New 30D - not very impressed

I've just bought a 30D, and as I already have the 10D and a D60, I am able to compare the three cameras side by side.

Although the 30D is only a slight upgrade from the 20D, I must say that the overall quality of the body materials and 'feel' of the 30D is not as good as my 20D or even the D60. And certainly not what I expected from a 'prosumer' quality camera.

And when you compare the BG-E2 and the older BG-ED3 battery grips, they're miles apart. The BG-E2 being much more 'plastiky' and lacking the overall better quality of my older grips.

Perhaps that's the reason why the 30D is being so heavily discounted at the moment, (mine cost me £804.99 from Jessops) or is it because the Nikon D200 has finally knocked the 20D/30D off of its top spot?

I'm slightly confused here: are you comparing the 30D to the 20D or to the 10D and D60? I can't comment on the latter two. I can assure you it's an upgrade in body materials and overall feel from my 300D (though I find that's not something I care all that much about). I have, however, compared the 20D and 30D side-by-side and I thought that if there were any difference it was slightly in the 30D's favour - the hand-grip felt better to me and to my eye the subtle difference in the body finish went the way of the 30D as well.

But I bought it for improved AI Servo focus mode and access to other controls when using it (ISO, exposure compensation etc.) that just aren't available on my 300D. I prefered the 30D over the 20D because it was cheaper (I got a good deal) and because of the 1/3rd stop ISO increments (useful) and spot metering (less useful for me, but useful nonetheless). I've found other features on the 30D to be worth having as well - but not the direct print button!

I guess it depends on what you were after when you bought it. My goal was to take pictures. My 30D does that pretty well, and allows me to get shots I would've missed with the 300D (which, BTW, is still a very useful and quite capable 2nd body in a lot of circumstances).

...Mike

I have both a 20D and 30D - can't see any difference in the quality myself.

I've handled the 20D plenty of times and have a 30D now. I prefer the 30D as a camera (I had 300D and 350D previously) and cannot really fault it for my use. The grip ius the same as the 20D grip. If you don't like it then get a refund.

What are you comparing? Quality of pics? Build quality? Speed? Lighter weight? Higher ISO quality? I upgraded from a D60 and besides the fact that the D60 was heavier and was alittle bigger, the 30D blows it away in every other aspect. I can't commment on the difference between the 10D or the 20D with it being that I never owned those. But you know what, if you feel the D200 is the cam for you.....More power to you. i think most Nikons take great shots..........in Good lighting, from what I've seen from the D70(A friend of mine owns one) I hated the noise in low light. And from the comparisons I've seen, the D200 isn't much better in the noise dept. But to each his own. I personally am extremely happy with my 30D.

When I held them in the shop I thought the rubber on the 30D's grip was slightly 'stickier'. A subtle difference. It wouldn't have changed my purchase decision either way, that's for sure.

...Mike

I believe your exaggerating a bit on that statement. Read some of the reviews pertaining to ISO and IQ results.

Huh? The 30D build quality is excellent.

May be you are in love with your old heavy equipment

So you are saying that the 20D's Magnesium shell is better than the 30D's Magnesium shell? And that the 20D's LIGHTER weight make it feel more solid, that the 30D? Roll eyes.....

were you comparing it to the 10d or the 20d? From your post it looks like you have the 10d and d60. Didn't they somewhat lower the build quality from the 10d-->20d?

ill give ya $800.00 usd + Shipping to the states for it!
-zacker-

So here's a question: WTF are camera manufacturers putting a "Direct Print" button on a DSLR for?!? Are they trying to push their printers? Who in their right mind buys a $1500US camera and doesn't edit the photos?

Sorry for the rant! I just wish they'd use the space taken up by that button for maybe something (or nothing!) else...

Direct Print is available with most new photo printers and is nice when on location and you want to print a quick 4x6 through say a IP90 with a battery pack.

Hehehe! So why on earth did you buy it then?

30D isn't being discounted, it's retailing at the right price, just took Jessops & Co a few weeks to come into line with everyone else who has been selling it at around that price since the launch date.