paul162brown
3rd of April 2004 (Sat), 17:08
Don't rule out a cheaper, but still superb.............Canon D30!
I was in exactly the same position around 3 months ago. I wanted the increased control over DOF and the ability to use higher ISO and the choice with lenses and quicker shutter response etc.
I also looked at the 300d which was just a little out of my price range at the time, but I was concerned that many of the custom functions had been disabled, in comparison to the features on either a D30/D60 or 10D. Controls over white balance, metering and the cheaper feel to the body are some concerns that spring to mind (although the camera does produce excellent results).
You also mention that you are on a tight budget, as I was and my solution was to buy an older Canon D30 which I have found superb. It has more features than the 300d and more controllable functions and has a higher build quality. The auto focus suffers a bit in low light, although to overcome this I simply switch to manual! It is also only 3.2 mega-pixels but the quality of the pictures that I have got so from it so far exceed those from the G3 (which did produce some excellent shots). I have printed up to 10 x 8 with superb results.
You could consider this as a cheaper alternative to the 300d, which I know has better AF and higher pixel count etc, but once you get past that and accept those points, with what is left, the D30 is a better deal, in my opinion, given the cheap secondhand deals available.
You could also consider a D60, with a 6 mega-pixel count, but its AF also suffers a bit in low light and the smaller price difference between that and the 300d makes less sense.
I got my D30 boxed with manuals in mint condition with a warranty for 450 pounds in the UK. After selling the G3 and a few other bits and buying the D30 I had little left over for lenses and so I have just the two, the 50mm 1.8 and 28mm 2.8. I know this is restrictive in some ways but the quality from both lenses is superb.
The 50mm 1.8 almost matches the quality and sharpness of an L lens in my opinion, and the 28mm is not far off either. The restrictions have also been a good thing in many ways as I now worry less about which lens and what zoom setting etc and simply concentrate all my efforts on producing the best pictures I can with the tools available. Over the years (I spent many happy years with a manual Nikon camaera with a very expensive high quality lens) I have found that a simple set-up can sometimes be very helpful in encouraging inspiration. Too many people (me included sometimes!), in my opinion, get too caught up with buying bits and peices and upgrading etc and forget to concentrate on simply taking good pictures! Someone has said it on this forum before...something like great pcitures are 10% camera 90% photographer!
Anyway, I realise I have rambled somewhat, but lastly, I have also recently purchased a 420ex speedlite again boxed in mint condition with a 12 month warranty for 80 pounds and, as with my lenses, all these can come with me should I decide to upgrade to a D60 or more likely a 10D in the future. Or I can sell any part of my current set-up should my needs change.
Have a look at some of Pekka's shots with the photo gallery link to see what can be acheived and here endeth my champion of the trusty old D30!!
Good luck with whatever you decide to get!
Paul :D
London
I was in exactly the same position around 3 months ago. I wanted the increased control over DOF and the ability to use higher ISO and the choice with lenses and quicker shutter response etc.
I also looked at the 300d which was just a little out of my price range at the time, but I was concerned that many of the custom functions had been disabled, in comparison to the features on either a D30/D60 or 10D. Controls over white balance, metering and the cheaper feel to the body are some concerns that spring to mind (although the camera does produce excellent results).
You also mention that you are on a tight budget, as I was and my solution was to buy an older Canon D30 which I have found superb. It has more features than the 300d and more controllable functions and has a higher build quality. The auto focus suffers a bit in low light, although to overcome this I simply switch to manual! It is also only 3.2 mega-pixels but the quality of the pictures that I have got so from it so far exceed those from the G3 (which did produce some excellent shots). I have printed up to 10 x 8 with superb results.
You could consider this as a cheaper alternative to the 300d, which I know has better AF and higher pixel count etc, but once you get past that and accept those points, with what is left, the D30 is a better deal, in my opinion, given the cheap secondhand deals available.
You could also consider a D60, with a 6 mega-pixel count, but its AF also suffers a bit in low light and the smaller price difference between that and the 300d makes less sense.
I got my D30 boxed with manuals in mint condition with a warranty for 450 pounds in the UK. After selling the G3 and a few other bits and buying the D30 I had little left over for lenses and so I have just the two, the 50mm 1.8 and 28mm 2.8. I know this is restrictive in some ways but the quality from both lenses is superb.
The 50mm 1.8 almost matches the quality and sharpness of an L lens in my opinion, and the 28mm is not far off either. The restrictions have also been a good thing in many ways as I now worry less about which lens and what zoom setting etc and simply concentrate all my efforts on producing the best pictures I can with the tools available. Over the years (I spent many happy years with a manual Nikon camaera with a very expensive high quality lens) I have found that a simple set-up can sometimes be very helpful in encouraging inspiration. Too many people (me included sometimes!), in my opinion, get too caught up with buying bits and peices and upgrading etc and forget to concentrate on simply taking good pictures! Someone has said it on this forum before...something like great pcitures are 10% camera 90% photographer!
Anyway, I realise I have rambled somewhat, but lastly, I have also recently purchased a 420ex speedlite again boxed in mint condition with a 12 month warranty for 80 pounds and, as with my lenses, all these can come with me should I decide to upgrade to a D60 or more likely a 10D in the future. Or I can sell any part of my current set-up should my needs change.
Have a look at some of Pekka's shots with the photo gallery link to see what can be acheived and here endeth my champion of the trusty old D30!!
Good luck with whatever you decide to get!
Paul :D
London