I already have a nikon d40x but want to upgrade but don't know if I will see a difference in pictures between the two. On the macbook I might need it for school but have a 24inch imac. Any input would be great!😀
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
Buy Canon 50D or new Macbook? need advice
- Thread starter mag2001
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
jbernie
macrumors 6502a
Will start by saying if you want a comparable Canon to the D40x then you would be looking at the XS, XSi, XTi models and not the 50D which is quite a jump up from those I just listed.
The first question would be, do you really need to upgrade either? What are you using the camera for? For many people the D40x could be more than sufficent for their needs. The macbook might be better for you so you can take it to class and possibly keep the iMac in the dorm for when you need a bigger screen or better typing position for papers.
The first question would be, do you really need to upgrade either? What are you using the camera for? For many people the D40x could be more than sufficent for their needs. The macbook might be better for you so you can take it to class and possibly keep the iMac in the dorm for when you need a bigger screen or better typing position for papers.
If you told us WHY you don't like the D40x we might be able to say if you'd like the other camera.
My opinion is that the difference between any two crop-sensor DSLRs is minor, even if one cost 3X what the other costs, it is still just "details" You gain little by swapping bodies. You have more to gain by adding a quality lens to your current system.
I want a faster shutter speed but thought that canon would have better color than nikon. i also thought about the d90
Faster than 1/4000 second? What are you shooting? I hope you mean frame-rate...
Better colour? If you're shooting in RAW, you can adjust to your heart's content and not worry about destruction of your images.
IMHO I think you're making the jump too many amateurs make far too soon. You think a semi-pro body will make your pictures that much better, when the fact that you won't use most of it's features makes it a waste of money. Invest in some good lenses, and just focus on improving your overall photography skills before deciding what you really need in a camera.
Phrasikleia
macrumors 601
As jhamerphoto said, you probably mean faster frame rate. What kinds of shots are you missing? If you're shooting moving subjects and are not able to capture exactly the right moment, then perhaps you do need a camera with faster fps. However, if you're shooting moving subjects, and they're coming out blurry, then what you need is a "faster" lens (i.e. one with a wider maximum aperture). Lenses generally offer more bang for the buck as upgrades to a camera system.
Yes I meant fps. I use it for family events like soccer games and football games for my nephews and nieces. If I decide to get another camera which is better d90, 40d, 50d, or d300 if I can afford it for what I am doing?
In my view, a Canon XSi, or XTi is all you need, and if you want a step higher, then a 40D. The 40D, now that the 50D is out on the market can save you a lot of cash.
I don't know anything about the Nikon D40, but even the old Canon XT can be set for fast moving subject shooting, and the same feature should be available with the Nikon 40D. Yes, a fast lens is always good, but you should be able to set your camera so it tracks and maintains focus on a moving subject. With the XT series as well as the 40D I use, I set the ISO to Auto, then AI-Servo, burst mode (for multi shots), and center focus point. I use the center focus point to lock on a specific subject (one person, for example), and partially press and hold the shutter button for the AI-Servo to lock and maintain the focus on that subject while it moves around. At that point all I have to do is to press the shutter button further, and several photos are taken within a second.
I imagine that your D40 takes around 3 photos per second, and that should be fine if properly set to track and maintain focus on the subject. Faster speeds are nicer, but even some of the professional cameras out there take around 3 photos per second.
I don't know anything about the Nikon D40, but even the old Canon XT can be set for fast moving subject shooting, and the same feature should be available with the Nikon 40D. Yes, a fast lens is always good, but you should be able to set your camera so it tracks and maintains focus on a moving subject. With the XT series as well as the 40D I use, I set the ISO to Auto, then AI-Servo, burst mode (for multi shots), and center focus point. I use the center focus point to lock on a specific subject (one person, for example), and partially press and hold the shutter button for the AI-Servo to lock and maintain the focus on that subject while it moves around. At that point all I have to do is to press the shutter button further, and several photos are taken within a second.
I imagine that your D40 takes around 3 photos per second, and that should be fine if properly set to track and maintain focus on the subject. Faster speeds are nicer, but even some of the professional cameras out there take around 3 photos per second.
Forgive me for starting a rant, but looking at your signature...you are the type of guy that always has the latest and greatest, correct? Can I offer you that you have a perfectly good camera and the only justifiable upgrade might be a lens? Just because Nikon or Apple or Canon released it and it's new doesn't mean any of us need it. Yes, I can't keep my hands off the new aluminum Macbook/Pro when I walk into an Apple store but I have a perfectly good plastic MacBook 2.16 with 2 gigs of RAM and Tiger running on it. Yes, my back pocket warms up 120 degrees from my wallet when I walk in there, and yes I probably could afford to buy a new one right now, but do you know what the solution is? I DON'T WALK IN THAT STORE AS MUCH. It helps me appreciate what I already have.
If you are money conscious, like most of us here probably are, esp. nowdays, definitely buy used. If the 50D is what you like then get the 40D. I had one and it is a really nice camera. Like someone else mentioned, you arent going to get a whole lot out of upgrading 1.6 bodies all the time imho. Once you step up to a 1.3 or a full frame camera like the 5D you will be blown away. You can pick a used 5D up now for $1200 bucks or so. If you look in the right places even lower.
Your new macbook is going to take quite a hit once you bring it home but it will give you some portability that you seem to be after. Does that portability really need to be a brand new mac?
If I were you, I would buy a used body and invest my money in glass. That way whenever you decide to get the latest and greatest body from canon you will have the glass to stick on the front.
good luck in your decision making process..it's tough sometimes
Your new macbook is going to take quite a hit once you bring it home but it will give you some portability that you seem to be after. Does that portability really need to be a brand new mac?
If I were you, I would buy a used body and invest my money in glass. That way whenever you decide to get the latest and greatest body from canon you will have the glass to stick on the front.
good luck in your decision making process..it's tough sometimes
I would buy something that I don't have. In your case, a MACBOOK.
I`m happy with my Cybershot (I don't even know what cybershot I have, lol).
I found that I rarely took my Macbook to classes, it was more of a hassle than it was worth. I love that I have the ability to go portable but even now I've got my Macbook hooked up to a 20" monitor and an external keyboard/mouse a good 80-90% of the time.
sell your 24'' imac, get a second hand macbook, buy glass.
if you're talking equipment, glass is the major difference maker. even if you get a better body, you will still want better glass!
if you're talking equipment, glass is the major difference maker. even if you get a better body, you will still want better glass!
Well I think I will hold off on buying another body and buy a nice lens instead. Thanks for all the help guys all input is appreciated.