What to do with outdated body

I'm the proud new owner of a 5D MkIII. Amazing camera that blows away my prior primary body, the Canon 7D. I plan to keep both of these as each has unique capabilities, however, I also own a Canon 30D which was previously my back-up body.

Checking the marketplace, the value of these has gone way down and, I'm sure, will continue to fall. It's not a bad camera, so I have to part with it for nothing. My question to the board is what would you do? I've considered selling, passing in on to one of my kids, converting to an IR body.

IR seems really cool, but I wonder if the costs will be more than it's worth.

Any of those sound like a decent plan.

Get one of the kids in it if they're interested in learning. Still a pretty decent camera, and brilliant if they're actually interested.

Donate it to a school ?
Raffle it off and give the proceeds to charity ?

that's a good body, find someone who wants one and pass it on.

Based on a 30 second look on ebay for Canon 30D bodies, completed listings, it appears they are going from $150 on the low side to $260 or so on the high end. Good condition, and having the accesories such as manual, cords, CD, box, and even throwing in a camera bag gets the top dollar. It's a great DSLR starter! It was my first DSLR after a couple of P&S.

FWIW, a little over a year ago, I bought a near mint, used 30D on ebay with 4 batteries, grip, double charger, all the packaging/manuals/cabl​es/CD, etc for $380. Considering the age of the camera and the newer technology out there, Losing about 35% of the value in a year doesn't seem too far off.

We've got a D3000 that's firmly a backup body now that we've got a D700. My wife has spoken of selling it but I'd like to keep it as a last resort backup, as well as for a camera for personal work where we'd like more quality than what we can get from point and shoots but don't dare take our stronger cameras due to risk of theft or damage.

Handing if off free with a kit lens to a relative or friend who maybe doesn't have the money to break into the hobby will not only be great for them, but will certainly stack a few karma points in your direction.

Gave my 10 year old my 300D and took her out shooting last week. She got some great shots, and her different perspective and approach were inspiring.

Stick it on a shelf for display, Take it out and play with it someday when you feel like getting back to your roots...Just take the batteries out before you retire it. Someday you can park that 5D3 next to it...

In a similar situation. Have a 5DII, 7D, 40D and 20D. Thinking of getting rid of the 20D.

Donate it to a deserving person (school/photo club/relative/friend), and share your knowledge.

JLP520 wrote in post #14356708
Stick it on a shelf for display, Take it out and play with it someday when you feel like getting back to your roots...Just take the batteries out before you retire it. Someday you can park that 5D3 next to it...

Actually, I did this with my 'original Rebel'. It proudly sits next to my Mom and Dad's old Kodak Brownie.

Some good ideas - so far gifting to a beginner is my leading idea. Another person suggested I save the body and a kit lens for when I want to take 'high risk' images like attached to side of a car/bike or when I want to shoot while waist deep in moving water. Interesting idea, but sort of a 'one shot' use.

If your local community college has a photo program I'm sure they'd love to have it.