E.J. Peiker wrote:I think your clear upgrade path would be a Canon EOS 80D
Craig, your fundamental question in search of "the best" (camera/software, etc) hints at landscape interests, but your question is far less exacting in achievement goals desired. Your question reads as if in search of a Magic Bullet.
A perceived need for far better dynamic range, a "must have" full frame sensor, contradicted by little interest in sensor megapixels, or other new camera features, and today still using an old 40D camera body? The equation doesn't balance.
First question: Is it your - monitor - that is also appreciably out of date? Never been color calibrated, no adjustments available for brightness levels, dynamic range, etc. In another post you submitted wondering about a digital projector... when a high-def big-screen TV is an easy answer. Missing is an overall perspective of today's photography and what you're trying to accomplish. Are you currently shooting hundreds of pictures... or just thinking about it?
If your perspective is based on using a very old Canon 40D, combined with a reluctance to give up an outdated version of Photoshop... you're setting yourself up for disappointment.
I concur with E.J.'s recommendation for the 80D, a very modern-era camera (overlooked because it isn't labeled a "Pro" camera, our egos get in the way). It is light in weight, inexpensive, "cheap" relative to other bodies - yet has high-end components within that have filtered down from far more expensive Canon bodies. I'm inclined to suggest it is today's bargain.
Case in point: I've had a 5D MkIII for years, when the 80D was released a year ago I bought one as a backup body. Wildlife, landscapes, macro, studio work and a variety of other area interests. A $3,500 -vs- $1,100 camera body hardly seems like a fair match, yet 20,000+ images later... I actually prefer the 80D!
Caveats abound: I use high-quality prime lenses (hint-hint... first and foremost put your money into glass, not camera bodies. Image-file output is viewed on a high-end desktop 32" color calibrated monitor (27" is arguably the sweet-spot of size and price, 24" a very minimum). Post-processing skills, whatever the software - the mythical "magic bullet" does not exist. Skill-use is mandatory. (Especially behind the camera, i.e, get it right at camera level, not "I'll fix it later in PS"). Not willing to make the commitment? Possibly you're barking up the wrong tree.
I use LR CC and, yes, cuss at it often despite driven by a very high end workstation), but LR's capability is nothing to sneeze at; Capture One Pro 10, allegedly "better" but apparently not intuitive, carries a steep learning curve, and pricey - it doesn't seem like a worthy fit for your implied dollars available, skill level and shooting purpose.
Truth be told, with well honed skills any decent software tends to negate the perceived lack of dynamic range when you start with a raw-image file. Our maybe... you're not shooting raw images? Ouch.
RAW-file shooting and processing ability, if you're not willing to venture into that area, neither landscape shooting nor any other venue holds promise of stellar success.
An old version of Photoshop 6 combined with a use-perspective based on an outdated 40D camera body - is a warning flag picture of future dissatisfaction in whatever is your direction in the years ahead. You're either progressing... or regressing with your interests. There's not much middle ground.
Back to square one: Is the perceived need for greater dynamic range in reality a result of using an old monitor? The most exotic of camera bodies or brand names... is meaningless if the monitor is ancient.
Second vast improvement: E.J.'s recommendation for the Canon 80D. Excellent dynamic range at ISO 100, better than most other cameras!
Then lean toward using high quality prime lenses, or start with just one. A case full isn't necessary. That ol' 28-135mm wobbly plastic Canon zoom of yesteryear just won't cut it. If I had to carry only one lens for travel landscape work and general shooting it is the Canon 100mm f/2.8 prime lens coupled to the 80D body (and a worthy tripod.) Not wide enough? One lens still works, think outside the box: shoot panorama files, rotate the body vertically if necessary; today's software is remarkable in ease of use for pano work.
A solid vote for E.J.'s recommended Canon 80D, but the first question is monitor used, is that where your issues lie?