Final Advice on used D30

[MickDublin]

Hi

Im on the verge of buying a used D30....or a "hardly ever used" D30. The camera is as good as new but Im ignorant of what is required for the best package. Im not sure what memory card is in it or what battery life is like. What are the limitations with memory cards? I tend to go out for up to 10hrs shooting. Normally hiking so I would need good battery power. Im told I can get a booster grip for the D30 but is this really necessary. Are memory cards expensive and what would be the minimum memory advised. Thanks in advance for advice given.

Thanks

Mick

[Cal Maier]

Hi Mick,

You do not need the optional vertical grip/battery holder to increase battery life, it just allows the use of two BP511 battery packs on board the camera. This means that you will not have to change batteries as often. When you run one of the batteries in the camera down, it will switch to the other fresh battery automatically.

You can easily carry one or two extra batteries in your kit that are charged and ready to go when you need them.

As far as the memory cards go, I would wait and see exactly what you are getting with this D30, perhaps the seller has added an extra card or two. How much memory you will require and how long your battery will last, depends on the file size you will be shooting(jpeg?,compression ratio?, Raw?) will you use the built in speedlight or a light on the hotshoe? These factors will help determine battery life and memory required.

Cal

[Roger_Cavanagh]

Mick,

Cal is right, you do not _need_ a booster grip. It's actually called a battery grip (BG-ED3 :) ). However, I do recommend it. The grip makes the D30 more balanced and easier. It is never off my camera. With two fully charged batteries, you should get 700-1000 shots providing you don't spend too much time reviewing images on the LCD. The most I've ever done is around 500 and there was plenty of power left.

As far as memory cards are concerned, get at least two the biggest you can afford. My advice is shoot raw, and this will use up space faster. The 1gig microdrive holds just under 300 images. I wouldn't bother with anything less 256mb.

Regards,

[MickDublin]

Thanks guys,

I really appreciate the advice. Thats the beauty of sites like this I guess hopefully I can return the favour some day.


Mick