just bought a 40D kit. Wow!

[SynterX]

I must say, the XTi/XSi, while nice, really feels cheap compared to the 40D. The whole "grip is too small" argument for the XTi is valid in my mind. The 40D just sits in the hand so well. It's bigger and heavier, yet I find it easier to hold and manipulate.

And knock it all you want, but the Live View is very nice, especially with the X5, X10 zoom to focus sharply if needed.

Also, the kit lens, the 28-135 IS USM seems very nice too. Overall, when I ran the numbers of the XSi, plus a $500 lens, and a battery grip to give me some more hand room, it really wan't much more than just getting the 40D kit.

So, just wanted to throw that in. If anyone is on the fence, I now believe the 40D to be a better long term investment. As long as you don't mind the physically larger size that is.

[downtrodden]

Hey there, a big complaint of the 28-135 seems to be that it gets soft in the longer end of the zoom range. Also, the battery grip for the 40D will be great if you take a lot of portraits- it's so convenient to have the extra shutter button, shutter speed wheel and zoom button!

Glad you like your 40D- I haven't really been able to do anything I personally enjoy with it yet... but practise makes perfect, right?

[talkingdog]

I must say, the XTi/XSi, while nice, really feels cheap compared to the 40D. The whole "grip is too small" argument for the XTi is valid in my mind. The 40D just sits in the hand so well. It's bigger and heavier, yet I find it easier to hold and manipulate.

And knock it all you want, but the Live View is very nice, especially with the X5, X10 zoom to focus sharply if needed.

Also, the kit lens, the 28-135 IS USM seems very nice too. Overall, when I ran the numbers of the XSi, plus a $500 lens, and a battery grip to give me some more hand room, it really wan't much more than just getting the 40D kit.

So, just wanted to throw that in. If anyone is on the fence, I now believe the 40D to be a better long term investment. As long as you don't mind the physically larger size that is.

I figure I saved some money by not having to upgrade as soon. Ergonomics just seem better(worth the price difference).

[Paradox]

I'm upgrading to the 40D soon - It's nice to be reassured that it's a good camera, considering I'm making a considerably financial loss on it. :P I'm upgrading because I've reached the end of my current cameras creative use - It's very versatile, but it just can't get the shots I need it to. So - It's 40D all the way! :)

[Squirt]

40D is pretty neat ,isn't it? I, like you, also am quite pleased with the 28-135. It's a great walking around lens and it's the one I keep on the body always. My only complaint is that it's a tad bit on the porky side. The IS works great and I've had success hand holding down to 1/6 of a second, not an everyday thing but at least I know it can be done.

[Vich]

... the Live View is very nice, especially with the X5, X10 zoom to focus sharply if needed.
Now THAT would be very nice to have! Manual focus through the VF without a focus screen is just not feasible, and sometimes AF just doesn't take.