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Archive 2008 · Choices...40D or MkIIN?

CampX
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p.1 #1 · Choices...40D or MkIIN?

So, I've been agonizing on this one for some time.
I've got a known budget on which to spend some money on some new gear. The problem is, I am undecided on whether to get the 40D (approx $1100), or a very good condition MarkIIN (approx $2100ish). Is the MarkII worth $1000 dollars more than a new 40D? How does the 40D stand up to a MarkII in picture quality?
I am primarily into landscapes, but I do enjoy gunning ospreys and Baldies when the occasion arises. If I 'settle' for the 40D, it means I can afford another "L" lens to add to the mix. I am not worried about weight as an issue, I would be putting a battery grip on the 40D if I go that route anyways.
Comparing the stats on the 2 cameras, they seem to be fairly 'close' in a number of aspects. I just need some insight into if and why the MarkII is $1000 better......thanks for your time!

Aug 23, 2008 at 04:56 AM

the_rebel
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p.1 #2 · Choices...40D or MkIIN?

without a doubt 1D Mark II n....

I have a 40D and a 1D Mark II and it's rarely ever a compromise. I always grab the 1D simply because of the focus....

Cheers
Dan

Aug 23, 2008 at 05:29 AM

galenapass
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p.1 #3 · Choices...40D or MkIIN?

40D = good ISO performance, more MP and 6.5 fps. Could easily be used for both landscapes and wildlife. Many people use the 40D plus 400mm f5.6 combo for birds.

MarkIIN = more robust build (you may want to try handling both cameras if possible), faster focus and roughly 8 fps. Also could be used for both types of photography.

I shot the MarkII and 40D side by side and the only dramatic difference I noticed (in terms of image IQ) was better high ISO performance on the 40D. I also didn’t notice much difference between my 20D and D200 – again 8 vs. 10 mp. The jump from 8 to 10 mp is not that significant IMO. However, the newer chip and processor on the 40D yields what I thought, as mentioned, was better ISO performance and perhaps greater dynamic range. Its been awhile since I looked at my comparison shots so I would be interested to hear what others think as well. I ended up buying a used Mark II. I really enjoy post processing so my rationale was that I could make up for any Mark II sensor shortcomings on the computer.

Another option would be a MarkII which sells anywhere from 1400 to 1800 used. If you shoot raw you won't see a difference between the MarkIIN and the MarkII.

If I were you I’d wait and see how much the new 50D will cost and if that’s too high I’d pick up a good used 40D (as people scramble to upgrade to the 50D). If you by chance aren’t aware of the new 50D read some of the e recent threads here which detail the leaked specs.

Good luck

Aug 23, 2008 at 06:04 AM

stanj
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p.1 #4 · Choices...40D or MkIIN?

For static photography (landscape, still life, studio), tripod stuff, or for high ISO - 40D
For anything that moves - 1D2N, without any doubt.

Aug 23, 2008 at 06:28 AM

thedigitalbean
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p.1 #5 · Choices...40D or MkIIN?

stanj wrote:
For static photography (landscape, still life, studio), tripod stuff, or for high ISO - 40D
For anything that moves - 1D2N, without any doubt.

+1

Aug 23, 2008 at 06:29 AM

Gary Petersen
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p.1 #6 · Choices...40D or MkIIN?

I've forgotten where the bag with the 20D even lives since I got the 1D.

Aug 23, 2008 at 06:31 AM

astrolucida
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p.1 #7 · Choices...40D or MkIIN?

I had exactly the same dilemma a few months ago. After trying out both cameras several times in camera shops, I ended up with the 40D. True, the 1D II(n) has advantages in certain type of photography, but I don't do so much of it to justify it.

Also, the 40D actually has several advantages over the 1D II(n):
- lighter weight even with the grip,
- can be used without the grip to get even a smaller and lighter setup,
- custom modes C1-C3,
- My Menu for the most common operations,
- highlight priority mode,
- live view (very important to me),
- auto ISO (though somewhat crippled),
- quicker user interface (don't need two hands or stretching the fingers - important to me as I very often change the settings on the fly),
- telephoto factor (due to smaller pixels),
- can use EF-S lenses (a very important point to me as I really like my 17-55).

Even though the 1D II (n) is a quicker camera when shooting, the 40D is quicker to set up and change the settings on the fly. Thus, under varying conditions, I get the image (if it requires setup) while the small difference in AF speed and fps is not really significant to me.

I did not find significant differences in image quality, and in practice, the 40D AF has been very satisfying in my use - especially when compared with the 30D that I previously had. I don't really need more than 6.5 fps, and even that very seldom as I mostly shoot in single shot mode, pressing the shutter button multiple times as necessary, at the exact moment that I want. I use the center AF point 99% of time.

Edited on Aug 23, 2008 at 06:57 AM

Aug 23, 2008 at 06:48 AM

Pixel Perfect
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p.1 #8 · Choices...40D or MkIIN?

Why not wait for the 50D which will be on sale in September most certainly.

Aug 23, 2008 at 07:41 AM

Alistair Watson
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p.1 #9 · Choices...40D or MkIIN?

I would go with a 1D2N, with a 17-40 it will do landscape very very well and then you have excellent AF, frame rate and buffer size for when you want to shoot birds. The N would be my vote any day.

Aug 23, 2008 at 08:28 AM

jetmutant
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p.1 #10 · Choices...40D or MkIIN?

astrolucida wrote:
I had exactly the same dilemma a few months ago. After trying out both cameras several times in camera shops, I ended up with the 40D. True, the 1D II(n) has advantages in certain type of photography, but I don't do so much of it to justify it.

Also, the 40D actually has several advantages over the 1D II(n):
- lighter weight even with the grip,
- can be used without the grip to get even a smaller and lighter setup,
- custom modes C1-C3,
- My Menu for the most common operations,
- highlight priority mode,
- live view (very important to me),
- auto ISO (though somewhat crippled),
- quicker user interface (don't need two hands or stretching the fingers - important to me as I very often change the settings on the fly),
- telephoto factor (due to smaller pixels),
- can use EF-S lenses (a very important point to me as I really like my 17-55).

Even though the 1D II (n) is a quicker camera when shooting, the 40D is quicker to set up and change the settings on the fly. Thus, under varying conditions, I get the image (if it requires setup) while the small difference in AF speed and fps is not really significant to me.

I did not find significant differences in image quality, and in practice, the 40D AF has been very satisfying in my use - especially when compared with the 30D that I previously had. I don't really need more than 6.5 fps, and even that very seldom as I mostly shoot in single shot mode, pressing the shutter button multiple times as necessary, at the exact moment that I want. I use the center AF point 99% of time.

Not So sure about the speed of the settings issue, once you get used to the way the 1D series work things can be changed very quickly. I am sold on the feel, focus and for me ease of use on the 1DMKIIn's that I have but again if you want a good package in a smaller lighter frame the 40D is a nice machine...Just me throwin copper...

Aug 23, 2008 at 08:50 AM

luant16
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p.1 #11 · Choices...40D or MkIIN?

what lenses do u currently have ?

Aug 23, 2008 at 11:19 AM

chez
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p.1 #12 · Choices...40D or MkIIN?

CampX wrote:
So, I've been agonizing on this one for some time.
I've got a known budget on which to spend some money on some new gear. The problem is, I am undecided on whether to get the 40D (approx $1100), or a very good condition MarkIIN (approx $2100ish). Is the MarkII worth $1000 dollars more than a new 40D? How does the 40D stand up to a MarkII in picture quality?
I am primarily into landscapes, but I do enjoy gunning ospreys and Baldies when the occasion arises. If I 'settle' for the 40D, it means I can afford another "L" lens to add to the mix. I am not worried about weight as an issue, I would be putting a battery grip on the 40D if I go that route anyways.
Comparing the stats on the 2 cameras, they seem to be fairly 'close' in a number of aspects. I just need some insight into if and why the MarkII is $1000 better......thanks for your time!

If you shoot primarily landscapes, get a good used 5D for $1,500. Hands down best camera for landscapes.

Aug 23, 2008 at 01:03 PM

Yakim Peled
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p.1 #13 · Choices...40D or MkIIN?

Your profile states that you have 20D and 1D Mk II so you already know most of the pros and cons of each format.

Happy shooting,
Yakim.

Aug 23, 2008 at 01:54 PM

Rockies Photo
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p.1 #14 · Choices...40D or MkIIN?

Go for the N. I had a 40D, and sold it to buy a Mark II N. The N is in a league of its' own. I also use my N for studio work, and just about everything else I shoot. It does just fine.

James

Aug 23, 2008 at 03:04 PM

CampX
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p.1 #15 · Choices...40D or MkIIN?

Thanks for all the replies. Of course there's a new "50D" coming out in September....d'oh....then the new "60D" in August 2009 or something

.

I currently have a 70-200 F2.8L IS and a 24-60 F2.8 Sigma; looking at buying a 90mm F2.8 TS-E, 300mm F4L, a 1.4X TC, and a 12-24mm F4 Tokina. If I go with the MkIIN I'll have to drop the 300mm most likely.
I have had a chance to use a 5D, a 30D, and a quick 10 minutes on a 40D, but have never touched a MkII.

Aug 23, 2008 at 06:04 PM

frank kayser
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p.1 #16 · Choices...40D or MkIIN?

Worth $1000? I think so. I'm so in love with my 1dm2n! Best used purchase I ever made! Stepping up from a 10d to the 1dm2n isn't like comparing to a 40d - but the two things it solved that the 10d and 40d have in common:

1. It ain't a &$%&%^* 1.6 sensor.
2. It ain't a *(&^*&^(_) 95% viewfinder.

1.3 is still crop - but a 17-40 now almost acts like a real wide angle lens.

All the other GREAT things the 1dm2n does is just gravy, in my mind.

My two pet-peives.

frank

Aug 25, 2008 at 07:50 PM

Gil_W
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p.1 #17 · Choices...40D or MkIIN?

I have them both, but if I could only have one it would be the mkIIn. Wonderful
camera for wildlife, especially on the move.
For a bit extra distance and LV I'll use the 40D. It also does well with moving subjects.

Gil

Aug 25, 2008 at 08:00 PM

bridow
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p.1 #18 · Choices...40D or MkIIN?

maybe something in the middle if you don't mind the small screen. i just bought a 1d2 with 11k clicks for 1500 and i'm very happy. my backup camera is now my 40D. i would say get the 1d2or 2n if you shoot high iso, for low light AF, and for weather proofing although i have never had any issues with my 40D and it has about 18k clicks.

Aug 25, 2008 at 11:53 PM

treebeard
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p.1 #19 · Choices...40D or MkIIN?

MkIIn. Been there done that...nuff said.

I want another one to keep the one I have happy! Help me............ please.

Edited on Aug 26, 2008 at 01:15 AM

Aug 26, 2008 at 01:14 AM

CampX
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p.1 #20 · Choices...40D or MkIIN?

Arghhhhh.....choices.
What would be an AVERAGE price for a good condition, fairly low shutter-count mkIIn? Because they seem to go for $2000-$2400 any time I look on Ebay. Where besides Ebay do you find them for sale?

Aug 26, 2008 at 04:13 AM

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