EOS 30D vs Rebel XTi

What makes a EOS 30D take better pictures than a Rebel XTi.... or does it?

i think it depends on what you are looking for. you see a lot of pro photogs using 30d's at weddings, and other events. and they get great photos. but from what i gather they have better IQ, faster AF stuff, and more user friendly buttons, and settings than the xti. i think you would have to hold one, and play with one for a few minutes to see for yourself.
im not so interested in xxD line, as i am in getting a 5d.

If you're taking a burst of action shots, the 30D might give you better results. Otherwise, its about even. The 30D's major selling point is the build of the camera and the nicer professional features (controls, viewfinder, etc.).

zucchini wrote in post #3878762
What makes a EOS 30D take better pictures than a Rebel XTi.... or does it?

The round squishy object behind the viewfinder.

jasestu wrote in post #3882694
The round squishy object behind the viewfinder.

That spider has now been removed.

Most of it is the build of the body, Larger so it feels more comfortable in larger hands, faster burst and better AF features. I think it is more balanced with some of the larger lenses out there. Both take great photos, you will see more of a difference in image quality from a different Lens as opposed to the different Body.

Do a search and you'll find at least a dozen threads on this topic. I've pondered the same thing and concluded that, as with most things, it's down to personal preference. Anything from aesthetics, to heft, to size, to layout and feel of controls, to the grip, to status, and the list goes on. Several large electronic stores such as Best Buy and Circuit City carry both and it's a good place to try them out.

I've shot with both and the only difference I see is in the glass used not the body. 30D is definitely faster at 5fps. Then there's the 40D at 6.5 fps...

shannyD wrote in post #3878786
i think it depends on what you are looking for. you see a lot of pro photogs using 30d's at weddings, and other events. and they get great photos. but from what i gather they have better IQ, faster AF stuff, and more user friendly buttons, and settings than the xti. i think you would have to hold one, and play with one for a few minutes to see for yourself.
im not so interested in xxD line, as i am in getting a 5d.

I'd agree with most of that except the IQ part. From what I can tell, there is virtually no difference in IQ between the two cameras. As for settings, it depends on what you are used to. I'm used to my XTi so I can cruise through the settings faster than I could on an unfamiliar 30D.

I have both. They are different for sure. You need to handle both and decide what is best for you. I like the XTi without the grip for certain situations. With a small lens on it, it is very convenient and doesn't attract a lot of attention. There are other times when I carry the 30 w/grip with a big lens because it is required for the job at hand. In M I like the 30 a bit better as I can change settings a little easier but it's no big deal. The settings can be seen on the big screen on the back of XTi a little easier. IQ isn't very different.

Bailly Photography wrote in post #3882943
Most of it is the build of the body, Larger so it feels more comfortable in larger hands, faster burst and better AF features.

FYI, they both have the same AF.

what about the noise at high iso? any difference?

I got a 30D and compared it to 400D/XTi and the 30D definitely has lower noise at higher ISO. Its also more light sensitive so the shutter speed was always slightly faster than 400D for same scene/lens etc. Thats why I sold the 400D.

On a side note: I'm hoping the 40D doesn't have the same problem as the 400D because of the 10MP sensor. Some tests posted so far indicate that the 40D is not quite as sensitive as the 30D. We'll have to wait for the pro tests on that one.

how abuot low light focusing? any differences there?

I didn't test that particular aspect but I've not had any focus problems with the 30D even in really low light. Remember it also depends on the lens.

Thank you all for your input. It has been very helpful!