40D vs 1DmkIII - the best buy in your mind ??? and why

[Philippe R]

Hi you all,

I currently use a 1D and a 1DmkII. I was hoping to move to the 10MPix class this fall to allow a little more cropping ability in some situations...

I really like the 1D series and looked real hard into the 1DmkIII. I could not get one just yet as they are not available around here, at least until now i guess...

The 40D seems to be availlable much easier as it is not destined to the same public.

(I'm a mere "advanced" amateur and not a pro, even if i do some paying jobs occasionally)

Now my question, if i may :

• Considering the AF issues on the 1DmkIII which are not solved yet, it seems...
• Considering the price difference between the 40D and 1DmkIII,
• Considering the specs which seem quite close, at least on paper,
• Considering the near immediate availability of the 40D,
• Considering the sensor size (x1.3 vs. x1.6), and i really favor x1.3...

Any hints as to a good choice. I'd appreciate a constructed response on the issues i stated above. Thanks in advance.

I appologize before hand to any reader if this is "one more of those stupid post" ;-)
I did post the same in the 1D forum...

Cheers,
--
Phil (Nice, FR)
---
http://www.pbase.com/webman06
http://www.eosdslr.com

 

[R Valentino]

then it would be really hard to give up the superior AF, especially in AI Servo.

The 40D seems maybe a little better than the 20/30D but it still is not in the same league as the 1D.

Gene

 

[pcunite]

The 40D center point AF is the best Canon makes right now. The other 8 points are not high precision although they are cross type. The Mark III has 19 cross type high precision AF points. The Mark is superior for tracking. If your only going to use the center point you will probably be pleased with it. I know some wedding photographers who regret their purchase of the Mark III (not taking AF issues into the equation) seeing the 40D as a much cheaper and lighter alternative.

• 1.3 crop is 1.3 crop and if you like it then...

• The 40D viewfinder is much nicer than the 30D. I have already installed the EF-S focusing screen and manual focus is very doable. I would prefer an even larger viewfinder of course

 

[Philippe R]

Thank you for taking the time on this matter.
Of course the 1D Series have to have something more than the Prosumer series.
The build and viewfinder are great and i really favor the x1.3 sensor.

I'll just wait a bit until Canon solves (or not !?!) the AF issue and then decide.
By then, the price might be even better for me... LOL

Thanks for your input, anyhow.

Cheers and enjoy your sunday at home
--
Phil (Nice, FR)
---
http://www.pbase.com/webman06
http://www.eosdslr.com

 

[Tacksharp]

That's kind of a strange choice. They are $3200 apart and in entirely different categories. Usually, folks who buy 1.6x cams as their primary (not backup) cams do so because they cannot afford the likes of a 1D Mark III. If you can afford one, then by all means go with the 1D Mark III. You are right to greatly prefer the 1.3x, since the pixels are so much bigger (60% more pixel area, 7.2 microns/side vs. 5.7 microns/side). The 1DMIII is much heavier and less portable. But, other than that...

Still waiting for my 40D to show up. -Tacksharp

 

[pcunite]

That's kind of a strange choice. They are $3200 apart and in entirely
different categories. Usually, folks who buy 1.6x cams as their
primary (not backup) cams do so because they cannot afford the likes
of a 1D Mark III.

Not all of us want to carry 3lb cameras with 3lb lens and flash attached....

 

[AF Johnson]

I agree with some of the others their is no comparsion between the 40D and the 1D Mark III. It comes down on how much you want to spend. I use a 5D and a 1D Mark III. What I have read it sounds like the 40D is a great camera. Good Luck.