Canon T2i or 40D?

[MK Anthony]

Hi, I'm new and I'm looking into buying my first DSLR camera. (I currently own a Kodak Z981) My price range is $600-$900 but I would prefer to be closer to $600. I was looking around online and I really like the Canon T2i and the Canon 40D. I'm not sure which one to get. What is the picture quality of the T2i compared to the 40D? Is it a big enough difference to spend the extra money? I really want a camera that takes pictures fast (I mean it doesn't take forever to focus every time) when needed but also gets great results without the flash. (I prefer to use flash as little as possible.) What should I do?

[inkista]

Those two cameras are substantially different in feature sets. Their image quality also differs, but whether one is better than the other can be a matter of taste.

The T2i has higher resolution (18MP), a newer processor (Digic 4) and better high iso performance (100-6400, 12800 pushed), though. The 40D is only 10MP, Digic 3, and does 100-1600, with 3200 pushed.

The 40D has better build quality and can take more hard knocks, and a better user interface but is also substantially older, so it's missing the newer sensor technology and HD video capability.

All dSLRs have minimal shutter lag, and with the right lens can take good pictures without a flash (although the reason you probably don't want to use flash is because you don't know what a real flash can do).

[sarah-mcdonnell]

I used to have a 40d and still have a T2i. The difference in ISO performance is no where near as big as the figures suggest, the T2i isn't too good over 1600, and the 40d is noisy over 800. The 40D is much faster (images per second) and also faster to focus, but lower resolution. The image quality on both is great.

The 40d is a more professional camera and has better controls and a metal body, but the T2i is smaller and lighter if that's what you want.

[MK Anthony]

Thank you both for your information. I really didn't know much about either. I'm pretty sure I'll be getting the T2i for now, and upgrading later. I made the mistake last year of buying a camera before really investigating it and while it's a nice camera compared to other point and shoots, it frustrates me all the time. Thanks again and I'll still take any advice/information about the two cameras.

[spcandrew]

The camera is only one part of the equation. The lens you use will play a large roll in determining how fastly it brings the shot into focus, depending on a variety of engineering factors, including the quality of the auto-focus motor. I have a Canon F/1.2 L lens that is incredibly slow to focus, vs. my 70-200mm F/2.8 IS L lens which focuses incredibly quickly. In addition, the lens will also play a large roll in shooting in low light - whether it has IS (image stabailization) and how wide of a max aperature it has. IS can provide 3 stops usually of additional handholding ability, allowing you to shoot as slow as 1/30 of a second (or sometimes even 1/15) with decent results provided the subjects aren't moving. For shooting sports in low light, you needs a lens w/a F/2.8 aperature or wider, so you can shoot wide open and increase the shutter speed (e.g. you could shoot at 1/250 at F/2.8 vs. having to shoot at 1/125 at F/4.0). Invest in a good lens with IS and a big max aperature if you want good low light shooting without a flash. Thoses lenses, of course, are also the most expensive, though the 50mm and 85mm F/1.4 lenses are good values but are of a fixed focal length.

[MK Anthony]

Thanks. I know I'm only just starting to invest in this equipment, and for know I'm going to stick to the basics. I know that a lot of people have told me to invest more in the lenses then the camera (for right now). I eventually want to be a wedding/portrait photographer but I have a little while to build up my equipment (I'm still in High School). Right now the only lens I'll have is the one that comes with the camera and then I wanted to buy the cheapest 50mm prime lens (which I saw on Canon for around $100). I've been interested in photography for about two years and have only started learning about DSLRs and lens this past summer when I joined dps.

[Happy_Mummy]

Just moving from a point and shoot to a dslr you will notice a huge difference speedwise. I didn't notice it so much until I grabbed my old p&s for tobogganing with the kids. The start up lag and focusing of the p&s was so frustrating!!! Made me realize I needed a camera bag for just the camera body and lens! We were just on a short slope, but I pushed the button as the kids started down the hill - I was most of the way down the hill and they were past me by the time the camera finally took the photo. Soooo frustrating!!!

My biggest reason for wanting a dslr was due to the start up lag and focussing lag as well as taking many photos in a row. I have yet to be unable to take a photo due to pushing the button too fast, or the card writing. I'm loving it!!!