Is a 30D a good back up for a 40D?

OK so you can see what I have in my signature. I just got my first L lens yesterday and I think that will be glued to my 40D and I want another body to swap my other lenses around on. I really, really want another 40D, just for the sake of not having to learn another body. But I found a good deal on a 30D, and am getting some cash in a few hours from a telescope related sale, so I kind of want to pounce. I still need to buy a grip and a hand strap, so I am looking at saving about $350 if I do what I am contemplating, as opposed to buying a new 40D. I just am leary about having 2 different bodies, but I see alot of people do that. Is there a benefit to having 2 different models? I do not want Rebel series again, so this seems to be a cost effective way to go, but then again, what do I know.

I think it all depends on how flexible you are.

If you're comfortable with the difference in controls between the two, or are confident that you can get used to that, then the 30D will work nicely. It's not quite as capable as the 40D (no cross-type autofocus sensors around the periphery, for instance) but it is still very capable nonetheless, especially if you postprocess the RAW images afterwards.

the ISO button was moved between these bodies, drives me crazy. Otherwise, a nice body and you can get them really cheap. Dunno why you ahve an issue changing lenses. I wouldnt spend the money on another body unless you were being paid or was on a fancy trip.

BTW, I am looking to help someone get a spanking clean 40D and grip through ebay cashback - after money back, you pay $750 for a 40D under warranty and a grip, all access and boxes, etc. - thats $625 for the camera. Still want a 30D??

I am saving for a 1DsMkII

Thanks yall.

elader wrote in post #6688450
the ISO button was moved between these bodies, drives me crazy. Otherwise, a nice body and you can get them really cheap. Dunno why you ahve an issue changing lenses. I wouldnt spend the money on another body unless you were being paid or was on a fancy trip.

BTW, I am looking to help someone get a spanking clean 40D and grip through ebay cashback - after money back, you pay $750 for a 40D under warranty and a grip, all access and boxes, etc. - thats $625 for the camera. Still want a 30D??

I am saving for a 1DsMkII

Yes, I really do want a 40D but I don't have the cash upfront. Is the thing

The 30D is a great body to have as a backup/2nd body. It did drive me crazy that the controls and buttons were not the same but it's not too big of a deal. There are lots of deals out there on 30D and 40D bodies. If you find one at the right price, jump on it. I may just be holding on to my 30D instead of selling it since the prices have gone so low.

30D is an awesome camera.

Ugh now I don't know what to do. I was so opposed to having a backup, but now I want one. Thanks to the L. Ugh

I ha the 30D and 40D combo for a bit. Love them both. I wish I still had the 30D. You get use to the different controls. Both are wonderful cameras. I traded the 30D in to purchase Canon 9500 printer. I miss it...

back up is good, but ONLY if you can afford it and can justify it. 30D is a good camera, but do you NEED it or just want it?

Scott no, you are totally right. I don't need it. Yet. Although it would things easier, since I shoot kids and landscape, sometimes simultaneously....and hate switching lenses where I live (read: DUST) and I only use handstraps which makes it harder to change lenses. It would be a "luxury" thing, and no, its financially not smart being a single mom there are expenses that come up that I never planned on and there is no other income to help out. Its just that I finally got paid (some) of what I am owed and wanted to spend it on me, since I usually spend it on my kids, but maybe I should be smart. I already used a bunch to buy the L this week. I am being either really stupid or really smart. I am in love with this. I am lucky to even have the things that I already have.......ugh...

My 20D will be the backup to my 40D. I don't see the big deal. It's not like switching from a Rebel to a xxD series and back again. Now that can get confusing.

1) 30D is a fine camera. I shoot the 40 and the 30 -- the only difference I notice is some extra noise in the 30, and the 40 focuses much faster.

2) I looked at you site and I did not laugh. Your pictures are fine. I would suggest removing the "I know these suck" comment from your site. Its pointless and might be mistaken for self indulgence.

Good luck!

Tumbl3w33ds wrote in post #6688910
Ugh now I don't know what to do. I was so opposed to having a backup, but now I want one. Thanks to the L. Ugh

Well... I know that I SHOULD be a little biased since it's my 30D you're considering...

I think in your position, you've got a little bit of the L bug. Yes it's a great lens experience, but after the novelty wears off... and it will, you're not going to glue your 24-105 to anything, lol.

Seriously, a lens choice should not be dictated by how expensive it is, or what brand/model it is. Lens choice should be dictated by your needs to get the shot you're looking for. No matter how great the 24-105L is, you will NEVER get it to make an image like a good telephoto lens could give you at 200mm.

You might be better served spending your money on a really good tele-zoom like the 70-200 f/4L I had one and sold it and regret it to this day.

Tumbl3w33ds wrote in post #6688978
Scott no, you are totally right. I don't need it. Yet. Although it would things easier, since I shoot kids and landscape, sometimes simultaneously....and hate switching lenses where I live (read: DUST)

You've been having dust issues with your 40D despite the sensor cleaner? If that's the primary reason for wanting a backup camera then a significantly cheaper solution might be a good rocket blower with a Pec Pad situated between the body and the nozzle to act as a filter.

Instead of a handstrap, you might want to use one of these:

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …i=rev#anchorToR​eadReviews


It's a wrist strap. It gives you enough distance between the camera and your wrist that you can change lenses, but it performs its primary function (keeping you from dropping your camera on the ground) nicely. B&H has a couple of variations on that theme but the idea is the same.

Someone else pointed out a nice, cheaper alternative to the 30D: a 20D. But it depends on how much you'd be able to get the 30D for versus a 20D. They seem to be selling for about $350 to $400. Unless you use spot metering, the 20D will work just as nicely as a backup as the 30D.

kcbrown wrote in post #6689059
You've been having dust issues with your 40D despite the sensor cleaner? If that's the primary reason for wanting a backup camera then a significantly cheaper solution might be a good rocket blower with a Pec Pad situated between the body and the nozzle to act as a filter.

Instead of a handstrap, you might want to use one of these:

http://www.bhphotovide​o.com …i=rev#anchorToR​eadReviews


It's a wrist strap. It gives you enough distance between the camera and your wrist that you can change lenses, but it performs its primary function (keeping you from dropping your camera on the ground) nicely. B&H has a couple of variations on that theme but the idea is the same.

Someone else pointed out a nice, cheaper alternative to the 30D: a 20D. But it depends on how much you'd be able to get the 30D for versus a 20D. They seem to be selling for about $350 to $400. Unless you use spot metering, the 20D will work just as nicely as a backup as the 30D.

I the rocket. I just am all over the map, I change lenses alot, and in some yuck conditions. I was thinking to keep 2 lenses on one body, 2 on the other. Like 10-22 and 24-105 on the 40D and then 50 1.4 and 70-300 on the other, because one set would be out and about and the other would be around the house/land.

I am so torn. Part of me wants the 30D to have something different, for different reasons. Part of me wants another 40D for simplicity. And my financial situation is so freakin' weird right now...I can afford it, but its a matter of when. Sucks working for myself and getting paid only sporadically at the moment.