Should I buy a used Canon 40D or a new Canon 1000D as my first DSLR?
Asked 7/31/2010
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I’m choosing my first DSLR and can get a used Canon 40D from a friend for about the same price as a new Canon 1000D with the standard 18-55mm kit lens. I’m new to DSLRs, so I’m unsure whether it’s better to buy the older but higher-end 40D or the newer entry-level 1000D. I plan to stay with Canon because my friends use Canon gear and may be able to share lenses with me. Which is the better choice for a beginner?
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
16y ago
2 Answers
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Canon 1000D is quite low-end model: everything is plastic, you don't have normal display so you need to set up metering on the main LCD, and you have only one dial. 40D has all of this, so using it will be much more comfortable, and you'll be able to set camera faster, if that matters to you. It's also significantly faster in terms of continuous shooting speed, which is useful for sports, kids or basically anything that moves quickly.
My recommendation would be to go for 40D if it's in good state and if you intend to play with the camera more. If you want just usual vacation pictures or size/weight is important to you, you might prefer smaller and lighter 1000D. (Which, of course, can also be used for "serious" photoshoots, it's just not that fast to get to everyting.)
From technical point of view, they both have similar sensors, so it's really mostly between better+bigger vs. small+plastic. Comparison with some comments can be seen at Snapsort.
Originally by user112. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user112
16y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
At the same price, the Canon 40D is generally the better camera if it’s in good working condition. It’s a higher-tier body with better handling, quicker access to settings, and faster continuous shooting, which helps for action, kids, sports, and learning manual control.
The 1000D is more entry-level: lighter and simpler, but with fewer direct controls and a less comfortable shooting experience. It can still take good photos, especially for casual use, travel, or vacation pictures, but it’s less responsive if you want to grow into photography and change settings quickly.
So the choice is mostly this:
- Choose the 40D if condition is good and you want the better body, faster operation, and more room to learn.
- Choose the 1000D if you strongly prefer a smaller, lighter, brand-new camera and mainly want casual shooting.
Since you can share Canon lenses either way, body handling and condition are the key factors here.
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