Infrared Business

Posted on March 9th, 2010 by admin

Should I get a Canon D40 or XSi OR wait till the X1i comes out?

Needing a camera for professional photography, but plan to get a better one later as I make more money. Need one for macro, detailed nighttime (such as moon), capable of Infrared, and long battery. I'd rather have the one that requires the least lenses since I'm moving from semi-pro to pro incase I decide I'd rather not continue. I want it to last also where I could use it long term for my business if needed due to economy in case I dont make enough to upgrade for a while. Thanks!
Which one should I pick and why? What are the differences between them?

If you need it for professional photography then avoid the 'Rebel' series (XSI and X1i) they are in Canon's entry level amateur models. You are far better going for a Canon 40D Semi-Pro model, it is far superior to both in every way (if you need me to list them then I will, but I am sure you can do your own research on comparison tests on line (dpreview is the best site)).

If you go for a 'Rebel' series you will only need to upgrade soon, go straight for the quality model.

(I could never go back to the plasticky Rebel series, now I own a 40D they just feel like a toy)

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EDIT: OK, a few advantages of the 40D....

Faster Frame rate - 6.5f/s
Better images at High ISO
Higher top ISO selection
Larger shot buffer
9 focus points (All cross centre)
Much faster and far superior AF system
Faster top shutter speed
Better white balance (Kelvin selection)
Twice the battery life
sRAW format
Large bright Pentaprism viewfinder (Rebel has smaller Pentamirror, awful in comparison)
Top LCD with shooting info
Jog wheel on back

And most importantly... The body!, it is a much more solidly built and quality body, larger, better grip, magnesium alloy, it feels solid whereas the Rebel series bodies feel plastic and (it has to be said) like a toy compared. I advise you to go to a store and handle both to see what I mean (and you will see what I mean).

The main three reasons I upgraded to a 40D is the larger, brighter viewfinder, the faster frame rate (great for wildlife and sports) and the much better body, it feels infinitely better to hold than the rebel bodies, and certainly more professional.
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Obviously the photography you want to do will involve buying suitable lenses, especially the macro. Any camera can be set up for a night photography but the 40D is better at high ISO (less noise) than the Rebel series.

No DSLR is capable of infrared photography without modification, I suggest you research this or use suitable software to create a similar effect. I am not sure what you mean by 'the one that requires the least lenses'?. No matter which body you get you will still need the same amount of lenses.

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Another quick edit, further on to what myself and HIPP5 have said about infrared photography. I have considered looking into infrared more as a creative aspect of photography, I do like the idea of it, but at the moment I have only been using software such as 'Silver Efex Pro' to create an IR effect. This does a good job, but I have no doubt that using a dedicated IR modified camera will do a better job. I am certainly not going to butcher my 40D to achieve this but I would consider buying an old XT or maybe a 10D and converting it.
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Power Transmission Company Uses FLIR's P640 Infrared Camera