Bought a 40D, seems same pictures as a 300d

[jspekbb6]

So I recently bought a Canon 40D to make my main and my back up a Canon 300D .... I did a shoot last weekend and I couldn't see the difference, I basically had to do the same post processing... I am not a professional photographer, but I wanna be! I decided to upgrade because I kept getting told how out of date my 300D was..... any tips on what I can do?

Equipment

Canon 40D
Canon 300D
Canon Speedlite 430ex
Canon 75-300
Canon 18-55 Kit lens
Canon Nifty 50

[Tom]

The 40D has a much better sensor than the original Digital Rebel (released in early 2003!)

A high-quality lens and better technique will produce better images than a better sensor.

[Daniel Bates]

I can see how the files would look similar given certain subjects and conditions - but try them side to side in low light or on a moving subject and the differences between the two will become more clear.

[kwhite]

I can’t speak about the capabilities of the 300D. I’ve never owned one. I shot with a 10D for years and then moved to a 40D. My initial reaction to the 40D was much the same as yours. Not much difference, so maybe I should have just saved my money. Over time I found that the expanded dynamic range and better low light capabilities of the 40D body were helpful. You always need time to adjust your camera handling and post processing to different equipment. I sold the 40D several months ago and just replaced it last week with a 60D. Based on the images from this weekend I should have stayed with the 40D.

[RexGig]

Upgrading to a 40D is not just about the images. My 40D enabled me to do things in low light that that my XTi (400D) simply could not let me do.

[FireHeart Photography]

I think that you also need to pair that with better glass... while your body gives you better sensor and noise control - you glass gives you a higher quality photo - it takes both to create a better image - changing one is not going to make a big difference until you start pushing it to it's limits.

[nameBrandon]

I went from a 300D -> 20D ->5D.

I didn't notice that big a leap in IQ from 300D -> 20D, but obviously the big change was the Rebel vs xxD body. Faster top shutter speed, better low-light performance, better buffer, etc. It's not all about IQ.

I do agree that technique and your lens(es) are major factors that contribute to the overall end result. What lenses are you using, and what, in particular, are you shooting?

[Mo]

I agree with everyone else here. I've been shooting with an XT all this time, and have also recently upgraded to the 40D. Only difference is, I've always had good glass. I'm not going to say the IQ is the same from the 40D as my XT, I think it's slightly better, but that's because I feel I maximized what the XT could do. I think you should really master your 300D, only then, will you appreciate the 40D. The camera will not make you a better photographer. Get better lenses, and couple that with technique and skills that comes from practice, and I'm sure you'll notice a big change in your IQ. Good luck!

[jspekbb6]

thank you everyone for the replies, I was thinking the glass I have was part of the problem, what lenses would be good to do, I do alot of people photos, some car shoots, I don't have a ton of money so what are some modest lenses that would serve me well?

[Mo]

Tamron 28-75 f/2.8 for starters. Use the 'nifty-fifty' a lot more. If anything, I'd use the 50 and get real good with that. What settings do you shoot at?

[Daniel Bates]

For portraits, you'll want to stay in the normal to moderate telephoto range. The 28-75 Mo mentioned is a good one; if you want something wider and not as long, Tamron makes a good 17-50mm f/2.8 as well. Your 50mm is capable of very good images on its own; I'd consider pairing it up with something like an 85mm f/1.8 and/or 135mm f/2.0 (if you can swing it).

Actually, my ideal budget kit would be a Tamron 17-55/2.8, 50/1.8 and 85/1.8. That would give you a good range of focal lengths, enough aperture for some low light work, and good IQ overall.

[Fireball]

I bought the Tamron 28-75 2.8 a few months ago used at Amazon and really love it. It's my go-to lens for all my portraits. You can get it used for $379:

Amazon.com: Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 SP XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) for Canon Digital SLR Cameras: Electronics

Amazon.com: Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 SP XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) for Canon Digital SLR Cameras: Electronics

[shnitz]

Originally Posted by Fireball

I bought the Tamron 28-75 2.8 a few months ago used at Amazon and really love it. It's my go-to lens for all my portraits. You can get it used for $379:

Amazon.com: Tamron AF 28-75mm f/2.8 SP XR Di LD Aspherical (IF) for Canon Digital SLR Cameras: Electronics

The only thing that I would modify here is not buying the lens used from Amazon. While they are a great new dealer, you want to be careful when buying used. First, a third-party seller can be literally anyone. I could go buy a lens off of Craiglist, put it on Amazon, and now it looks like I'm an Amazon third-party retailer.

The best place to buy used stuff is KEH. It's an actual photo shop, and they rate lenses by quality before putting them up for resale. Even if you buy bargain-quality equipment from them, you are going to be pleasantly surprised.

Canon EOS Non-Mfg Zoom Lenses - KEH.com

[ptrd]

I saw a decent difference with low light going from a Rebel XS to a 50d.

Also you can just do more with a newer body, pictures might be the same but I like the small things that makes picking up any rebel now feel a little like a toy.