Canon Rebel XTI vs. going to a EOS-1D

[hollenbeck2]

I am an amateur photographer, currently I own a Canon Rebel XTI, I always look in awe at the huge "professional" cameras like the EOS-1, can anyone tell me what the huge difference is, is there really a huge difference in photo quality? or should I save my money?

[prouss]

In a similar vein, how does the Canon 40D compare? I'd always thought it was over $1,000 just for the body but now I see prices online of under $400 - is this too good to be true (I don't know the reputation of the stores offering it for this price, although they seem to have good ratings, whereas "quality" online stores such as Amazon are still over $1,000)?

[Martha]

As to prices, I had a similar question awhile back and got some really helpful advice. Here (http://www.elementsvillage.com/forums/showthread.php?t=31749) is the thread.
Martha

[NickLewis]

Hi, and welcome to the forum. :)

Well, let's see if a 1D user answers, but I'd say that the basic differences are in build quality, particularly ruggedness, weatherproofing, and speed. Yes, the sensor's bigger and better, and there are obviously some extra facilities on there.

But I think it's one of those questions where if you need to ask it, the answer's "no"! :D Are you wanting to do something that your Rebel can't do? Or that the intermediate offerings from Canon (the 40D & 5D) can't? And do you want to lug a brute like that around?

As an amateur, I wouldn't spend that sort of money on a body unless I had a clearly identifiable need for it.

You'll get much more bang for the buck by spending the cash on lenses or other goodies, I think.

Nick

[Chuck S.]

In a similar vein, how does the Canon 40D compare? I'd always thought it was over $1,000 just for the body but now I see prices online of under $400 - is this too good to be true (I don't know the reputation of the stores offering it for this price, although they seem to have good ratings, whereas "quality" online stores such as Amazon are still over $1,000)?

Price from reputable suppliers is currently around $1150 US.

[hollenbeck2]

this is all good stuff, the answers are kind of what I expected the size is really the only difference, one more question... do the lenses for the XTI fit all the other Canon DSLR's?

[Chuck S.]

The "S" series lenses will fit the 40D, but not the 5D or 1DS. All non-S lenses will fit all the cameras in the progression.

[lexcell]

I think Nick did a great job of summing up the differences. If you need a camera that can shoot faster, has higher performance, is more durable for heavy, daily shooting, then look to the higher end models. If you want an improvement over the XTi but don;t want to go all the way, the 40D is a fine camera. If you are satisfied with the images you are currently getting, I'd stay with the XTi and spend the money on lenses or trips to photograph.
As Chuck mentions...if you plan on getting a full frame camera down the line, you want to avoid the EF-S lenses now (DX for Nikon users) so that you don't have to invest even more money when you upgrade.

[Chuck S.]

That's sound advice re thinking ahead when buying lenses.

However, after avoid Canon "S" lenses from the time they first came out, I finally bought one recently - the 10-22 mm zoom. I waited to see whether Canon was going to extend the life of their APS-sized sensor 'prpsumer' DSLR's past the 30D - and they certainly did that with the 40D. I believe (hope!) that I'll get my money's worth before I ever get tempted to move up to a full-size sensor camera. The price gap is still pretty large....and I have a lot of learning to do before I could even remotely justify a pro camera! Frankly, it would make no logical sense....but then not all my purchases pass that test....:o:)

[prouss]

Thanks, I'd never thought to ask who shopcartusa really is and what their ratings really represent - obviously the answers are (a) sleazy merchants and (b) nothing! I didn't see how it could be a real price but I needed someone to tell me. On the camera issue, I agree - the xti works well enough (I blame myself for bad shots, not the camera) and I'll save my money for better lenses.

[Chuck S.]

Prouss: a good source of feedback on online retailers can be found at:

www.resellerratings.com (http://www.resellerratings.com)

If you stick to companies like amazon, B&H Photo, Norman Camera and several others that folks on this forum use, your buying experience will be a good one.

Or....support your local bricks-and-mortar camera store, who may have pricing not terribly dissimilar to what you'll find online.

[NickLewis]

The price gap is still pretty large....and I have a lot of learning to do before I could even remotely justify a pro camera! Frankly, it would make no logical sense....but then not all my purchases pass that test....:o:)

Chuck - where would the camera industry be if people only bought equipment for logical reasons?? It'd collapse!! :)

Nick