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View Full Version : 300D vs 350D: AI Servo

KevC
18th of July 2005 (Mon), 11:54
I know this debate has been battled on and on, but Im wondering about one thing: Autofocus performance.

I want to start shooting motorsports, and understand AI Servo would be beneficial. I know my 300D doesn't have it unless it's in sports mode, and I've gotten so used to shooting in Creative Modes and RAW that I don't really wanna venture into Jpg (afraid of screwing up exposure, white balance, etc).

I don't have enough cash to get a 20D, so I'm considering moving up (sideways?) to the 350D. It wont cost me very much. Will it benefit at all?

Oh, and the high ISO performance would be really appreciated.
KevC
18th of July 2005 (Mon), 19:01
Anyone?
Michaelmjc
18th of July 2005 (Mon), 19:02
From what I've heard you can get the 300D hack and it allows you to use AI Servo in Manual, TV, AV, and P modes.
KevC
18th of July 2005 (Mon), 19:41
Ah. I heard something about it being not "true" AI Servo. I'll check that out though.

Any autofocus performance increase from going to 300D->350D? That's my primary concern..
Michaelmjc
18th of July 2005 (Mon), 20:19
Well I'm sure that the hack won't be as good as the XT's. The XT had AI Servo built right in so It will probably work better. But I'd try the hack, might as well.
kram
18th of July 2005 (Mon), 21:53
I have the Drebel with a hack. Yes, it doesnt have AI Servo but there are enough threads about how to trick it into AI servo.

It doesnt cost anything - so give it a shot and in the meanwhile you'll get feedback on 350D through this thread?
Curtis N
19th of July 2005 (Tue), 00:35
KevC, try this with your 300D:
Lock autofocus on a target, then walk closer or back away. When the target gets significantly out of focus, the servo will kick in and maintain focus. The manual doesn't explain it very well, but on p. 123 it's referred to as "AI Focus AF."
condyk
19th of July 2005 (Tue), 01:12
Get a 350XT ... but only if you find that you can't take decent motorsports shots in Sports Mode and motorsports shooting is really going to be important to you as a subject. Sounds like you need to at least 'try before you buy'.

What did motorsports fans do before AI Servo ..... Hmmm?
martook
19th of July 2005 (Tue), 01:28
What did motorsports fans do before AI Servo ..... Hmmm?

Got less keepers? :P
Tom W
19th of July 2005 (Tue), 06:14
What did motorsports fans do before AI Servo ..... Hmmm?

They used big viewfinders and manually pre-focused on a spot on the track, waiting for the cars to show up.