Canon EOS Rebel XTi or 30D

I'm new here to the board and a beginner when it comes to photography, but I love taking pictures...especially good ones! I'm upgrading my point-n-shoot Sony Cybershot DSC-V1 this year. Currently, it's a toss up between the new Rebel XTi and the 30D, either one with the EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS lens. I like the idea of the self-cleaning CCD on the new Rebel, as well as the 10.1 mp clarity. However, the heavy-duty frame of the 30D is a nice feature too...will I even notice the difference between 8.2 and 10.1 mp? Would I be better off buying the XTi with the 17-85mm lens with an additional lense, or just get the 30D with the 17-85mm lens and worry about additional lenses down the road?

Any input would be appreciated from owners of either camera!

A big part of this is how it feels in your hand, to me, the XTi is too small. The way a camera feels plays a large role in the camera I select.

Do a search on this site and you will find more info then you will care to read. I have used both cameras. If you are new to the world of SLR's than get the XTI it is a great camera. It will cost less, giving you more money to spend on a better lens or two. The image quality is going to be very similar in both cameras. You will most likely never use half the features on the 30D. Start with the XTi, once you have mastered that the 40D will be out and then you should upgrade. Both cameras are great. Go to the store and hold both of them. I just trades in my XTi for a used 20D, only because I love the larger feel and the wheel on the back. It will all come down to you holding both of them, the photos you will take on either camera will look great. Hope this helps. And welcome!!

Hello,

You really can't go wrong with either option. As you have probably noticed from playing with the cameras at the store, the 30D has a very different user interface than the XTi. Most pros/enthusiasts find having two wheels for adjusting settings to be faster than using buttons and menu options, although the on-screen menus can be more helpful for someone just starting out.

I don't think you'll notice the differenct between 8 and 10 mp, but realize that most folks change digital camera bodies once every two years or so. Therefore, it makes more sense to invest carefully in good lenses and purchase the least expensive body that will meet your needs at the moment.

That said, these two bodies are pretty close in price after Canon rebates. I would recommend the 30D and the EF 50mm f/1.4 USM lens over the XTi with the EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens. After Canon rebates, you can get the 30D/50mm combo for $1,224.90 v.s. $1,209.90 for the XTi/17-85 combo.

You'll give up the versitility of having a zoom lens by going with the 30D combo, but most folks here would agree that a fast 50mm is a better lens to learn with. You'll also have a camera that you won't out-grow as quickly, and you won't have to worry about selling your EF-S lens to fund the purchase of a better normal zoom like the EF 24-70mm f/2.8L USM or EF 24-105mm f/4L IS USM. You'll always have a use for the fast 50mm.

Here's a link to B&H part numbers that I have typed up that you may find handy as a reference:

http://dsnyder.ws-e.com/canon_2006/

dmp-potn wrote in post #2354096
Hello,

That said, these two bodies are pretty close in price after Canon rebates. I would recommend the 30D and the EF 50mm f/1.4 USM lens over the XTi with the EF-S 17-85mm f/4-5.6 IS USM lens. After Canon rebates, you can get the 30D/50mm combo for $1,224.90 v.s. $1,209.90 for the XTi/17-85 combo.

I agree that the 30D is a great choice but I find it fascinating when people say that the two cameras are "pretty close in price after Canon rebates."

The XTi with the 17-85mm lens is $1,199.95 at B&H (black body.) B&H apparently has two different prices for this combination. The 30D with the 17-85mm lens is $1,659.95 ($1,429.95 after rebate.) That's nearly a 20% difference in price. Plus, you have to wait to get that rebate so you have to pay $460 more up front.

Going with the 50 f/1.4 will keep the prices closer but I still don't see it being close to the same price.

If the money isn't a problem, I would recommend the 30D, as well, but I went for an XTi because of the cost difference. Since there is no rebate on the XTi and the rebate on the Canon 17-85mm is pretty small, I decided to purchase a Sigma 17-70. It's a lot less expensive and get similar ratings as the Canon. It just doesn't have IS.

Michael

i love my xti...especially as an intro into dslrs. grab the xti or wait a month or so for the new 30d. they are pretty close in comparison right now, so i can only assume that the replaced 30d will be clearly a notch above, but currently i dont see it as that much better...especially if your not a big dslr guy

banana wrote in post #2354000
A big part of this is how it feels in your hand, to me, the XTi is too small. The way a camera feels plays a large role in the camera I select.

When I bought my xti I bought a battery grip and the same time (I had one with my rebel and it never came off!)
It definitely makes the camera feel more substantial and gives you the the shutter button mode wheel, EC and zoom on the grip as (for portrait e.g upright photos).
opteka do an almost exact replica grip (apart from the Canon badge of course!) for about half the price of the canon one.

to answer your question. no. you will not notice a difference between 8 and 10mp. it wont make a difference till youre blowing images up past poster size

Thanks for all the responses! I have looked at both on several occasions, but for some reason keep getting pulled towards the XTi.

mikegrasso - Like you had mentioned, I think thats what I'm going to do...go with the XTi now and down the road upgrade to the 40D. I'm still new to all of this and as everyone mentioned, the XTi will be a good beginner DSLR. Plus, right now I'd rather take the extra money and put it towards some good accessories as well.

I keep reading about this "battery grip". Is this really a good accessory to purchase and would it be wise to go with it when I purchase the camera?

Thanks for all your help everyone!!

UltraShooter wrote in post #2361301
I keep reading about this "battery grip". Is this really a good accessory to purchase and would it be wise to go with it when I purchase the camera?

Only you can say whether or not the grip is necessary for you. I highly reccommend it. You need to see how the XTi fits in your hands. Also, try to get a feel for what it feels like with the lens you will be using it with. I found the grip to be absolutely necessary for me. I gave the camera a more balanced feel, with a range of lenses. And you can always remove it when you want a lighter/smaller DSLR while traveling. Another plus is the extended battery life. Not that the XTi is a power hog, which it isn't, but it is really nice to not have to worry about battery power for a good long time between charges.

If i could do it again, I would go with the 30D.

I am having nothing but problems with my XTi.

hi welcome .. like you im new to dslr too and decided on buying the XTi over the 30D first because of the price and 2nd im new to dslr and it's a good beginner camera.
battery grip that's the first accessory i bought and let me tell it makes a lot a difference holding the camera and it's like my xti is on steroids. and i love it.

blam wrote in post #2361335
If i could do it again, I would go with the 30D.

I am having nothing but problems with my XTi.

What kind of problems?

Yes on the Battery Grip get it. I had one on my XTi and is makes thing so much better. You will be so happy you got it. Longer shooting time, vertical grip and shutter button, It is a must have on the XTi.

Good luck and post some pics when you get it.

nismosr - Thanks! That is one of the main reasons for right now why I'm leaning towards the XTi in my decision. I too am new so I don't want something too overwhelming. I'm sure I'll slowly progress and down the road upgrade the body. I'll check out that battery grip. It would be nice to have the longer shooting time and some of the other features...

blam - Please describe the type of "problems" you are experiencing with your XTI.

mikegrasso - I'll check into that battery grip option...I'm sure B&H carries it, as that is where I plan to purchase everything else. I'll post pictures of what I end up getting, as well as the accessories.