batteries will be used in parallel"...what do you meant by that?

[issic]

Originally Posted by jueluo Octarine, i do meant "shoot longer without running out of power", guess "prolonging batt life" isnt the right way to say. But I don't quite understand "batteries will be used in parallel"...what do you meant by that?

They are different. "prolonging batt life" means the life span of the batt is prolonged. It does mean that batt can let you shoot more in a single charge. "shoot longer without running out of power" means allowing you to shoot more in a single charge but that is becos you can use 2 batteries in the batt grip. If you only use 1 batt when using the batt grip, the number of shoots will be the same as without the grip.

As the batt grip allows you to put in 2 batteries, both batteries will be used in parallel. Meaning provide power to your cam at the same time.

Hope my kapo explanation is clear.

[Redkangoo]

Originally Posted by jueluo Thanks Redkangoo, will give it some thought, by the way, re-do calibration FOC is only when you are still under warranty right? Octarine, i do meant "shoot longer without running out of power", guess "prolonging batt life" isnt the right way to say. But I don't quite understand "batteries will be used in parallel"...what do you meant by that?

Yes...FOC with warranty card and recipts....i guess 2nd hand 40D is around 1k to 1.1K for warranty.....They may throw more freebies like CF cards, extra batt.....LCD protector

[Octarine]

Originally Posted by Redkangoo get those with warranty and low shutter count if possible. Anything go back to Canon Service Center to re-do calibration FOC....

What is the reason for this re-calibration? As long as there is no focus issue (which everybody can easily test) I can't see a need.

[Redkangoo]

Originally Posted by Octarine What is the reason for this re-calibration? As long as there is no focus issue (which everybody can easily test) I can't see a need.

if he is not sure how to test 2nd hand cam..better ask CSC to reset to factory default and make it the baseline for him....just my suggestion...er do you have any better suggestion for him?

[Snapperholic]

Seriously,

You can get the 40D second hand.... most of them have some warranty or warranty might have just expired. That way, you can save dough for better lens or accessories in time to come.

Basically people buy grips for three reasons:

1) Shooting alot of photos in the Portraiture orientation therefore needing the extra "grip".
2) Need the extra battery juice (longer battery life) without the need to change batt often.
3) Look more pro.

As the 40D has a rather robust build, the grip factor is rather neligible and the other 2 might not be much of a consideration. (you might want to get a grip for 450D and its peers though.)

I would think that buying second hand would be rather appealing as it enables to to have better alternative when it comes to buying other items.

for example,
1) better lens: i.e. perhaps a 17-50 tamron f2.8
2) cleaning kits: i.e. lens tissue/ rocket blower
3) storage: drycabi
4) memory: Cf cards and etc.

The choice lies on yourself whether which segments of the purchase you prioritise most. Furthermore, 40D is somewhat phasing out. buying a second hand can help as if you are those whom intend to change your body often then dun so pain...

Just my 2 cents~

[Octarine]

Originally Posted by Redkangoo if he is not sure how to test 2nd hand cam..better ask CSC to reset to factory default and make it the baseline for him....just my suggestion...er do you have any better suggestion for him?

Resetting to factory defaults is a point in the camera's user menu, right? Should be also mentioned in the manual. But that has nothing to do with calibration. From what I read here in the forum calibration is necessary if the camera cannot achieve correct focus either a) with a certain lens or b) with all lenses. But this can be tested (using focus test charts or simply using newspaper) on spot when checking the camera from seller. If you don't have a focus issue then based on what should CSC start checking / working?
Here are some threads discussing checks on 2nd hand lenses and cameras:
http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showt...t=check+camera
http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showt...t=check+camera

[jueluo]

thanks all, since 450D is mentioned, wonder whats all your views on it?

Initially I wanted to get a 450D (coz it's the price model in between 1000D and 40D), but I checked from reviews and heard 40D had more functions and capabilities, especially the cross 9 focus points, 1/8000 and 6fps. I don't think I be needing to print out big size thus 12.40 MP of the 450D doesnt matter that much to me.

Back to 40D, anyone of you bought extra batts for it? Is there a need to? Asked this coz my current canon P&S camera's kinda old and batt died faster than ever, so I need to put getting extra batts into my budget too if this 40D eats up a lot of batt power than other cams. By the way, how much does one batt costs?

[Redkangoo]

ditched 450, it wont satisfy you...get 2nd hand 40D instead to start with..better feel and built

[Redkangoo]

Originally Posted by Octarine Resetting to factory defaults is a point in the camera's user menu, right? Should be also mentioned in the manual. But that has nothing to do with calibration. From what I read here in the forum calibration is necessary if the camera cannot achieve correct focus either a) with a certain lens or b) with all lenses. But this can be tested (using focus test charts or simply using newspaper) on spot when checking the camera from seller. If you don't have a focus issue then based on what should CSC start checking / working? Here are some threads discussing checks on 2nd hand lenses and cameras: http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showt...t=check+camera http://www.clubsnap.com/forums/showt...t=check+camera

You might want to volunteer to audit for him on the spot...
Anyway my take is if is still under warr, you still can get Canon to repair....

[Snapperholic]

Originally Posted by Redkangoo ditched 450, it wont satisfy you...get 2nd hand 40D instead to start with..better feel and built

Seriously, i think its each to his individual ba...

Just go try the cameras out then follow your instincts. i would say both are equally potent cameras. As u have said, the 40D has functions which are cross 9 focus points which is good. however, do you shoot 1/8000 or fps? i seriously doubt so.

The consideration when considering both the cameras would be:-
1) Weight/ Size: 40D bigger grip better hold. 450D light/ smaller better for mobility.
2) Functions you want: need more fps?

btw, if u think 450D is too small for holding, you can purchase an extra grip for it.

Lastly, additional batteries are not a must but its always advisable to have one or two extras. You do not want to be caught pants down(literally) when you are in the middle of a photoshoot.

PS: both are good. just go try and see what u really want/ need.

Hope this helps~