EOS 300D vs. D30

[particlerealities]

I'm hoping someone can help me determine which purchase would be my best option. I'm considering selling my Minolta Maxxum 5 and my Canon Powershot G5, and want to purchase a digital SLR.

My eye was first drawn to the 300D, being the new and cheap digital SLR, but upon further review (and landing on one via ebay), I'm now curious about the D30. I know the D30 has less megapixels, and is several years older. However, it still produced some nice sample photos on dpreview, and is seemingly loaded with more features and is built better than the 300D. I also was satisfied with the D30's print quality - I printed one of the full resolution pictures from the dpreview site via photoshop with a full bleed at 8.5x11 on Canon Pro glossy paper.

Can anyone give some input on which is the better purchase? Or am I better off keeping my G5? I was really hoping to get more options with lenses than the G5 offers.

Thanks,
Eric

[nosquare2003]

Will there be any price difference for the 2 bodies?

For "general" use, I will prefer a 300D over D30. (I don't have neither bodies. But I have a D60 and some experience in 300D.)

300D has a faster autofocus and cleaner image at higher ISO. However, it lacks certain features. The choice shall be depend on usage. (For example, 300D is not intended to be a studio camera.)

BTW, the build of 300D is good.

[blinking8s]

the d30 has a lot of pro features...but for today, it lacks so much...

I would take a 300d over the d30, but I dont get riled up about not having custom function or mirror lock. It seems most peoples complaints about the 300d are the mirror lock and image buffer, something most people just claim they need on a camera.

[Murph7355]

D30's a great camera. but it would have to be a lot less than the 300D to be worth it.

Half the price and you'll be in with a good camera and some cash to put towards a nice lens perhaps.

Yoou should also check out prices of used D60s and 10Ds. Both will be coming down in price, and if lightly used offer a very good alternative to a new 300D (which is good camera in its own right, though much more literally lightweight than the others!).

[PhotosGuy]

(which is good camera in its own right, though much more literally lightweight than the others!).

Put a Nikkor lens on it & it feels just like a 'real' camera! :lol: :lol: :lol:

[Cordell]

You should consider the D60. This is still an excellent camera that has the features you want in the D30 but you also get a little faster AF and more pixels. You can get one for around the same as the Rebel, even possibly less and you are covered with the features in of the Rebel.

[MrChad]

I've been pricing ebay and online shops that sell used gear.
A used Canon D30 can be had for $550 region.
A new Rebel digital (body) can be had for $800.

I have a new 35mm Elan 7N, 75-300mm IS USM lens, and the 28-105mm f4-5.6 kit lens. I'm planning to replacing the kit lens with the 24-85mm f3.5-4.5 USM lens in weeks.

I love my Elan's functions, it's my first SLR since my old Pentax. I love the rear wheel and custom functions. so with that said, a 10D or D60 seams like a great camera, but for the prices used, I'd much rather have a Digital Rebel new. But I hate the silver body and lack of thumb wheel. And a new 10D is out of my price range at this point. I could get alot more value lasting gear for the price, like more lenses :P

Is the d30 for the price still a less then attractive dSLR? The pictures I've seen look great. But is 3.2 megapixel really good enough for 8x10 prints?

[cc10d]

MrChad asked "But is 3.2 megapixel really good enough for 8x10 prints?"

Yes, but not much cropping to maintain top quality. So no cropping and it is fine for 8x10.

My take on the original question would be to go for the drebel if feasable. the improved focusing and features are desireable. then you also have a few pixels to play with besides.