Should I keep this used 30D?

The shots were taken on a tripod
with timed release so I didn't touch the camera.
I put the 30D on AV so the lens would be at an ideal f8.
I absentmindedly left the XT on Program so it chose f4.


This is the original ad and there is not "As-is" clause:

In this auction you are bidding on a used very good condition Canon EOS 30D Digital Camera Body Only (No Lens) with all of the original manufacturers in the box supplied equipment. This includes the Body Cap, Wide Strap EW-100DGR, Battery Charger CG-580, Battery Pack B-511A, Interface Cable, Video Cable, unaltered Warranty Card, Manuals, software and original box. This camera has had approximately 5900 pictures taken with it (the Canon 30D shutter is rated for over 100,000 actuations). This is a USA camera originally purchased new from B&H by me. Camera is in very good condition, some pictures have flash reflection or dust on them. There is slight wear on the paint on the hot shoe and on the strap attachment hooks on either side of camera. Other than that there are no scratches, dings, chips or any other marks on the displays or body. I have been very happy with this camera and have taken many great photos, but decided to upgrade.

Two more test pix as suggested more light and same f stop and AWB.
First is 30D, second is XT.

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tmcman wrote in post #4052431
Two more test pix as suggested more light and same f stop and AWB.
First is 30D, second is XT.

Use manual focus if your serious about testing. You have an AF issue here not a camera issue... Please note that you will not be able to manual focus using either of these cameras with their default screens. So why did I suggest? To educate you on the nature of the issue. You are going to have to send in the 30D and your lense to get them calibrated. Something is off and I suspect it is your lens that just happens to hit the other side of the XT's out of spec error making your XT seem within spec.

I notice that you have several lens listed in your gear. Why not repeat the test with another lens to confirm it is not the lens.

I would also test with other lenses. But it looks like something is out of whack!...

My 30D is NOT like this, so for whatever reason your seller is WAY off.....LOL

I double this.

pcunite wrote in post #4052509
Use manual focus if your serious about testing. You have an AF issue here not a camera issue... Please note that you will not be able to manual focus using either of these cameras with their default screens. So why did I suggest? To educate you on the nature of the issue. You are going to have to send in the 30D and your lense to get them calibrated. Something is off and I suspect it is your lens that just happens to hit the other side of the XT's out of spec error making your XT seem within spec.

Personally I think the XT is soft too...

Yup - something isn't right. It can be a bugger tracking down exactly what, and ultimately, you may need an absolute reference, such as a recently calibrated lens or camera.

To try to get a handle on what's going on, I'd suggest doing some more formal focus tests, using all your cameras and bodies to see if there is a common factor in the combinations that work badly. For zooms - try different focal lengths. Use the maximum aperture in every case so errors are more obvious due to the shallow DOF. There are charts and instructions here and here.

My guess from what has been posted so far is that the 30D has a front or back focus problem, but it could be something else, or even several problems that could exaggerate or possibly even cancel each other out.

It will take time, but I don't know a faster way.

Again, the whole auction is the only way to see what steps need to be taken. Seller feedback? Your feedback? The camera really does look soft, and if it really is, you shouldn't have any trouble getting a full refund via paypal.

Paypal offers up to $2000 in protection. From several PERSONAL experiences, as long as you are honest and have proof, they are very quick to resolve the matter.

If you want to PM the auction link, please go ahead. I was a powerseller for several years and can advise you to resolve it quickly.

tmcman wrote in post #4050448
The shots were taken on a tripod
with timed release so I didn't touch the camera.
I put the 30D on AV so the lens would be at an ideal f8.
I absentmindedly left the XT on Program so it chose f4.


This is the original ad and there is not "As-is" clause:

In this auction you are bidding on a used very good condition Canon EOS 30D Digital Camera Body Only (No Lens) with all of the original manufacturers in the box supplied equipment. This includes the Body Cap, Wide Strap EW-100DGR, Battery Charger CG-580, Battery Pack B-511A, Interface Cable, Video Cable, unaltered Warranty Card, Manuals, software and original box. This camera has had approximately 5900 pictures taken with it (the Canon 30D shutter is rated for over 100,000 actuations). This is a USA camera originally purchased new from B&H by me. Camera is in very good condition, some pictures have flash reflection or dust on them. There is slight wear on the paint on the hot shoe and on the strap attachment hooks on either side of camera. Other than that there are no scratches, dings, chips or any other marks on the displays or body. I have been very happy with this camera and have taken many great photos, but decided to upgrade.

i know very few (infact not any) users of a prosumer body, that buy a body brand new, and intentionally mistreat their equipment. I recently purchased a second hand 30D and I was hard pushed to tell that it had even ever been used (only the image file counter gave it away).
It's a shame that the eBay seller has replied to your email with all that "techinical gibberish" because it does give the impression he is attempting to mislead you...

get some more examples posted up between the 2 bodies and we'll try and help

ps: did you ever have the XT calibrated since purchase with the lens of your above choice?

pcunite wrote in post #4052509
You have an AF issue here not a camera issue...

Bingo.

I had very similar issue, when I upgraded from 350D to a brand new 30D. I also found most of pictures substandard as compare to my 350D. I posted my question on this forum, and got different suggestions/answers to my problem. One of the fellow POTN suggested to send in the camera to Canon. I did, and never looked back. Canon fixed the problem (some adjustment issue as per them) with my 30D. Now, its the sharpest of all.

Sometimes, YOU (as a photographer) know, that there's something wrong somewhere, but couldn't put your finger on. That's when send the equipment to Canon. My 2cents.

Cheers

I'm a little wary of committing to the deal,
rather than returning,
and sending an out of warranty cam to Canon.
But it is an idea I need to consider.
Thanks to all for your knowledge.
POTN is the best.

tmcman wrote in post #4063130
I'm a little wary of committing to the deal,
rather than returning,
and sending an out of warranty cam to Canon.
But it is an idea I need to consider.
Thanks to all for your knowledge.
POTN is the best.

Hi tmcman,

I've been following the thread and I can still sense that you don't feel great about it. My feeling is that if you can return it, do so. Get some peace of mind. Buy another or a new camera and enjoy that camera. I don't think you'll enjoy this one with the mindset that exists now. Just my 2 cents.

Your AF is off.

Check with manual focus.