Returning 40D

Now we have a grammar school. Wrong forum.

sasquatch98 said:

You must hate paragraphs as well.

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--
Ron_M

Perhaps Canon is having a QC problem in one of their assembly plants and the lucky buyers are getting one that was made somewhere else. It has been known to happen!
--
G. Lassman

Your problem sounds like my 400D...no problems with 40, it is spot on.

Kind regards
Stephen

Colin Smith1 said:

Thanks guys. I appreciate the grown up comments (except the one
about my grammar. Maybe my failure to use paragraphs led to the
emotional charge) I will post after I deal with BestBuy tomorrow.
The sales clerk told me that I had a thirty day, no questions asked
return policy. I suppose if wouldn't be a tragedy if all they will
do is exchange it.
--
Colin Smith

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I too returned mine yesterday because of manufacturing defects. Burn mark on LCD Panel and rubber peeling loose from body. So I sent it back for a refund. And have found that many of the pics I took were out of focus We may have received the lemons while others got the apple good for them. But like you I am going to sit back and let the dust settle before I go for another model to replace my 20D. It will more than likely be the upgrade to the 5D. awa shucks. It'hard to return something you like so much but that is the sensible thing to do. So much has appeared on the market that it is good to step back and observe.
good luck

Sounds like buyer's remorse to me - too little of an upgrade vs. 30D. But it's your money - be happy.

I'm an IT boffin and work in a University and we contract with Dell for our computers, approx 150 a year in batches of 50 - if you knew how many the engineers repair within the first month of us receiving them, how many arrived DOA, and how many of them have some kind of repair during the 3 year warranty contract; you'd never, ever consider buying a Dell. But don't panic, the competitors are no worse; or better!

A friend of mine, semi-pro who uses Nikons - returned his D-somehting-or-other several times (4 I believe) before he was happy with it. Similarly a Nikon lens for being too soft, too hard, no change and eventually perfect. Nikon never queried his returns or disputed them.

I'm on my 4th HD in a personal Apple PowerBook in 3 years - but i wouldn't change it for the world; just keep good backups and keep going. The Harley-D Dealer shuts up shop when I'm known to be coming complaining once again about so-called chrome [or rather lack of] on their cycles.

Simply; mass produced technology is a very fickle thing, and the important thing to remember is that even miniscule manufacturing differences can present themselves in different ways, to different people - if you think that it could be the camera, try another unit of the same model - see if there's a difference; you could be very surprised.

Regarding "paragraphs" I simply like short 1 - 2 sentence paragraphs because it puts less strain on my eyes and keeps my eyes from getting bored trying to hold the flow of long paragraphs.

Best

Boss HOG [is watching this list with interest in the hope of acquiring a 40D and a plethora of lenses on an upcoming trip the good old US of A - his first real camera since a film 500n bought 15 years ago, although has been using many of the 'throw-away' point-and-yawn sub $150 thinggies]
--

The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, but it still needs cutting!

lenny_shp said:

I see my 40D underexposing in compare to my 5D as well, not as
dramatic but does. But XTi I own before 40D also underexposed in
compare to my main body - 5D. I assume it is somehow normal, 5D is
different and excellent, so cheaper models should not be up to 5D
level.
Same time I did already several very good shots with 40D, that make
me happy!

--



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My gallery: http://www.pbase.com/breitling65/best_of_

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I found the same with the 400D and now the 40D compared to my 350D and my 30D. But where as with the 400D i took it back and got a 30D instead im going to live with the 40D as its such a nice camera to use. Ill get used to it and be happier once ive shoot a few 1000 images and got used to how the camera behaves.
--
Dave.

Gallery @
http://davepearce.smugmug.com

Now I'm getting nervous. I've got a deposit on an incoming 40D kit with the 17-85IS lens. I know nothing about cameras or photography. Everything will be new to me. I'm very excited and have signed up for a class, reading a lot, etc. But, how will I know if I get a lemon, or if something is not working properly? I don't want to give up getting the camera. Can anyone tell me what to do when I first get the camera, or is that a completely stupid question? HELP!!!!!!!!!!
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dagp

To be honest Im considering returning mine as well. I do not have any prior experience with Canon systems in particular but Im not a total novice with dSLRs either. With the kit lens, the 28-135 IS USM, Im having some frustrating issues with IQ, more than I would expect, as in muddy/soft images, poor WB in AND outdoors, poor low light performances and less than stellar focusing. Im not sure if its the lens or the body since I have no other Canon lenses to use. I cant exclude operator inexperience with Canon bodies as a factor either although the basics would be the same as with any dSLR. I asked the retailer for an extension in the return period which he granted so I can get some more experience with it before I decide.
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---Terry http://photostuff.org/galapagos.html

The chances of you getting a faulty camera, in spite of what you may read, is most unlikely. Out of every complaint about a problem there are thousands of happy shooters. I have bought five Canon cameras in recent years and have never had a single problem with any. On top of that I have never got a faulty lens or flash either.

Some problems no doubt are genuine, but many are due to the operator not understanding the camera.

Just go out and take lots of photos and get to know the 40D - it is a fabulous camera and by far the best I have owned!

dagp said:

Now I'm getting nervous. I've got a deposit on an incoming 40D kit
with the 17-85IS lens. I know nothing about cameras or photography.
Everything will be new to me. I'm very excited and have signed up for
a class, reading a lot, etc. But, how will I know if I get a lemon,
or if something is not working properly? I don't want to give up
getting the camera. Can anyone tell me what to do when I first get
the camera, or is that a completely stupid question? HELP!!!!!!!!!!
--
dagp

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You have to take these forums with a little grain of salt. Reading them CAN cause insanity.

You are going to love your new camera. You've made an incredibly great choice. ENJOY!


Willa

dagp said:

Now I'm getting nervous. I've got a deposit on an incoming 40D kit
with the 17-85IS lens. I know nothing about cameras or photography.
Everything will be new to me. I'm very excited and have signed up for
a class, reading a lot, etc. But, how will I know if I get a lemon,
or if something is not working properly? I don't want to give up
getting the camera. Can anyone tell me what to do when I first get
the camera, or is that a completely stupid question? HELP!!!!!!!!!!
--
dagp

Click to expand...

--
http://www.PBase.com/willa

Jovo,

Just wondering.....How does your Kenko TC work with your 40D and 400 f5.6L? I have that lens, will get the 40D shortly and am about to buy a Kenko Pro 1.4x TC from HK on eBay. If the AF won't work with that ensemble, perhaps I'll just forget about the TC. It's just that I'm finding the 400 lens just too short for birding.

Michael

tknterry said:

To be honest Im considering returning mine as well. I do not have any
prior experience with Canon systems in particular but Im not a total
novice with dSLRs either. With the kit lens, the 28-135 IS USM, Im
having some frustrating issues with IQ, more than I would expect, as
in muddy/soft images, poor WB in AND outdoors, poor low light
performances and less than stellar focusing. Im not sure if its the
lens or the body since I have no other Canon lenses to use. I cant
exclude operator inexperience with Canon bodies as a factor either
although the basics would be the same as with any dSLR. I asked the
retailer for an extension in the return period which he granted so I
can get some more experience with it before I decide.
--
---Terry http://photostuff.org/galapagos.html

Click to expand...

Im not expert but my thoughts are apart from the WB issues (that i have noticed but if you shoot RAW its not a problem) its the lens. As nice as the 28-135IS is its a cheap lens. I had one for a few days a while ago and could see an intimidate difference in IQ from my other lens's. Its not great but it was softer. it's not known for its IQ IMO. Its also not a fast lens by any mean so poor low light performance is to be expected.

I also think there is a learning curve with the 40D. Although i have had a 350D/400D/30D im finding im also getting a few OOF shots where i thought i wouldn't. But some of that i can put down to me being very critical after spending so much money and so i might be seeing things that aren't there, I dont like using DPP and am very used to the output from C1 pro so im still waiting to get in to familiar PP'ing before i can really get the best out of it.

All IMHO and IME of course
--
Dave.

Gallery @
http://davepearce.smugmug.com

I wrote earlier about my findings today here:

http://forums.dpreview.com/forums/readflat.asp?forum=1019&thread=24792272&page=2

I can't see me using it on BIF but on perched ones it may be OK. I am waiting for some sunshine before I decide whether the TC is a waste of time on the 400mm.

HarryLally said:

Jovo,

Just wondering.....How does your Kenko TC work with your 40D and 400
f5.6L? I have that lens, will get the 40D shortly and am about to buy
a Kenko Pro 1.4x TC from HK on eBay. If the AF won't work with that
ensemble, perhaps I'll just forget about the TC. It's just that I'm
finding the 400 lens just too short for birding.

Michael

Click to expand...

It's not uncommon to get a lemon in the first batch of a new camera model. My first SLR was one. On my second roll of film after the third shot the shutter jamed and would not advance the film. I had the shutter replaced and it worked fine. I purchased one of the first 20D's and to this day have never had a problem. I think normally it's wise to wait a few months til all the bugs are worked out. Photofourm 1

-------------------------------------------
See the colors of my world in:
thw.smugmug.com

Jovo said:

The chances of you getting a faulty camera, in spite of what you may
read, is most unlikely. Out of every complaint about a problem there
are thousands of happy shooters. I have bought five Canon cameras in
recent years and have never had a single problem with any. On top of
that I have never got a faulty lens or flash either.

Some problems no doubt are genuine, but many are due to the operator
not understanding the camera.

Just go out and take lots of photos and get to know the 40D - it is a
fabulous camera and by far the best I have owned!

Click to expand...

Excellent comments.

People who have little experience with products should not be reading enthusiast forums. They will get distorted views of reality. It happens on photography, automobile and other discussion forums. The best thing for novices of any sort to do is simply to go out and purchase the product that appeals most and use it. After gaining some experience it will be easier to put all coments into perspective.

It needs to be recognized as well, that for those who are dissillusioned, those who have an axe to grind, those who want their competitors to fail, those who have problems and are looking for solutions - all will be posting negative comments and these are the majority of comments being made to discussion forums. It is rare that anyone who has no such issues will be posting about all the benefits and great qualities of their camera, car etc. On the other hand, there are enough posts that do illustrate what a camera or any other product is capable of to give those who are not looking for problems a fair idea of the true situation.

Contrary to what seems to be the accepted belief now, internet discussion forums do not reflect reality and they are not a very good resource for reliable purchasing information. The noise/signal ratio is far too high for them to be of much value.

dagp said:

Now I'm getting nervous. I've got a deposit on an incoming 40D kit
with the 17-85IS lens. I know nothing about cameras or photography.
Everything will be new to me. I'm very excited and have signed up for
a class, reading a lot, etc. But, how will I know if I get a lemon,
or if something is not working properly? I don't want to give up
getting the camera. Can anyone tell me what to do when I first get
the camera, or is that a completely stupid question? HELP!!!!!!!!!!
--
dagp

Click to expand...

Don't be nervous. This is my 20th Canon SLR and up till now none have had any problems. As I stated my problem 40D is not the norm. Yours will be fine. The features will be over whelming at first. Go slow, learn some ways of using it that are simple and than add in features later as you get comfortable. If you have access to an experienced user, some hands on instruction might help. Especially making all the intial settings and helping you use it to make some images. You made a great choice!
--
Colin Smith

Kind of regret that started this thread. It is certainly true that a forum like this is a lousy place to get a true picture of a new product. Besides the fraudulent postings by hackers, it is difficult to get a true pictue about the desirability of a new product. That being said, I have a world of faith in Canon. As a semi-pro wildlife and outdoor photographer, my Canon's have seldom let me down. Their customer service and technical people will give you personalized service that is virtually impossible to find today. They are the leaders in photography innovation.

(please note paragraph here) So why did I post, other than the obvious hoping for sympathy? Anyone been around long enough to remember the mode dial problems with the Canon A2? Mine broke on a trip (I had a backup). Through forums I found out that others had the problem, how to avoid it, and how to get it fixed. With an innovative, new product like the 40D, I felt it might be useful to let others know what I perceived was wrong with miy copy. That way you can check yours out for similiar problems. The majority will not find any problems, but the few that do can quickly do something about it. One more time for the record - I will be taking a 40D to the Galapagos in May! Peace.
--
Colin Smith

Everytime you do a post there is the high chance you will get some stupid or insulting replies. But don't let it get to you just filter through to the ones that count. Bottom line of this forum is to enjoy your photography. Good luck with next one.