Lots of questions you had and since I shoot both w/ 5D and 30D/40D(I will explain) maybe I can shed some light.
The 5D is an absolutely incredible body. The IQ of this is unparalled. When you are talking landscapes I don\'t know if there is a better choice especially when coupled with the 17-40 L that you are also considering. This combo is probably the most common one of photogs in the landscape forum.
However, you are also talking birding/wildlife. I am not sure the photogs in the wildlife forum would recommend the 5D for that, especially for birding. The focusing on the 5D is not the fastest nor is the shutter response time (lag). I made the mistake of buying mine for sports (equine) and it is not ideal.
The 5D will not serve you well for both and you may need to decide which pursuit is more important and then compromise on the other one.
Regarding the 30D/40D. The 20D was a minor upgrade over the 10D. Similarly, the 30D was a minor upgrade over the 20D. But the 40D was a major upgrade over the 30D. I won\'t go into all the specs because you can find that elsewhere. But since the release of the 50D the prices of 30D\'s and 40D\'s have fallen out of bed. The $ difference between the two is minimal. Above I said I shoot with a 30D/40D. On Sunday I sold my 30D in this forum for $500. Today I just bought a 40D that is supposedly like new for $700. For that little difference go with a 40D IMHO.
Lastly if you decide to go cropped sensor (30D/40D) for a wide angle take a look at the Tokina 12-24 F4 Pro. It has ever bit as good as optics as the Canon 10-22 and it is F4 through out the zoom lens. It has the Tokina build quality, which is to say like a tank, and it is probably half the cost. Again, JMHO.
Nov 13, 2008 at 05:35 PM
Previous versions of matonanjin's message #6379359 « Can't decide body »
for $700. For that little difference go with a 40D IMHO.