Is the Canon 30D worth the price?

[swtethan]

Originally posted by: shuttleboi
I've had the 300D digital rebel, the 20D, and now the 5D. A great budget lens for the new user is the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 for about $325. I had that on my 300D, and I loved it.

I will relay the message.

 

[GTaudiophile]

Originally posted by: shuttleboi
I've had the 300D digital rebel, the 20D, and now the 5D. A great budget lens for the new user is the Tamron 28-75mm f2.8 for about $325. I had that on my 300D, and I loved it.

28-75 is not wide enough on a crop camera.

How are liking that 5D coming from 20D?

 

[GTaudiophile]

Originally posted by: randomlinh

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile

Originally posted by: randomlinh

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
No.

Wait until February for the EOS-40D...10mpx with anti-dust technology, etc. Otherwise, the EOS-400D/Rebel XTi has better internals. Spend the difference on better glass.

meh, I'd take the better form of the 30D, and the fact the XTi really can't focus like it's big brother. Granted, that is more from hearsay than use. I still like the ergo of the 30D over the new rebels.

where'd you hear about the 40D specs? I hope you're right, I'd like to pick up a used 30D for my birthday next year.. heh

You don't think Canon is really going to allow the XTi with its cheaper price, more megapixels, and anti-dust technology to out-shine its more expensive brother do you?

I expect the 40D to get the sensor and anti-dust tech of the XTi but it in a better body with more AF points and a Digic III processor.

Well, I was wondering more if you had an official mention of it I like solid time tables.. heh.

No, just rumors. But like clockwork Canon will announce near the next big trade show in February. Not photoKina but the other one.

 

[fuzzybabybunny]

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
Not too much you can do with that.

Maybe the Tamron 17-50 F2.8 as a starter lens? Costs $450.

Link

Or this combo perhaps...

Sigma 18-50 F2.8 ($420)
Canon 50 F1.8 MkII ($80)

Definitely second the Tamron 17-50mm for a general walk-around lens. It's supposed to be rediculously sharp.

 

[shuttleboi]

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile

How are liking that 5D coming from 20D?

I love wide-angle photography, and the full-frame sensor on the 5D makes my 17-40mm really, really wiiiiiiiide. I love it.

When I had only the 300D, one of my favourite lenses was the Sigma 15mm fisheye. On the 5D, it's *too* wide. But on the 300D, it was awesome. See below:

Pic1
Pic2
Pic3

 

[GTaudiophile]

Originally posted by: shuttleboi

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile

How are liking that 5D coming from 20D?

I love wide-angle photography, and the full-frame sensor on the 5D makes my 17-40mm really, really wiiiiiiiide. I love it.

When I had only the 300D, one of my favourite lenses was the Sigma 15mm fisheye. On the 5D, it's *too* wide. But on the 300D, it was awesome. See below:

Pic1
Pic2
Pic3

I use the 10-22 on my EOS-20D, which translates to 16mm on FF.

I am waiting to see what Canon does next. Rumor has it that the EOS-6D will be released in two variants. The cheaper one will be the EOS-40D with a FF sensor in it. The more expensive one will have some EOS-1Ds features like weather sealing, etc.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: PricklyPete
the camera is fantastic...but he got butt raped on the price.

Agreed. I just bought mine online from B&H Photo for $1,139.95 with a $200 MIR that comes out $939.95 (I bought a 580EX Speedlight to qualify for the double rebates).

 

[tfinch2]

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
No.

Wait until February for the EOS-40D...10mpx with anti-dust technology, etc. Otherwise, the EOS-400D/Rebel XTi has better internals. Spend the difference on better glass.

You just recommended the XTi over the 30D? LOL

 

[JulesMaximus]

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile
No.

Wait until February for the EOS-40D...10mpx with anti-dust technology, etc. Otherwise, the EOS-400D/Rebel XTi has better internals. Spend the difference on better glass.

Do you have anything other than the many wild rumors floating around the camera forums to back this up?

Also, I've heard that there is more noise with the 10MP XTi compared to the 30D. As for the anti-dust technology, it's just a screen that vibrates and a sticky pad for the dust to fall onto and stick to. I'd rather just use a lens pen and clean it myself or send the camera in for a professional cleaning.

Here is a list of the differences between the 20D and the 30D:

2.5" LCD display (up from 1.8" on the 20D)
New and improved shutter will last for 100,000 cycles
Improved camera performance: larger buffer, faster startup and "wake from sleep" recovery times
New spot metering option
ISO can now be adjusted in 1/3-step increments
Same Picture Styles and automatic noise reduction feature as on the EOS-5D (see our review)
Print/Share button added to back of camera
Improved folder management system

 

[JulesMaximus]

In response to the OP, what type of photography does your brother intend to do with this camera? We really need to know this to recommend a suitable lens.

 

[imported_Pablo]

Originally posted by: randomlinh

Originally posted by: Pablo
I just got a 20d with grip used for $700 shipped. The 30D has a larger LCD, but that's about the only difference. Not worth an $800 price difference, IMO.

your price difference is invalid. a used 30D can go for ~$1000. So $300 for a larger LCD, and large buffer and other small things. Altho, those things only apply if they are useful to you... but still, your price comparison is a bit off.

My mistake. I thought he bought his new. I was just saying that the camera he bought doesn't seem to be worth it compared to a used 20d. And I don't see why you would pay $300 more for a used 30d or $800 (minus whatever rebates) for a new 30d.

 

[getbush]

30D's auto focus is improved over the 20D as well. Helpful fro motor sports

 

[Rubycon]

I never understood their numbering convention. The 5D and 1D are better, full frame cameras but most manufacturers use higher numbers for better products.

<- 5D user here.

A good camera is like owning a really good pair of speakers. It will reveal all the flaws in the rest of the chain. (glass)

 

[getbush]

not to mention Canon's flip flopping of the D. They already had the D30, now they have the 30D The had the 10D right after the D30, now they have the 5D

 

[GTaudiophile]

The history of the four lines. It really doesn't make senes. The Rebel line so far has been logical.

Consumer: 300D > 350D > 400D
Prosumer: D30 > D60 > 10D > 20D > 30D
Entry-Pro: 5D
Pro: 1D > 1Ds > 1D MkII > 1Ds MkII > 1D MkII N

The cameras in bold are still listed on Canon's web site. The 1Ds MkII is Canon's flagship camera even though it was released prior to the 1D MkII N. The latter is more of a EOS-5D in a pro body.

 

[Soybomb]

Its a great camera, but an expensive camera doesn't make you a good photographer. If he has no idea what he bought or how to use it, its probably not worth the price. If he blew all his money on the body and is going to put $200 lenses on it, it won't be that great either. The body is the cheap part.

 

[Eos]

2.5" LCD and spot meter are my reasons to buy a 30D. Worth every penny.

 

[jamesbond007]

Originally posted by: Soybomb
Its a great camera, but an expensive camera doesn't make you a good photographer. If he has no idea what he bought or how to use it, its probably not worth the price. If he blew all his money on the body and is going to put $200 lenses on it, it won't be that great either. The body is the cheap part.

I couldn't have said it better! I am still shooting a 300D and just picked up a 580EX from B&H. I am holding out as long as I can with my body until the successor to the 30D hits the market. Despite owning a 300D, I haven't doubted the purchase of nicer glass like the 135L, 200L, 35L, or my Tamron 28-75, which should hold me over until I get a 24-70 and a 16-35.

 

[GTaudiophile]

Originally posted by: jamesbond007

Originally posted by: Soybomb
Its a great camera, but an expensive camera doesn't make you a good photographer. If he has no idea what he bought or how to use it, its probably not worth the price. If he blew all his money on the body and is going to put $200 lenses on it, it won't be that great either. The body is the cheap part.

I couldn't have said it better! I am still shooting a 300D and just picked up a 580EX from B&H. I am holding out as long as I can with my body until the successor to the 30D hits the market. Despite owning a 300D, I haven't doubted the purchase of nicer glass like the 135L, 200L, 35L, or my Tamron 28-75, which should hold me over until I get a 24-70 and a 16-35.

You might want to check user reviews on the 16-35. Of which there are many at dpreview.com. I have used one myself and was no impressed coming from my EFS 10-22. Many compare it to the 17-40 as well and from what I've read is the worse of the two. F2.8 is just not all that useful on a ultra WA lens. Corner sharpness is horid. And the 16-35 costs 2x the price of the 17-40.

Just an FYI!

 

[getbush]

There is definitely a lot of merit to the photographer is more important than the camera. There are also types of photography where at the very least having speed is going to be a big help to anyone who is working the shutter. A 300D and a consumer telezoom is going to have a tougher time at motor sports than than a 30D paired with a Sigma lens with HSM or a Canon with USM. The situation just calls for faster, and almost by definition more expensive equipment. The 300D will get some shots, but it will fight you instead of facilitate you in the process vs. a faster system. The 300D will have a lower keeper ratio.

 

[jamesbond007]

Thanks for the heads-up, but I intend to use the 16-35 for indoor/outdoor weddings. I'm not into landscape, so I feel the lower aperature will help me in these cases. I hate putting my plastic 18-55 on after using my 135...ugh, need a replacement, BADLY!

I'm a bokeh guy, though. I really don't know how useful the 10-22 would be for my portrait/wedding stuff. I've never been an ultra-wide angle person, but I can agree with the posts above that the 28-70 is definitely not wide enough on a crop camera.

Although I am anticipating on buying the successor to the 30D, if a successor to the MK2N comes out, I may have to jump on that boat since I do enjoy a bit of sports photography here and there. We'll have to see how well I am sitting financially!

 

[GTaudiophile]

Originally posted by: jamesbond007
Thanks for the heads-up, but I intend to use the 16-35 for indoor/outdoor weddings. I'm not into landscape, so I feel the lower aperature will help me in these cases. I hate putting my plastic 18-55 on after using my 135...ugh, need a replacement, BADLY!

I'm a bokeh guy, though. I really don't know how useful the 10-22 would be for my portrait/wedding stuff. I've never been an ultra-wide angle person, but I can agree with the posts above that the 28-70 is definitely not wide enough on a crop camera.

Although I am anticipating on buying the successor to the 30D, if a successor to the MK2N comes out, I may have to jump on that boat since I do enjoy a bit of sports photography here and there. We'll have to see how well I am sitting financially!

What about a 5D + 24-70 F2.8 combo?

 

[spikespiegal]

but ended up buying a 30D kit for $1499

The camera is OK, but over-priced. The kit zooms that comes with it is absolute junk and not worth a 4mp sensor.

Nikon D80 is a better machine, and has a better viewfinder and better wide-zooms. Right now Canon has the best dSLR on the market in the form of the 5D, but their other APS dSLRs are a waste of money other than the rebels.

 

[getbush]

Originally posted by: spikespiegal

but ended up buying a 30D kit for $1499

The camera is OK, but over-priced. The kit zooms that comes with it is absolute junk and not worth a 4mp sensor.

Nikon D80 is a better machine, and has a better viewfinder and better wide-zooms. Right now Canon has the best dSLR on the market in the form of the 5D, but their other APS dSLRs are a waste of money other than the rebels.

Ahem Canon 10-22mm, 16-35mm f2.8L, and 17-40 f4L

The 30D is a waste of money? How so. Both companies make nice cameras that may fit different needs better.

 

[jamesbond007]

Originally posted by: GTaudiophile

Originally posted by: jamesbond007
Thanks for the heads-up, but I intend to use the 16-35 for indoor/outdoor weddings. I'm not into landscape, so I feel the lower aperature will help me in these cases. I hate putting my plastic 18-55 on after using my 135...ugh, need a replacement, BADLY!

I'm a bokeh guy, though. I really don't know how useful the 10-22 would be for my portrait/wedding stuff. I've never been an ultra-wide angle person, but I can agree with the posts above that the 28-70 is definitely not wide enough on a crop camera.

Although I am anticipating on buying the successor to the 30D, if a successor to the MK2N comes out, I may have to jump on that boat since I do enjoy a bit of sports photography here and there. We'll have to see how well I am sitting financially!

What about a 5D + 24-70 F2.8 combo?

That sounds pretty good, actually. However, I do like the extended reach of the crop SLRs when it comes to sports, but since that is not my main objective in my habitual shooting, the FF sensor sounds pretty appealing. I wish that the grip was built into the body, such as the 1D series bodies. When the time comes, the wallet will speak and I shall go from there. Either way, I can't wait! The slow CF access on the Rebel totally pisses me off - the write times and the small buffer have caused me to lose some precious candid moments. It's definitely time for an upgrade!