is 40D worth the upgrade?

[Vich]

I was lurking on POTN and came across several rave threads about how they like 30D so much better than 40D. It got me thinking "upgrade".

I could sell a 30D with grip for about $700, then get a 40D for about $1150. I don't care for the heavy grip anyway, but still, is it worth it?

I'm mainly attracted to the improved focusing. The other features wouldn't really be noticed.

Anyone here use both of those extensively?

[downtrodden]

I really don't think the upgrade is worth it- but if you don't mind paying 400 bucks for 'better' focus then why not? But do you really have a hard time with the 30D's focus? The only reason I chose the 40D over an older generation dSLR is extenuating circumstance which requires me to use Live View frequently...

[cdifoto]

I think they're saying the 40D is a better upgrade to the 20D than the 30D was, not that it's vastly superior to the 30D per se. The 30D is still a great camera.

I wouldn't pay the price for a 40D if I already had a 30D. That's my take on it at least.

[Vich]

Thanks for the feedback.

Don - your take rings true. I was sorely disappointed upgrading to 30D.

As for issues with focus on 30D - it usually works, but not always. I suppose one could say it's operator error since many people are super pleased with 30D AF.

I just get some extra crystal clear shots and others with missed focus - same body, lens, and AF spot. Even on shots where I take a concerted effort to pick a very good focus spot, remain still, pre-focus, then shoot.

Once, in dim light with 580EX flash attached, I took 5 shots of the same subject and each chimping showed it way OOF. I thought "mal-functioning lens or AF, ...". Then later the same night, same gear, all's well and crystal clear.

My gut says it's mostly a personal skill issue. I've improved in the last 3 years but there's some nack that eludes me from time to time. All equipment has limitations and the 40D, although less limiting, would still have limitations.

I'm selling one 30D anyway (stopped shooting weddings) and the remaining 30D will suit me just fine for various portrait and personal use situations.

For an event shooter; I think an AF edge could be worth it and upgrading would be a no-brainer.

[cdifoto]

I didn't have a 20D so I was pretty happy with the 30D for what it was. I had XTs to compare it to. Needless to say it blew those cameras away. However, once the love affair wore off I did wish I had saved some money and bought a used 20D instead.

Even with a 1D II, I don't take it for granted that the shot will be in focus first time every time. I double, triple, quadruple tap - basically as many times as I can get it in and/or until the lens' AF motor stops moving - before tripping the shutter when the shot's extremely important. Automation is never perfect.

[downtrodden]

Not even on the 40D- despite the AF being better, I still have to worry about whether the AF will focus where I want it...

[24Peter]

Not even on the 40D- despite the AF being better, I still have to worry about whether the AF will focus where I want it...

Yeah unfortunately I'm kinda finding the same thing. For me the center point is pretty good. But in anything less than perfect light I can't rely on any of the external focus points. So I'm having to learn to focus and recompose rather than frame and focus using the external points.

[Vich]

... I don't take it for granted that the shot will be in focus first time every time. I double, triple, quadruple tap - basically as many times as I can get it in and/or until the lens' AF motor stops moving - before tripping the shutter when the shot's extremely important. Automation is never perfect.
Thanks for the reminder. I do go with just a single pre-focus most often.

Today's motors are so quiet I can't really hear them adjusting.

Like I said - personal skill. Don; seems like you've been doing a ton of photography. Your stuff has sure improved - you think part of that's attributable to the better equipment? Obviously; gear has nothing to do with good habits and skills like posing and composition, but I mean with your in-focus hit ratio?

[cdifoto]

Thanks for the reminder. I do go with just a single pre-focus most often.

Today's motors are so quiet I can't really hear them adjusting.

Like I said - personal skill. Don; seems like you've been doing a ton of photography. Your stuff has sure improved - you think part of that's attributable to the better equipment? Obviously; gear has nothing to do with good habits and skills like posing and composition, but I mean with your in-focus hit ratio?

I think it's mostly that I stopped assuming anything. I'll stop down when I can, multi-tap as much as possible, and take advantage of the IR-assist beam of the Speedlites for single-shot AF. When I'm careless, it really shows. Better equipment helps for sure, but I've improved my 10D captures as well, and that AF system isn't even on par with the 20D+.

BTW that doesnt mean I never miss these days...it still happens. And it pisses me off even more when I've taken the extra steps. :rolleyes: