Am I making a mistake by buying a 30D

instead of the 40D??? MY thinking was...#1 I'm not a pro, #2 Cheaper #3 controls are the same (almost) as on my 20D. I basically want a second camera to keep another lens on when out shooting. Mostly birds, wildlife. The 20D has been sufficient and I am not real camera savvy (read Newby and uneducated). I had a 300D to start with, and now when I go back to it, I can't remember how to set everything because it is so diff. than the 20D. Is my reasoning sound about getting a 30D to keep the controls similar???? (and yes I've read the threads about how nice the 40D is)
Karen

There are many of us with 30Ds that are not jumping at the chance to upgrade to the 40D, so that might tell you something. The 30D is a very capable camera, and the 40D has some very attractive new features, but for me, I am waiting for the holiday sales or post holiday sales on the forums to bring the price of the 40D body down under $1000. In the meantime, I just sit back and enjoy what the 30D can do for me, at this point the camera is not the bottleneck, it is the bloke operating it.

The lower prices are close now, the cheapest new for the 40D body is around $1025 with rebates/lens sale through shop.com.

Simple answer...yes.

No, seriously it's fine. I'm waiting till the new year for a hopeful price drop or I get it for Christmas/bday. As a second body the 30D would be fine. I'm keeping my 20D as a second body. It works.

Your 20D should be your 2nd body, not the 30D, but still, some people don't need the new features. I'd like a few, but I can wait. It's a l about patience and I doubt not having the 40D will make you miss shots.

Reviews like the one over at dpreview dot com would suggest no. They prove the 30D, with its larger sensor, is sharper per pixel, not to mention there seems to be no advantage in the 40D's 14 bit processor in IQ.

No not at all. The EOS 30D is still one of the finest DSLR's on the market. Just cause they come out with a new body doesn't all of sudden render the previous versions obsolete. Check out the comparisons and you quickly see it holds its own and even better in some results.

I struggled with the same dilemma. I just ordered a 30D and will keep it and then someday will look at the 50D or 60D I guess you see my point. There will always be new toys and as soon as you buy one you see a new release on the next great thing. LOL I am going to take everyone's advice and just go shoot.

_aravena wrote in post #4188237
Simple answer...yes.

No, seriously it's fine. I'm waiting till the new year for a hopeful price drop or I get it for Christmas/bday. As a second body the 30D would be fine. I'm keeping my 20D as a second body. It works.

Your 20D should be your 2nd body, not the 30D, but still, some people don't need the new features. I'd like a few, but I can wait. It's a l about patience and I doubt not having the 40D will make you miss shots.

That's what I meant..the 30D would be my primary camera and the 20D my backup.
Karen

Jon_Doh wrote in post #4188286
Reviews like the one over at dpreview dot com would suggest no. They prove the 30D, with its larger sensor, is sharper per pixel, not to mention there seems to be no advantage in the 40D's 14 bit processor in IQ.

I've read the reviews and agree, so guess I am making the right move. What is in the back of my mind is retirement next year so I will be limited then in what I can spend. Oh well, you are all right, there are always going to be new toys and only the rich can keep up. I'll get the 30D and be thrilled.
Karen

Jon_Doh wrote in post #4188286
Reviews like the one over at dpreview dot com would suggest no. They prove the 30D, with its larger sensor, is sharper per pixel, not to mention there seems to be no advantage in the 40D's 14 bit processor in IQ.

The 30D has a larger sensor than the 40D?

14-bit, aside from the DR you mean? That's IQ to me.

Thank you all for the opinions. I think I'm doing the right thing.?????
Karen

_aravena wrote in post #4188237
Simple answer...yes.

No, seriously it's fine. I'm waiting till the new year for a hopeful price drop or I get it for Christmas/bday. As a second body the 30D would be fine. I'm keeping my 20D as a second body. It works.

Your 20D should be your 2nd body, not the 30D, but still, some people don't need the new features. I'd like a few, but I can wait. It's a l about patience and I doubt not having the 40D will make you miss shots.

I HATE the small display on the 20D--that is my main gripe with it. The 30D would be a nice change!
Karen

no you're not. if you feel your current 20d is enough for you, then you'll be happy with the 30d. i love my 30d!

You sure are! I would if I was need of a body now, but I can wait till March for one. 30D wasn't enough change though. Very few changes, I'd rather get a second 20D for the price. Screen size wasn't a big deal.

Why you need a 2nd body if you don't mind me asking?

If retirement is soon, why not wait and then get the 40D for a lower price as a brand spankin' new toy. Idk, just seems like something I'd do. Instead of getting used everything, sometimes you gotta reward yourself for the newest thing out there, just wait 2 more months.

Hi Karen.

I don't have the luxury of a 30D let alone a 40D. I use a 400D until such time that I can afford something a little better. (I've always wanted a 30D:p). As long as I get the results I want with my 400D, that's good enough for me.

I think all the 30D members have it right..... wait on the will of Heaven or at least the Lottery. You have a great camera there that I would love to have.When the 40D comes down in price.... as it will have to.... then consider it (don't necessarily buy it though). Good luck however way it goes.

Reaperman

If you can make beautiful pictures with cheaper equipment, then that's great...it's precisely the way hobby photography should be. Put another way, if you spend less on a camera body, you can put more into lenses. Most people would say that lenses last longer than cameras...they don't go 'obsolete' as quickly.