Jim,
I checked your collection of images, mainly the travel, fashion and portrait parts and I am impressed. You will be fine with either camera. Since the 40D should be available soon and you won't be leaving for Peru until October, I think you owe it to yourself to look into that new camera before you actually decide. The smoother tone gradation of 14-bit DAC with DIGIC 3 is the main compelling reason, I would say. On the other, it is still not FF. BTW, the price of a lightly used 5D plus grip of $1,900 seems to be on the low side; chances are, it has been sold. You always can buy a brand new 5D for approximately $2,450 at a reputable on-line store if you want to go FF.
Enjoy Machu Picchu (I was there 2 years ago),
Joshua
Tool Tucker wrote:
What does that actually mean - could you post an example?
TIA,
TT
The 40D records and processes images at 14-bits for an expanded color depth, providing smoother gradations and for more accurate color reproduction. The dynamic range is reported to increase as well. To what extent it is visible? If you view your full size images on the monitor (a good monitor at that), somewhat noticeable. If you view them on webpages (after resizing and conversion to JPG), I seriously doubt it would be noticeable. But if you print a sizable size, 16X20 or larger, the improvement/difference should be quite obvious.
AGeoJO wrote:
The 40D records and processes images at 14-bits for an expanded color depth, providing smoother gradations and for more accurate color reproduction. The dynamic range is reported to increase as well. To what extent it is visible? If you view your full size images on the monitor (a good monitor at that), somewhat noticeable. If you view them on webpages (after resizing and conversion to JPG), I seriously doubt it would be noticeable. But if you print a sizable size, 16X20 or larger, the improvement/difference should be quite obvious.
So leaving out the issues of AF, FF and number of pixels, you would expect superior image quality - in terms of dynamic range, contrast and colour, from the 40D over the 5D?
The pixel race seems to be subsiding due to the limited resolving power of the existing lenses. That's more speculation on my part; others might not agree. Some people claim that in order for you to fully exploit the resolution of the 1Ds Mark II, for example, you have to resort to exotic, alternative lenses, such as optics made by Zeiss and Leica. Now, Canon, Nikon and others to follow suit, are jumping on the 14-bit recording and conversion bandwagon to get more out of/better image quality out of the existing lenses.
Yes, to your question above, at least in theory but it has to do alot with the skill of the photographer (in taking and processing the images) and the end product he/she is after. On the other hand, a FF camera has capabilities that a crop camera simply cannot get. The real advantage of 14-bits recording/conversion - either that is a great camera manufacturer's marketing pitch or for real? Well, maybe a combination of both but I tend to believe the later to be real....
My girlfriend and I decided to take up photography as a hobby we could do together last November. I bought a 30D and I bought my GF a Rebel XT for her birthday. It has been a huge success. We take off most weekends. This weekend we will be going back to Yellowstone (season pass, we live close). Really helps a relationship. Okay enough setup.
I got pretty jazzed when I saw the new 40D's and decided to start saving up and buy 2 of them for Christmas. But now I'm rethinking. I am definately going to get one for her. It is a huge step up from the Rebel XT. But I'm thinking, rather than get a second for me I should get a 24-70L or 24-105L instead. Use the nice glass on the 30D and continue to save for a 5D or its replacement.
What is your opinion? Specifically, would you choose the current 5D over the new 40D, givin yur druthers. and second, how long could a man's ego stand that his GF has better equipment than him? I'm figuring 3 months max. So I would have to save up enough in 3 months to get the new camera. By then if the 5D is going to be upgraded we should know I hope.
I know this type of post is a very dry subject. Sorry for that. I'm just about to spend a butt load of money and need moral support.
Mike
Edited by Jeff on Aug 29, 2007 at 11:12 AM GMT (Reason: yet another 40D/5D thread)
Are you sharing glass? Her having a better body doesn't mean she'll take better pictures. If her technique is poor, a 40 will look very similar to an XT. However, if you can admit that she takes better pictures than you right now, then having a 40 will only magnify her ability and your iPenis might start to shrink.
Depending on the subjects, the 5D is still far our of the 40D's league. Anything involving people or landscapes will benefit from the FF. If you're prepared to pay ~$3k for the 5DII when it comes out, wait. If not, get the 5D and take better photos than her.
Yes we share glass. Currently I'm a little weak on the low end. I'm using a EF-S 17-85 IS. I plan to give that to her with the new 40D and switch to the 24-70L.
As far as pictures go, she is an artist, I am a technician. My quality is better, her subject and composure is better.
If getting her a better camera starts to shrink my iPenis, I can always buy a large caliber handgun. As I understand it, you are allow to add its length to yours.
Heh. I'm a programmer, so I know what you meant. Photography isn't something that you need to be "artistic" for, though. It just takes a good eye. I've seen technical-minded people produce photos much better than artists/musicians/designers because they think more about the settings, composition, wait for proper lighting, etc. I'm not saying your GF is like this, but some artists focus on capturing the "emotion" of the shot, and maybe they succeed and are happy with themselves, but shots like that frequently get bashed pretty heavily on the Presentation forums as far as actual portfolio-worthiness goes.
I'd get the 24-70 for your walkaround and then either the 35L or 85L (MK 1) and whatever you do, don't let her borrow it (you can wrap duct tape around it to make it ugly so she won't want to touch it. Just make sure she sees you washing your hands after using it). Your photos with those lenses, even of the same subject, will be indistinguishably better than hers, which will quickly restore your manhood and gain her respect forever.
I suggest you don't upgrade the camera yet and get new glass. You're probably taking great pictures with what you have. For me budget is everything so tend to be very thoughtful in my upgrades. Simply put, don't get a new camera until you begin to realize the limits of your existing cameras.
I should have said, my girlfriend is "artistic" and I and "technical". These are our stonger thought processes. She is not a professional artistist. I guess everyone who ever stood behind a camera and took a picture other than at a family function claims to be an artist. Only a few have proved it.
I´m on film now. Deceided to go for 5D. But in doubts after 40D release. I have 17-40, 50 and 70-200. FF and FoD is what it is but sensor cleaning, live view and DIGIC III find also interersting. Any ideas? Thanks.
There are 2-3 threads exactly about that issue. The mods merged them into one; here it is: https://www.fredmiranda.com/forum/topic/566007. I am sure before too long, this one will be merged into that as well . Happy reading!
Look through the VFs of both. Therein lies your answer, especially if you shoot with a film camera now. Also, the 5D has about a 1 stop advantage in ISO noise over the 40D (the 40D appears to be on the same level as 20D/30D, based on samples I've seen). Despite the 40D bells and whistles, the 5D remains a superior camera.
What makes 5D/40D a tough question is the generational issue: 2005 v. 2007. The basics still apply sports/critters/long lens liking person the much denser 40D is the choice. landscapes/cities wide angle person the 5D. I might argue that if you can't answer the style quustion that and XTi and better glass is the way to go.
The massively bigger surface area of the 5D sensor will likely still make better detailed enlargements than the 40D. But not "much" better. Do you print big?
The 40D can be sold after a year for what, 80% of its new price? If you have a history here on FM it's easy to sell in B&S.
It's hard to predict the future value of a used 5D after we get a 5D mkII. It will be good, but it's likely will take a bigger dollar hit than a current camera like the 40D.
Canon will price a 5D mkII at $3000 if they can. I believe they can.
Both cameras are so good that you will think you are freaking brilliant, whichever you buy. The $1000+ difference buys a nice piece of glass
. Happy reading!