30D vs. 350D... Surprising opinion?

[deniska]

Based on all the recommendations (and my own desire), I returned the 350D and bought a 30D... I have to try both do decide, right?

Since I got over the price difference, this was supposed to be a no-brainer... But after having the camera for several hours, I have mixed feelings.

First, the ergonomics: I found the 30D to be heavier and bulkier than I would've liked (the weight is more of an issue that the size, but I noticed both). I felt some strain after a couple of hours of shooting. The 350D felt just right. Maybe with a heavier lens I'd feel differently. The control LCD on the top of the camera took some adjustment too. I liked the control LCD on the back of the 350D (after just a couple of days) -- I could adjust the settings and shoot without "turning the camera over". Finally, I ran into a bizarre issue: the prominent LCD seems to be less recessed against the eyepiece... so my big got in the way! I found it a challenge to look through the viewfinder without tilting my head. I sort of found a comfortable position after about an hour. Maybe my big schnauz is to blame, but it's just weird. I did not have the same issue on the 350D.

Second, the features: I absolutely love the LCD. It does make a difference in my opinion. Also, the fact that you can zoom in and then go from image to image while maintaining zoom does make it easy to validate images (it's a pain on the 350D -- you have to zoom out/zoom in for every image, and that just takes too long). The control dial and the four-way controller in the back are great. I was a little confused when in the P mode I had changed the exposure compensation before focusing, and then after focusing noticed that the back dial adjusts the AE comp starting at 0 rather than the point I had pre-selected. I suppose that would come with experience. Same goes for the AF/ISO/Drive mode/WB buttons. More difficult to use at first -- you need to learn which dial to use, and unless you want to waste time you need to be able to find the buttons without looking at them. That said, it's great that the ISO display is in the viewfinder. I didn't mind the extra "Set" press on the 350D -- I think it's actually easier to use for amateurs like me. But I can see how the 30D can become much more intuitive after some experience. Finally, the two extra focus points do help. Not significantly, but I did notice the improvement in several occasions. I think the kit lens really precludes the fast focus, so it's hard to judge.

So while I am torn (I covet the 2.5" LCD and the second dial), I am leaning towards going back to the 350D. The most important reason: weight/size. Maybe once I get some experience and accumulate better (and heavier) lenses, 30D will become a more natural choice.

I lost my chance at the $100 rebate, but I am sure I'll find a comparable price. I'll keep the camera this week to see if my feelings re: the 30D change.

Thanks for all your advice!

[molesrkool]

(it's a pain on the 350D -- you have to zoom out/zoom in for every image

you dont have to do this.. you turn the control dial (the one that changes ss and aperture)

[adas]

Don't change back. Go the gym.

[rjcanon]

Have you considered the eyepiece extender for nose comfort?

[lakiluno]

Originally Posted by molesrkool

(it's a pain on the 350D -- you have to zoom out/zoom in for every image

you dont have to do this.. you turn the control dial (the one that changes ss and aperture)

Not only is he good at selling stuff, the man has brains as well!

wow! I never knew that!

[jevidon]

Although the 30D is a little bit heavier, imo it feels a lot easier to hold with the slightly wider and padded gripping for the right hand. maybe your hands are smaller than mine, but i was getting annoyed with my fingers feeling wedged all the time with the 350D.

[vetkrazy]

You might want to try the ep-ex15 eyepiece extender. I use them on my 1 series because of my glasses. My vote is keep the 30D.

[deniska]

Originally Posted by adas

Don't change back. Go the gym.

Smart a$$

[deniska]

Originally Posted by jorlando

Although the 30D is a little bit heavier, imo it feels a lot easier to hold with the slightly wider and padded gripping for the right hand. maybe your hands are smaller than mine, but i was getting annoyed with my fingers feeling wedged all the time with the 350D.

Thanks. I am not a large guy, so my hands are relatively small. I am going to try the eyepiece extender, see how that works out.

[Lavarama]

I have both cameras and would definitely say keep the 30D. Once you use it for a little you will adjust and IMO the controls are easier to use

[Digitalwave]

I'll trade you my 350D for your 30D, just say the magic words

[delhi]

Originally Posted by molesrkool

(it's a pain on the 350D -- you have to zoom out/zoom in for every image

you dont have to do this.. you turn the control dial (the one that changes ss and aperture)

whoa didn't know that.
Also I discovered that the D-pad buttons can be used to change the focus points rather than wheeling away with the top wheel.
One of the main reason I pick the 350d over the 20d was the size. Coming from film SLR I felt the 350D's size and weight was a welcome. It didn't feel clunky or bulky. I do a lot of street photography so alot of walkaround. I didn't get tired at all whereas my friend who has the 20D whined about walking so long.
Also perhaps I am young and years of flickering around with the Playstation has honed by fingers and thumbs fairly well so it wasn't difficult to change things on the fly. YMMV.
I'd go for the 30D if it was smaller. Perhaps the new 350D replacement will be just that!

[Roach711]

I used the eyepiece extender on my Drebel and found that it made the viewfinder window smaller and it kept coming off in my camera bag. I ended up selling it with the Dreb when I upgraded.

I have the same problem with my nose hitting the LCD screen but I have just gotten used to cleaning off the nose oil once in a while.

[zacker]

i had the 350D and sold it to get the 30D and i gotta say, there is a huge difference... at least to me in Pic quality... Maybe i had a bum 350D but it just seemed too noisy for me and I always saw pics made with the 20D and then the 30D when it came out and would love the clean pics... like i said, it could have been my camera but im sooo glad i went to the 30D..plus i love the spot meter and bigger screen but most of all, the added weight..and i even put a grip on it.. now it feels much nicer....-
zacker-

[zacker]

Originally Posted by Roach711

I have the same problem with my nose hitting the LCD screen but I have just gotten used to cleaning off the nose oil once in a while.

lol how true this is!
-zacker-