Talk me down. (another 30D upgrade thread)

[jsfpa]

Ok, I've got it in my head to upgrade from the XT to the 30D. I'm trying to get more serious about photography and would like some of the features of the 30D. (spot metering, the 2nd wheel to adjusting aperture to name a few) I'm totally not interested in the 400D.

Tell me why if it were you, that you would not upgrade. If you would upgrade would you sell the XT or keep it for a backup? I'm thing of keeping it as a throw in the car when ever I go out camera.

[condyk]

The reason for me to upgrade was handling. No comparison. I haven't used any of the additional features. You need to decide why you want to upgrade. Rare that a camera is truly the limiting factor in most situations.

[crn3371]

Are there features of the XT that you feel are hindering your photography? In most cases, the upgrade alone will not generate better photos. Lens quality, and photographer ability, are more determining factors. If you're relatively new to all of this I doubt that you have outgrown the XT. Personally, I'd keep the XT, invest the money in glass, and continue to hone my craft.

[JonMoss]

Similar position, but I will do the upgrade next year - the ergonomics and grip size would be one of the biggest reasons I would switch.
Cheers!
Jon

[BradT0517]

Ok, I've got it my head to upgrade from the XT to the 30D. I'm trying to get more serious about photography and would like some of the features of the 30D. (spot metering, the 2nd wheel to adjusting aperture to name a few) I'm totally not interested in the 400D.

Tell me why if it were you, that you would not upgrade. If you would upgrade would you sell the XT or keep it for a backup? I'm thing of keeping it as a throw in the car when ever I go out camera.

for a second i thought you said im thinking of throwing it out the car i was like ill take if you really dont like it:D

[grego]

Ok, I've got it my head to upgrade from the XT to the 30D. I'm trying to get more serious about photography and would like some of the features of the 30D. (spot metering, the 2nd wheel to adjusting aperture to name a few) I'm totally not interested in the 400D.

Tell me why if it were you, that you would not upgrade. If you would upgrade would you sell the XT or keep it for a backup? I'm thing of keeping it as a throw in the car when ever I go out camera.

Only reason I'd say hold on would be to buy better glass, but you'd enjoy the upgrade I think. If you shot on film SLR's like the EOS 3, you'll defintely love the 30D.

[narlus]

i'm wrestling w/ the same dilemma...the improved AF w/ f/2.8 or under lenses is the biggest reason i'd considering ditching my rebXT...i'd sell it, not keep it as a 2nd body.

the problem is, do i just do a lateral move for maybe less cash (ie, 400D) or get a 30D w/ a couple of additional perks (5 fps and the better ergonomics).

[grego]

i'm wrestling w/ the same dilemma...the improved AF w/ f/2.8 or under lenses is the biggest reason i'd considering ditching my rebXT...i'd sell it, not keep it as a 2nd body.

the problem is, do i just do a lateral move for maybe less cash (ie, 400D) or get a 30D w/ a couple of additional perks (5 fps and the better ergonomics).

Save your cash, to buy what you really want to whether that be glass or a body. You could also go the way of the 20D, which has a lot of the 30D features(has the ones you mention). 20D's are selling used for the price that the 400D is slated to be sold at.

[Myles7]

I made the jump. Kept the 350d as a second body. The only time I've used it in the 2 or so months since buying the 30D has been to take a picture of...

...the 30D...

I'm either going to sell the 350D & 70-300 as a part-payment towards a 300mm 2.8 IS lens, or give/low-sell it to my father. I thought a second body would be useful - but it proves not to be the case for me.

In many ways, I found the 350d easier to use. The 30D does have the extra dial, but I constantly find myself trying to remember which dial does what. Given that not all information (drive, metering mode etc.) is displayed in the viewfinder, this *does* become an issue in the heat of the moment.

For motorsport use, I've not found the spot-metering as useful/useable as I'd hoped. The extra fps is nice in the event of an incident unfolding in front of your eyes, but I've found that a well-time shot beats 'spraying' most of the time...

There's no significant difference to the image quality etc., so if you've got a budget issue, go for the glass. Every time...

[PeaPicker]

I went from XT to 30D and sold XT for better glass.
It just handles better and doesn't take long to get used to new bells & whistles. :D

[Mark_Cohran]

I think it's a matter of want and affordability. If you're not a pro, then upgrading is primarily due to desire and/or feeling hampered by your current body. The 30D is a signficant step up from the 350D in terms of user interface and usability. Not so much a step up with regards to image quality.

Personally, I think a backup camera is a necessity for pro's, highly desireable for advance amateurs who shoot often (and use multiple lenses), and not so important for those just learning the craft of photography. Again, it comes down to affordability. A pro can't afford to miss a shoot because a body crapped out, an advanced amateur may have planned an expensive trip around the photographic opportunities and may find the second body good insurance, and the weekend shooter may feel very little pain at all.

Mark

[Myles7]

Agree on the bells'n'whistles really - and my argument doesn't hold water anyway - given that you need to take the 350d away from the eye to set everything but the basics...;)

[Myles7]

The 350d is transformed (esp. with big lenses) by the grip. I'd buy one for the 30D but for the fact that it slightly-less essential with the larger body - and I've got glass on my mind...

[ngannet]

No way I'd get rid of the XT for the 30D, unless of course someone wanted to trade..hahaha! I got my Rebel XT a year ago give or take and I'm totally happy with it and I take tons of bird photos. I don't see myself needing the options of the 30D yet as I'm still learning with what I've got. Buy more lenses and upgrade a couple years down the road maybe. But that's just my opinion.

[narlus]

Save your cash, to buy what you really want to whether that be glass or a body. You could also go the way of the 20D, which has a lot of the 30D features(has the ones you mention). 20D's are selling used for the price that the 400D is slated to be sold at.

the issue i have though is that for the shots i am trying to make my name with (lowlight concert shots, typically @ ISO1600 and f/2 or under), the benefit of improved autofocus would (i am guessing) greatly benefit my output.

for glass, i think i've got what i need (though may ditch my thrifty fifty for a nifty fifty) for this sort of thing.

i can't see myself getting a 20D...why not just get the 400D? seems to be superior in every aspect, unless you are preoccupied by words like 'plastic' or 'toy'.

[liza]

If you can afford the 30D, by all means get it. You'll come to appreciate the control setup and superior autofocus.

[grego]

the issue i have though is that for the shots i am trying to make my name with (lowlight concert shots, typically @ ISO1600 and f/2 or under), the benefit of improved autofocus would (i am guessing) greatly benefit my output.

for glass, i think i've got what i need (though may ditch my thrifty fifty for a nifty fifty) for this sort of thing.

i can't see myself getting a 20D...why not just get the 400D? seems to be superior in every aspect, unless you are preoccupied by words like 'plastic' or 'toy'.

for the OP, better glass would benefit them more. For you, a body upgrade would if you aren't happy currently. 30D would be fine.

[billmob]

well i am an ectstatic 30d owner who loves the handling ,feel and features and have been having some fun with the 5fps also, well what i would reccomend for you would be to wait 6 months and get the 30d replacement, the xt is a great camera maybe buy an awesome lens right now and as someone said hone your craft, i would think the 30d replacement would come in early 2007 and you would love the extra 2 mp or more, and also streamling of the features, that is one argument, the other argument is if your in more of a hurry get a 30d now because atleast to me it is a the perfect camera, refined, fast and silky smooth at high iso( i shoot very very often at ISO 1600 with brilliant best in class results for indoor flashless photography. If you think two extra mp are important than wait for the 30d replacement, if you think they are not improtant(which is true) then go get a brand spanking new 30d and enjoy, the camera really is amazing and i would take it over a d200 any time or a d80 or 400d, let me know what you think?:):) cheers

[jsfpa]

for the OP, better glass would benefit them more. For you, a body upgrade would if you aren't happy currently. 30D would be fine.
I'm not very knowledgeable about lens quality. What is your opinion of my lenses?
Canon EF-S 17 - 85 mm F4 - F5.6 IS USM
Tamron SP AF28-75mm F/2.8
Tamron SP AF28-300/3.5-6.3

I just picked up the Canon EF and I think I'm happy with it.

( I deleted the image that I posted - Sorry I should have read about posting images in this section first)

[grego]

I'm not very knowledgeable about lens quality. What is your opinion of my lenses?
Canon EF-S 17 - 85 mm F4 - F5.6 IS USM
Tamron SP AF28-75mm F/2.8
Tamron SP AF28-300/3.5-6.3

I just picked up the Canon EF and I think I'm happy with it.

Actually, nvm. :lol: Maybe i just have a hard time seeing. About the only lens that you'd want to likely upgrade is your telephoto, if you really want to do distance stuff. Then a 30D would be a good choice for upgrade, i'd say.

[jsfpa]

well i am an ectstatic 30d owner who loves the handling ,feel and features and have been having some fun with the 5fps also, well what i would reccomend for you would be to wait 6 months and get the 30d replacement, the xt is a great camera maybe buy an awesome lens right now and as someone said hone your craft, i would think the 30d replacement would come in early 2007 and you would love the extra 2 mp or more, and also streamling of the features, that is one argument, the other argument is if your in more of a hurry get a 30d now because atleast to me it is a the perfect camera, refined, fast and silky smooth at high iso( i shoot very very often at ISO 1600 with brilliant best in class results for indoor flashless photography. If you think two extra mp are important than wait for the 30d replacement, if you think they are not improtant(which is true) then go get a brand spanking new 30d and enjoy, the camera really is amazing and i would take it over a d200 any time or a d80 or 400d, let me know what you think?:):) cheers

This makes some sense. I really think I should wait if I can just hold myself back. Maybe as a late Christmas present to myself when the new models come out. The 30d sure feels good in the hands but I guess I should work on improving my skills with the XT.
Thanks all for your input. Any and all suggestions are always welcome.

[Cathpah]

TWO THINGS:

1) This is the WRONG place to come if you want to be talked down from an upgrade or a great camera that almost of all of us would admit is a great camera. So you must realize what you truly want when you come here to be talked down--that means you want it. you know we are all gonna say "just do it" or something like....okay maybe one or two ppl will try and tell not to, but the overwelming majority of people will tell you to spend the money and have fun with it.

this is a very dangerous place for wallets and any type of disposable income (sometimes even non-disposable income). there is quite a large POTN wallet/credit card cemetary I'm sure. :p


2) on that note, maybe grego is right....you should get more glass. An ultra wide would certainly add some valuable range and a speedy prime for indoors/better bokeh wouldn't hurt one bit.

Only reason I'd say hold on would be to buy better glass, but you'd enjoy the upgrade I think. If you shot on film SLR's like the EOS 3, you'll defintely love the 30D.

edit: oh, and no matter what have fun...either way! In the end my personal philosophy is now to get the darn thing if I can afford it (mind you, I'm a very broke 25 y/o social worker with lots of fun toys). Waiting around for the newest and best can be a loooong wait. Instead of waiting and wondering, go for it and enjoy the use you get out of it for the extra however many months. Keep in mind, you can always sell and upgrade in the future and not lose all that much money compared to a lot of other things.

[grego]

edit: oh, and no matter what have fun...either way! In the end my personal philosophy is now to get the darn thing if I can afford it (mind you, I'm a very broke 25 y/o social worker with lots of fun toys). Waiting around for the newest and best can be a loooong wait. Instead of waiting and wondering, go for it and enjoy the use you get out of it for the extra however many months. Keep in mind, you can always sell and upgrade in the future and not lose all that much money compared to a lot of other things.

Well, I didn' tmean to say wait for the newest greatest. I just meant fix up the glass side, but then i miss looked at the signature. Glass will always be a better choice as a first priority. Then the body.

[johnny0]

I did the upgrade about a month ago an have not looked back. My XT with/grip is a very good camera that I will keep as my primary backup but the 30D has a completely different feel an ease of use. Picture are not any better, it just plane feels good:)

30D,RebelXT,D30,nikkormat slr ,couple of point &shoot,few lens,alot of desire 420 flash,bags

[300Dplus]

There are a couple of important and practical reasons (to me anyway) to get the 30D instead of the 400D - or the 20D for that matter - that I have not seen mentioned.

1) Larger viewfinder than the 400D. Also, not to fond of the "tunnel vision effect". My eyesight is not what it used to be, so to me, larger and brighter is better.
2) Larger LCD screen then the 20D. As stated above, much more helpful to my eyes.
3) ISO 1/3 stops increments. Sometimes you have your exposure almost nailed down but perhaps it just needs that subtle push - up/down - with 1/3 stops, it becomes easier.
4) Last but not the least, size. Albeit this is more of a personal preference, I consider it a practical matter too. I went twice to the local photo store to try both in my hands and the 30D felt a lot more comfortable.

These are the other less practical but discriminatory reasons for me to bypass the 400D. I like the more professional image that the 30D/20D projects (or the 5D if I could afforded now). I guess we all do like to feed our ego in one way or another, whether we admit it or not, and if it is in a healthy way, I think is ok.

I'm buying a second body by necessity because I've been doing paying jobs for a while now. Praying every single moment that my 300D doesn't fail me in the middle of it, is not going to work forever. I like to be within the comfort zone as much as I can;) .

And at the end, money plays a big role in the decision to upgrade or not and/or to what. Many are inclined to buy better glass. If you don't have to upgrade I think that is wise advice but I know that sometimes when something gets into our heads (got to get that camera!!) it is hard to get convinced otherwise:cool: .

[cgratti]

I upgraded and VERY happy I did. The rebel feels like a toy compared to the 30D. The 5fps, spot metering, more autofocus points and startup speed is worth the extra $ for the upgrade.

Ummm, sorry..... I was suppose to talk you out of buying a 30D wasn't I?

[Myles7]

Can't say I noticed any change in startup speed.

I've just pulled the 350d out of the bag for a quick play next to the 30D. It's noticeably smaller physically - and in terms of the viewfinder. It's lighter - doesn't balance well with my 70-200 2.8L.

I dunno - I can clearly see (and feel) where my money went - not sure if I'll ever get any more use out of the 350D though. Mebbe keep it for a gf camera - or something to keep a shortish zoom on (rather than my mainstay that is tending towards the 400mm+ end of the spectrum).

As Cathpath pointed out, this forum is somewhere to come and get that warm, fuzzy-feeling about splurging loads of cash.

Over to you...;)

[Tareq]

I agree that when i got my 30D few weeks ago, my XT went to sleep deeply.
at least it is a backup, so when i will travel i will take both unless my 1D will be here sooner or later, then don't know which primary camera should i take.
I am so happy with my 30D.

[jsfpa]

Ok, I'm a weak person. :evil:
I ordered the 30D this morning. :rolleyes:
I know I don't "need" it but I do want it. :lol:

[Tareq]

Ok, I'm a weak person. :evil:
I ordered the 30D this morning. :rolleyes:
I know I don't "need" it but I do want it. :lol:

WOW, Congrats!!!
we are (or i am) so weak to these gears:D;)
Enjoy with your new bride and have fun.

[jerrybsmith]

I think you first need to make sure your lenses are top of the line before upgrading the camera. I don't have any experience with the lenses listed in your signature but I do know that at least one L lens such as the 24-70 2.8L will provide greater use long-term than the 30D. I upgraded to the 30D from the XT after I bought most of the L glass I wanted and I think I did the right thing.

[noelty]

These are two of the reasons I want to upgrade fromt he XT to 30D. I also long for the rear dial for better control. When I first got my XT I loved the compact size, but after having used a 20D for a couple of days I am ready to move on from my XT.

I had put an ad on Craigslist but was hounded by Nigerian Scammers...prhaps I should throw it on the "sell" forum with all the extra goodies.

Similar position, but I will do the upgrade next year - the ergonomics and grip size would be one of the biggest reasons I would switch.
Cheers!
Jon

[Nick_C]

30D for me isnt a significant enough upgrade, sure its a better body, controls etc.. but considering its almost double the price of a 350D (XT) I would have liked to have seen 12MP & a lot more features & superiour image quality, as it stands IQ is identical, all your gaining is better handling.

Maybe the 40D might be a more significant upgrade.

Nick :-)

[chet79]

does anyone have an opinion on the Nikon D80?

Will be buying a DSLR in the next few months, and am deciding between 30D and D80... the D80 is newer, and seems to be a good price too.

[NickAA]

I know I don't "need" it but I do want it. :lol:

Yeah, that's the right attitude!

[grego]

Ok, I'm a weak person. :evil:
I ordered the 30D this morning. :rolleyes:
I know I don't "need" it but I do want it. :lol:

If it fills in a need. And anyway, if you like it, you can sell or your 350D(if you don't think you need 2 bodies), or you can sell your 30D(with very limited use) for almost the same price.