New Camera Body?

[mfoster]

I have two Canon L lenses and am using a Canon 40D body. I am an advanced amateur, and have been doing photography for decades. I have been migrating to the conclusion that the technology changes so fast that the only way to keep up with features (and afford it) is to purchase lesser bodies (i.e. the new Canon T3i) and turn them every 2-3 years. The less expensive bodies don't have the bells and whistles of the more expensive ones (and are perhaps less robust), but the features of the nicer models have been trickling down to the Rebel models. The T3i looks to have many of the 60D features and more.
My question: is this a smart approach, or am I missing something? The 40d body I purchased new at $1300 is now worth maybe $500, and I don't want to repeat the depreciation impact every time I want to upgrade and keep up with technology and performance. Any advice would be appreciated. I am new to this forum.

[autofocus]

Curious....Why do you think you've outgrown the 40D? Is there something that's unique about your shooting requirements that warrants a replacement? I would image the 40D should still have plenty of useful life left. Hell, my oldest SLR is a 20D (not to mention my senior citizen G2) and I still use it, and the G2 on a regular basis.

[mfoster]

Originally Posted by autofocus

Curious....Why do you think you've outgrown the 40D? Is there something that's unique about your shooting requirements that warrants a replacement? I would image the 40D should still have plenty of useful life left. Hell, my oldest SLR is a 20D (not to mention my senior citizen G2) and I still use it, and the G2 on a regular basis.

I enjoy doing a lot of existing light work, and lean toward lenses that are as fast as possible. I find that the sensitivity and resolution of the 40d is not always up to par. I also have problems with the autofocus. My impression is that the higher MP and increased processing power (and ISO) of the latest generation of bodies would help...

[JohnT]

I agree with you. I like my 400d but it is slow on focus regardless of lens. I eventually want to buy a 60D and more L series lenses. Besides they only last so long and I am approaching 400k shots with the rebel.

[inkista]

Just me, but the simplest way to side-step the depreciation hit is simply never to buy a camera right after it's been released. That's the time it's at its most expensive. Buying used, refurbed, or simply 1 year after its release can reduce the price.

The 60D came out for $1100. It's already at $1000, and will undoubtedly drop more in the next year. Factory refurbished by Canon, it's only $800. That's the same price as a new T3i body retails for. Sure, it's a refurb, and it's only warrantied for 90 days, not one year. But I've found Canon refurbs to be worth it.

Both of my camera bodies were purchased as CLP refurbs. The 50D for $700, and the 5Dii for $1800. The 50D's going strong after 16 mos. We'll see how the 5D does. Since it came with only 12 clicks on the body, I'm fairly certain it was new, not a repair.

As for AF speed in the dark, I'm not sure a dRebel is necessarily going to be besting your 40D in that regard, either. Remember, the dRebel bodies only have a cross-type sensor in the center, while the 40D has cross-type for all the points in the array. Are you using the 85L? That lens is notoriously slow on the autofocus. Possibly an ST-E2 might help more than a body swap if you're shooting in the dark a lot.

The main thing you're missing about "downgrading" to a dRebel is the hit you're going to take in ergonomics. No top LCD. No quick access buttons. No dual-wheel control. No quick controller. No swappable focus screens. No custom modes on the dial. No PC port. I love the smaller size and weight of the dRebels, but after the 50D, there's no way I can go back to one as my primary camera.

[gturner]

I agree with Inkista. It is hard not too!!

Any upgrade from the 40D for natural light, should be the 5D mkii. You have the L lenses and I don't think you quite know how big the step up is in ISO and IQ. It will also last you an awful long time

You will struggle to step back to a xxxD series body after so long with the 40D. The menus are frustrating, the size and weight don't help either.

[mfoster]

Originally Posted by gturner

I agree with Inkista. It is hard not too!!

Any upgrade from the 40D for natural light, should be the 5D mkii. You have the L lenses and I don't think you quite know how big the step up is in ISO and IQ. It will also last you an awful long time

You will struggle to step back to a xxxD series body after so long with the 40D. The menus are frustrating, the size and weight don't help either.

I appreciate the valuable insight from both you and Inkista. Thank you for taking the time to respond. I am very glad I joined this forum. I am taking a hard look at upgrading to a higher model, and will consider refurbished units form Canon.

[gturner]

why dont you rent one for a weekend?

[sam112]

Originally Posted by mfoster

I appreciate the valuable insight from both you and Inkista. Thank you for taking the time to respond. I am very glad I joined this forum. I am taking a hard look at upgrading to a higher model, and will consider refurbished units form Canon.

Yes I think you should consider Canon 5d Markii, buying a refurbished from canon store is a safer buy.