Feedback on the Canon 40D

•3

written 2/13/08 6:56 AM, published 2/13/08 6:56 AM

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I've been in the market for a digital SLR for quite some time now. My neighbor bought the Canon 40D a while back and from what I've seen, it's a very impressive piece of equipment.

I've noticed that quite a lot of people seem to own Nikons and am interested in the reasons for getting one over the other.

I would also like to hear what you all think of the Canon 40D. I've allocated the funds and am just wondering if there’re any compelling reasons to go with something different.

Thanks in advance for the information.

(Image acquired from http://www.imaging-resource.com/PRODS/E40D/Z40D28-135IS.JPG)

Canon 40D

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Colin Aldersley
•3
2/13/08 10:41 AM

Josh The reason you should buy a Nikon is that the 200 or 300 are metal bodies not plastic bodies. The nikons are water tight not water proof, so you can be in the woods and get rained on and it will not leak. They are rugged you can hang metal mounted lens on it and not risk a plastic lens mount. If you want a wimpy light camera buy a Cannon.

- Gator Hound

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Josh Hed
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2/13/08 12:23 PM

Alright Colin, now tell me what you really think! :P The Canon web site claims that this camera has "Strong, rugged build quality: magnesium-alloy exterior, shutter durability-tested to 100,000 cycles, top speed 1/8000, top x-sync speed 1/250." It also appears that the lens mount is metal. I'm not sure about the water tight vs. water proof issue however. I just feel that if I'm going to drop $1200 or more on the Canon 40D body alone, it needs to be worth it. Thanks for the response. I can see you're clearly a Nikon guy! :P

- Self Portrait

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mima
•3
2/13/08 1:02 PM

Hi Josh, I have the Canon 20D and it is very rugged. I dropped my camera and zoom lens last year on a concrete pathway. While the lens had to go to in for repairs, the body took the hit and kept working with the kit lens. It's still doing fine. I don't really spend much time in wet conditions, so I can't comment on waterproof vs watertight, it's a non-issue for me. Colin does get in the muck, so his criteria is defintely different than mine. When I went shopping for a new camera (the canon 20D), I took the advise of a friend and went to a nearby camera shop and handled them. I told the store salesman I was only 'shopping' at this point in order to make up my mind. I wanted to work the Nikon & Canon cameras and any suggested camera that were equivalents. This took several trips over the course of a month or two. Both Nikon and Canon are great cameras at the DSLR level, it was just a matter of preference for me.

- Think outside the box!

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Colin Aldersley
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2/13/08 3:05 PM

Yes I am a Nikon guy. When I bought my D200 I went to the local camera dealer, Pitman Photo, and asked. George one of the sales guys said here take my D200 out in the woods with you for the weekend. So after I brought it back I said now I'll try the Cannon.We can't do that with the Cannon. You'll have to buy the Cannon to take it out in the Everglades. I bought the Nikon.

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askssk
•3
2/13/08 3:10 PM

I also shopped around and Pitman Photo steered me towards Nikon, rather than Canon. I believe with today's technology...this camera or an equivalent Nikon camera will make you very, very happy. What I like to do for purchases like this one is to make a spreadsheet. Put everything about the Canon 40D on one side and the comparable Nikon (maybe a D200 or D300) on the other. See if there are any significant differences that matter to YOU and then visit some local camera shops and ask questions. Pick up the camera and check it out. Good luck.

- Nature Girl

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Colin Aldersley
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2/13/08 4:19 PM

I think Amy makes some very good points. I have some photographer friends who shoot in the Everglades who are Canon users. Amy knows Sergio and his wife Laura they are Canon users and they can put most of us to shame, with dollars of equipment. I have been a Nikon user since 1967. Strong, rugged, depandable,no BS, like a Jeep, discribe how I feel about Nikon. They just don't let you down. They make a very fine tools for the use of craftsmen called photographers.

- Gator Hound

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AndyG
•2
2/14/08 7:33 AM

Hi Josh, You're going to find that Nikon users will steer you toward Nikon, and Canon users will steer you towards Canon. You are going to have to try and look at all of the comments you receive through a filter (no pun intended). These thisngs are just tools, after all. The photographer is what trully makes the biggest difference. I am a Canon user, and I can tell you that both systems are extremely capable. Also remember to consider your lens line-up. If you have a significant investment in lenses, stay with that brand. As for the rugedness - They are both just as rugged. The 40D has weather sealling and a magnesium metal shell just like the Nikon D200/D300. So, your best bet is to try and use and/or hold both in your hands, and see which one responds better for you. But in the end, It'll be you that makes the difference. Like I said earlier, I am partial to Canon, and will conciously or sub-conciously steer you towards them, so I won't go any farther. I'll just say that Nikons are crap, and CANON RULES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Just kidding Josh. If you have any questions, just give me a call. I'll really give you as best an objective opinion as I can. I truly respect the Nikon gear, and wouldn't hessitate to own it, however I do have a significant investment in lenses. And, as I'm sure you already know, next to the photographer, lenses will also make the biggest difference over the cameras anytime. Good luck and have fun in your research. Andy ps. My 40D will be arriving very soon!!!

- Andy Garcia

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mima
•3
2/14/08 9:39 AM

I have to say that if money was no object, I would own both, a Hassleblad as well as a few others. I have used a friends Nikon on a shooting excursion, I really liked it, so it was just a matter of preference.

- Think outside the box!

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I_heart_mangoes
•3
2/14/08 11:01 AM

40D has an ultrasonic cleaning system. Does the Nikon have that. I like that feature.

- Not so neat– Oh so sweet!

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einard
2/14/08 11:42 AM

Josh, The best way to make your decision is to go to a shop that has both the Canon 40D and the Nikon D300 with the respective kit lenses, then take a compact flash card with you so you can shoot some shots off with both cameras. Try to shoot at similar objects, shange the ISO, change the white balance , play with the their respective displays afterwards by zooming in and out of the playback screen, maybey even use the Live view mode on both to see what a cool feature this is , but to also see how easy/cumbersome it is to use all the features in Canon 40D and the Nikon D300. On the Nikon I highly recommend you bundle with the 18-135mm 3.5/4.5 it is a magnificent lens. On the cannon your only kit bundle is the 18-55 II,which is also a magnificent lense..... Look at the build quality, wheather sealing construction on both.... COMPARE. The ergonomics is very important,,,, After you have done all of this then and only then you can make an intelligent, unbiased decision. Hope this helps.. Einard Lopez

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einard
2/14/08 11:42 AM

The nikon d300 has a self cleaniung sensor also

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Colin Aldersley
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2/14/08 2:30 PM

So Josh we are dying to know what you bought and how did you decide?

- Gator Hound

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red68charger
•3
2/14/08 4:55 PM

Josh, I bought the Canon after advice from an instructor/professional. He recommended the Canon, but said the Nikon would be a close 2nd choice for him. Sounds like either one would be great.

- My 68 Red Charger

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AndyG
•2
2/14/08 6:27 PM

Josh, Just one more suggestion. Whichever camera you decide to buy, make sure you check the prices on US1Camera.com. I don't know about the Noink, but the Canon 40D is going for $1,068 right now, with free FEDEX and no tax. Another good choice is Buydig.com. Regards, Andy

- Andy Garcia

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Josh Hed
•3
2/14/08 6:31 PM

Well, I WILL be buying one but not for a while. I must admit, I have been wooed by some of the reviews of the Nikon D300! I especially like this article that a friend of mine sent me. http://www.popphoto.com/cameras/5062/nikon-d300-vs-canon-eos-40d-a-hands-on-workout.html Sounds like there are several areas where the Nikon has the Canon beat (and vice versa), but they make it sound like the Canon is a better bang for your buck. Oh bother... ;)

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georgemosel
•3
2/15/08 12:22 AM

This will always be the "Ford" versus "GM" debate. Nikon generally have the image stabiliser (IS) in the camera where Canon has it in the lens. This means that there is a greater variety of aftermarket lenses as well as Nikon lenses for the Nikon. Tamron and Sigma are now making IS lenses for Canon though. Bottom line? Touch them, feel them, see where the controls fall to hand and how easy it is to use without having to take your eye from the viewfinder. How comfortable is it in your hands. If you have big hands, you may prefer the Nikon. Kit lenses will always be on the "cheaper" side of the pricing but the higher end lenses in both camps are superb and both camera brands will produce excellent results. Next time you see the sports photographers or papparazzi about, see how many more white lenses there are to black ones. The white lenses are Canon... Mind you, these people use the $10,000 cameras..., Canon or Nikon. You won't be dissappointed by either choice. Canon has excellent free software (Digital Photo Professional and Zoom Browser)with it where Nikon make you pay for better image manipulation tools. So... how's that for an unbiased opinion!

- Parting the Waters

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einard
2/15/08 4:56 AM

Josh, Remember one thing that is always true..."You get what you pay for",The NIkon d300 is more expensive (One call cad it for approx $1650 with free shipping) has 12 megapixel compared to 10, and also has a much better 3" LCD Screen in the back(with 3X the pixel resolution). So if we are compairing price then we have to talk about features too. Also whatever kit lense or otherwise, Nikon has a 5 yeart warranty on their lenses as apposed to Canon only having 1. So keep these things in mind when you buy. The kit lenses on the Canons are very cheap in build quality and most people I know that have Canon have to upgrade to Canons "L" Lenses to get the quality you can already get from like say the 18-135 f3.5/4.5 Nikon Kit lense which I know several people have and They have superb quality along 5 years of wory free warranty on the Lens. By the way "georgemosel", Nikon does not have built in Image Stabilization, the "IS" is called VR for Vibration Resistance and it is built in to the lense. Even though I think you are leaning more towards Canon, I hope my comments can help you "Evaluate without Bias" Hope thia Helps Einard

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georgemosel
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2/15/08 11:14 PM

Hey Josh, Sorry for some confusion. I thought Nikon's VR was in the body. Thanks einard. Have you looked at or considered the Pentax or Olympus cameras? I once owned both (an ME Super and an OM1) in 35mm film and really liked them. They never let me down either. I still have the ME Super.

- Parting the Waters

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Astrogeek
•3
2/22/08 4:46 PM

Josh - I'll second the comments that either would be a good choice. I own all Canon and won't be changing over to Nikon anytime soon because I have way too much invested in glass to do the entire process over again. Let us know what you decide. Sam

- Master of Nothing

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Thomas Miller
5/16/08 12:38 PM

Josh, I am not sure if you have purchased something already or not, but I will preface my comments by saying I am a died in the wool Canon user. I have the entire range from S500, G-3, Rebel, 40-D, & 1D, etc. I have had the luxury of shooting both cameras you are considering and find both cameras both worthy of a lot of attention. They are both VERY GOOD cameras. I tend to shoot a LOT of sports and I find the Canons are very well suited for that type of photography. I have an associate that shoots mostly weddings, portraits, and families and I think the Nikon gets the edge in this area. All other areas seem to be a draw. In the end it is the artist that will make the difference and the camera is merely a tool.
I hope you come to a decision and soon. It is prime shooting time right now!
Thanks,
Tom in Fort Collins

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Josh Hed
•3
5/20/08 9:28 AM

Thanks Tom, I appreciate the input. I have not purchased anything as of yet but am still getting very fine images with my Panasonic DMC-FZ30. I will let you all know the minute I have something in hand! :)

- Self Portrait

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BAZZ
6/19/08 5:13 AM

Josh, purchased the 30D the day they where released and have never been sorry, have upgraded ( still have my 30D) to the 40D because of the live image and the features of being able to zoom in to do a finally focus which I find special good for both landscape and specially close-up, as I have micro len and 10 to 22 wide angle plus telephoto lens.In my views those that knock canon and say nikon are far better are very narrow minded. One should look at what they want the camera to do for them. , and the price ranger ... if you ask me would I change to nikon no not unless there was feature that nikon had that canon did'nt have.. my view you buy the brand of camera that does what you wish it to do for you, not the name.

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