Advice sought: first DSLR (Canon) purchase

I hope this isn't too 'off topic'...

Very soon I will be purchasing my first DSLR. It is likely to be a Canon 40D (as I currently use Canon cameras and lenses). I have a few questions relating to this purchase...

Given the 1.6x focal length multiplication factor, I will be without a 'standard' lens for everyday use. Many of the reviews I've read of the various EF-S/DC/Di-II lenses identify distortion problems, especially at the wide end (which I tend to use more than the tele end). Can anyone make any recommendations? I'm considering the 17-40mm f4L, as I could use it on my 35mm camera, and I do hope to upgrade to full frame in the future (I'd buy a 5D now if it weren't for the cost). I'm worried it may be a bit 'short' on a APS-c for a standard lens - anyone use this in this way? I'm also considering the Sigma 30mm f1.4, as I've read a lot of positive reviews (haven't used a '50mm' prime since I had an old Praktica), though I appreciate I won't be able to use it on film or full frame.

Regarding batteries and memory cards: is the extra cost of Canon own batteries worth it? They are about twice as much as the Hahnel and Jessops batteries, what's wrong with these, if anything? Are more expensive memory cards (CF) more reliable? Will 'faster' cards make a difference, given the camera's own buffer memory? Do people use fewer, larger cards, or more, smaller cards in case one goes wrong?

I would also like to know the minimum system requirements for the software that comes along with the camera.

Any advice would be appreciated.

Best wishes,

Greg

My 2p worth:

I've had no problems with Jessops batteries in my 350D at home or abroad in India and Africa. I use a reputable manufacturer of cards (Sandisk Ultra II) but bought online at good prices (just around £35 each for the 4GB a year ago) and never had a problem. Have a few 1GB and a few 4GB. In terms of speed I'm not sure whether the card or the frame rate on the camera would be a bigger restriction. Not sure I'd go larger than 4GB myself given the potential number of images lost if one malfunctions.

Hope that helps

Hi Greg,

Six million questions!

I’m a Nikon shooter so I don’t have direct experience with Canon Bodies and Lenses.

Memory Cards

Any good reputable brand will be fine! If using with the latest bodies then speed can be beneficial, especially if shooting flight shots and other moving subjects. Try to go for 133x minimum such as the Sandisk Extreme III. The Sandisk Extreme IV are 266x are twice as fast and twice the cost, but let’s be honest if you could tell the difference! - I’d say let the pocketbook decide on that one!

I use 2GB & 4GB in Gebe Extreme Safe’s (4 cards per safe). I carry four safe’s round with a total capacity of 2400 RAW files. The 2GB holds 100 RAW files and the 4GB holds 200 RAW files. I prefer lots of cards apposed to a couple of high capacity just in case one corrupted – now Sandisk do offer software to recover if that happens but I’ve never personally needed to use it yet!

Batteries

I only use the manufacturers branded batteries for the best performance! i.e. I use Nikon EN-EL4a batteries and no other brand matches the performance, longevity, or reliability. I bought two with my camera and had 30% knocked of the price so ended up being a better deal than third party batteries!

Hi Greg,

Now the crop factor 1.6x increases the focal length i.e. 50mm on a 35mm format/Full-Frame becomes 80mm on a 1.6x format or a 500mm on a 35mm/Full-frame becomes 800mm in a 1.6x format.

Now wide angles suffer a little on cropped sensors but personally never really found it to be a major problem.

I am often asked for advice regarding camera purchases, so heres my two-penneth.

The camera body you buy depends entirely on what you want to do with it. Being a purely Cnaon user for over 30 years i can say the 40D is a very good piece of kit, and would have no hesitation recommending it. The only thing i would say is DON'T but an EF-S lens, quite frankly i think they are rubbish, and will not fit a 1 series should you wish to upgrade bodies. Third party batteries are great, i use the ones from sevendayshop on the web, and they last and perform better than the Canon ones. I use 1 series Canon bodies, and the third party battery is 11.99 compared to 99.99 for the Canon and out performs it in every way. As for memory cards, i use Sandisk Extreme III's, but also have some from sevendayshop as a trial, and to be honest i think they are faster than the Extreme III;s at a third of the price, but i couldnt comment on the reliability as i only use then as backup as i carry 4 x 4 gb, 6 x 2 gb cards with me. I dont know what body the previous poster is using, but 200 raw on a 4gb card isnt much, you will get twice that from a 40D, i get 500+ from a 4gb on a 1D MkIIN.
Another thing i would not recommend buying is a battery grip, a second battery will be more than sufficient for a days shooting, i am out all day every day and i have never flattened a battery in 1 day.

I agree with Steve re batteries. I bought a Hanel and it is great, no difference to Canon. Cards I would use good ones: mine are either Sandisk or Lexar pro.
I strongly disgree about not buying a battery grip though as the use of one enables easier shooting in the portrait format. As Steve uses 1 series he already has vertical grip built in, but for use on 40D it makes a big difference.

I used the 40D since it was released and was (am) delighted with it; I recently got a 1D MkIII, but the 40D still gets plenty of use. I use sevendayshop batteries as well and have done for ages - first rate, better than named versions and last longer (by test and not just gut feel too). I've used various cards without any problems, but most of mine are now the Sandisk Extreme III. Personally, I would go for the battery grip - I found it made for a better handling experience overall and the portrait format is easier too, although as has been said, one battery will last a days shooting.

Dave

I agree with the batteries statements....and I use Sandisk not because others aren't good, it's reliability which I have opted for and have not been let down, so I've carried on. You can get a 4gb for £20 I had a battery grip on a previous 300d and it made the camera far more balanced, but it was a ridiculously light body anyway, and I've not used a 40d so can't compare, but something to consider. Agree about EF-S lenses as it could limit you hugely in the body upgrade path should you opt for a 1 series or non-EF-S compatible bodies.

I have recently purchased a 17-40 and it's superb..it's me that rubbish using it, but would recommend it to anyone. I too posted questions about the lenses available in that range and opted for this one after some great advice from experienced and good photographers. Good luck and look forward to seeing your images

Hi Greg....

Good to see you taking the plunge...

The 40D is excellent and knowing your style of shooting would be ideal, particularly the live view which I have enabled on the 'set' button (gives instant access to MLU, one of the major complaints about Canons).

I went for a slightly cheaper option for a W/A in the 20-35 f3.5-4.5 which for me performs very well indeed and was a lot cheaper than the 17-40 albeit not quite as wide.

The Battery grip is well worth it for a more balanced set up giving longer use from the batteries and a more comfortable portrait grip.

Batteries... the third party ones are fine, mine seem to last longer than my Canon Batteries.

Cards... Sandisk or Lexar, I limit mine to a max of 2gig simply because I don't trust this technology so if a card goes belly up I haven't lost too much, so its lots of low capacity cards for me.


Paul.... Shame on you its a crop factor, your 500mm lens is still a 500mm lens it does not magically become 800mm, your field of view will be the same as an 800mm but with the characteristics of the 500mm.

So there

All the best

Phil

Try 7 day shop for batteries - my last lot were 2 for £10 and I have had no problems at all with them. I wouldn't be without the battery grip as I find the camera a bit samll without it (40D), but if you have small hands try one first - my partner finds the camera too big with the grip on.

Hi Phil,

I know - I re-read my reply (that I wrote in a rush) and it does come across incorrectly! Next time I'll be more careful and take my time in writing it!

I can recommend the 17-40L. Have had it a couple of years and have no complaints about it at all even wide open. Build quality superb of course and its relatively small and light.

I have noticed no difference in quality between my canon batteries for my 20D and 5D and those I purchased cheap from 7 day shop.

I used mainly Sandisk Ultra and found them to be very reliable and quick. I do though agree with you about using large cards and prefer to use several 2Gig cards rather than one or two larger ones, not that they have ever let me down - yet! Don't want to take the chance though.

Paul

I don't mean to butt in however, I shoot a Canon D 40 and a Canon D 10. May I recommend the Tamron 28 - 300 MM lens with IS? It is a great all around lens and much better than the Canon kit lens that comes with a package purchase? I've gotten tack sharp images with it on the short and long end. I won't comment on the batteries or media. Too much controversy!!

Joseph Martines
Cleveland Heights, Ohio - USA

Dear All,

Thanks very much for many useful replies. 2/4GB Sandisk cards and 7dayshop batteries it is then! Will leave off a decision about the grip until I've had the camera a little while.

Hopefully be posting my first digital images within the next couple of months (that's if I can get to grips with RAW processing!). Watch this space!

Best wishes,

Greg

I humbly concede to all the comments about the battery grip, i was only looking at it from a battery performance point of view, i didnt even think of the handling aspect, maybe next time ill engage brain before opening mouth