Comparing Cameras

[johnlew32]

I purchased a Sony A350 last year and have just never been to satisfied with the results with it. I had used a friends Canon 40D and loved it but chose to go with the Sony as it was alittle cheaper. I am not thinking of purchasing a new camera as I am still not to satisfied with the Sony. I have not decided between getting the 50D which is what I want as I have used the 40D alot and loved it. Or getting the new 500D. Any comparsion between the cameras? I like the 500D but have never used it to take photos. Has anyone here used it and the 40 or 50D to where you can give a good comparsion? Should I go ahead and just get the 50D or is the 500D a good camera?

[wavemachine]

On paper there does not seem to be a huge difference between the two, however the 50D is a much better build so is more robust, it has a faster burst. However the 500D is lighter and does have a video shooting capability if that is important. The two cameras are essentialy for two different markets.

I guess you need to make sure that whatever you go for ticks all the boxes for you and addresses the issues you have with the Sony.

Here is a comparison.

Rewinding a little what don't you like about your Sony as it is possible that fellow sony users on the forum could help you to resolve them.

If you are going to change then have you considered Nikons at all? I am a Canon man by the way, 350D, 40D and more recently 7D. I am just conscious that if you do decide to change now then you need to ensure you make the right choice.

[matt wilson]

Unless you were able to trade in the Sony .and it will be worth less than you think I would question what's wrong .Are you not happy with images or is it the feel of the camera?

I have a 50 d and love it .

However I wonder whether the money you were going to invest in one would be better spent on a better lens for the Sony.

[matt wilson]

Also if you really liked your friends 40d it may be worth hunting one down .I have still seen them for sale and again you will save a fair bit.There are reviews out there that actually favour the 40d over the 50d.

[chris-p]

Erm, you compared a Sony a350 with a Canon 40D?

Why?

They're 2 whole price levels apart (on the Sony scale)! Thats like comparing a Ford Fiesta with a top end Merc or BMW - it's not valid! The same is true when comparing a 500D and 40/50D! The 50D costs 40% more than the 500D and is a different class of camera - I just don't get your logic.

If you like the 40D a lot then that sort of answers your question. I'd suggest the 50D simply because technology moves on at a fair rate and, while it's been suggested that the 40D has slightly better high ISO performance, the 50D is a better all round camera which isn't really any different from the 40D to use.

[the3dge]

I recently upgraded from Olympus kit and I looked at Nikon D5000 against Canon 500D and the Nikon D90 against the Canon 50D. I opted for the 50D as Chris-p says it's in a different class and if you like the 40D you'll love the 50D - 920k LCD, 15MP sensor and the new Digic processor being the main improvements.

Just one word of caution don't buy the kit with 17-85mm IS USM lens. This is the worst lens |I have ever owned - full of distortion and chromatic aberration at the wide end. I will probably replace it with a 17-40mm L

[johnlew32]

Thanks everyone for all your input I appreciate it.

[xavier]

Hi Chris your basicly saying that the cheaper Sony SLR are not that good and go for a quality brand like Cannon or Nikon ( I have & recomend a Nikon D40, D60 or D5000 depending on your budget)

[chris-p]

Originally Posted by xavier

Hi Chris your basicly saying that the cheaper Sony SLR are not that good and go for a quality brand like Cannon or Nikon ( I have & recomend a Nikon D40, D60 or D5000 depending on your budget)

No that's not what I'm saying.

What I mean is that the a350 is an entry level camera. The 40D is an enthusiast camera. They are different ranges. They don't naturally compete with each other. The a350 is better compared to the 450D or 500D as they are aimed at the same group
of buyers.

The 40D is not a competitor for the a350, it's a competitor for the a700/800 range.

[xavier]

Hi Chris your basicly saying one gets what you pay for?yes?