I was in the same boat as you, just sold my Digital Rebel XT a couple weeks back. In my research, I learned that the two cameras are very similar in nearly every way, and that I couldn't go wrong with either one. A used 40d should be at least $250 cheaper than a used 50d (about $400-500 cheaper than a new 50d), and the reviews in general seem to favor the 40d. In continuous shooting, the 40d is slightly faster at 6.5 frames per second. Many reviewers of the 50d have expressed concern that it shows a lot of noise at higher ISO due to the 50d's 15mp sensor (please take this for what its worth, as it's only what I've read on many different reviews and photo sites, I don't have any personal experience with this claim). The price difference, fast continuous shooting of the 40d, and concerns about noise in the 50d made it an easy decision for me -- I bought a mint-condition used 40d. Very happy with my decision, though I've only taken about 200 photos with my 40d. Good luck!
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