40D owners I need your thoughts

[WannaBe_80z]

I am thinking of selling off some of my gear to get a 40D. It is only a thought as of right now and the biggest item I will be trading in is my Sigma 10-20. I love the lens and how wide it can go but sometimes I feel I could as easily just stitch 2 shots from my Tamron and get the same thing(as long as it is a non moving subject)

I am looking for all your opinions on the 40D and hopefully a comparison from someone who owned a older xxD model and upgraded as I will be going from a 20D(keeping the body as a backup).

I am just concerned from a lot of reviews I have read in that the 40D sensor is actually physically smaller then the 20D with more MP = bleh noise at higher iso.

I would sell ALL my gear if I could get a 5D and a 24-70 or 24-105 but that is just not an option as 5D's still go for around $1400-1500 for a used body and then the good full frame L lens start at $1000+

[loydall]

Quite happy to do some test shots for you on my 40d at any settings you want to see.

One thing I would say is - don't sell your sigma 10-20 dude! I bought mine on your recommendation and haven't looked back - I love that lens..

Anyway, I hear in terms of sensor, the 40d is actually the same as the 400d but is a higher bit depth.

The faster fps is a bonus on the 40d..

I'm happy with it.

Let me know if you want some test shots..

[WannaBe_80z]

Could you possibly just setup the 40D with the Sigma 10-20 on it and take 3 shots? 1 wide open, 1 at the highest it can go, and just one somewhere in the middle like f/11? that would be awesome!

preferably outside to see the gradient it produces outside in the sky but that isn't totally needed.

[frex]

May the 'Nikonist' say a word ?
Keep the 10/20...just bought mine and gave my 12/24 Tokina away...it'll stay with me forever!

[WannaBe_80z]

Yeah I really do love the view it gives me. I think it needs to go in for a calibration. I feel it isn't as sharp as it should be. All my lenses really should go in and the 20D. I am afraid of the bill that will all bring haha.

at least the sigma is under warranty

[loydall]

I'm just uploading some pics now - there's 6 or 7 with their raw files - quickly adds up to a large upload!

I'll post a link when they're up..

[WannaBe_80z]

thanks a lot!

[loydall]

Right - had to upload them all separately as the zip kept loosing the connection.
It was a bit of a grey old day but should give you an idea:

http://www.developdesign.co.uk/pics/

These are straight from the camera so you've got all the exif data to see what's what.

(You'll also probably see I need to clean my lens...)

[WannaBe_80z]

I really appreciate it. I will have to wait to go home and open these. I will give some feedback when I have a chance.

[WannaBe_80z]

Thanks for the shots they looked pretty good. Little bit of levels and curves they become really good keepers.

I am DYING for a 5D- I don't care how old it is. But sadly then I would need a 24-70 f/2.8 or the 24-105 f/4 IS to go with it. So that is a $2000 investment in total. Even with selling all my 20D and all my EF-s lenses I am far from that mark. I need to organize this gallery soon and hopefully sell A LOT of prints.

[loydall]

Would love a 5D - If I wasn't married, I would probably own one by now..

Yeah - those pics were actually ok-ish.

I created 2 exposures of one of them and photoshopped them:



Almost looks like an HDR photo but it's just a mix of a low exposure (for the sky) and the normal exposure (for everything else).

Might try it again though as this pic looks a little grubby...

[pellepiano]

I have the 350d ( xti I thinks its also called ) and 40d. The image quality is identical in my opinion.

The feel is totally different though. I like the grip on 40d a lot. I first bought the 450d but it had backfocus issues and decided for a real upgrade, as my old 350d had 80 000 exposures or so.

Heres my lates onlocation shot of the band BluesUp at the local jazzclub, with a Vivitar285hv and the Sigma 10-20.

[WannaBe_80z]

That is a nice shot and excellent B&W conversion.

I didn't realize you shot with a 40D- all your shots are amazing. I give it all to your amazing lighting skills.

[pellepiano]

Photoshop is what comes to my rescue. That image is just a umbrealla in front and bare flash in back. I should have used 2 Vivitars in back.

I used the two Vivitars on their portraits though ( with umbrellas ). Used 1/6 sec as it was dark and I wanted some of the lights in the background to show. I "gelled" in post" and some dodge and burn too. Used the 50mm on these.





I too would love a 5d, to get that shallow depth of field. Or a medium format camera. Like Joey L's latest images from Africa. Stunning ( www.joeyl.com ).

[WannaBe_80z]

Damn it, he already posted those. I forgot to check back. I jealously hate him. His old stuff was with a 5D but now he shoots with a 1Ds Mark III....

[ctranter]

IQ is great as far as I can tell. Noise is no more of a problem than any other camera i've used

[WannaBe_80z]

After reading Joey L new HUGE post about his trip...

I hate him even more- and what a nice little treat to himself to have a NYC apartment.

[WannaBe_80z]

So I am still thinking but I am just not as impressed with the 10-20 as I wanted to be. I LOVE the focal length but the results just aren't what I want. I am thinking sell my 20D and use that and some of my tax return to get the 40D. Retry out the 10-20 on the 40D and see if it is just my 20D that I am not liking the results from and if so keep it. If not sell the Sigma and buy some lighting gear so I can get more into portrait stuff.

[robbmcaulay]

You've probably already seen this wannabe but all I do when watching this was picture you drooling on your keyboard...

http://www.vimeo.com/3388630?diggbar

[WannaBe_80z]

I actually haven't seen that. I did read something about someone doing it but never saw the video. Thanks for the link. I would love a 5D Mark II. I think it would get me back into video...

they just need to add autofocus and it will be perfect.