Am I wrong for wanting to make this change..?

[Abyssgh0st]

Hey everybody,

I started out in the DSLR world about 6 months ago with a Canon XS, and ended up getting an XSi about a week later due to a better deal. I've been satisfied with it thus far, but I find myself always buying new things for it.

Currently, the equipment I have for the XSi is:

Body, 2x LG-E5 legit Canon batteries, a 4GB Sandisk (30 MB/s), 2x legit Canon chargers, a real Canon RC-5, and that's all (not including lenses).

I have the 4 year accidental damage plan with this (from Best Buy, I work there, and could return this for $120+tax back to my pocket).

My current lenses are the kit 18-55mm, and the 55-250mm telephoto (within the next month, I will have the Tamron 17-50mm f/2.8 DX ii VC, the Canon 85mm f/1.8, and my current telephoto).

What I want to do is sell my XSi (with all gear, possibly Body+Kit lens w/ charger and battery w/ original box, then separate the rest of my extra stuff) and get a used 40D (without kit lens, since I won't need it).

What I like about the 40D is even though it has a smaller max-res and a slightly lower megapixel, I really like the higher ISO capability, the higher max shutter speed, the higher FPS, the top LCD, and the better battery life (as I can get a legit Canon battery grip for $50 from a friend) the build quality (I lOVE the design on the back opposed to the XSi|).

Is it ridiculous for me to want to make this 'upgrade?' I promised my parents (I'm a senior, and yes I still live at home) I wouldn't upgrade until my extended warranty expired and then I would get a FF camera. The only thing though is that I wouldn't be losing any money on this transaction.. As I could return the warranty and my SD card. My Dad would be pretty angry if I talked to him about upgrading (literally told him last night that I WOULD NOT upgrade bodies for four years), but after using a 7D over the weekend I just love the body style more.

Input please, and thank you!

 

[Phrasikleia]

If you feel that the XSi is causing you to miss shots that you would otherwise be able to capture with a 40D, then it is quite reasonable to change camera bodies. Most of the time, the best investment a photographer can make in equipment will be a lens purchase, but not always. Having the top LCD is a nice convenience, but having a faster burst rate or a higher ISO sensitivity can be a necessity. I think it's important to make those distinctions and "upgrade" accordingly.

 

[Abyssgh0st]

Honestly I'm not sure if the XSi is causing me to miss shots that I could achieve on a 40/50D. I would make this change in a second (I am a chronic upgrader and math whiz, so if the numbers look right on paper then I do it, and I'm about to sit down and look at it).

Also I think I should re-iterate that within the next month I will have the 17-50 Tamron f/2.8 VC, Canon 85mm f/1.8, and my Canon 55-250 (yuck!). I also will be upgrading that nasty 55-250 to the 70-200mm f/2.8 (not sure if I'll get IS or not) within the next year, give or take a few months.

EDIT: Just did a bit of math...

Replacing my XSi with a 40D body as well as a 4GB Sandisk Extreme III CF card- +$170 to my bank.
Replacing my XSi with a 50D body as well as a 4GB Sandisk Extreme III CF card- -$30 to my bank.

This just makes it ten times harder.. Granted it's a little bit of hassle (for me), but for $30 damn.. Why didn't I buy a used body the first time around!

 

[maddagascar]

i take it you have had past experience with DSLR's? or are these your first ones to play with. i mean, that's a lot of len's you'll be getting if your new right off the bat. i'm very new to DSLR, and i'm still rocking the lens kit and i love it! i've got a T1i, and it works perfectly fine for me. i didn't want anything beginner nor too advanced. got it right in the middle.


soo i mean, if you don't NEED to upgrade, then don't. if you think you'll be better off keeping the 4 year accidental, then keep it. cause you know you'll be able to get the same one within' a few years. or just break it..lol.

why'd you get a lower GB memory card? you know you get them accessories for cheap anyways..

and the deal is great, but break down the things you'll actually want to get, and just get the 40D at BB, even maybe through accommodation.

 

[Abyssgh0st]

i take it you have had past experience with DSLR's? or are these your first ones to play with. i mean, that's a lot of len's you'll be getting if your new right off the bat. i'm very new to DSLR, and i'm still rocking the lens kit and i love it! i've got a T1i, and it works perfectly fine for me. i didn't want anything beginner nor too advanced. got it right in the middle.


soo i mean, if you don't NEED to upgrade, then don't. if you think you'll be better off keeping the 4 year accidental, then keep it. cause you know you'll be able to get the same one within' a few years. or just break it..lol.

why'd you get a lower GB memory card? you know you get them accessories for cheap anyways..

and the deal is great, but break down the things you'll actually want to get, and just get the 40D at BB, even maybe through accommodation.

Honestly I've just gotten into photography very recently ~6 months, and the XSi was my first DSLR. I loved my XS, have loved my XSi, but the 50D is now calling my name.

And could I deal with not upgrading? Sure, I know I don't have to have it; at all. I just think for $30 is it an absolute no-brainer for all the features I'm getting by going from XSi -> 50D. I simply got the accidental because I'd hate to break it (even though I've never broken any of my electronics..) and I figured I would for the discounted price.

And because I was dumb and bought the 30 MB/s version rather than the fully sufficient 15 or 20MB/s version.. I almost picked up a 15MB/s 16GB Sandisk tonight for $49, but decided to wait due to this thought process.

This is the list I've made for XSi -> 50D upgrade perks (I made a big chart, XSi -> 40D -> 50D, but I am just going to post the XSi -> 50D).

1. 15.1MP v.s. 12.1- Really minimal, but nonetheless a decent upgrade.
2. 3x the pixel count on the same size 3" LCD- This could really improve what I can see what I'm shooting by zooming in post-photo.
3. Max ISO from 1600 to 12800 (H2, realistically 3200)- Really big deal for me, as I find myself in low light situations a lot.
4. 3.5 FPS to 6.3 FPS.- Once again a big deal for me, I find myself wanting to shoot faster on my XSi.
5. All 9 AF points are cross-type sensors instead of just the middle on like on the XSi.
6. DIGIC III -> DIGIC IV.- Never hurts to have the latest processing power.
7. A bunch of minimal things like an HDMI out, face detection, upgraded sensor cleaning system, etc.
8. And arguably most important to me; build quality. I adore the top-LCD, multi-use wheel, the heavier weight (probably plan to get a BG-E2 down the road), and the added grips around the body.

I just don't know what to do.. My stomach is churning at what my parents would say, but for $30... all that! All I'm losing is a warranty that would most likely go un-used..

 

[Doylem]

My stomach is churning

Erm... in the midst of all this emotional turmoil, do you have time to take any photos?

 

[Abyssgh0st]

Erm... in the midst of all this emotional turmoil, do you have time to take any photos?

Not at 4 A.M.. I've got work in just a few hours. I am going out later today, or tomorrow though.

 

[Ish]

I just don't know what to do.. My stomach is churning at what my parents would say, but for $30... all that!

On the one hand you don't mention the word upgrade at home and just say your changing to a used body to put $170 dollars in the bank. That would impress the folks! On the other, you do seem to have an itch to buy camera stuff which probably won't stop when you've 'upgraded'. If I were in your shoes I think I'd take notice of the stomach-churning and the fact that you've already confirmed your promise not to upgrade yet and try to be as creative as I could with what I had already. It's a nice camera.

All I'm losing is a warranty that would most likely go un-used..

But if your new one goes wrong . . .

 

[compuwar]

I have the 4 year accidental damage plan with this (from Best Buy, I work there, and could return this for $120+tax back to my pocket).

My Dad would be pretty angry if I talked to him about upgrading (literally told him last night that I WOULD NOT upgrade bodies for four years), but after using a 7D over the weekend I just love the body style more.

Input please, and thank you!

1. If something goes wrong after 3 years, it's going to cost more than $120 to fix. A warranty is insurance, and insurance is good.

2. How much is your word worth? Integrity is important- you made a commitment, and you should stick with it.

Paul

 

[jdavtz]

Thoughts

Okay, a few words from someone who's been using DSLRs (as a hobby) for about 5 years, and film SLRs for about 5 years prior to that:

It sounds to me like you're getting over-enthusiastic about getting new "features" and new kit, but I think we need a bit more information.

You have 6 months experience with a great DSLR, a good kit lens (I presume it's the decentish 18-55 IS lens), a reasonable telephoto lens, and within a month you're planning to replace the kit lens with a better-quality and faster (but not image-stabilized) lens, and buy a fairly specialist-use 85mm (equiv 136mm on your camera) lens.

It sounds like your cash flow is not so much the issue here (initially you wanted a 40D and could justify the "exchange" as you end up with profit, but now you want the new "features" of the 50D). Although I'm not convinced by your maths - you can't count the sale of your kit lens as you're selling it regardless of upgrading the body or not - and I find it hard to believe that you can sell a used XSi and buy a 50D (either new or used) for only $30 out of our pocket.

So, what do you shoot? What do you like to shoot? What would you like to shoot?

What have you had blurry shots of, because your kit lens's is too slow (aperture-wise) and/or your camera's ISO couldn't be raised high enough to stop the action? Is this a scenario that you think is going to happen repeatedly? Will the 85mm f/1.8 lens not offset this? Remember the 18-55 kit lens you have is probably better for non-moving subjects in the dark than the Tamron 17-50 f/2.8 lens.

What have you missed shots of because 3 frames per second isn't fast enough ... and do you think that 6 frames per second will be ... or realistically would you need 12 frames per second to capture whatever it was? (in which case, we can't put this as a 'positive' reason for a 6 fps camera).

How often is the AF of the XSi failing you? Have you tried a 40D/50D in similar situations to see if it's actually better *in those situations*?

The build of the cameras is significantly different, and if that's what will make it a good deal for you, then, ignoring the fact that you've promised your parents, with whom you still live, that you won't buy a new camera body it sounds an okay idea (but presumably they're fine with you buying lenses at cost $$$ whereas the used 40D at least would (you claim, but I'm not convinced) put money in your pocket) (is a used 40D REALLY $170 cheaper than a used XSi???)

Check your maths, and I don't think you'll be able to hide the larger camera from your parents' attention. I'd imagine that if you talk to them about it, especially if it's a deal that gets you money back and a better camera, they will understand your perspective.

Hope that's some help!

All the best,
Jonathan.

My background: film SLRs (EOS 300 then EOS 30) for 5 years while at university 2000-2005, then Canon 350D (Rebel XT) with Sigma 18-50 f/2.8 from 2005-2008, currently used by my wife and still takes awesome photos, 40D with 17-55 f/2.8 IS from 2008-2010 (wife wanted a 350D, I wanted an upgrade for no real reason at all but had just got a new job and had the money available), then TODAY (for a large number of carefully thought-out reasons) I bought a 5D2 with 24-105 lens. My 40D and 17-55 f/2.8 IS lens are for sale. PM me if interested.

 

[Abyssgh0st]

Jonathan,

I will answer all your questions when I get home from work later today (about to leave now), but as far as the math goes this is what my numbers say:

Selling/Returning:

-Sell my XSi with kit lens, box, warranty card, etc for $500 (they go for $450-550 on eBay, I chose the median).
-Return my warranty from work- $120+tax back.
-Me switching from the SDHC card to a CF card is moot and a non-point, because they are the same price for me.
-Selling my extra legitimate Canon battery, charger, and RC-5 remote (I feel I could get $50 for this combo, as separated it's nearly $100).

Gaining back: $670 cash.

Buying:
Used 40D
~$500 for the body only.

Used 50D
~$700 for the body only. I know $700 is the very threshold of what they sell for (on eBay, used), but there have been like four within the past two weeks that have sold for that. I would have to keep my eyes open, but I believe I could get one for $700-750 with some patience.

 

[flosseR]

In all fairness I can see the OP's enthusiasm and thinking that the upgrade will make better pics...

OP: it won't. You have been shooting for 6 months... 6 MONTHS! Do you change your car for something better every 6 months?

personally I doubt your shots will improve but I can, and have been wrong. I would stick with the XSI, get the 50mm, not the 85mm lens (too long for your cam) and then start learning composition and shoot LOADS, instead of upgrading.

What happens when the 60D or whatever comes out? what happens in 6 months?

No doubt the deal you get as a BB employee is sweet but please also consider that buying a used 50D that breaks in 3 months will cost you MUCH more...

I'd save and then upgrade later when you know what you are doing properly (not implying that you dont, just practise makes perfect )

my 2c

 

[jbg232]

Just something to consider that might make your decision harder:

A 40d does not have an info screen with the camera status information on it while shooting (you can only see the ISO/mode/exposure settings etc from the top LCD) whereas with both the XSi and the 50d those are displayed on the back WHILE shooting. To me this was a huge issue of convenience and may tip your hand towards a 50d. However, I agree with the other posters that you should ONLY get a different body if there are features on it that you will use to get better shots that you are currently missing (attempting to get but cannot) because of your current equipment.

 

[Macky-Mac]

....
Is it ridiculous for me to want to make this 'upgrade?' I promised my parents (I'm a senior, and yes I still live at home) I wouldn't upgrade until my extended warranty expired and then I would get a FF camera..

... My Dad would be pretty angry if I talked to him about upgrading (literally told him last night that I WOULD NOT upgrade bodies for four years).....

Input please, and thank you!

you made promises, better to keep them

 

[duncanapple]

If its going to equal out (less a negligible $30) why would you NOT upgrade? Who cares if you never use the features? As far as your word to your rents goes... I agree thats important but I am guessing they just didn't want you spending more money on this hobby for awhile. I would assume that was the intent... If your honest and explain you will get a better camera for an almost intangible amount of money, I would imagine most reasonable parents wouldn't argue and would be willing to modify the agreement. The spirit of the arrangement is still intact - not dropping anymore money on the hobby for a little while. My $.02.

 

[leighonigar]

Things do this to people. Stick with what you have, be happy with it. Stop thinking about the next thing. I have the same issues with equipment but I almost always regret or realise that I didn't need 'stomach churning' purchases.

What you have is the best thing.

 

[Designer Dale]

All of my work in POTD and the Challenge is shot with an XSi and Tamron 28-300. I don't do high ISO, but it's a great camera for me.

Just say'n

Dale

 

[someoldguy]

You have a camera that has reasonable specifications . You know it works OK having had it from new . It's got a 4 year accidental damage policy on it . You admit to being satisfied with it so far . Why trade it in for a used body of unknown condition? People sell stuff for all sorts of reasons , maybe they got a new body ..... or maybe the body they're selling has something wrong with it . It's a crapshoot . Maybe you win , maybe you don't . Either way your old man's pissed (at least I'd be if my kids went back on an agreement.). Keep what you've got . Take lots of pictures . View them on a decent monitor and examine what went right and what didn't . Experiment . Post some stuff that you think is good for critiquing . Remember , in 4 years the gear that will be available will be light years ahead of what we have now.

 

[deep diver]

Sometimes we make the equipment the tool and the images the project. sometimes we just make the equipment the project. New enthusiasts often fall into the second category. I've noticed this is especially true of "techno-enthusiasts." You are dealing with very good equipment. Make it the tool. In the time you've spent analyzing and agonizing you could have been shooting a lot of pictures.

 

[leighonigar]

Agreed - get off the computer and go outside.

p.s. take your camera.

 

[mjones185]

Hello,

Buying something used is like gambling... you can win or you can lose. Buying used equipment means you don't have a warranty and most of the time the equipment has been put through the ringer for usage (high pic count) and/or has issues. I have a 40D I purchased new; every once in a while the camera will freeze (do nothing but show data on screen), under warranty I sent it to Canon, they updated the firmware to the same version I already had on it and said nothing was wrong with it. Now warranty expired, ever so often it happens again, I've learned to keep a CF card with the same firmware version to reload and it fixes the problem until next time.

My point being... I have a camera I'd personally not sell used to a stranger; however, other people do there's these cases all the time where your buying some else's headache. I'd personally never buy used unless it was from a store that offered some kind of warranty, even if for 30 days. You have a great working camera under warranty. Keep that in mind

 

[Abyssgh0st]

Agreed - get off the computer and go outside.

p.s. take your camera.

Sometimes we make the equipment the tool and the images the project. sometimes we just make the equipment the project. New enthusiasts often fall into the second category. I've noticed this is especially true of "techno-enthusiasts." You are dealing with very good equipment. Make it the tool. In the time you've spent analyzing and agonizing you could have been shooting a lot of pictures.

You ought to not be so judgmental; after working eight hours and getting home at 11PM, I started thinking about this a bit after I got home and posted this thread in the middle of the night, and did all of my comparisons and number crunching from 2-4 A.M. So please, don't tell me to go pictures at 4 A.M., thanks.

 

[Ruahrc]

Also I think I should re-iterate that within the next month I will have the 17-50 Tamron f/2.8 VC, Canon 85mm f/1.8, and my Canon 55-250 (yuck!). I also will be upgrading that nasty 55-250 to the 70-200mm f/2.8 (not sure if I'll get IS or not) within the next year, give or take a few months.

Not sure why you're hemming and hawing about $30 here and there if you apparently have the income/means to drop $2k on a 70-200 lens within a year.

That said, I think you're suffering from CAS. That's Canon aquisition syndrome. It's a hard disease with a difficult cure, but you need to step back and get a little perspective on things. You have just barely begun into photography, and already talking about dumping a lot of money into gear. I am not going to outright judge your abilities but it is likely that you will not get any better shots with the new body than what you have now. Prices on that used 40D are only dropping day by day. Why don't you give it a few months' rest, and re-evaulate the situation then? You will have gained more shooting experience, learned your current camera (both pros and cons) better, (probably) saved up more money, and will be encountering lower prices. All this will result in you being able to make a more effective decision on what new gear to get, and with more spending power and lower prices, you will probably have more options as well. I don't see what there is to lose about that!

Ruahrc

 

[compuwar]

You ought to not be so judgmental; after working eight hours and getting home at 11PM, I started thinking about this a bit after I got home and posted this thread in the middle of the night, and did all of my comparisons and number crunching from 2-4 A.M. So please, don't tell me to go pictures at 4 A.M., thanks.

Lots of people shoot after working 8 hours, and there's nothing wrong with shooting at 4am.

 

[leighonigar]

You ought to not be so judgmental; after working eight hours and getting home at 11PM, I started thinking about this a bit after I got home and posted this thread in the middle of the night, and did all of my comparisons and number crunching from 2-4 A.M. So please, don't tell me to go pictures at 4 A.M., thanks.

We're not being judgemental, most people are like this with 'stuff' but most of us also know that it's not the big issue. It's almost third-party self-help.

At 4am sleeping might be more appropriate even than posting on internet fora, all the fresher for your next artistic session! Or, you could read some books. Almost anything is more productive than these topics (and I like these topics!).