Canon 40D or XS

[littlewildcat]

I am in the dilemma of buying either of the above cameras. My friend has a 40D and he's asking for $320 (body only) and his camera has 15K actuations on it. My brother insists that for the same money, I could easily find a XS with kit lens.

In some forums, people are saying that 40D had a bad shutter durability record. However, XS seems to me a lower end product of  canon to me.
 
My dad promises me to give me a few of his canon lenses to start with if I have a camera body. But, I worry about the err99 and shutter problem.

Can anybody enlighten me in this regard and help me to make a decision.

[Tcapp]

I am in the dilemma of buying either of the above cameras. My friend has a 40D and he's asking for $320 (body only) and his camera has 15K actuations on it. My brother insists that for the same money, I could easily find a XS with kit lens.

In some forums, people are saying that 40D had a bad shutter durability record. However, XS seems to me a lower end product of  canon to me.
 
My dad promises me to give me a few of his canon lenses to start with if I have a camera body. But, I worry about the err99 and shutter problem.

Can anybody enlighten me in this regard and help me to make a decision.

From what I have seen, the image quality on the xs is baaaad. I would go with the 40d. Then get yourself a nifty 50 1.8 if you need a lens. Or the shorty forty.

[keithfullermusic]

The 40D is sweet.  My buddy has had his for yeeeeeeeaaaaars, and I'm assuming that his shutter count is well over the 80,000 mark.  He hasn't had one problem with it.

[rt]

XS is 1000D, right? Fairly old as well, and lower end, so I think I'd go for the 40D and just factor in shutter repair.

I do have a 40D and the shutter failed -- it started failing at 15k (Err 99, first battery removal was helping, then only Live View worked), then died completely at 25k. An authorized Canon repair service charged 60 EUR for the repair.

[M.ST]

Err 90 is a well known problem that occours in the 40D and 350D.

Normally battery removal solve the problem.

Go for the 40D but I prefer the 350D prototype instead.

My 350D prototype has a unbelieveble amount of shutter releases and outperforms my first 1Ds Mark III and my first 5D Mark II together. Both died after 500.000 shutter releases.

[akiskev]

My 350D prototype has a unbelieveble amount of shutter releases and outperforms my first 1Ds Mark III and my first 5D Mark II together. Both died after 500.000 shutter releases.

So, 1.000.000 and counting? 350D surely is a tough guy!!

[nda]

The 40d is a classic, I've had 2, I sold one with 20000 shutter releases I still have the other which has done over 50000 clicks no probs, Its a good reliable full sized dslr!

[tomscott]

Ive had 2 40Ds both going over 250,000 actuations (with service) and still work. They are fantastic cameras and still give better ISO performance up to 400 than the current 18mp line up. It also has better IQ than the 50D.

To add to that you get a semi pro body which is magnesium alloy, does 6.5fps and has the dual controls so is much faster. You also get more ISO stops. I would say the bad points are lower res screen which is still very useable, and the 9 point AF which you get in the 1000D but not sure whether the cross type ... and thats about it. The 1000D is cr*p.

I sold £600 worth of images with the 40D this week... they are still very very useable. I also use mine for newspapers because of the cop and obviously IQ is not as important. But you can still get crisp A3 prints or even A2 if you push it. Also the DR really isnt bad at all.

Its replacement is a 5D MKIII because it is a turbo charged FF 40D, the other upgrades haven't thrilled me enough to upgrade the old faithful the 7D would have been nice but I was holding out on the 5D MKIII and that is a perfect camera IMO.

[nicku]

I still have a 40D ( very, very good camera) with around 50K pictures.... and no problem. GO FOR THE 40D.

[paul13walnut5]

reflex reaction:

+1 40D.

It is the better camera.  Much nicer viewfinder, better digic processor (14 bit colour) better construction, better handling, better AF (more points, better points) faster blah blah blah.

A lens could be picked up cheaply enough (nifty fifty or used 18-55 IS) and would be a great combo.

But.

Thats the spec sheet talking.

It's your hands using it.

Go into a shop, try a current rebel like the T3, try a current x0D body, the 7D is probably closer in terms of weight and construction to 40D.

Decide which fits your hand best.  Try the controls.  Hold it to your eye.  Make a decision.   Based on that buy the rebel or the 40D.

[HarryWintergreen]

I definitely would go for the 40 D. Sturdy body, very good continuous shooting, decent AF and very decent IQ. 10 MP to me in many respects is an advantage (smaller files, acceptable noise, more forgiving with a view to lens weaknesses - provided there are any  ).

[Menace]

I'd go with the 40D - more rugged than the XS - get it serviced and it will last a long time.

Btw, which lenses will you be getting from your father?

Cheers

[glowsplint]

I have the XS / 1000D and I have used the 40D before. Go for the 40D, it's the better body even with more shutter actuations. You may feel limited by the 1000D in just one or two years like I have (I bought it 3 years back and now I regret not getting a better second-hand 40D).

[littlewildcat]

I'd go with the 40D - more rugged than the XS - get it serviced and it will last a long time.

Btw, which lenses will you be getting from your father?

Cheers

He has a Tamron 17-50  and a Canon EF 55-200mm which he rarely uses now and I'll be taking over them if I have my own camera body.  My dad has stepped up to some expensive L lenses.

[Dylan777]

My 1st DSRL body is 40D. I bought it used from a friend....it's a good solid camera. I vote for 40D as well.