What camera ?

One thing that impresses me, among others, is the quality of imagery obtained with the 300 and 350 cameras used by members. As a film shooter using mostly black and white now because a favourite colour printing from transparency film process is no longer available to me, I am on the fringe of getting into digital camera use for close up work. My camera of choice would probably be the more costly EOS 5 as I find the 350 and 400 somewhat small for my hands but I have been made aware of the battery extension which would increase the camera size. The question is, apart from overall size and obvious differences in build materials, would the EOS 30 be a 'must have camera' compared with the 350 ?

For what you plan to do, any of the DSLRs will do a great job. I would not say the 30D is a "must have" camera, but I traded my 400D for a 30D for the very reason that you cited in your post. I just feel better when holding a 30D.

I nearly always have flash brackets on my DSlRs and they takes away any size problems. Think the differences between a 30D and 400D apart from "build quality" are fairly minimal- so it's up to you whether any are of importance to you. All the cameras 20D/30D/350D/400D produce images virtually indistinguishable from each other in most situations. As is usual of course rumours abound of a replacement for the 30D coming shortly.

Brian V.