350D versus slightly higher end

I'm new to this whole thing. I bought a 350d that I actually havent recieved yet. But I've spent a lot of time reading here the past two days and seeing what people say about their different cameras. So here's my question....

What kind of differences in picture quality should I expect from the XT and say a 20d or 30d?

When I look through the pics posted here it seems most people are using either a 20d or 30d. Not many pics posted were taken with an XT. And it seems like the ones that were...were taken by newb's like me so they arent as good. Once I get my skill honed will I be able to even come close to getting those kind of quality pics?? Or is there still going to be quite a difference?

Straight up, setting-for-setting picture differences? Not a whole lot.

The 20D and 30D do have somewhat better ISO handling and auto focus, but most of the improvements are ergonomic. If you don't need 5 fps, magnesium alloy body, custom functions like mirror lockup, * button focus, etc, then you'll be perfectly fine with the XT.

Regardless of what new, latest-and-greatest camera may come out, the image quality you can get from an XT is still phenomenal. There are pictures taken from the XT that absolutely blow pics from the 5D/1DS MKIII out of the water. Until you get super duper good, it's the photographer, not the equipment. Personally, I couldn't think of a better starter camera (I started on its little brother, the 300D).

Don't get sucked into the gearhead stuff in the beginning; there will be tons of time for L lenses, supertelephotos, and 21mp sensors later on .

So the difference in picture quality between the 8mp XT and the 10mp XTi or higher really doesnt make that much difference when looking at pictures in a regular size right?

texasreddirt wrote in post #4434318
So the difference in picture quality between the 8mp XT and the 10mp XTi or higher really doesnt make that much difference when looking at pictures in a regular size right?

Correct. I've printed a 20x30 with my 6mp Digital Rebel, and it looks pretty much identical to the 20x30 I printed with my 8mp 20D.

You're paying for build quality, (somewhat) higher ISO performance, and greater customization. The actual image quality goes up only slightly and, as you noted, won't make a bit of difference at regular sizes (even 8x10 prints will probably have no discernible difference).

Images posted online are usually below 1000 pixels, so you'd be hard pressed to tell the difference between a 4mp, 8mp, and 20mp picture.

AirBrontosaurus wrote in post #4434292
If you don't need 5 fps, magnesium alloy body, custom functions like mirror lockup, * button focus, etc, then you'll be perfectly fine with the XT.

The XT has mirror lockup. I use it all the time. It's custom function 7.

goldboughtrue wrote in post #4434369
The XT has mirror lockup. I use it all the time. It's custom function 7.

The XT has custom functions? Wow!

I always thought that was reserved for the xxD and xD series. Whoops

These days there is little difference in IQ between the bodies especially between the three digit and two digit cameras. The one digit camera are in a different class. What really impacts IQ is the skill of the photographer and the quality of the glass. An XT with something like a 24-70L will outperform a 40 with the good old 18-55 given the same conditions and same photographer.

Picture quality--None.

Upgraded features that could make a difference--A few

Better build in the xxD series--You bet

And at least with my copies the high ISO noise is slightly better than with the XTI.

The lens quality has more to do with your results than the body it is mounted on.

Until recently I have used a xxxD and spent the extra $$$ on high quality glass. Money well spent.

Best of luck with your decision.

Thats good to hear. I was kinda getting worried
In that case I'll get this figured out and get the pics I'm looking for.

AirBrontosaurus wrote in post #4434292
(I started on its little brother, the 300D)

You mean it's bigger brother

I have been tempted to "upgrade" my 350 on several occasions. Each time I opted for good glass and working on my technique instead. As others have stated, it's REAL easy to get caught up in the "latest and greatest". The rumored "new" 5D might tempt me but more megapixels don't mean better pictures. TRUST ME-- you're gonna love it.

On a recent comparison on another forum the 30D and XTi ISO noise was the same.
Probably because it is the same sensor

I could not tell the difference between the 1600 ISO shots when it came to noise.

Alexajlex wrote in post #4435009
On a recent comparison on another forum the 30D and XTi ISO noise was the same.
Probably because it is the same sensor

I could not tell the difference between the 1600 ISO shots when it came to noise.

Actually they are not the same sensor. The 30D is 8mp as compared to the 400D's 10mp.

AirBrontosaurus wrote in post #4434292
The 20D and 30D do have somewhat better ISO handling and auto focus, but most of the improvements are ergonomic. If you don't need 5 fps, magnesium alloy body, custom functions like mirror lockup, * button focus, etc, then you'll be perfectly fine with the XT.

As mentioned, the 350d does have mirror lockup, and it also has * button focus (CFn-4). I've heard so much about the better build quality of the xxD over the 350D, yet after a week, I've got scratches on the PLASTIC outer covering of my new 40D. There is nothing wrong with the build quality of the 350D.

There are a few advantages of the 40D over the 350D, but you've made a good buy. At this stage, I can't tell much difference in IQ at ISO 400 between the 350D and the 40D. Enjoy your new camera!

dekalbSTEEL wrote in post #4434752
You mean it's bigger brother

???

I would think the 300D is the little brother to the 350D.

Either way I'm glad to hear all this. I've been lusting after the 30D lately (they can be had used around here for slightly more than a new XTi) but now maybe I'll just suck it up for awhile longer.