30D 'too much' camera for amateur?

Hello, I am very much an amateur photographer (with a strong desire to become much better!) and we are purchasing our first SLR. We've looked at at/researched/consider​ed the Nikon D80, the Rebel xti, and the 30D. I have decided that I want to stick with Canon. My husband thinks we should get the xti, but I just can't get past the small body and the toy-like feel of this camera. I've looked at it on 3 different occasions and had the same feeling of 'no!' everytime. I really like the feel of the 30D. My husband is concerned that the 30D may be 'too much' camera for an amateur photographer like mysef. What do you think? Is the 30D user friendly enough for someone just getting into photography or will it overwhelm me? I know it is considered to be a semi-pro camera. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

Welcome, you came to the right place. The 30D can be used by anyone and has plenty of room to grow into. You can start shooting in Auto (the green square and the camera does all the calculations and work - you just push the shutter button. After getting the feel and reading and studying you will want to start using the P (program) so as to use some of the available features while still allowing the camera to choose the exposure. Then you will start using the Manual exposure settings.
I think the 30D would be a great choice.

get the 30D and learn to grow into it. before you know it, and if you hang around these forums long enough, you would want your own 1DS Mark II! welcome to POTN!

I never owned a camera before my 30D but as I had strong passion for photography, I decided to get something that was going allow me to improve should I be willing and something that will last long time without wishing that I had gone something better.
Its being 7 months since my purchase and I am still learning all the function of the camera but slowly I am learning to utilize most of the function of 30D effectively.
Its a well built camera and I don't think its too much of a equipment for anyone who has desire to learn I do not regret going 30D

I definitely don't think it's too much camera for an amateur. It's very user-friendly and if you're not comfortable with Av or M modes then there's always P mode until you get the hang of it

The 30D can be just as simple as the XTi. That being said, it really won't take a better picture than the XTi. Lens quality really comes in to play with a dslr. If money is an issue, I'd rather have the XT/XTi with some good glass, as opposed to the 30D with the kit lens.

You might want to point out to hubbie that feature for feature, the XTi and the 30D are almost identical. Other than speed improvements, build quality, size, and maybe a feature or two, both cameras are capable of the same thing. As the other user said, quality is in the photographer and the glass.

You need to rephrase the question. An Amateur is one who enjoys doing a particular thing in this instance photography and the proficience of doing so can exceed that of a professional. You can say you're a beginner and would like to learn how to photograph better. There are a lot of amateur here that take wonderful work that exceed the works of some so call professionals. I'm not one of those of cause, but I do enjoy taking pictures.

BTOP, no 30D is definitely not to much camera for an amateur. A camera is not like buying a pair of shoe that is two size too big and you expect to grow into them. No, a camera is a tool and the more you use it the more you'll learn to use it better. The people here in this forum are very helpful and you'll learn a lot from them. I know because I have definitely learn a lot here.

You have got to start somewhere. I wouldn't spend the money on a 1DsMkII as a beginner, even if I could afford it. The 30D really isn't that much more than a new computer and it will allow you to have a wonderful hobby that you can grow with. There's no shame in getting a good book or taking a beginner's course and go from there. If you have the money, if you have the desire, you can improve. I know I have improved a great deal. I still ask silly questions and assume things I shouldn't and people straighten me out. Ask away, and people will help here.

as someone who went strait from an ultra compact point and shoot to a 20D, no the 30D is not too much of a camera for you, or anyone. its many various modes allow for amatures to get used to using a Dslr at whatever pace they would like. Go for it! you wont regret it.

As others have mentioned, no, the 30D isn't too much.

One important thing here, though, that you should emphasize to your husband is how important ergonomics are. If you don't like the way the camera fits in your hands then you won't use it as much! The two cameras aren't that different in capabilities but they do feel different. You should listen to what your hands tell you.

My personal take (based on the questions we get here):

The 30D is not too much for the amateur photographer, but I think it's more than some amateurs photographers need. On second thought, it's too much for a small percentage; this also based on some questions/comments I've read.

It really comes down to how much effort and devotion one puts into learning photography and the camera. By the OP's comments ("strong desire"), it seems that she would be able to handle a 30D, and in short time be able to utilize it's capabilities.

I become a bit exasperated at the ones that haven't or won't read the manual.

I never really understood the whole... "too much camera" thing. Any camera with AUTO modes can be used by an amatuer without problems.

As everyone has pointed out, the 30D and XTi are basically the same level of difficulty/ease. I too debated a long time over the XTi versus the 30D, not due to price as much as features. I went with the 30D and am very happy I did so. With the rebates, if you shop well you can get the 30D at not too much more than the XTi. Make damn sure you buy from a reputable dealer, not just the cheapest you find on the net, as there are tons of scammers out there that look like really good camera stores. BHphoto and Adorama, as well as Amazon have done folks well here. Good luck and enjoy. Remember, the camera is going to be one of your CHEAPEST purchases, the lenses are where you will/can spend the big bucks!

I actually prefer the size, weight, and feel of the XTi over the 30D, which is one of the reasons I got it, besides the more MP, lower price, and sensor cleaning. But no, the 30D isn't too much camera for an amateur.