New G3 or used D30?

[Jorge]

I’ve tried to tell myself that a G2/G3 will do but I’m definitely not happy about the lack of usable ISO range and reports of slow and imprecise focusing that apparently won’t suffice for action shots. I just read the G3 review in Dpreview and although there are many new good features in comparison with the G2 the limitations seem to be the same!

But I did come across a used D30 (I have some lenses). What to look for here? The dealer will give me a one year warranty, but obviously I can’t get a ”new” used D30 if the one they sell me breaks down to a point beyond repair. Any known aging problems – like controls, connections, battery? Does the camera seem to be build to last? And how about G3 versus a used D30?

The price is about 50% of a new D60 and about 130% of a new G3!

[davhood]

Get the D30.

[imago57]

I just sold my G2 and bought a D60. The G2 was taking great pictures, but it was way too slow for any kind of photography except posed or landscape. My main complain about the G2 was not the autofocus but the lag and storing speed. I tested a G3 and I didn't see any improvements that made me wanted get that one (except for the extra optical zoom). If you have lenses I would go for the D30, I've heard is a good camera all over these forums.
Good luck and happy shooting.

[Roger_Cavanagh]

The D30 may not be a tank like the 1D, but I'm guessing you won't be playing basketball with it. :) It's well-made. I've had mine for 20 months and there are no obvious signs of wear and tear.

The one-year warranty for a used camera sounds a pretty good deal to me. I don't know where you're from, but in the UK that would mean they have to replace the item, if it couldn't be fixed.

Go for the D30!

:)

[petiot]

Cant see any arguments not to take the D30. Bu i am going to try though:

The G3 is a very nice camera (i had the G2), with plenty of interesting future, and ....

A D30 is far more serious camera, but it is also bigger, and you dont want to brake it. Really, it is the only thing i regret since i often take it on my bike, snowboard or Roller. It fills half of by rug sac

But obviously it is a choice. I chaged for the same reason as you i guess: after a while, and if you enjoy photography, a G2 is not enough anymore.

For the accident problem i found the solution: i insured my camera

Good luck

Bye, Dan

[Jorge]

Thanks for the advice!

It sounds like a pretty unanimous vote from the jury and your certainty is definitely useful! It’s true that a SLR camera is “big” and I know from experience that you sometimes think twice before dragging it along.

I also had some concerns about carrying such an expensive piece of equipment around as I mostly shoot when travelling (often in third world countries and a good rule here is not to bring anything you’re not prepared to part with). But then again a used D30 is not as expensive as a new D60 and insurance will solve the problem – by the way a new D60 will cost the equivalent of 3000 US$ in Denmark, where I live!!!

One thing that concerns me about G2/G3 is the need to keep ISO 50 to achieve the quality that justifies the cameras.

Test results show that noise levels for D30 and D60 are similar although D60 is better. What ISO range do you find usable in real life?

[Roger_Cavanagh]

Jorge wrote:
Test results show that noise levels for D30 and D60 are similar although D60 is better. What ISO range do you find usable in real life?

Jorge,

My D30 default ISO is 200. I started with the "purist" view that 100 was necessary, but I experimented with 200 and couldn't really see a difference.

Regards,

[Fishsnagger]

Jorge,

I have never used a G2 or G3, although a co-worker who is also a pretty good amateur photographer does own the G2. I have owed a D30 for over a year. We both purchased our cameras at about the same time, but obviously opted for different selections. His reasoning was (and still is) that the digital world is evolving fast. He wanted to get started in digital photography, and hoped he could enjoy and learn on the G2 until an affordable camera was offered that would replace his film camera. This crossover is ill defined, but from my perspective (also an amateur photographer) for all practical purposes the crossover had already occurred. This is why I opted for the D30, and have not taken another 35mm picture since (other than the one-time use jobs when I’m out on the water).

I’m not sure what your current needs are, nor your future needs so it is difficult to try to persuade you one way or the other. If you can afford the D30, and this camera’s functionality is within the scope of your intended use, then I am sure you will be pleased if not fascinated with it. It most certainly has more features, and does not limit you as would a G3 (potentially).

I do not regret my purchase; the camera is as like new, is built very well (be careful out in poor weather), the batteries are still going strong due to the low power CMOS sensor and the reduced need to recharge, and I’m sure it will continue serving me for years to come.

If the warrantee can be purchase, and is reasonably priced (never very cheap) it will give you a peace of mind.

The other guy with the G2… he is very happy with his decision too. Not a month has passed where we don’t validate our decisions. He is happy and so am I.

Good Luck

Fishsnagger

Note: there is a thought provoking article which can normally be found at http://www.luminous-landscape.com/reviews/cameras/d30/d30_vs_film.shtml
but I think the site is temporarily out of service for “Abuse Problems”. My thought after reading this was, if at the time of this article the D30 was (is?) good enough for the Pros, it will probably always be good enough for me.

[Greg M]

Jorge wrote:
Test results show that noise levels for D30 and D60 are similar although D60 is better. What ISO range do you find usable in real life?


I also first started using just ISO 100 for the best picture. However, with all of the PS actions available I get great results all the way up to ISO 800. Most of the time after processing there is very little difference in prints 5x7 or less. I even get acceptable results using ISO 1600 as long as it is exposed properly.

Digital photos from my D30 are usually less noisy then film.

http://www.mocanu.com/gallery/list.php?exhibition=15&pass=icestorm

The above photos were taken from ISO 100 to ISO 800 with the 28-135 IS.

[UK_Terry]

Greg M wrote:

http://www.mocanu.com/gallery/list.php?exhibition=15&pass=icestorm

The above photos were taken from ISO 100 to ISO 800 with the 28-135 IS.

all the photos state ISO 100 ?
exactly which ones are a different ISO

[Sheila]

Jorge wrote:
I’ve tried to tell myself that a G2/G3 will do but I’m definitely not happy about the lack of usable ISO range and reports of slow and imprecise focusing that apparently won’t suffice for action shots. I just read the G3 review in Dpreview and although there are many new good features in comparison with the G2 the limitations seem to be the same!

But I did come across a used D30 (I have some lenses). What to look for here? The dealer will give me a one year warranty, but obviously I can’t get a ”new” used D30 if the one they sell me breaks down to a point beyond repair. Any known aging problems – like controls, connections, battery? Does the camera seem to be build to last? And how about G3 versus a used D30?

The price is about 50% of a new D60 and about 130% of a new G3!


Its all been said - go for the D30. I used to have a G2 but within a couple of months was hankering after a D60. But a warning - this is where you expense just starts - you will need lenses and that's a whole new ball game!

Cheers
Sheila