What's a good older Canon dslr?

[Dragoncamera7]

I'm interested in birding, landscape photography and nature shots animals. What is a good older Canon dslr to get? I have used a T1i and 450D and like both. How does the 40D and 20D compare to the 450D? And is it possible to find cheap 1D mark II or 5D mark I? Can these older high models stack up against the newer mid series models?

Thanks,

Ben

[Waddizzle]

---

@Dragoncamera7 wrote:

Now of course I am thinking again about the potential line up. The newest I would go with is the 450D. I feel like the 40D is the middle ground. But now I am interested in the 1 series still. The original 1D only has 4 megapixels which I don't think is enough. But the 1D mark 2 and the 1Ds definately have enough megapixels. So basically how do these 1 series compare against the 40D/450D?

Ben

---

If you already own two older camera bodies, my advice is to save your money.  Don't buy a used $200 camera.  You will most likely not get a better camera body than the ones you already own.  In fact, for $200, you're more likely to wind up with something in worse shape than your current gear.

I think spending a relatively modest amount on a used DSLR is a "half step."  Save your money.  Save up for a "full step" forward.

[Dragoncamera7]

Because of the connectivity issues, I think I am going to go look into for the 40D for now. The 1 series is still out of my price range. Plus I would like to have built in flash. Thanks again for the advice, I'm getting closer to making a decision.

Ben

[TTMartin]

---

@Dragoncamera7 wrote:

Because of the connectivity issues, I think I am going to go look into for the 40D for now. The 1 series is still out of my price range. Plus I would like to have built in flash. Thanks again for the advice, I'm getting closer to making a decision.

Ben

---

Another advantage of the 40D is the ability to use low cost, but, high image quality EF-S STM lenses.

If you are going to save money for anything, save up for the EF-S 10-18 IS STM lens.

[RobertTheFat]

---

@Dragoncamera7 wrote:

Because of the connectivity issues, I think I am going to go look into for the 40D for now. The 1 series is still out of my price range. Plus I would like to have built in flash. Thanks again for the advice, I'm getting closer to making a decision.

Ben

---

I'm not lobbying for you to buy a 1D-series camera. (In fact, I think it's a crazy idea.) But if you're really concerned about image quality, built-in flash doesn't do much for you. It's not very powerful, and its position close to the lens increases the probability of redeye. And modern lenses, especially the better ones,  have gotten so large that they're increasingly likely to cast a shadow in the built-in flash's coverage area. There are plenty of reasons not to buy a 1D, but I don't think their lack of built-in flash is one of them.

[Dragoncamera7]

With my budget range, picking up a 1 series and a external flash isn't feasible. However, in the future I could possibly look into a 1 series, which one I don't know. The 40D, from what I have read will give me good image quality, decent autofocus and a good high iso range. I also like the shutter speed, it's faster than the 450D was using previously. The 40D's I have seen on ebay are decently priced. I've got two lenses so all I need is the body. Some of them have a problem with raising the flash, should I be concerned about that? If I just have to flip it up once in a while that is fine.

Ben

[TTMartin]

---

@Dragoncamera7 wrote:

With my budget range, picking up a 1 series and a external flash isn't feasible. However, in the future I could possibly look into a 1 series, which one I don't know. The 40D, from what I have read will give me good image quality, decent autofocus and a good high iso range. I also like the shutter speed, it's faster than the 450D was using previously. The 40D's I have seen on ebay are decently priced. I've got two lenses so all I need is the body. Some of them have a problem with raising the flash, should I be concerned about that? If I just have to flip it up once in a while that is fine.

Ben

---

What two lenses do you have?

[ebiggs1]

Ben,

Bob from Boston and Waddizzle both have valid points.  Good advice you might want to reread those two replies.

Of course, IMHO, a 1 series is the only way to go but I fear you will not like the quarks that anything older than a 1D Mk III will have.  Like I said I still have all my 1 series but I only use the older ones for fun.  Not as my only camera.

I don't think I ever owned a 40D and I have no idea what a good used one sells for.  If it is close to a 1d3, I would take Waddizzle's advice and save for it.  Those two cameras are a world apart from each other. However, I am sure the 40D will be capable body.

As for a flash take Bob from Boston's advice.  The on board flashes are worthless.  Matter of fact generally speaking any single flash is not worth much.

If a 1 series is what you really want don't let the temptation of the moment get the best of you.

[jrhoffman75]

Are you getting any sort of warranty on the eBay bodies? Check and see if Canon will still service a 40D if you have any problem.

[ebiggs1]

I don't know but I highly doubt it.  Midwest Camera Repair will.

[Dragoncamera7]

Well here are my two lenses. One is EF-S the other is from a film Eos, so I'm not exactly sure what it is because it doesn't have the Canon word with the white square. From what you guys have said the 1 series is the way to go. But I'm fairly certain but if my silver lens is EF-S as well, it won't fit a 1 series.

I still need clarification on the 1 series model differences, even if I can't swing getting one with my current budget. However, I'm still monitoring ebay for 40D and 1Ds and 1D mk2. Everyone's advice has been extremely helpful, eventually I'll get to the point where I decide.

Ben