Canon 30D vs 40D, advice please?

[MarkE70]

Hello,
I'm wanting to get a second camera body and have decided to either get a new 40D (£619 + 100 cashback = warehouse express) or just get another 30D body off ebay for around £350 ish.

What are the main advantages of a 40D over a 30D?

I currently use a 30D so I was wondering if you think I would be better off paying the extra for the 40D, on the assumption that its a bit of a gamble getting a secondhand camera.
Any advice would be appreciated,
Cheers, Mark.

[zan]

depends whether the update will be a big deal for your type of photography. The 40D generally seems to be a 'proper' update to the 30D and there are a lot of new bits and pieces included.

Coming from a 400D, for me the big ones are the 6.5 fps (perfect for action \ in flight shots), the improved AF and noise reduction. Things like spot metering are also an upgrade from the 400D, although you'll already have that. It also has Live View (I *think* only in manual focus), which is meant to be excellent for macro work, dust removal and 2 more megapixels (if they're important to you )

For the price it's at, I would buy the 40D again no question!
Zan

[eeyore]

also note that for 350 notes (or less) you can get a S/H 30D from a dealer which will have a 12 month waranty - which might be a better bet than ebay

[GerryNick2]

The 40d is quite a substantial upgrade on the 30D I think at the last count there were something like 30 additional features or improvements when compared to the 30D.

Its all a matter of personal needs as to whether the 40D is a better choice than the 30D. What you need to do is go through the additional features included with the 40D and tick the boxes for those that you would benefit from. If you tick enough boxes to warrant the extra cost then go for the 40D if not get the 30D and put the money saved towards a better quality lens maybe.

Having upgraded from a 30D to a 40D and having now taken several thousand shots with it using several different L class lenses I have to be honest and say that there is no one additional feature that really stands out as being a contributing factor to improving image quality.

For me the key features I have found to be of benefit are:- Digic 111 processor, 14 bit conversion, faster AF, larger 3" LCD screen, Auto ISO, self cleaning sensor and 2 second timer. Given I always shoot RAW the noise reduction, auto brightness etc. are of no use to me at all.

Don't get me wrong the 40D is a great camera and I certainly have no regrets on purchasing it, the 40D is my primary body and the 30D is now my backup.
Gerry

[MarkE70]

Thanks for the advice. I've ordered a 40D from warehouse express for £619 before the 100 pound cash back. Should get it tommorow so can't wait to have a play.
Cheers, Mark.