Who loves the 300/350/400Ds BECAUSE they're so small?

Not me... until I have a 1D mkIII! THEN I'm sure I'll cherish the "smaller alternative" at times! =)

The 350D is a fine size.
Left hand under the lens.
Right hand with the big thumb muscle behind
and the middle and ring finger around the front grip
and thumb and first finger to work the controls.
I mean, if it was the size of a pack of cigarettes
I could see complaining...

I have the same thoughts as the OP - I'm thinking of upgrading but the small size and light weight of the 350d makes me think twice. Its convenient to lug around anywhere and use without a second thought or a lot of planning beforehand. Plus if it breaks, I won't be shedding tears. There's a sense of freedom that comes with all that. (Reminds me of my neighbor who bought a LandRover HSE - he's paranoid of where and how its driven and parked).

segasaturn wrote in post #3992670
I would assume that originally the 300d was designed in Japan. Remember the original x-box controllers? They made the USA versions larger, and the Japanese versions smaller. This had the opposite ending where most USA users found the smaller Japanese controllers to be more to their liking.

i can't tell what you are saying but the 300d is a full size camera (unlike xt and xti).

ed rader

After shooting with my XT for almost two years, I've grown to love its size. I shoot in manual and find the controls reasonably easy to use. I'm picking up an XTi next week rather than upgrading to a 30D because the difference in cost will allow the purchase of other equipment. Size of the different bodies did not play into the decision.

I recently got an Elan IIE back after giving to a friend (she just got an XT to replace it) and it seems very large, even awkward to me.

Kevin

I've often thought of getting an XT and a 35 f/2 for a point and shoot alternative.

Ronald S. Jr. wrote in post #3993873
I've often thought of getting an XT and a 35 f/2 for a point and shoot alternative.

i'd do the 20d and 28 1.8 !

ed rader

With the 20D price where it's at, so would I, I imagine!

I like the small size of the XTi as well, however as soon as the price of the 5D comes down (whether from a rebate, or 5D MkII), I'll sacrifice the compact size for a less compact sensor

Collin85 wrote in post #3992579
I had been contemplating selling my 400D lately to a friend for around $700AUD to help fund for a 40D. A 40D would also go well with my current 30D due to the similar controls - but I just can't seem to let go of this little thing! One of the reasons has been that it's so SMALL. Many people go for a xxD over the xxxDs due to the much better handling ergonomics, but I for one have never found the xxxD grips to be bad (although no doubt the 30D is better), and the small size (or more specifically, the low height relative to the 30D/5D) has allowed me to fit it into bags like my laptop case, which I take to university each day. I just couldn't do that with the 30D/5D without changing bags.

I think I'll probably always end up owning a Rebel at a given time, just because I can nail all the shots I could with a 30D ..but sometimes the small size just makes it that much more useful to me.

Anyone else feel the same.. ?

Love my 350D and still have it. I've owned ALL the sizes and all the crop factors (including lack of crop). Main setup is now 5D/40D. That size is the perfect size for me, but the 350D is superb as a lightweight rig.

I've developed a 3-finger-grip for the 350D that transfers the bulk of its weight to the left hand where it's comfortable (same way I hold my long telephotos). This takes nearly all the weight off the 3 fingers and thus the size of the right hand grip doesn't matter so much.

Believe it or not I can hold a 100-400 paired to this body. Comfortably. It's all about technique, not hand size folks, unless you have hands the size of feet

Pair this one with the 17-85 (or upcoming 18-55 IS), 35/2 or 28/1.8 and you have an awesome yet versatile lightweight rig. Has hotshoe, has high ISO, has near-instant SLR AF. Great for those days when you want a point and shoot that does so much more than a P&S.

I plan to get the 18-55 IS in the near future. That'd be totally cool to put on the 350D. And then when the snobs snicker "omg n00b DSLR user", I just reach into the bag and pop my 300/2.8 ISL on it

Lightstream wrote in post #3993958
Love my 350D and still have it. I've owned ALL the sizes and all the crop factors (including lack of crop). Main setup is now 5D/40D. That size is the perfect size for me, but the 350D is superb as a lightweight rig.

I've developed a 3-finger-grip for the 350D that transfers the bulk of its weight to the left hand where it's comfortable (same way I hold my long telephotos). This takes nearly all the weight off the 3 fingers and thus the size of the right hand grip doesn't matter so much.

Believe it or not I can hold a 100-400 paired to this body. Comfortably. It's all about technique, not hand size folks, unless you have hands the size of feet

Pair this one with the 17-85 (or upcoming 18-55 IS), 35/2 or 28/1.8 and you have an awesome yet versatile lightweight rig. Has hotshoe, has high ISO, has near-instant SLR AF. Great for those days when you want a point and shoot that does so much more than a P&S.

I plan to get the 18-55 IS in the near future. That'd be totally cool to put on the 350D. And then when the snobs snicker "omg n00b DSLR user", I just reach into the bag and pop my 300/2.8 ISL on it

Yeah man, I took out the 30D, 17-55 and 580EX a few days ago with a few friends. Not exactly a light combo to hold all day long, but not too bad. Then yesterday I popped the (actually, your ) 28/1.8 onto the 400D and it totally felt like a little P&S. I love it!

At first, the XTi was (and still) feels like a big, heavy war machine in my hands compared to a mere P&S, and I love it.

Collin85 wrote in post #3994131
Yeah man, I took out the 30D, 17-55 and 580EX a few days ago with a few friends. Not exactly a light combo to hold all day long, but not too bad. Then yesterday I popped the (actually, your ) 28/1.8 onto the 400D and it totally felt like a little P&S. I love it!

Good to see the 28/1.8 is still doing fine

Its replacement here is also getting along well. It even gets used on an Elan 7NE from time to time, together with fast film.

I was trying out some lesnes at a camera shop near me, and the salesmen let me use a Rebel XT to try them with. I couldn't believe how small it was compared to my 30D. It just felt all wrong to me.

Then I came home and picked up my XTi that I hadn't pulled out of my bag since my 30D arrived. Holy moly, it was exactly the same size! I can't believe I used that tiny camera for so long!

So, to anser the OP's question, no. The XTi feels like a toy, while my (gripped) 30D feels like a tool. The XTi is currently in my wife's possession, where she's perfectly happy with green box mode.

Hi Collin I've got a 350D (XT) and love it, thinking of a 40D but wont part with the 350.
I dont find the size a problem but I normally use it a 100mm macrco or 70 - 200, so dont find it too small it does feel small with the kit lens though.
Its small size and weight has advantages I go out a lot on my motorbike with the camera so its handy it fits into a small bag
Pete