Upgrading from basic XS kit

[moldovamark]

I'd like to upgrade from the Canon Rebel XS I got started on. I'm mostly thinking refurbs to keep the cost down, thinking either the XSi or the 40D, or just sitting tight until the 60D comes out and seeing what that does to the 50D or T1i. Relative merits of all of any of those routes?


For what it's worth, I should mostly outside/travel stuff--much of it on bike trips with the camera in a case that then rides in my handlebar bag. I'm relying on Canon's 50mm f/1-8 and 17-85 IS USM lenses.

[Dallasphotog]

There are lots of options for you to consider.


As you mentioned, there are some good deals on refurbished camera bodies. Adorama has the 50D for$999 and the 40D for $749. Since the camera rides on your bike, you might even consider a 1D body just for toughness. I have the 1DMKII and it is built like a tank. I've seen used MKII's in the Dallas area for $1,100in like-new condition.


What is it about the XS are you looking to upgrade?

[moldovamark]

The XS is slow focusing. It's burst rate is slow. It's sort of slow everything. And people who have used both have told me the control layout on the 40D is especially intuitive compared to the Rebels. Also, the EF-S 17-85mm lens I recently got (I wish I had the cash for the 17-55 f/2.8) kind of makes the XS feel like a toy.


So basically I'm looking for faster, more intuitive, reasonably sturdy, but not so expensive (or heavy) that I won't want to take it everywhere. Shooting video doens't really interest me.

[Colin]

Sounds like a 40d is perfect for you.


I used to wear a 70-200 f/2.8 IS on my Rebel XT. That was a hoot [:)]

[alexniedra]

moldovamark,


I can quickly suggest the 40D - I got mine off a demo for $1000 CAN with the 17-85and haven't looked back.


Main advantages of the 40D, or most xxD bodies (vs. XS)


Body/Physical

Stronger build (magnesium alloy vs. plastic)
Top LCD (vs. rear LCD for info)
Bigger body (I tend to like it - feels more secure in my hand)
Higher viewfinder magnification (.95x vs. .81x - A noticeable difference)
Bigger LCD (3")



These are some of the things you'll notice when you try the camera out for the first time. For more specs, check out Bryan's review of the 40D:


http://the-digital-picture.com/Reviews/Canon-EOS-40D-Digital-SLR-Camera-Review.aspx


Like Dallasphotog mentioned, a used 1D Mark II would be the camera of choice for your use. It is built like a tank, and has AF that is much more effective than any other consumer camera Canon makes.


But... My take: the 40D - I love it - It's a very high quality piece of equipment. I'd suggest taking a serious look at it [:)]. The XS-40D upgrade is a very nice one - You'll find features that weren't there before. You're going to be able to take pictures in conditions that otherwise wouldn't have been possible with the XS.


Good luck in your research!


- Alex

[moldovamark]

Thanks everybody. For the moment, weighing the choic between nice new camera body and nice new glass (I was finding the 17-85 a little slow for what I was using it for) I decided to opt for the nice new glass. But I think a 40D is in my relatively near future.

[Colin]

From in image quality standpoint, that's probably a good choice. The second L lens I bought was a 70-200 f/2.8 IS. Even on my XT, which was so small it almost seemed just like a handle to stick on the back of the lens, the autofocus was so NICE. And, if I kept the ISO at 400 or under, i got images that seemed way too good to come out of that body.

[Benjamin]

if I kept the ISO at 400 or under, i got images that seemed way too good to come out of that body.
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Colin was right. I had my 16-35/2.8L II, 24-70/2.8L, 85/1.8 and 70-200/4L IS before I got my 50D. I use all my L lenses on my old XTi and I have nothing to blame. The camera seems to be secondary comparing to good optics. Plus, good optics will last much, much longer than a digital body and will depreciate much, much slower than the electronics.


I can imagine the XS to be slow as I was once a XTi user for quite some time. As said, the 40D looks like a good choice for you, you will find the autofocus on the 40D/50D at a different level comparing to the XSi/T1i. A 1D II will also be nice, only if you can find a lightly used/well maintained one for reasonable price. I personally will pass on any 1D II body if they show a sign of professional use/abuse.