11-17-2010, 06:27 AM
I have a 40d and love it. I also have borrowed a 5d (original) from a buddy. My opinion was that there was a small (but definite) difference in image quality of both the raw files and the jpegs straight from the cameras. The 5d files simply looked a tad bit better to me. I can not describe it, which I know is going to infuriate some of the people on this forum who have far more technical photographic knowledge than I do. LOL. The 5d did have lower noise overall, but using a good noise reduction program such as Noiseware Pro reduces the 5d advantage.
If you primarily shoot portraits, then the 5d would be the one to choose. But, if you shoot a lot of sports, or other fast moving subjects, then the 40d is the one I would choose. The AF in the 40d was faster to lock on focus. The 40d kicked the 5d's butt in shooting at a night time football game.....big time. Another advantage that the 40d has is a 1/250 flash sync speed vs the 5d's 1/200. Not a big advantage, but one nonetheless.
I agree that you should try to find one to rent for a day or two and compare for yourself.
If you primarily shoot portraits, then the 5d would be the one to choose. But, if you shoot a lot of sports, or other fast moving subjects, then the 40d is the one I would choose. The AF in the 40d was faster to lock on focus. The 40d kicked the 5d's butt in shooting at a night time football game.....big time. Another advantage that the 40d has is a 1/250 flash sync speed vs the 5d's 1/200. Not a big advantage, but one nonetheless.
I agree that you should try to find one to rent for a day or two and compare for yourself.