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Photography Question 

Karen Cantrell
 

Has anyone tried the new Canon 30D


I have the Digital Rebel XT. I am
thinking about upgrading. Can anyone
compare the 20D and the 30D to the Rebel. Thanks, Karen


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August 27, 2006

 

John P. Sandstedt
  I have the Canon 30D. I like using it and am amazed with the images I get to see after RAw coversion.

But, for me, there's not enough of an upgrade for you to scrap your XT. Both have 8 MP sensors - so, what's the advantage. And, in all probability, you [and all of us] have never even used many of the available features on you XT.

of course, if you just want to boas t a new camera . . .


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August 30, 2006

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Hi Karen... I'm very close to making a 30D purchase myself (but, coming from a high-end point-and-shoot.) I've contacted several BP members who use the 30D, to get their input, and also asked similar questions about 20D vs 30D here in the forums... the 30D is *essentially* a 20D, with some enhancements---a bigger LCD screen, and spot metering are most likely the biggest changes between the two models. (The things that set the 20D apart from the Rebel, such as frames per second, etc., all still hold true in the 30D-vs-Rebel.) The general consensus I got back, is that the 30D didn't warrant upgrading if you already used a 20D, but that the upgrade was a little more tempting, if you currently used a Rebel, and felt that camera no longer had what you needed.
If you haven't yet, be sure to check out www.dpreview.com, where you can pull up all 3 models on the same page, and compare a huge list of their specs, side by side, as well as read incredibly detailed reviews of each model.


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August 30, 2006

 

Karen Cantrell
  Thank you John and Christopher for
your input on the 30D. I also have
a Canon EOS3 film camera that produces
beautiful images. I just don't get
the same quality prints from the Rebel.
I like the Rebel for use with studio
lighting, but am never as pleased as
with film for candid shots. The clarity
of film is just not there. Any info
will be appreciated!
Thanks, Karen


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August 30, 2006

 

Ed Wenger
  You might want to check out the new Rebel XTI that Canon has just released. It has a 10.1 meg sensor, and a cleaning system that is uses ultrasonic to remove dust from the sensor. I believe it will list at $799 US for just the body


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August 31, 2006

 

John P. Sandstedt
  Karen -

I own and used a Canon EOS 3 for years. I bought my 30D for a lot of different reasons, one of which was the spot meter.

I really don't see a major difference between prints I produce [on my i9900 printer] between scanned EOS 3 negatives/slides and digital files [30D.] One reason - I sharpen all electronioc picture files, as recommended in almost every book on computer printing. However, I see a huge difference between prints produced from high resolution JPEG and RAw files.

I also fully believe that it isn't the camera, but rather, the photographer who makes the picture. Thus, if you truly believe you're getting better results with your EOS 3, I'd recommend slowing down your actions with the Rebel. You mustn't assume a digital camera will give you better results - even though there are a lot of folks out there that think this is true.

Part of the problem may be that you're only shooting JPEGs. If so, try RAW and see what happens. And, make sure you look at the results from RAW-massaged images versus RAW "transferred to Photoshop" files that might need additional editing [particularly Brightness and Contrast.]

Hey, Chris - it's been months since we talked about the 30D. By the time you decide to buy, Canon will have a new model.


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August 31, 2006

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  You're right, John!! (I chalk up all our earlier chats to research, research, research ;) I've had a hard time committing to this particular decision; I keep worrying that my interest in photography is just hobby-level, and I fear spending say, $2K for something I may not be interested in, in 2 years... I'm a paranoid shopper nowadays, I guess!

This week, I was on a website, had the camera, a Canon macro lens, a modest Canon zoom lens, 2 memory chips---all sitting in the shopping cart, and even proceeded to checkout---before I got cold feet. (Man, 10 years ago, impulse buying was my downfall--I would've had 3 different cameras within a few months!)

However, when I bought my Sony, I made a promise to myself to use it for a full year, using all the various modes, etc., learning everything I could, gaining lots of practice... before allowing any camera upgrades. Guess what? That one-year period literally expires tonite! Tomorrow is officially my 1 year anniversary of taking pictures!

Maybe that milestone will finally let me shop a new camera with a clean conscience, having satisfied my stated goal...


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August 31, 2006

 

John P. Sandstedt
  Chris -

DON'T BUY THE CANON 30D !!!

There's just not enough for you, if you are having cash crunch thoughts.

But the Rebel XT. It probably had more features than you can ever use.

And, that's the problem with all the new-fangled computers. It's such a great opportuntity for manufacturers to get folks to think there upgrading.

In fact, until you're sure, your Sony is probably more than more of us will EVER need.


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August 31, 2006

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Ooooh... I never thought about reverse psychology! ;) Your post makes me want to go buy it all the more ;)

It isn't a cash crunch I'm worried about---more the potential for regret or buyer's remorse, later, if I find I don't "stay with" photography as an active hobby/interest.

I'll work it all out, one way or another... I just really like the idea of getting better macro capabilities through dedicated lenses, than what my little Sony can provide (it has done a decent job, I believe, but has a limit in what can be accomplished!)


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August 31, 2006

 

Jerry Frazier
  The 20D is the best bang for the buck. you can get one for maybe $800, maybe less, and it's essentailly the same camera as the 30D.


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August 31, 2006

 

David A. Bliss
  I have seen a number of complaints from film users that they just don't get the same quality from digital. When you go with a digital SLR, you are assuming a lot of the processing responsiblities, especially if you shoot RAW. For some of us, it was a fun new challenge, and we enjoy processing as much as shooting. For others, they have no desire to do the processing themselves.

The Rebel XT should give you the same quality of photo as the 20D or 30D (very slightly less MP), so unless there are features on the 20D or 30D that you would like to have, there is no reason to upgrade. I have been keeping an eye on the DSLR market for awhile, and will upgrade my 10D when I think price vs content has gotten to the point to make it worthwile. The XTi got my attention, but being an outdoor photographer who nicely "abuses" his cameras, the plastic body just makes me too nervous.


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August 31, 2006

 

Thomas P. Musante
  I moved from the XT to the 30D two months ago - for me the spot meter, LCD size and fit in my hand while shooting were the main reasons. Given the XTI announcement Canon will probably be moving to larger sensors and auto cleaning across its product line over the next six to eighteen months (from what I've read). But like just about everything these days the next best is always just around the corner.


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September 03, 2006

 

Robyn Gwilt
  Chris, are you still on that fence, move over, I'm joining you!! I've the 350D, am shooting more and more weddings and am contemplating buying the 30D, using the 350D as a backup/with another lens on. Problems: In South Africa, camera's are sooooooo expensive - but the 20D has come down greatly in price - so do I get a similar camera, at half the price? I was contemplating the 400D, but it was pointed out that I need something with more of a 'working' body, not plastic. Also that the 10.2mps might cause more noise on the smaller sensor(? don't understand that one, surely more pixels, a better pic) I definitely need the bigger LCD (is it bigger on the 20D) (my eyes are shrinking at a certain distance!), and weight is a consideration, as I'm a mere female, and I get tennis elbow!!So.... do I go for the 20D, AND a 24-105 L lens, or just the 30D, and wait till I can sell my last kidney and buy the L Lens. I think John said earlier that most of us probably haven't even used all our current camera features - surely the 20D will have enough, or will I outgrow it in a year? I don't do high speed photography (motor racing etc), I don't need the gazillion fps.... HELP!


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September 19, 2006

 

John P. Sandstedt
  Robyn -

In my opinion, you only outgrow your camera if you let it happen. Kerry Walker uses film; I still shoot film. There are lots of others who do.

I bought my 30D [first digital] after I was subjected to same day TV viewing of images taken by a friend at the NY Orchid Festival. I, of course, had to wait for my film to be developed. My wife said, "Enough! But, buy what you want."

Shooting in RAW and editing with Canon's Digitial Phot Pro or with Photoshop Elements 4.0. I'm amazed with the results I get and the nominal 45 MB files are more than adequate for a 13X19 print. What I think is a fair statement, digital has it all over film if one is making huge prints. Expanding from a 35mm negative can be tough if the ISO is too high.

Canon's Rebel XTi has a 10MP sensor; in all probability, 10MP will become the threshold in the near future. But, I'm nor too sure that there's a significant difference between 8.2 and 10MP [20D/30D versus XTi.]

I've heard that, in wedding photography, the choice is the 5D because there almost no noise at ISO 3200. So, if money is not a problem, i'd say the 5D would be a better choice.

Now, for all our Nikon friends, I know - but am not familiar with all the Nikon models. However, it appears the D200 remains the one to buy. Despite Pop Photo's review of the D80 this month, I'd rather believe Pete Hermanns's review here in a BP thread.


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September 19, 2006

 

Robyn Gwilt
  Thanks John, its not that I've outgrown my 350D, its that I need a 2nd body, as I said, then the 350D will be my secondary camera/backup. As mentioned money definitely is a problem when you're in SA (USD7.5 = SA Rand R1.00 !)Therefore something that costs USD799 costs me R5 992.00!! The 5D currently sells for anything from R32 000.00 and up!! My question was - do I go for the 20D, or pay in the extra R2000.00 and just go for the 30D. The bigger LCD is a distinct carrot. My question also covered lower body cost/better glass. Or 30D now, and better glass later? Thanks


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September 19, 2006

 
chrisbudny.com - Chris Budny

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  Hi Robyn... while I haven't made the purchase yet, I'm pretty much all but decided on the 400 now. (Funny, after all that build-up to making a decision in favor of the 30D!) Primarily the lower price, while retaining most of the features I want, did it for me. I feel better about spending $800 on the body than $1500, especially so I can get 2 nicer lenses now. The bigger LCD was a carrot for me too, when looking into the 30D this past summer. (Fortunately the 400 has it too.) However, I now no longer think of that as a carrot... My current Sony has a big LCD, and I've loved checking out my shots on it... until I gradually realized how different they look on that LCD, compared to when I get them home on my CRT for edits. Perhaps Canon's LCD will be more realistic, or perhaps the Sony LCD doesn't do well in night shots... but I've had some moments of "wow, that is so cool!" on the LCD, only to view it on my trusty CRT monitor later, and think "huh--not that cool afterall." Still, the LCD size remains nice for zooming in on an image to ensure the focus was what I wanted.
Sorry for the ramble... I do believe I'm heading out to do the "in the hand" comparison of the 400 and the 30, next weekend! The closest I've been yet, to an upgrade ;)


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September 20, 2006

 

John P. Sandstedt
  When one buys a house, it's "Location, Location, Location."

When one buys a camera, it's always, "Lenses, lenses, Lenses." All camera bodies are really the same, they act as holders for lenses and the recording medium [film and/or memory cards.]

Sure, variations in bodies can make it easier to take a picture but, the proof of the pudding is apparent when one faces barrel distortion or lack of clarity or sharpness, vinnetting, fuzzy edges, etc., etc.

If funds are limited, definitely save them for lenses.

The 30D has the full spot meter which, I think, is much more important that the 2.5 inch LCD.


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September 20, 2006

 

Robyn Gwilt
  Thanks John and Chris. What does the full spot meter do that is going to knock spots (scuze the pun!) off the 400 or 20D? Listen to this, I've a 70-200 L IS USM, which I've had soft shots from, from day 1. Its gone in for the 2nd time, and I told them I want a new out the box replacement, or a refund, as I'm really p'd - the Canon rep 'quote: said they tested it on a 350d and 30D and its better on the 30D, so its probably coz my 350D is not a pro camera!" ??? Lens, Lens, Lens - I nearly drove into another car I was so busy choking! So may like ciggies, Canon will now issue warnings on their boxes "ONLY TO BE USED ON PRO CAMERA SLR MODELS" Anyway, waiting to hear the results of the latest test, after my most recent trantrum. Oh, the agents said the camera they use for ALL their tests in the workshop is the 350D - Go figure!!!


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September 20, 2006

 

John P. Sandstedt
  Just try using the spot meter once for a backlit portrait of a beautiful woman. Focus on her face only.

You'll get a properly exposed portrait, with her hair for a bright halo. MAgnificent!

Got me my first wedding job in the Dark Ages.


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September 20, 2006

 

Robyn Gwilt
  Its Friday night in Johannesburg & me and my man are on our computers, surfing our favourite sites!! Sad hey! Rediscovered this link & thought I'd let you know that I weakened in Germany and came home with a 30D - Chris its great - and I think the slightly bigger size than the 350D might feel better in a mans hands. I agree John, the spot metering is great, and having the dial on the back is so quick and easy to get used to! BTW, got my 70-200 lens exchanged, and so far so good! My 350D will become my backup camera, and so far, I'm really enjoying playing with the 350D. I shot about 2000 images in Germany (at a hip hop dance contest) - and it was great (30D) I really played around using flash, but also with no flash, dialling up the ISO etc. Also inside the St Petri Cathedral, hand-held, I was really chuffed with some of my shots. Anyway,.. thanks to you all for the input - Chris you just got to play with both in your hands and decide which suites you best. I don't believe the 2mp on the 400 will make that much difference, but the fit of the 30D and the magnesium alloy body, vs plastic makes it feel 'right'. BTW I saved myself nearly R3500.00 by not buying it in SA!!(over USD450). I'm very happy with my 2 bodies, and will now start selling off Sigma lenses, and only buy Canon L, or at least IS lenses. In 6 months time when Canon has launched another 12 new models (!!!) I'll one day upgrade to a full frame - can't justify the 5D!!
John, have you posted your wedding job pix yet? Going to check your gallery :)


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October 13, 2006

 

John P. Sandstedt
  Hey Robyn, Congrats on your purchase.

I haven't posted wedding pics because, in fact, as an amateur, I've given negatives and the one-hour prints to the friends I shot for.

That being said, I do have three shots that I retrieved: two from the Full-Military Dress Wedding of my best friend's son's wedding. They weren't sure if the Army would let this West Point Grad come home from Operation Desrt Storm [Kuwait] for his own wedding and, accordingly, the surrogate groom was standing by. The bride's parent said "No Way" to a reception hall and rented a tent for their backyard. After all is said and done, one of the best "wedding locations" I've shot in.

The second wedding belonged to my eldest niece. Saved only one print.

In both cases, these were shot with my EOS 620 camera, Canon 35-105 and 70-210 mm zooms. I standardized on ISO-400 Fujicolor film years ago. The one-hour lab belonged to a friend, so I had some color correction for anything I had developed in this lab.

I'll post these images as soon as I fing the correct CDs.

I'll also post one shot of my granddaughter shot with my 30D. It'll be the first posting I've made with the new camera.

Regards.


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October 13, 2006

 

John P. Sandstedt
  OK Robyn, three wedding pics posted.

Regards,
John


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October 14, 2006

 
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