30D 'too much' camera for amateur?

ChrisBlaze wrote in post #2365457
I think its took much camera for anyone starting out. Its not cheaply priced like the XTi and you'll only take half the loss if you but it but rarely use it.

I still got around 600 for my 10D a few months ago. The higher series cameras tend to hold more value. The 30D has that higher value and will hold more value as time passes by. It's built well and will last longer with a need for less because its more versatile in the features it offers.

Had the same situation when i bought,

went into Jessops (uk) and they were very patient, let me have a play with all of the cameraas, when i held the 350d and 400d they both felt a bit small, the body lenght was the problem, as i have big hands the bottom of my and and little finger were both off the camera, this meant i didnt feel as ballenced with it as the 30d

when i held the 30d it just felt right, and seeing as pretty much all the time you use it you hold it i think thats a big concideration.

bit like buying a car, you just know when you've found the right one, it doesnt have to have a neon sign above it saying "right one here!"

saying that though, i could of compensated for the body length with a battery grip

very happy with my choice of 30d, had it two months and taken about 3000 pictures, i'm still no good at it, but i'm getting better

roeddel wrote in post #2363683
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!

Oh.... that is sooo true!

Definately go for the 30D - Good Luck!

TJ

chr15b wrote in post #2365516
....saying that though, i could of compensated for the body length with a battery grip...

... and if you haven't already bought one, my bet is you soon will

TeeJay wrote in post #2365526
... and if you haven't already bought one, my bet is you soon will

i find the 30d long enough and the battery life is very surprising, i've charged it once in two months and even though last time i was out it was showing low it's still going

i could get a day (1gb) with my panasonic p&s

Think of it as buying a new Tricycle, then six months later you are ready and able to use a Bicycle.
If you are really interested in exploring photography, then there is no such thing as 'too much camera'.
Sounds like your husband doesn't share you degree of interest and therefore doesn't understand the need for advanced capabilities.
The 30D is an excellent unit and should last a long time past your current indecision.

ccshaw wrote in post #2363647
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!

My friedn asked me exactly the same question a while back and I said there was only one answer, that is to go and hold one, play with it, go with what feels right

If you get the camera that feels too small you will regret it and no the 30D is definitely not too much for an amateur, in fact the beauty of it is that you can really grow into it and personally I think taht the 'feel' of a camera is very imprttant

After all this is a creative thing with creative processes, if it doesn't feel right it just won't be as creative for you

I say get the 30D. A long time ago, I was deciding btw a 20D or a XT and chose the XT. I should have gotten the 20D. But now I have the 30D and I am a amateur and love it.

I Simonius wrote in post #2366127
My friedn asked me exactly the same question a while back and I said there was only one answer, that is to go and hold one, play with it, go with what feels right

In reality this is about the only thing that makes any sense. Quality wise, feature wise, versatility wise, they are all practically the same and a shot taken with one will be indistinguishable from another. It all comes down to feel and what you like.

ccshaw wrote in post #2363647
My husband thinks we should get the xti. . . . . . . . . . . . . .

If the 30D feels more confortable - go ahead and get it!! If you don't, you'll always have that nagging feeling that you really should have bought it.

And after all .... when did you last take any notice of what your husband said ?

I think the whole "too much camera" discussion is not accurate. It is only "too much" if you believe you don't want to learn what all it can do. Believe me, when you begin seeing the capabilities and learning more about how to photograph your interests and even taking a class in photography, the 30D will be well worth the initial investment. I would even suggest the 5D, but it may be being replaced in a few months with an update or other model (rumor, not truth).

If you can swing it then get it by all means. There is a learning curve, but nothing you cant handle with some reading and time...enjoy your new purchase!