30D or Rebel XTi for first camera?

Greetings everyone,
I just joined the forum here and am very new to photography. I don't even have a camera yet (besides a Canon P&S) but i've been trying to read a lot on this forum and several other photo sites. I'm really anxious to get a camera so i can just go out and shoot. I was initially looking at a Rebel XTi for my first camera and figured it would have everything i need for starting out, but B&H has some 30D bodies for just about $100 more than a XTi body.

I'm hoping someone can help me out...is the 30D worth the little bit extra? i know it has a wheel on the back which is supposed to be nicer to use, but i wouldn't know the difference at this point since i've never shot with either one.

thanks for the help,
Dan

wouldn't you know, when i submit the thread it gives me links to similar threads. it seems the 30D is the clear favorite.

the only thing i'm thinking is since i'm just starting out, that $100 could be useful for another lense, memory cards, tripod, etc.

The XTi and 30D are both very capable cameras. I learned on my XT and moved up to a 40D. Although I'd have LOVED to learn on the 20D or 30D because of the advantages it had over an XT, I still got awesome results from my XT.

My advice to you: invest in glass as a priority and bodies as necessary. You're going to go through camera bodies, but you'll have your glass forever (provided you aren't abusive to it). I wish I'd saved up and got the lenses I use most instead of getting what I could afford at the time.

for $100 more, I would definitely opt for the 30D. No question about it.

You need to get them in your hand to see if the xti will be too small. I went from the Original Rebel to a 30D because the xti was just too small. Both are very capable with a few differences.

Get the 30d if you have large hands. I held the 350d(xt) and it felt very small in my hands. The 30D is also made from magnesium alloy witch is strong and light. Don't get me wrong as I think the 350D is a good camera, it's just not to my liking. Go try holding a 40D and a 400D and see witch one you like. The 30D has a few other things on it than the 350D that are better. Go to dpreview.com and read all about them. Hope this helps.

Martin

I'll echo the suggestion to go out and physically hold and handle the two bodies to literally get a feel for them and their differences. I started out with a 300D and then upgraded to a 30D... The difference in ergonomics between the wheel and button navigation were huge for me.

Good luck deciding

I would suggest you start out with the XTi. However, if you get the opportunity to hold the XTi, and feel that it is a bit too small, then I would opt for the 30D. Both are very nice cameras to start out with though.

30D. Period.

i bought a 350D (xt) when i first got into dSLR's. i soon afterwards sold it and bought a 30D.

in hindsight i should have gone all out and bought the 30D from the start.

If it were me...I would go for the 30D. No doubt about it.

When I moved to DSLR from an A70, my budget only really allowed for an XTi. I saw what I thought was a great deal for a 30D (and it was) and got that instead, even though it forced me into getting a second-hand 18-55 as a lens, and I regretted that decision for months. I had assumed that a kit lens from Canon would be at least of reasonable quality, but it was a real shocker! Then, the more prudent course would have been the XTi, perhaps with the 17-85 IS.

The situation is now very different, and the reason is the release of the 18-55 IS lens. If your budget will stretch to the 30D/18-55 IS, I would strongly recommend that combination. You will receive the many significant benefits of the 30D, and have a very capable and sharp standard zoom with IS, albeit a little slow.

30D.

like most already said. 30D with kit lenses or a nifty fifty maybe.

Bill

The upgrade from a 30D to a 40D gave much sharper images (regardless of lens), and a sensor cleaning system. If the XTi was a similar upgrade from the XT then get it over the 30D unless you have large hands. It might be the XSi which is the upgrade in the consumer series.

Really both camera (apart from the above note) will take the same images, so get whichever makes you happier