30D or 70-200 f/2.8L IS

whiskaz wrote in post #2220567
Changing focus points is also a pain in the arse and often results in messing with the aperture or SS.

That's something I haven't thought about, though it's been bothering me too. As a fast-action shooter, I rarely use the center AF point because it limits my on-the-fly composition. I'd have to focus, then recompose, but with fast action shooting like candids or sports, you don't have that kind of time. I often overshoot the AF point that I want when I'm switching on my XT. If the 30D AF point selection is similar to the 20D, I'll be happier.

I'm not sure how the 20D works but the 30D has a joystick that's very easy to just 'tap' with your thumb to change the AF point. I was lucky enough to use a 30D for a few days... I loved it... but I'm still on the fence about upgrading right away. Since it's just a matter of choice for you, I'd say the 30D is a good one

Well, Mr. Calzinger, or whatever your name is you're certainly a lucky fella as you've received a wide variety of answers, opinions, and help from a wide variety of people who obviously want to help.

I want to help too. I suggest you get a job. Oh, wait, that's off topic . But hey, then you could upgrade both.

How'd the SAT retake go? Hope you scored high. Wait, that too is off topic. I'm a bad boy.

Aw right, here's the definitive answer you've been waiting for.

are you listening? 30D. 30D. 30D. 30D.

There, did I come across loud and clear enough?

I went from the 10D to the 20D and noticed very big differences, most notably speed. Camera startup time, etc, etc. I could go on and on.

The 30D has it all over your current camera. You are a very talented young man behind the lens. Your lens is just fine and will remain so for a long time to come. It will not lose value either. When you finally make enough money from your photography, and after you are thoroughly enjoying the upgrade to the 30D, then you can get the IS.

As to personal experience and viewfinder size, perhaps if you take your sunglasses off at midnight when shooting, the viewfinder may become a bit clearer.

Your former and hopefully future shooting pal
me

Get the body!!! It's a great camera......

Johnny G has spoken! 30D.

Get the body first, you already have a great lens. Then start saving again!

another body vote.

i ditched my xt for a 30D 3 months ago and have been very happy.

I've owned the XT, 20D and now a 30D, you have a
nice piece of glass already, I think the 30D would help
you more than IS. I would however recommend a nice
monopod.

also, if you wait a month, you may benefit greatly
pricewise... There has been some nice downward
movement in 30D prices. I think you'll start to see
nice prices on minty fresh used 30D's as well...

I started with the original dRebel (300D). Moved to the 20D when I got tired of waiting for the camera to wake up, waiting for data to dump to the card, etc.

OK, the 20D has it all over the 300D - everyone knows that.

20D -> 30D: This is a more subtle upgrade, but there are somethings that I have found. The 30D focuses so much better in low-light situation than does the 20D. This is paramount for me right now.

AF point selection is soo much cooler with the joy-stick.

I could go on and on.

Bottom line, the 30D is much better than the 20D, which by all accounts is so much better than the XT, which kicked on the 300D. Go with the new body! With your type of shooting, you will greatly enjoy the AF over what you have on the XT.

Did I ramble on enough?