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Thread: 40D vs better camera

  1. #1
    Pete Riola
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    Default 40D vs better camera

    I shoot a 500mm with a 1.4 teleconverter on a 40D. When shooting birds in flight I get some softness in the images unless the bird is practically full frame. I'm wondering what kind of advantages I'd see if I moved up to a better camera in terms of clarity and sharpness of the image? Or are my images a tad soft becasue of other potential reasons?

    Thanks!

  2. #2
    Super Moderator Daniel Cadieux's Avatar
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    Pete, do you have an example you can show us...with exif data included? There are many variables that can come into play that it is difficult to analyze just like that. Which focus point(s) do you use? Do you use AI Servo? What type of bird? Are you happy with your static bird images?

    It is certain that pro bodies, and the 7D, perform better focus-wise but the 40D is no slouch either. I get great results with this body, and with the reputedly "slow" 100-400 no less...so it could be user error...

  3. #3
    Pete Riola
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    I tried to use the insert image in the reply but it won't take the url...any ideas?

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    The AF slows down when you add the 1.4x TC. Even with my 7D I need to increase the AF sensitivity to keep up with BIF when the TC is installed.

    Can you get sharp images without the TC? If so, then the slow down might be causing the problem. If the bird is flying toward you the problem is aggravated.

    I assume you're using a tripod and can get good, sharp images of still birds.

  5. #5
    Pete Riola
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    David you are dead right...the noise and softness tend to come from birds coming right at me.....I shoot raptors in flight by hand or I use a makeshift pod made of a pillow and rest that with the lens on top of it on my truck window.... does pretty good and allows me to move around. I know nothing of AF sensitivity I guess I should find out what it is on my 40D.

    I can get sharp images with the tc on....

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    I don't know the 40D, but on the 7D you can adjust the sensitivity (speed).

    It's funny, without the TC I find the slow setting the best, reducing the tendancy to grab onto the background if I let the AF points get off the subject. With the TC on, I need more sensitivity because the smaller effective aperture of the TC slows the speed too much. If you leave the TC on most of the time, then you probably want your AF set as fast as possible.

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    I don't think there is any AF sensitivity option in 40D. I had the 40D for a while before selling it off. Among the semi-professional cameras, AF sensitivity option was for the first time included in the 7D.

    Please check the size of the AF point in the image. It may so happen that if the bird is far off, then the AF point covers a large area like head, wing etc. So though the AF will lock on, it will be somewhere in between. So you are likely to get the head soft.

    Cheers,
    Sabyasachi

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    Lifetime Member Doug Brown's Avatar
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    The reality of BIF photography is that human factors are the major determinant of image sharpness once you get above a certain threshold of equipment. As Daniel said, a newer body such as a 7D or a Mark IV will help. But pro-level gear is just as capable of producing soft BIF images as the 40D.

    The 40D has limited AF options, but you should be shooting in AI Servo using the center point. I don't think the 40D has focus point expansion, but if it does, you should enable it around the center point. Shutter speed is critical for sharp BIF images; maybe 1/1000 for large, slow moving birds and 1/2500 for smaller, faster fliers.

    Once you've got your settings squared away, it's all about technique and practice (lots of practice!). If you're serious about getting good at flight photography, consider taking a workshop. Good luck!
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    Go for shutter speed first and then, if there's enough light, go for a smaller aperture, like f/8 or f/11 so that focus isn't quite as critical. Yes, I know, easier said than done. Here's were the superior high-ISO performance of the latest sensors come into play. You can routinely shoot the 7D at ISO 800 and get results probably as good or better than your 40D at ISO 400.

  10. #10
    Pete Riola
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    Thanks for the feedback. I do shoot in servo mode and I only use the center focus dot. Typically I try to get my speed between 1250 and 2000.

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    Pete, I much agree with what have been said before in this thread namely that human factors can dominate the quality of the images we take compared to equipment shortcomings. Especially with regard to tracking ability at long focal lengths...

    That being said I found myself in a similar situation like you - soft images with the 40D/500F4IS combo let alone adding a 1.4 TC and/or a subject distance of beyond 30 - 40 ft - which lead me to to explore other options. Last year, I've rented a 7D for first an extended weekend and then a whole week at Bosque. Let's just say I was underwhelmed as indicated by the fact that the majority of keepers from both rentals were from the 40D. And I was alternating the cameras on a daily basis with similar environmental conditions to make sure that I was using them in comparable situations. Nonetheless, the 7D has a LOT of features I am longing for being stuck with the 40D at the moment...

    With the 7D not being a significant improvements re AF in my(!) hands I decided to explore the 1DmkIV this year. The short answer is that you get what you pay for. I can't pretend that my tracking ability - both handheld and gimbal mounted - significantly improved in the last year but there is ZERO doubt in my mind that the images I took this year with two rented 1DMkIV are mostly superior to any 40D images I've ever taken. And it's not even close if it involves subjects moving in front of busy backgrounds...

    Is the price difference of several $1000s worth the better experience of the MkIV? Based on my experience I'd say **** yes - if you are a professional, or even an aspiring professional. If you're an hobbyist - like me - it becomes more difficult and it is mostly a question of how much do you value your time in the field and in front of the computer. I personally hate being limited by my equipment and being stuck in front of the computer. Hence I most likely - particularly if Turbotax agrees with my estimate of my tax return next year :) - will go for the 1DMkIV next year.

    Renting pro camera equipment is a great way of figuring out what you want/need before making the plunge... And it helps setting realistic expectations. Because even the 1DMkIV is not perfect...:)

    JR

  12. #12
    Pete Riola
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    Quote Originally Posted by Joerg Rockenberger View Post
    Pete, I much agree with what have been said before in this thread namely that human factors can dominate the quality of the images we take compared to equipment shortcomings. Especially with regard to tracking ability at long focal lengths...

    That being said I found myself in a similar situation like you - soft images with the 40D/500F4IS combo let alone adding a 1.4 TC and/or a subject distance of beyond 30 - 40 ft - which lead me to to explore other options. Last year, I've rented a 7D for first an extended weekend and then a whole week at Bosque. Let's just say I was underwhelmed as indicated by the fact that the majority of keepers from both rentals were from the 40D. And I was alternating the cameras on a daily basis with similar environmental conditions to make sure that I was using them in comparable situations. Nonetheless, the 7D has a LOT of features I am longing for being stuck with the 40D at the moment...

    With the 7D not being a significant improvements re AF in my(!) hands I decided to explore the 1DmkIV this year. The short answer is that you get what you pay for. I can't pretend that my tracking ability - both handheld and gimbal mounted - significantly improved in the last year but there is ZERO doubt in my mind that the images I took this year with two rented 1DMkIV are mostly superior to any 40D images I've ever taken. And it's not even close if it involves subjects moving in front of busy backgrounds...

    Is the price difference of several $1000s worth the better experience of the MkIV? Based on my experience I'd say **** yes - if you are a professional, or even an aspiring professional. If you're an hobbyist - like me - it becomes more difficult and it is mostly a question of how much do you value your time in the field and in front of the computer. I personally hate being limited by my equipment and being stuck in front of the computer. Hence I most likely - particularly if Turbotax agrees with my estimate of my tax return next year :) - will go for the 1DMkIV next year.

    Renting pro camera equipment is a great way of figuring out what you want/need before making the plunge... And it helps setting realistic expectations. Because even the 1DMkIV is not perfect...:)

    JR
    Good comments. Guess I'm goona have to save some cash! I can no longer stand all the noise in the shadows and browns too.

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