Why is the Canon 5D so much more than the 40D?

Question

The 5D is like $2500, while the 40D is around $1100. Why the huge jump over 2MP and full-frame?

Answer 1

The 5d boasts better image quality over all because of the sensor size.  Sensor size is more important than megapixels because it means that that individual pixels are larger giving less noise.  The 5d is also catered to professionals as it does also have a better build quality.  5d is a Professional camera while the 40d is a prosumer camera.  This is also true with their kit lenses.  The 40d comes in with a standard 28-125mm zoom or something like that while the 5d comes in with a luxury class 24-105mm F-4L IS.

Answer 2

As said before, it's the sensor size. 5D sensor is quite a bit larger than the 40D.

The problem with sensors is that as they get bigger it gets exponentially harder to produce them without any flaws. A sensor that is twice is big isn't just twice as hard to make, it's many, many times harder to make - thus the ridiculous price difference.

Answer 3

Hello there. Well,it is because 5D is a pro cam which means having a tougher built than 40d. Although what accounts for the sudden jump and difference in price is the sensor, 5d being a full frame, meaning if you put in 50mm lens you'll get 50mm field of view, while the semi pro's and and entry level cam's like 40d and 450d's are crop framed bodies with a crop factor of 1.6x. That means that if you put in a 50mm lens what you'll actually be getting is a full frame equivalent of 85mm (50x1.6~85mm). Having a crop sized body means that you're getting more on the zoom end but what you get there is taken from you're wide angle end, so instead of getting 17mm for example, what you'd actually be getting is somewhere around 28mm.

And oh, yes...5D kit comes with an L lens..meaning luxury.:)

Answer 4

Canon 5D and 1Ds Mark III's use full frame sensors (36 x 24 mm) as Nikon's D3 and D700.

As far as pixel count is concerned ...

Check out the megapixel myth on Ken Rockwells website

Answer 5

I bought mine the week it came out, so it was $3,300 (no lens).

Now that you're asking this question--it made me wonder the same, too!!!!!!!! On the other hand, I am very happy with it and wouldn't trade it in for two 40D.

I do have to say that the optical viewfinder is bright and big--just like a film SLR. I can say it's the same as my old film camera, Nikon FM2.

Here are some photos http://www.flickr.com/little_pooky

Keep in mind if you want to spend this much money on the body--you really have to use good lenses, i.e. "L" lenses.