Buyers remorse? 350D

Hi All. I've been reading for quite some time but have only posted once or twice. I've owned a rebel XT since January. I've run into a couple of instances where the auto focus struggled, and more importantly I could have used a faster FPS while shooting sports. I am only a novice/amateur. The XT is my First DSLR (I moved up from an S3IS). I don't know of a 30D will solve my problems. The 30D is at the fringe of what I can afford. Will upgrading solve my problem and if so, is there a market for an XT to help offset the cost? Any advise is appreciated.

Dunderhead wrote in post #3348065
Hi All. I've been reading for quite some time but have only posted once or twice. I've owned a rebel XT since January. I've run into a couple of instances where the auto focus struggled, and more importantly I could have used a faster FPS while shooting sports. I am only a novice/amateur. The XT is my First DSLR (I moved up from an S3IS). I don't know of a 30D will solve my problems. The 30D is at the fringe of what I can afford. Will upgrading solve my problem and if so, is there a market for an XT to help offset the cost? Any advise is appreciated.

Why not purchase a used 20D instead? It's virtually the same camera and will give you what you want.

Yes there is a market for used XTs.

What lens are you using and what where the conditions - it may be more of a lens issue

What FPS where you after - what mode where you shooting in - what focus was you using ... and what format - ie JPG, RAW etc

I don't know. There are a lot of very nice images of a variety of subjects tken with the XT out there. While better equipment couldn't hurt you might be better served by working on your technique first.

Things like focus and timing can be great affected by the lens you are shooting and your own experience and anticipation.

While I'm usually of the buy all the toys you want camp I would actually say to maximize the equipment you have before blaming it.

Learn to use your camera better. I think the 350 has the same 5fps shooting as my 400d and it is plenty for all the motorsports Ive shot. If you get the picture right on the first click you dont need a high fps camera.

As for the focus what lenses are you using? I was at my local camera shop and looking at a 70-200 f4L and was amazed at how quickly it focused compared to my other lenses.

Me? I was almost buy 350D, but in forum, one of members who actual conviced me to buy 30D instead of 350D. I bought 30D, thank to this forum of members. Now I never feeling remorse/ regret about bought my sweet 30D since Aug 2006. I am happy with it in my lifetime..

Good luck with your own decisions!

FPS
Canon Specs
350D (XT)
http://www.canon.co.uk …al_SLR/EOS_350D​/index.asp

30D
http://www.canon.co.uk …ital_SLR/eos30d​/index.asp

400D (XTi)
http://www.canon.co.uk …al_SLR/EOS_400D​/index.asp

Is it FPS that is the problem, or running our of buffer? I find using Ultra II 2GB cards that the buffer is not too bad if you time your shots well.

Right now you have the kit that I wish I had, I find that I can shoot most things satisfactorily with what I have, and it is a lot less than you.

My advice,

Get to know your camera perfectly, push it to the extremes, then back off and see if your pics are better. There is more to a photo than just the camera.

Autofocus having problems? Were you using the right mode? Have you tried a USM lens, might be a bit quicker for what you need. I find it makes a difference, especially for stuff like rally cars where they are shifting along!

It would be good to know the specifics of your problems.

It is easy to get carried away and think that if you had a 1DMKIIN you would have got the shot, I have seen plently of times that a 350D has brought home the bacon.

So, stick with what you have, get to know it, and when you find a problem, find a solution.

Cheers,

Sam

I started out with an XT and am SOOO glad I did. Its a GREAT starter camera, capable, does have some issues, butby no means a slouch.

I too had alot of AF problems, but once you learn to get the most out of it you will upgrade and then the new BETTER camera will amaze you.

On the other hand, if you jump right to a upgrade then you will still have to go through the learning curve and you will feel more bad cuz of the extra money you spent.

Also, you may find that you just dont want to put the time into learning and then you wont have spent all that money on an upgraded camera...


BUT, dont give up, keep learning and practicing...post pictures and ask for advice....

If you could post a couple of examples where you thought the camera let you down, it would help. The 30D does have a faster burst, and its autofocus is a little better than the XT. That being said, I think I'd get to know your camera a little better, hone your skills. Wait till you get to the point where you're fairly confident that it's the limitations of the camera, not the limitations of the user, that is holding you back.

Before steping up to a newwer camera try some newwer lenes...

what sports are you taking???

you really can't reach much with the 70mm on the long end..

I had the same issues with my 350d. Ended up with buying a refurbished 20d, and all I can say is WOW ! It is such a nice camera compared to the 350d (not that 350d isn't a good camera, by all means). 5fps continually for around 50-55 images (I was amazed, having read that the buffer only got room for 25 or so) is awesome ! Buying the 30d over the 20d simply wasn't worth it for me, seing as the improvements aren't that big a deal for me.